For snorkelers, the Seychelles is the perfect playground for their underground adventures. In between the archipelago’s 115 islands, almost 50% of the sea is classified as a natural reserve. That means thriving communities of amazing fish and plant life can be enjoyed at your leisure. It’s an abundance that brings its own problems as where do you choose to dive? We’ve picked out six of the best scuba diving spots for your next holiday.
For snorkelers, the Seychelles is the perfect playground for their underground adventures. In between the archipelago’s 115 islands, almost 50% of the sea is classified as a natural reserve. That means thriving communities of amazing fish and plant life can be enjoyed at your leisure. It’s an abundance that brings its own problems as where do you choose to dive? We’ve picked out sixof the best scuba diving spots for your next holiday.
Start you underwater journey at Anse Source d’Argent and enjoy one of the finest and most photographed beaches in the world before plunging into the water and enjoying a protected lagoon full of massive granite boulders. Once in the ocean, you’ll find yourself amongst a swarming mass of fish that can be easily seen in the perfectly clear water. The depth rarely goes above waist high so it’s a great site for beginners as well.
If you like variety in your snorkelling then Anse Soleil is the ideal place to go. The 300 metre long beach offers direct access to the sea without coral reef in the way meaning there’s a greater diversity of species to view. The angelfish in particular love this spot and you’ll see different types happily swimming around your head. The fluorescent blue coral beds are also a highlight of the trip. Watch out for the strong winds after June which make the area more dangerous.
Near La Digue island, this is another Marine park whose protection has allowed many species of fish and coral to survive and thrive. In particular it’s good for those who fancy a close encounter with some turtles. Book a boat to take you to the spot but watch out for adverse weather conditions. Once there you’ll be rewarded with dense and varied shoals of multicoloured creatures including damel fish and parrotfish and the rainbow hues of oceanic plant life at its finest.
The private and pristine beach is one of the finest in the Seychelles (which is saying a lot) but make sure you avoid the high tides from June to September. There is over 100m of coral reef to explore if you can pull yourself away from the sand. The area is fairly flat and shallow until you get past the reef but it’s home to dozens of fish as well as sharks and hawksbill turtles who are used to human contact and can be quite friendly.
Not only is this island a magical place to visit but it offers some of the best snorkelling in the region. Start your trip at Coral Gardens or Pointe Rouge and enjoy moving through the natural granite archways that have formed in the area. As you’d expect from the Seychelles, the rich marine life makes the experience unforgettable. Coral, fish, turtles, eagle-rays and reef sharks are amongst the inhabitants of the clear, calm water and, if you’re lucky, you might even be joined by dolphins when going out on a boat.
