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