Bassin Verde - Flic en Flac & West Coast

Bassin Verde, just off Flic en Flac, is a site we return to often, especially when we want a relaxed dive with plenty to observe without fighting a current. It’s got this lovely, low-profile coral reef nestled in the sand, topping out around 19 metres. Don’t expect dramatic drop-offs; instead, you get these intimate patches of staghorn coral, a real magnet for smaller reef fish. We love settling into the sandy areas, watching bullethead parrotfish graze, their crunching audible if you listen closely. You’ll spot flathead sleepers half-buried, and there are always plenty of blacktail chromis flitting above the coral. It’s ideal for lingering, practising buoyancy in the calm water, or just taking your time with a camera. We've often found undulated morays peeking from crevices. Bassin Verde suits divers who appreciate the subtle beauty of a healthy reef and prefer a gentle pace over big pelagic action. It’s a superb spot for newer divers to build confidence, but even experienced eyes will find plenty to keep them engaged here, especially if you enjoy searching for smaller, often overlooked critters.

Location
Flic en Flac & West Coast, Mauritius, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-20.265300, 57.371900
Type
reef

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 Bassin Verde

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 Bassin Verde

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 maximum depth for diving at Bassin Verde?
The maximum depth for diving at Bassin Verde is 19 meters. This makes it a great spot for various skill levels, allowing for comfortable exploration within recreational diving limits.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving at Bassin Verde?
When diving at Bassin Verde, you can expect to explore a small reef surrounded by a sandy bottom. While specific marine life isn't detailed, the reef environment typically hosts a variety of fish and invertebrates. The sandy areas are also suitable for practicing skills and lingering.
How difficult is the Bassin Verde dive site, and is it suitable for beginners?
The Bassin Verde dive site is officially rated as intermediate in difficulty. However, its description highlights it as ideal for beginners to make their first attempts underwater, especially given its suitability for training skills in the surrounding sandy bottom. This makes it a versatile site for divers of varying experience.
When is the best time of year to dive at Bassin Verde in Mauritius?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Bassin Verde. For general information on diving seasons in Mauritius, you might want to consult our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are needed to dive at Bassin Verde?
The provided information does not specify the exact dive certifications needed for Bassin Verde. Given its suitability for beginners and a maximum depth of 19m, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for sites of this nature. Always check with local dive operators for specific requirements.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Bassin Verde dive site?
The available data does not provide specific details on the typical currents or water conditions at the Bassin Verde dive site. It is always recommended to consult with local dive centers in Flic en Flac for the most up-to-date information before your dive.