Bambous - Flic en Flac & West Coast

Bambous might not be the poster child for pelagic encounters in Mauritius, but we love it for its sheer drama. Dropping to 32 meters, this site is all about the wall, a seriously impressive rock face that just keeps going down. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate topography over big fish, though you’ll still spot plenty of African butterflyfish flitting about and parrotfish grazing the rock. The visibility here often hits 23 meters, giving you a proper sense of the scale of the wall. We recommend drifting along, really taking in the textures and the way the light plays on the rock formations. Keep an eye out for smaller stuff tucked into crevices, like Emery’s pygmygoby or the distinctive Dragonfish. It’s a site that rewards a slower pace, letting you absorb the underwater landscape. Bring a good torch to peek into the darker corners – you might just find a sleepy rock cod.

Location
Flic en Flac & West Coast, Mauritius, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-20.283000, 57.356000
Type
wall
Maximum Depth
30-40m

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 Bambous

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 Bambous

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 Bambous dive site?
The typical depth range for diving at the Bambous dive site is between 30-40 meters. While the description notes a maximum depth of 32 meters, divers can expect to explore depths around 34 meters. This makes it a deeper dive experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Bambous?
Divers at Bambous can expect to be captivated by its impressive underwater landscape. The site features fascinating steep walls and unique rock formations. It is known more for its dramatic topography than for frequent encounters with diverse marine animal life.
Is Bambous considered a difficult dive site, suitable for beginners or only experienced divers?
Bambous is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. Due to its depth, approximately 34 meters, it is generally recommended for advanced divers. A Deep Diver Specialty certification would be particularly beneficial for exploring this site safely.
What is the best time of year to dive at Bambous for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Bambous for optimal conditions or marine life encounters. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are required or recommended to dive at Bambous?
Given the depth of approximately 34 meters, Bambous is recommended for advanced divers. Specifically, a Deep Diver Specialty certification is highly advisable. This ensures divers have the necessary training and experience to safely explore the site's depths.
Are there typically strong currents or challenging water conditions at the Bambous dive site?
The provided data does not contain information regarding typical strong currents or challenging water conditions at the Bambous dive site. It's always recommended to check local dive conditions with your dive operator before planning your dive.