Préyebère Anemone Garden - Flic en Flac & West Coast

Skillion Cave, it’s fair to say, isn’t really a cave. It’s more of a very deep, very cool crevice in the reef, with a big boulder wedged in the top creating a sort of overhead environment. We love it because when the conditions line up – and that’s the trick, it needs to be calm – it’s a genuinely standout shore dive in Sydney. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the way the light filters through the opening. Shafts of sunlight pierce the gloom, illuminating walls covered in sponges and gorgonians. Keep an eye out for Rusty Catsharks tucked into the crevices; they’re pretty reliably there. We’ve seen Bluespotted Flatheads lying on the sand inside, and if you hover quietly, you might catch a Crampfish or a Banjo Shark in the sandy patches just outside the entrance. The max depth is 18m, so it’s well within recreational limits, but the surge can be strong, even on calmer days, so buoyancy control is key. This is a dive for those patient enough to wait for the right weather, offering a different kind of Sydney experience away from the usual suspects.

Location
Flic en Flac & West Coast, Mauritius, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-19.982500, 57.583200
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Coin de Mire (Gunner's Quoin)

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 Préyebère Anemone Garden

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 Préyebère Anemone Garden

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 Préyebère Anemone Garden?
The maximum depth for diving at Préyebère Anemone Garden is stated as 20 meters. However, the anemone garden, which is a key feature of this small reef, is noted to be found at approximately 25 meters.
What kind of marine life and anemones can divers expect to see at Préyebère Anemone Garden?
Divers at Préyebère Anemone Garden can expect to encounter a variety of marine life. This includes anemone fish, moray eels, groupers, and scorpionfishes. A turtle is also known to frequent the area and can be spotted occasionally. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Préyebère Anemone Garden suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered an advanced dive site?
Préyebère Anemone Garden is classified as an intermediate dive site. This means it is generally not recommended for absolute beginners, but suitable for divers with some experience and appropriate certifications.
What is the best time of year to dive at Préyebère Anemone Garden for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Préyebère Anemone Garden. For general information on when to dive in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Préyebère Anemone Garden?
While the specific diving certifications required for Préyebère Anemone Garden are not explicitly stated in the provided data, its classification as an intermediate dive site suggests that an Open Water Diver certification with some experience, or an Advanced Open Water Diver certification, would be appropriate. Divers should always check with local dive operators for precise requirements.
What are the typical underwater conditions like at Préyebère Anemone Garden, including currents and visibility?
Divers at Préyebère Anemone Garden can typically expect good underwater visibility, averaging around 18 meters. Information regarding typical current conditions at this site is not available in the provided data.