Aquarium - Flic en Flac & West Coast

Aquarium is exactly what it sounds like, a perfectly contained, vibrant dive. We love this site for its sheer abundance of small, colourful reef fish, making it a proper joy for photographers and anyone just wanting to relax and soak it all in. You’ll settle onto a sandy bottom at around 12 metres, watching schools of Clouded Rainbowfish shimmer past and the bold yellows of Flameback Angelfish darting between the coral heads. Our favourite time to visit is when a gentle current is running; it really brings out the Blackside Hawkfish and Banded-tail Coral-cod, who seem to enjoy the activity. Keep an eye out for Ambon Pufferfish and Dwarf Morays tucked into crevices. While the occasional turtle or eagle ray might glide by in the blue, the real show here is at eye-level, among the corals. It’s an easy, shallow dive, perfect for newer divers building confidence or experienced divers who just want an easy, unhurried tour of Mauritius's smaller, charming residents.

Location
Flic en Flac & West Coast, Mauritius, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-20.274800, 57.368100
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-20m

Marine Protected Area: Black River Fishing Reserve

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Flic en Flac & West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Aquarium

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Aquarium

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the Aquarium dive site (Jackson Reef)?
The Aquarium dive site offers a depth range between 5 and 20 meters, with a maximum depth of 16 meters. Its relatively shallow depth makes it an ideal location for beginners to explore the underwater world. This site is accessed via a boat entry.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at the Aquarium dive site (Jackson Reef)?
Divers at the Aquarium dive site can expect to encounter a multitude of colorful reef fish. Common sightings also include fascinating creatures like turtles and eagle rays. You'll often find more vibrant marine life when the current is stronger.
How difficult is the Aquarium dive site (Jackson Reef) for divers of different experience levels?
While the Aquarium dive site is officially rated as intermediate difficulty, it is also considered ideal for beginners due to its shallow depth. This makes it accessible for divers building their experience while still offering interesting features for more seasoned divers.
What is the best time of year to dive the Aquarium dive site (Jackson Reef) for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and marine life sightings at the Aquarium dive site is not available in our current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are required or recommended to dive at the Aquarium dive site (Jackson Reef)?
Our current data does not specify the exact dive certifications required or recommended for diving at the Aquarium dive site. It's always best to check with a local dive operator for specific requirements based on your experience level.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Aquarium dive site (Jackson Reef)?
The Aquarium dive site typically boasts an average visibility of 17 meters, offering clear views of the underwater environment. While current conditions can vary, stronger currents at this site often lead to more abundant marine life sightings.