DIVING CONDITIONS
Seasons:
Diving
is possible all year round, with the best diving conditions being in March / April / May and September /
October / November when seas are calmest, the visibility can be over 30 metres and water
temperatures reach 29'C. At this time we are able to access the more
remote sites from the Underwater Centre Mahe, which will appeal to experienced divers.
Diving in the Amirnates is at its best from October through to May; when the calm seas allow access to the outer atoll rim; from June through to October diving may be confined to the lagoon sites because of sea conditions. We recommend a 3mm shorty wetsuit for all diving activities.
During the months of July and August the South
East trade winds blow, making access to the offshore sites difficult. These
winds also bring in colder
(25'C) nutrient
rich waters and visibility will be reduced by plankton;
these conditions encourage the appearance of whale sharks
on their first annual visit to Seychelles. During this season we offer from
our Mahe Centre a specific whale
shark programme in association with the Marine
Conservations Society, Seychelles & Shark Research Institute,
Seychelles.
Dive Features:
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The wreck of the Aldabaren, photo Tony Baskyfield |
Sites vary in depth from 8 to 30 metres and provide conditions for divers of all abilities. The inner island plateau is characterised by impressive granite formations, encrusting soft and hard corals, schools of fish and an assortment of wreck dives. The offshore dive sites are suitable for more experienced divers with the chance to encounter the larger visitors including whale sharks and giant stingrays. Reefs around the granitic 'Inner Islands' of Seychelles were impacted by the Indian Ocean coral bleaching event of 1998 (see our detailed report) however, due to the mainly granitic nature of our reefs the fish life is still abundant and the diving memorable.
Our high speed power catamarans load up directly from the beach front outside the Centre. Fully licensed and equipped with the latest in electronics and safety equipment, these boats takes you to the best dive sites quickly and comfortably.
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Underwater
Centre Seychelles
Po Box 384, Mahe, Seychelles Tel; +248 345445
Fax +248 344223
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