The Seychelles

Diving in Seychelles is a true paradise for underwater enthusiasts, offering some of the most pristine and breathtaking dive sites in the world. Located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa, Seychelles is an archipelago comprised of 115 islands, each with its own unique diving opportunities.

The warm waters of Seychelles are known for their excellent visibility, averaging 20 to 30 meters (65 to 100 feet), allowing divers to fully appreciate the stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant marine life. The archipelago is home to a variety of dive sites, including coral reefs, granite formations, underwater pinnacles, and intriguing wrecks.

One of the most famous dive sites in Seychelles is the Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest coral atolls in the world. This remote and protected area is teeming with marine biodiversity and offers encounters with large pelagic species, such as manta rays, sharks, and turtles. Diving in the Aldabra Atoll is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for experienced divers.

The inner islands of Seychelles, including Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, also offer exceptional diving opportunities. The Sainte Anne Marine National Park, located near Mahé, features a network of coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and granite outcrops. Divers can explore colorful coral gardens, encounter reef fish, and spot hawksbill turtles and eagle rays.

Praslin, the second-largest island in Seychelles, is home to the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Diving around Praslin allows divers to explore coral gardens, underwater canyons, and granite formations, where they may encounter schools of fish, moray eels, and occasional reef sharks.

La Digue, known for its picturesque beaches and iconic granite boulders, offers diving experiences that combine beautiful coral reefs with impressive rock formations. Divers can explore dive sites such as Shark Bank and Coco Island, which are known for encounters with sharks, rays, and other marine species.

Seychelles also has a few exciting wreck dive sites. One notable wreck is the Ennerdale, a British oil tanker that sank in 1970 near Mahé. The wreck has become an artificial reef and is now home to a variety of marine life, making it a popular dive site for wreck enthusiasts.

Diving in Seychelles is well-regulated and operated by professional dive centers that adhere to safety standards. Many dive centers offer a range of services, including equipment rental, guided dives, and certification courses for divers of all levels.

It’s important to note that certain dive sites in Seychelles may have varying conditions and diving depths, so it’s recommended to choose dive sites suitable for your skill level and experience. It’s also essential to respect the marine environment and follow responsible diving practices to help preserve the delicate ecosystems.

With its breathtaking underwater scenery, diverse marine life, and warm tropical waters, diving in Seychelles offers an unforgettable experience for underwater enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Silhouette Island – our favorite

Silhouette Island is located about 20 km (12 miles) northwest of Mahé in the Seychelles and is the third-largest granitic island in the archipelago. Covering an area of 20.1 km², the island is home to around 200 residents, most of whom work there. The main settlement is La Passe, which is also where the Hilton Hotel is situated. The island was named after Étienne de Silhouette (1709–1767), who served as France’s Minister of Finance under King Louis XV.

Silhouette is a mountainous island, boasting five peaks that rise over 500 meters (1,600 feet). These include Mont Dauban at 751 m (2,464 ft), Mont Pot-à-Eau at 621 m (2,037 ft), Gratte Fesse at 515 m (1,690 ft), Mont Corgat at 502 m (1,647 ft), and Mont Cocos Marrons at 500 m (1,600 ft), giving the island some of the most striking landscapes in the Seychelles.

While it may appear similar to its neighboring islands, much of Silhouette is composed of younger syenite rock formed around 63 million years ago. Notably, the stretch between Point Ramasse Tout and Point Zeng Zeng contains the only known surface volcanic ash in the Seychelles.

The waters surrounding Silhouette Island are part of a protected marine national park, making it a haven for divers and snorkelers. Coral reefs teeming with vibrant marine life—including reef sharks, rays, turtles, and a wide variety of tropical fish—offer unforgettable underwater experiences. The Labriz Divecenter, located near the Hilton Resort, is the island’s dedicated dive center, offering guided dives, certification courses, and equipment rental. With dive sites suitable for all levels and expert local guides, it’s an ideal base for exploring the underwater beauty of the island.