Diving in Flic en Flac & West Coast

Explore 48 dive sites in Flic en Flac & West Coast, Mauritius. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Flic en Flac & West Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Flic en Flac & West Coast occur in January, averaging 28.0°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.0°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • February: 28.0°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • March: 28.0°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • April: 28.0°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • May: 28.0°C (air: 25.0°C)
  • June: 28.0°C (air: 23.2°C)
  • July: 28.0°C (air: 22.5°C)
  • August: 28.0°C (air: 22.5°C)
  • September: 28.0°C (air: 23.2°C)
  • October: 28.0°C (air: 24.3°C)
  • November: 28.0°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • December: 28.0°C (air: 26.7°C)

Marine Life in Flic en Flac & West Coast

Home to 453 recorded species including 314 reef fish, 71 hard corals, 14 sea snails & nudibranchs, 12 sharks & rays, 11 seagrass & algae, 8 whales & dolphins.

Dive Site Difficulty in Flic en Flac & West Coast

Flic en Flac & West Coast has 1 beginner, 2 intermediate, 1 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Flic en Flac & West Coast

Based on average water temperature of 28.0°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Flic en Flac & West Coast

  • Ile Ronde (Round Island) - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilot Gabriel - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ile Plate (Flat Island) - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Coin de Mire (Gunner's Quoin) - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilot Marianne - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ile aux Aigrettes - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ile aux Serpents - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Port Louis Fishing Reserve - Fishing Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Poudre d'Or Fishing Reserve - Fishing Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Poste Lafayette Fishing Reserve - Fishing Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Trou d'Eau Douce Fishing Reserve - Fishing Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Black River Fishing Reserve - Fishing Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Balaclava Marine Park - Marine Park (IUCN Category IV)
  • Rivulet Terre Rouge Estuary Bird Sanctuary - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Pigeon Rock - Islet National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Rocher des Oiseaux - Islet National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Ile aux Fous - Islet National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Ilot Vacoas - Islet National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Ile Aux Fouquets - Islet National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Ile aux Flammants - Islet National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Ile Aux Oiseaux - Islet National Park (IUCN Category II)

Getting to Flic en Flac & West Coast - Nearest Airports

  • Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), Plaine Magnien - 35 km away, approx 53 min travel time
  • Roland Garros Airport (RUN), Sainte-Marie - 214 km away, approx 248 min travel time
  • Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport (ZSE), Saint-Pierre - 243 km away, approx 280 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions for diving in Flic en Flac, including visibility and temperature?
The water temperature in Flic en Flac is consistently warm, averaging 27.99°C during the peak months of Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3. While specific visibility data isn't provided, this popular dive area, known for its vibrant reefs and wrecks, generally offers good conditions for exploration. Divers can expect comfortable temperatures for extended underwater adventures.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in Flic en Flac and the West Coast?
While specific marine life species are not detailed in the provided data, divers exploring the numerous reefs, wrecks, and caves in Flic en Flac can generally expect to encounter a diverse array of Indian Ocean marine life. The area's popularity as a dive destination suggests a rich underwater ecosystem. For more information on marine life, you can visit our wildlife database.
What are the best dive sites in Flic en Flac and the West Coast for different types of diving?
Flic en Flac offers a variety of dive sites for different preferences. For beginners, Pamela Reef is an excellent choice. Intermediate divers have many options, including the wall dive at Canon, the drift dive at Seafan Valley, and the pinnacle at Batterie. Wreck enthusiasts can explore sites like JAMAL SHAH and KeiSei 113, Wreck, while cave divers can visit Big Rock, Mauritius or Raunglap.
Is Flic en Flac suitable for beginner divers, or is it more for experienced divers?
Flic en Flac is suitable for divers of all experience levels. Beginners can enjoy sites like Pamela Reef, which is specifically designated for novice divers. The area also boasts a wide array of intermediate sites, including reefs, wrecks, and caves, ensuring plenty of options for more experienced divers.
How do I get to the dive sites or dive centers in Flic en Flac and the West Coast?
While specific transportation details to dive sites are not provided, Flic en Flac is home to 26 dive centres, such as SeaUrchin Diving Center and Octopus Diving Centre. These centers typically arrange boat transfers to the various dive locations along the West Coast. You can contact one of the local dive operators for logistical support.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Flic en Flac and the West Coast, considering seasonal changes and cyclone season?
The best time to go diving in Flic en Flac, considering water temperature, is during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, when the water averages a warm 27.99°C. While information on cyclone season is not provided, these months offer ideal conditions for comfortable diving. For more details on seasonal changes, refer to our when to dive guide.
Are there strong currents to be aware of when diving along the West Coast of Mauritius?
While general information on strong currents is not explicitly provided, the presence of a drift dive site like Seafan Valley suggests that currents can be a factor in certain areas. It's always advisable to consult with local dive centers, such as BASE Diving, for up-to-date conditions before your dive.
Are there any notable wreck or cave dive sites in Flic en Flac and the West Coast?
Yes, Flic en Flac and the West Coast offer several notable wreck and cave dive sites. For wreck enthusiasts, you can explore the L’Orient, Wreck, JAMAL SHAH, and KeiSei 113, Wreck. Cave divers will find intriguing options at Big Rock, Mauritius, Raunglap, and Préyebère Anemone Garden.