Diving in Mauritius
Including Belle Mare Passes, Blue Bay Marine Park, and Gunner's Coin (Coin de Mire). On the map.
The vibe
Descending along the outer reef drop-offs feels dramatic and untamed, with strong currents sweeping past volcanic arches and basalt walls that contrast sharply with the shallow coral gardens found elsewhere in the region. The winter months can bring choppy surface conditions to the windward coasts, but deeper visibility often peaks when the offshore winds settle. Dive shops are well-established around the major tourist hubs, running organized boat trips that cater efficiently to both newly certified resort divers and seasoned tech enthusiasts.
certification card required
Belle Mare Passes
Flacq
funktion1 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Located on the exposed eastern coast of Mauritius, Belle Mare is renowned for its thrilling channel and drift dives. Strong tidal currents push divers through reef passes where sharks, eagle rays, and large pelagic fish congregate in the nutrient-rich water. The coral growth along the channel walls is pristine and untouched.
Access. Booked through resort-based dive centers along the eastern coast; boat departures depend heavily on favorable weather and tide schedules.
Notes. Depths from 15 to 30 meters. Intermediate to advanced certification required due to significant currents.
Blue Bay Marine Park
Mauritius
otterboris / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Situated on the southeast coast, Blue Bay offers expansive coral gardens with massive brain corals and abundant reef fish. While famous for shallow snorkeling, designated deeper outer reef zones provide exceptional scuba diving with vibrant coral formations, moral eels, and eagle rays cruising the drop-offs.
Access. Scuba diving excursions and gear rental can be booked directly through certified dive centers based near Mahébourg and Blue Bay.
Notes. Depths vary from 5 to 20 meters. Marine park entry regulations and conservation fees apply.
Gunner's Coin (Coin de Mire)
Rivière du Rempart District
gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Located off the northern coast of Mauritius, Coin de Mire features dramatic vertical walls plunging down to 30 meters and teeming with schooling fish. Divers frequently encounter pelagics like tuna and barracuda cruising the deep blue edges around the island. It is considered one of the premier wall and reef dive spots in the northern region.
Access. Easily accessible via daily dive boat excursions operated by PADI and SSI dive centers based in Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches.
Notes. Depths range from 10 to 30 meters. Currents can occasionally be strong around the corners. Suitable for intermediate divers.
St. Gabriel and Stella Maris Wrecks
Black River
Benoît Prieur / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Deliberately scuttled naval and fishing barges off the coast of Flic en Flac form artificial reefs that attract prolific marine life. Divers can explore intact hull structures wrapped in soft corals, home to giant groupers, scorpionfish, and large schools of snappers. The surrounding sandy bottoms often reveal resting stingrays.
Access. Boat trips leave daily from the beach at Flic en Flac, operated by several established local dive centers.
Notes. Depths range from 20 to 25 meters. Generally calm conditions make it popular for recreational wreck diving.