Where to find the most beautiful scuba diving spots in the North

Mauritius is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and coral reefs with an incredible marine biodiversity. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, be prepared for a thrilling experience! The north of the island is full of exceptional sites, from wrecks to colourful coral gardens and underwater caves. Let’s dive together in this splendid natural aquarium to explore the best dive sites in the north of Mauritius.

Diving conditions in Mauritius

If you have never dived other than with a mask and snorkel, Mauritius is the perfect opportunity to discover the deep blue sea and experience new emotions in a very safe environment supervised by specialists.  Initiation to diving is done in the swimming pool and children benefit from a training adapted to their age. It is also possible to opt for a first dive to a depth of 4m while discovering the wonders of the sea bed in the peaceful and warm Mauritian waters.

There is no need to carry your diving equipment: most hotels in the north have their own diving center affiliated to CMAS (World Underwater Federation), PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and supervised by the Mauritian Scuba Diving Association (MSDA). These centers are staffed by experienced divers and offer courses in several languages with the necessary equipment, while strictly observing safety rules. 

Dives are usually done in the early morning to get the best light (except of course for night dives) and last half a day. 

Choose the dive center that suits your needs:

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What to discover during your dive in the north of the island?

The water temperature is pleasant and allows dives all year round. Visibility is generally more than 20 meters and close to 50 meters on some sites. The majority of the sites in the north are accessible in a few minutes by boat and are located close to the open water. Fed with nutrients from the ocean currents coming from the depths, the sites attract and host an amazing and diverse underwater life.

A multitude of fishes, corals hosting an exceptional fauna and flora, cliffs, faults, canyons, caves, reefs, as well as shipwrecks dating back to several centuries, shark pits, diving in the north of Mauritius is bound to be memorable!

The most beautiful dive spots in the north

Beautiful, colorful coral can be seen and explored at depths of up to 13 meters. Here are a few easily accessible diving destinations:  

– The Aquarium (9 to 20 meters deep) : Renowned for its wide variety of tropical fish: angelfish, surgeonfish, mullet, barbel, moray eels, stonefish and some rare species such as the small scorpionfish and grouper, this well-named Grand Bay dive site is ideal with its weak current and good visibility.

 – Peter Holt’s Rock (15 to 21 meters deep). This site, made up of cracked basalt blocks and caves, is home to an abundant and varied fauna including titan triggerfish, wrasse, parrotfish, yellowtail grouper, clownfish, schools of lutjans, scorpionfish, spiny lobsters, beaded moray eels, cleaner shrimp, Javanese moray eels, etc. It is an ideal dive for underwater photography.

– Stenopus Reef (9 to 38 meters deep): Just south of Pointe aux Canonniers, this reef abounds in fascinating marine creatures: giant gorgonians, alcyonarias and tubastrea corals, including the green coral tree over 2 meters high. The corals are surrounded by a rich fauna: emperor angels, groupers, diodons, butterfly fish, stingrays and eagles, sometimes barracudas and large banana tunas.

– Whale Rock

This popular dive site is located in the north of Mauritius. It takes its name from its shape which reminds one of a humpback whale. Divers can explore the waters surrounding the rock to discover a variety of fish, including parrot fish, surgeon fish and butterfly fish. Whale Rock is also known for its coral formations, including brain corals and star corals. Night dives at this site feature rare species such as scorpion fish, coral crabs and squid.

Wreck diving, an extraordinary experience

Wreck diving in Mauritius offers a unique experience for scuba diving enthusiasts in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Wreck diving is a must for any keen diver visiting Mauritius.

Wreck diving, an extraordinary experience

Wreck diving in Mauritius is a unique experience for scuba diving enthusiasts in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Wreck diving is a must for any keen diver visiting Mauritius.

– The wreck of the Stella Maru (20 to 26 meters deep), a Japanese trawler that was deliberately sunk in December 1987 to create an artificial reef. It was a success: the site is home to many species of reef fish: butterflies, damselflies, jacks, surgeonfish, but also schools of blue triggerfish, jacks and Javanese moray eels. There is also plenty of wildlife around the wreck as well as in the easily accessible area inside.

– The wreck of the Silver Star (22 to 39 meters deep), a magnificent wreck, sunk in 1992, opposite the Royal Palm, which still has its propeller and is home to many species.

Intense diving in North Mauritius: 100% adrenaline

Feel like Looking for thrills and spills spotting shark species in their natural environment? The Northern Islands (Coin de Mire, Île Ronde, Île Plate, Gabriel Islet and Île aux Serpents) are relatively protected from the heavy swell. For great diving, we recommend:

– the shark pit (depth of 15 to 21 meters) : After Ile Plate, head for the Pigeon Rock, a 60-meter-high promontory, where the Shark Pit is situated. This is the place to see black-tailed sharks, which are attracted to the oxygen-saturated water as a result of the currents caused by the tides. More than 57 species of fish have been recorded in this pit. The observation is done in groups and with strict safety instructions. Strong emotions and unforgettable memories guaranteed!

– Belle Mare Pass

 (20 to 33 meters deep) : Located on the north-east coast, Belle Mare Pass is one of the most beautiful sites on the island with several famous spots where the current is sometimes strong, which results in a rather sporty dive. At Shark Point (25m) you can meet large shark and barracuda species, and at Sea Fan Valley (30m), Gorgonian Forest (23m) and Japanese Garden (19-24m) a variety of corals and beautiful tropical fish abound.

Plate Island Marine Park

Plate Island Marine Park, off the northeast coast, is considered one of the island’s most pristine dive sites. Divers will find abundant and diverse marine life, including eagle rays, reef sharks, sea turtles and schools of fish. It is famous for its colourful coral gardens, underwater caves and impressive rock formations. Divers can explore the caves to discover rare species such as trumpet fish and lionfish.

Diving in the north of Mauritius will be one of the most intense experiences of your stay at Mythic Suites&Villas. Do not hesitate to experience this extraordinary activity, regardless of whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver. Choose your site according to your wishes and let our concierge take care of your booking with one of the diving centers in the north of the island and recommended by us.