Explore Granitic Islands

The Granitic Islands of the Seychelles, particularly Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, offer a diving experience that is both stunning and diverse. These lush inner islands are not only home to vibrant communities but also serve as gateways to nearly 50 exceptional dive sites. With options for both beginners and advanced divers, these islands host an array of professional dive centers ready to guide adventurers into the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean.

Diving around Mahé provides a tapestry of underwater wonders, from the vibrant marine life of Bay Ternay Marine Park to the thrilling currents around granite reefs. Here, divers can glide alongside sea turtles, humphead parrotfish, and stingrays on shallow reefs, or experience the rush of being swept along towering pinnacles and caverns where reef sharks and, seasonally, whale sharks make their appearances. Praslin and La Digue extend the diving adventure with their own set of nearly 20 dive sites, offering daily trips for those eager to explore more.

What makes diving in the Granitic Islands truly special is the combination of accessible shore dives and exhilarating boat and liveaboard options, all set against the backdrop of the islands' breathtaking scenery. Whether navigating gentle currents over colorful reefs or harnessing the power of stronger currents offshore, divers will find a rich marine tapestry that keeps them coming back for more, all year round.

Places to explore

Mares
Praslin & La Digue

Praslin & La Digue

If you are looking to get even further off the beaten path during your Seychelles vacation, staying on the islands of Praslin or La Digue offer just that.
Scubapro
Mahé

Mahé

The turquoise and crystalline waters of Mahé make this island so attractive to divers all around the world.

Dive Activity

Diving in Granitic Islands

The Granitic Islands, a stunning group of islands in the Seychelles, offer diverse diving experiences for enthusiasts. Among the top dive sites is "The Ennerdale Wreck," a renowned site for wreck diving enthusiasts. This British oil tanker, which sank in 1970, now lies in relatively shallow waters, attracting a myriad of marine life, including barracudas and groupers. Another notable site is "Shark Bank," famous for its large pelagic visitors like grey reef sharks and manta rays, providing thrilling encounters for divers. For those preferring shore dives, "Baie Ternay Marine Park" offers easy access and is known for its vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine species. Unique experiences such as night dives allow divers to witness nocturnal marine life behavior, adding to the allure of these islands. The Granitic Islands strike a perfect balance between shore diving and liveaboard options, catering to a wide range of diving preferences and ensuring unforgettable underwater adventures.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Granitic Islands

The Granitic Islands, part of the Seychelles archipelago, offer a diverse marine ecosystem teeming with life. Divers exploring these waters can commonly encounter vibrant reef fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. These species are prevalent year-round, providing consistent viewing opportunities at popular dive sites. Seasonally, the marine life spectacle intensifies with sightings of larger marine animals. During certain months, divers may have the chance to swim alongside whale sharks and manta rays, particularly from September to November. Sea turtles, including the hawksbill and green turtle, are also spotted frequently, with nesting seasons offering unique viewing experiences. The likelihood of encountering these majestic creatures varies, with some sites renowned for regular visits.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel

Moray Eel
1.9k Sightings
J
133
F
122
M
160
A
166
M
96
J
108
J
114
A
146
S
188
O
257
N
256
D
136
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle
1k Sightings
J
78
F
61
M
95
A
92
M
56
J
31
J
44
A
68
S
117
O
162
N
140
D
68
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle

Green Turtle
809 Sightings
J
68
F
70
M
45
A
94
M
47
J
41
J
23
A
64
S
74
O
96
N
126
D
61

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray
764 Sightings
J
38
F
83
M
103
A
89
M
46
J
41
J
21
A
22
S
65
O
87
N
124
D
45

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
643 Sightings
J
48
F
68
M
80
A
85
M
28
J
11
J
9
A
37
S
68
O
103
N
74
D
32

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 27

iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda

Barracuda
346 Sightings
J
18
F
39
M
36
A
38
M
17
J
21
J
7
A
11
S
21
O
52
N
65
D
21

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse

Wrasse
248 Sightings
J
12
F
24
M
25
A
36
M
5
J
29
J
11
A
10
S
14
O
19
N
37
D
26

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish

Angelfish
1.8k Sightings
J
110
F
133
M
173
A
172
M
80
J
116
J
124
A
124
S
153
O
217
N
239
D
150

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish

Parrotfish
1.7k Sightings
J
126
F
132
M
167
A
166
M
83
J
105
J
101
A
132
S
151
O
234
N
205
D
116
iStock-June Jacobsen
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark
1.6k Sightings
J
98
F
126
M
165
A
149
M
98
J
75
J
73
A
98
S
128
O
230
N
226
D
85
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish
1.4k Sightings
J
90
F
96
M
143
A
94
M
65
J
92
J
97
A
116
S
134
O
196
N
181
D
127

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish
1.2k Sightings
J
87
F
94
M
116
A
121
M
56
J
81
J
81
A
78
S
112
O
157
N
155
D
84

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
Bannerfish

Bannerfish
1.2k Sightings
J
69
F
92
M
102
A
106
M
45
J
77
J
79
A
94
S
103
O
163
N
139
D
89

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

iStock/cinoby
Lionfish

Lionfish
1.1k Sightings
J
94
F
74
M
59
A
106
M
36
J
69
J
70
A
79
S
91
O
154
N
153
D
67

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays

Stingrays
974 Sightings
J
61
F
89
M
83
A
94
M
67
J
64
J
40
A
55
S
90
O
146
N
129
D
56

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish

Pufferfish
921 Sightings
J
54
F
79
M
84
A
91
M
36
J
49
J
21
A
50
S
54
O
164
N
157
D
82

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts
898 Sightings
J
75
F
70
M
96
A
96
M
39
J
66
J
62
A
53
S
71
O
115
N
92
D
63

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Udo Kefrig
Clownfish

Clownfish
890 Sightings
J
78
F
60
M
78
A
78
M
43
J
54
J
45
A
65
S
104
O
103
N
112
D
70

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish
820 Sightings
J
71
F
55
M
78
A
77
M
32
J
46
J
37
A
51
S
81
O
128
N
108
D
56

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish

Goatfish
784 Sightings
J
54
F
68
M
82
A
93
M
33
J
55
J
60
A
51
S
46
O
98
N
82
D
62

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper

Snapper
763 Sightings
J
54
F
70
M
90
A
68
M
37
J
47
J
60
A
52
S
57
O
100
N
73
D
55

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Soldierfish

Soldierfish
698 Sightings
J
49
F
72
M
89
A
65
M
21
J
54
J
41
A
39
S
53
O
75
N
83
D
57

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish

Triggerfish
685 Sightings
J
57
F
63
M
81
A
74
M
23
J
30
J
49
A
46
S
60
O
77
N
70
D
55

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish

Jackfish
587 Sightings
J
50
F
48
M
60
A
52
M
27
J
46
J
52
A
29
S
29
O
87
N
62
D
45

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish

Damselfish
531 Sightings
J
32
F
45
M
63
A
42
M
26
J
39
J
54
A
40
S
25
O
76
N
63
D
26

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
Boxfish

Boxfish
522 Sightings
J
38
F
37
M
42
A
60
M
19
J
24
J
9
A
35
S
46
O
96
N
89
D
27

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish
507 Sightings
J
46
F
50
M
34
A
54
M
37
J
28
J
33
A
24
S
34
O
83
N
47
D
37

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs
Porcupinefish

Porcupinefish
393 Sightings
J
38
F
38
M
44
A
48
M
10
J
21
J
24
A
25
S
10
O
60
N
46
D
29

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Stonefish

Stonefish
393 Sightings
J
46
F
25
M
15
A
43
M
17
J
11
J
25
A
39
S
37
O
67
N
46
D
22
AdobeStock-Marc Henauer
Grey Reef Shark

Grey Reef Shark
275 Sightings
J
23
F
23
M
30
A
29
M
22
J
10
J
7
A
6
S
42
O
32
N
37
D
14

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish
224 Sightings
J
24
F
19
M
7
A
18
M
6
J
12
J
9
A
5
S
9
O
52
N
30
D
33

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock-bearacreative
Emperor

Emperor
184 Sightings
J
9
F
9
M
19
A
10
M
5
J
18
J
12
A
30
S
9
O
35
N
15
D
13

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 2

AdobeStock-hakbak
Nurse Shark

Nurse Shark
171 Sightings
J
22
F
15
M
13
A
18
M
8
J
17
J
1
A
7
S
15
O
20
N
13
D
22

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 15

Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder
Garfish

Garfish
169 Sightings
J
7
F
14
M
19
A
11
M
9
J
15
J
6
A
10
S
20
O
25
N
27
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
167 Sightings
J
14
F
18
M
7
A
31
M
13
J
13
J
2
A
2
S
22
O
13
N
21
D
11

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch

Nudibranch
159 Sightings
J
15
F
7
M
29
A
20
M
3
J
2
J
6
A
19
S
17
O
22
N
13
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 55

Shutterstock-RLS Photo
Lobster

Lobster
116 Sightings
J
10
F
11
M
8
A
16
M
7
J
8
J
2
A
1
S
15
O
22
N
11
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 15

Shutterstock-Al McGlashan
Tuna

Tuna
112 Sightings
J
6
F
7
M
8
A
7
M
6
J
8
J
2
A
3
S
16
O
6
N
37
D
6
iStock-Lindsey Dougherty
Silvertip Shark

Silvertip Shark
110 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
7
A
5
M
10
J
13
J
6
A
13
S
15
O
20
N
12
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster
109 Sightings
J
11
F
15
M
15
A
8
M
12
J
4
J
0
A
2
S
10
O
6
N
16
D
10
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin
Blacktip Reef Shark

Blacktip Reef Shark
98 Sightings
J
5
F
9
M
16
A
22
M
3
J
6
J
1
A
3
S
11
O
9
N
8
D
5

The best Months to Dive in Granitic Islands

The Granitic Islands offer year-round diving opportunities, with conditions varying by season. From December to March, water temperatures range from 26°C–30°C/79°F–86°F, providing warm diving experiences. Visibility during this period is generally good, averaging 15–25 meters/49–82 feet, though occasional currents may affect clarity.

From April to November, temperatures drop to 24°C–28°C/75°F–82°F, with visibility slightly reduced to 10–20 meters/33–66 feet due to increased plankton. Winds and currents are more pronounced during these months, particularly from June to September, making some sites less favorable. Despite these variations, diving is feasible year-round, with optimal conditions typically found in the earlier part of the year.

Dive Centers

BLUE SEA DIVERS

BLUE SEA DIVERS

Beau Vallon - Derriere restaurant la plage, 0000 MAHE, Seychelles
Whitetip Divers

Whitetip Divers

Anse Volbert, 00000 PRASLIN, Seychelles

Dive Sites

BLUE SEA DIVERS, MAHE
Ave Maria <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Ave Maria (★4.3)

Dive amongst these rocky islands between Praslin and La Digue with depths of 5 to 25 meters. There is much life in these canyons. A beautiful dive. You may need more than one dive to get to see everything this site offers.
BLUE SEA DIVERS, 0000 MAHE
Ile au Vache <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

Ile au Vache (★4.6)

About 10 hours from the island of Mahe. We do a backroll entry and the boat comes to pick us up wherever we finish the dive. Diving on granite rocks, small caves at a maximum depth of 28-30m. Often a strong current.
BLUE SEA DIVERS, 0000 MAHE
Conception Rocks <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

Conception Rocks (★4.1)

About 35-40min from Beau Vallon beach and 33-38min from Bel Ombre marina. We back roll in the water and the boat comes to pick us up wherever we finish the dive. Beautiful dive around a small island at a maximum depth of 22m. Usually strong current.
BLUE SEA DIVERS, 0000 MAHE
Cap Matoopa <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.0)</span>

Cap Matoopa (★4.0)

About 20min from Beau Vallon beach and 18min from Bel Ombre marina. We back roll and the boat comes to pick us up wherever we finish the dive. Granite rock dive at a maximum depth of 22m. Sometimes just light current, sometimes strong current.
BLUE SEA DIVERS, MAHE
Light House <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Light House (★4.3)

A great dive from 10 to 37 meters deep with lots of fish and pelagics passing by. Hang out on the plateau at 15 meters and you can possibly see sharks.
BLUE SEA DIVERS, 0000 MAHE
Ray&#039;s point <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.9)</span>

Ray's point (★3.9)

20 min from Beau Vallon Beach and 17min from Bel Ombre Marina. Mooring up in front of Anse du riz. Ray’s point is a beautiful reef along the granite rocks at a maximum depth of 17m. Sometimes light/strong current.
BLUE SEA DIVERS, 0000 MAHE
Willy‘s Rock <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.0)</span>

Willy‘s Rock (★4.0)

About 15min from Beau Vallon beach and 15min from Bel Ombre marina. We anchor on the sand next to the site. Beautiful dive on around a seamount at a maximum depth of 13m. Sometimes light current, sometimes strong current.
BLUE SEA DIVERS, 0000 MAHE
Whale Rock, Seychelles <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

Whale Rock, Seychelles (★4.1)

15 min from Beau Vallon Beach and 17min from Bel Ombre Marina. Anchoring on the sand next to the rocks. Whale rock is a beautiful dive around granite rocks at a maximum depth of 17m. Sometimes light/strong current.
BLUE SEA DIVERS, 0000 MAHE
Dredger Rock, Mahé <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

Dredger Rock, Mahé (★4.1)

About 10min from Beau Vallon beach and 8min from Bel Ombre marina. We moor up at the wreck’s mooring line. Shipwreck that lies on a sandy bottom at a maximum depth of 24m. Sometimes light current, rarely strong current.
BLUE SEA DIVERS, 0000 MAHE
Twin Barges <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

Twin Barges (★4.2)

8 min from Beau Vallon Beach and 5min from Bel Ombre Marina. Mooring up on the wreck’s mooring line. Two beautiful wrecks next to each other: the first one at a maximum depth of 22m and the second one at a maximum depth of 19m. Sometimes light/strong current.
BLUE SEA DIVERS, 0000 MAHE
Fisherman's Cove Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

Fisherman's Cove Reef (★4.2)

5min from Beau Vallon Beach and 3min from Bel Ombre marina. Anchoring on the sand outside the reef. Fisherman’s Cove Reef is a reef with a maximum depth of 15m. Sometimes light current, rarely strong current.
BLUE SEA DIVERS, MAHE
Aldebaran Wreck <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Aldebaran Wreck (★4.4)

The Aldebaran Wreck is a 28-meter long fishing boat that was sunk in 2008. It lies at a depth of 28 to 40 meters on a sandy bottom. Due to its depth, it is only accessible by experienced divers.
BLUE SEA DIVERS, 0000 MAHE
Beau Vallon Beach <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.9)</span>

Beau Vallon Beach (★3.9)

At Beau Vallon Beach in front of the dive center. We use this dive site for Open Water Course to do the confined water session. Sandy bottom at a maximum depth of 4m. Usually a little bit of surge.
BLUE SEA DIVERS, 0000 MAHE
Coral Garden <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Coral Garden (★4.3)

5min from Beau Vallon Beach and 8min from Bel Ombre marina. Anchoring on the sand outside the reef. Coral Garden is a reef with a maximum depth of 17m. Sometimes light current, rarely strong current.
BLUE SEA DIVERS, 0000 MAHE
Aquarium <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Aquarium (★4.3)

5 to 8 min to Beau Vallon Beach or 10 min from Bel Ombre marina. Anchoring on the sand just a little outside of the site. 3 bommies at 15 meters maximum depth on the edges. Sometimes light current on the surface, rarely current on the bottom.