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Sun, 5 Jul 2026 09:41:00 GMT

Diving in Mauritius – The Ultimate Guide to Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

Surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and protected by one of the world's largest coral reef systems, Mauritius has become one of the premier diving destinations in the Southern Hemisphere. Crystal-clear lagoons, dramatic drop-offs, colourful coral gardens and fascinating shipwrecks attract divers from across the globe throughout the year.

Whether you are taking your very first dive, working towards an advanced certification or simply looking for unforgettable underwater photography opportunities, Mauritius offers exceptional diving conditions for every experience level.

The island also ranks among the best snorkelling destinations in the Indian Ocean, allowing non-divers to discover vibrant marine life only a few metres from the beach.

For more ideas during your stay, see Best Excursions in Mauritius and Mauritius Round Trip or Beach Holiday.

Diving in Mauritius at a Glance

Warm water throughout the year.

Excellent visibility at many dive sites.

Protected coral reef system.

Suitable for beginners and experienced divers.

Numerous PADI and SSI dive centres.

Outstanding snorkelling opportunities.

Why Mauritius Is One of the Best Diving Destinations

Mauritius offers remarkable diversity within a relatively small area. Gentle lagoon dives, coral gardens, volcanic underwater formations, reef walls and fascinating wrecks are all located within easy reach of the island's coastline.

Unlike destinations with extreme currents or unpredictable conditions, many Mauritian dive sites remain accessible for much of the year.

Feature | Benefit
Coral Reefs | Healthy marine ecosystem.
Warm Water | Comfortable diving year-round.
Visibility | Often excellent.
Marine Life | Highly diverse.
Accessibility | Short boat trips to many sites.

Marine Life

The coral reefs surrounding Mauritius support an impressive variety of marine species.

Angelfish.

Butterflyfish.

Parrotfish.

Moray eels.

Lionfish.

Sea turtles.

Reef sharks.

Octopus.

Stingrays.

Responsible diving helps preserve this fragile underwater ecosystem for future generations.

Best Diving Areas

Region | Highlights
Grand Baie | Reefs and beginner dives.
Trou aux Biches | Excellent visibility and coral.
Flic en Flac | Wrecks and reef walls.
Le Morne | Spectacular underwater landscapes.
Blue Bay | Marine Park with rich biodiversity.
Belle Mare | Calm lagoons and coral gardens.

Shipwreck Diving

Mauritius offers several fascinating wreck dives that have become thriving artificial reefs over time.

These sites attract experienced divers interested in marine biodiversity, underwater photography and maritime history.

Snorkelling

You do not need scuba equipment to experience Mauritius' underwater world.

Many beaches provide direct access to protected lagoons where colourful fish and coral can be observed only a few metres from shore.

Blue Bay Marine Park.

Trou aux Biches.

Pereybere.

Belle Mare.

Mont Choisy.

Learning to Dive

Mauritius is an excellent place to obtain your first diving certification.

Professional dive centres offer internationally recognised training programmes with multilingual instructors and modern equipment.

Course | Suitable For
Discover Scuba Diving | Complete beginners.
Open Water | First certification.
Advanced Open Water | Experienced recreational divers.
Specialty Courses | Photography, wrecks and deep diving.

When Is the Best Time to Dive?

Diving is possible throughout the year. Water temperatures remain pleasant in every season, while visibility varies depending on weather conditions and location.

Many experienced divers prefer the cooler months because underwater visibility is often particularly good.

Read more in Best Time to Visit Mauritius.

Responsible Diving

Mauritius' coral reefs are among its greatest natural treasures.

Never touch coral.

Maintain good buoyancy control.

Do not feed marine life.

Use reef-safe sunscreen where possible.

Choose environmentally responsible dive operators.

What Should Divers Bring?

Certification card.

Logbook.

Mask if preferred.

Dive computer.

Underwater camera.

Lightweight clothing.

Most dive centres provide complete rental equipment.

Diving and Family Holidays

Mauritius is ideal for families where only some members wish to dive. While divers explore the reefs, others can enjoy beaches, boat trips, nature parks or snorkelling close to shore.

Families may also enjoy Mauritius Family Holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mauritius good for diving?

Yes. Mauritius is regarded as one of the leading diving destinations in the Indian Ocean.

Can beginners learn to dive?

Absolutely. Numerous certified dive centres offer beginner programmes.

Can I snorkel without diving experience?

Yes. Many beaches provide excellent snorkelling directly from the shore.

Are there sharks?

Reef sharks can occasionally be seen at certain dive sites, but they are generally not considered dangerous when observed responsibly.

What is the best dive area?

Blue Bay, Trou aux Biches, Flic en Flac, Grand Baie and Le Morne are among the island's best-known diving regions.

Continue Exploring Mauritius

Best Excursions in Mauritius

The Most Beautiful Beaches in Mauritius

Mauritius Family Holidays

Mauritius Weather

Living in Mauritius – The Ultimate Guide

Nightlife & Bars in Mauritius (German)