Seafan Valley - Flic en Flac & West Coast

We’re big fans of a good drift, and The Dog in the Bay of Islands delivers one of New Zealand’s best. It’s exactly what it says on the tin: a spirited ride along a colourful wall, often with visibility stretching to 50 metres, which is just glorious. The current here pulls you along, giving you time to really soak in the wall as it unfolds, packed with anemones and sponges. Our favourite part is toward the bottom, around 25-27 metres, where the wall gives way to a jumble of boulders. Look for the gorgonians and a striking black coral tree – it’s a real focal point. This is where we often see snapper and bronze whalers cruising past, drawn in by the same currents we’re enjoying. You’ll spot the usual suspects like butterfly perch and blackfin chromis darting about, but keep an eye out for larger pelagics too; the currents here can bring in trevally and kahawai in impressive schools. The Dog is a site that suits advanced divers who are comfortable with current. It’s an exciting, visually rich drift dive, showcasing the vibrant life that thrives in these moving waters. You're mostly looking outwards, letting the reef scroll past, rather than searching in cracks.

Location
Flic en Flac & West Coast, Mauritius, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-20.181600, 57.784000
Type
drift

Marine Protected Area: Poste Lafayette 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 Seafan Valley

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 Seafan Valley

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 diving depth at Seafan Valley?
The maximum diving depth at Seafan Valley is 21 meters. This depth range makes it accessible for many certified divers, offering a comfortable experience within recreational limits.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Seafan Valley?
Divers at Seafan Valley can expect to encounter abundant corals, along with rich fauna and flora. The site's unique corridors on white sand bottoms create beautiful light effects, enhancing the experience of observing the diverse marine life. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Seafan Valley considered a difficult dive site, and what skill level is recommended?
Seafan Valley is considered an intermediate dive site. This means it's suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications and are comfortable with moderate conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive at Seafan Valley for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Seafan Valley for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on seasonal diving in Mauritius, you might find our When to Dive section helpful.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Seafan Valley?
While specific certifications are not explicitly stated, given that Seafan Valley is an intermediate dive site, divers should ideally have an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures you are comfortable with the conditions and depth of up to 21 meters.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Seafan Valley?
Seafan Valley is characterized as a drift dive, indicating that currents are typically present, making for an exciting experience. Divers can generally expect an average visibility of 15 meters, offering clear views of the rich underwater environment.