La Cathédrale - Flic en Flac & West Coast

Mur Aux Lôches in Prony Bay is exactly what we look for in a New Caledonian drift dive. It’s a straight wall, dropping from about five metres down to 21, and it often has a ripping current. That’s why we love it. You just glide along, letting the water do the work, watching the show. On a good day, the visibility hits 20 metres easily, and the current brings in the big stuff. We've seen schools of grey reef sharks, easily 70 strong, patrolling the deeper water, a truly impressive sight. Napoleons drift past, eyeing you with a kind of ancient wisdom, and if you’re lucky, a manta might glide through the blue. It feels like a proper ocean encounter. We’d suggest going early in the morning; the light can be incredible, piercing through the water column and highlighting the coral. Keep an eye out for the smaller inhabitants too, like the bluestone kambingan or the slender sandgoby, hugging the reef out of the current. It’s a site for divers who appreciate a good current and the thrill of pelagic encounters, offering a different kind of dive than the more sheltered spots in the bay.

Location
Flic en Flac & West Coast, Mauritius, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-20.277900, 57.357800
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
15-30m

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 La Cathédrale

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 La Cathédrale

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 La Cathédrale?
The maximum depth for diving at La Cathédrale is 26 meters. This renowned dive site in Mauritius is known for its unique underwater scenery and is recommended for experienced divers.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can be seen at La Cathédrale dive site?
La Cathédrale is celebrated for its unique underwater scenery, featuring a distinctive combination of grotto, cave, and fireplace formations. While the scenery is the main highlight, divers can also observe various reef fish along the steep walls of the site.
How challenging is the La Cathédrale dive, and is it suitable for beginners?
The La Cathédrale dive is considered to be of intermediate difficulty and is specifically recommended for experienced divers. Its unique combination of grotto, cave, and fireplace formations requires a certain level of skill and comfort underwater, making it less suitable for beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive La Cathédrale for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at La Cathédrale. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in Mauritius, we recommend consulting our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required or recommended for La Cathédrale?
While specific diving certifications are not explicitly stated in the provided data for La Cathédrale, it is described as a dive site for the experienced diver with an intermediate difficulty. Therefore, an advanced open water certification or equivalent experience would likely be recommended to safely navigate its unique grotto, cave, and fireplace formations.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at La Cathédrale dive site?
The average visibility at La Cathédrale is 19 meters, offering clear views of its remarkable underwater scenery. Information regarding typical water temperatures or currents at this specific dive site is not provided in the available data.