Swiss Drop - Flic en Flac & West Coast

Virador is a solid choice when you’re diving out of Playas del Coco, a short 20-minute boat ride. We often find ourselves drifting around this pinnacle, and it’s a pretty easy ride, usually taking us about an hour to circle. The real draw here is the sheer volume of fish. Think schools of jacks so dense they dim the light, and plenty of brashy grunts holding their ground. While it’s not the deepest dive, topping out around 20m, we love hanging out in the slightly deeper sandy areas, keeping an eye out for white tip reef sharks and the occasional Haller’s round ray. Visibility averages around 9m, so it’s not always gin-clear, but we’ve had some fantastic days here. It’s a great spot for a relaxed drift, especially if you enjoy being enveloped by fish rather than hunting for macro. If you’re into big schools and a comfortable current, Virador usually delivers.

Location
Flic en Flac & West Coast, Mauritius, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-20.279000, 57.357100
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 Swiss Drop

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 Swiss Drop

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 the Swiss Drop dive site?
At the Swiss Drop dive site, the maximum recommended depth is 20m, making it accessible for many divers. The site itself features a drop-off falling between 14 and 25 meters, offering varied topography. Open Water certified divers can comfortably enjoy the top of the plateau.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Swiss Drop in Mauritius?
Divers exploring Swiss Drop can expect a vibrant reef environment characterized by a passage of cavities and a significant drop-off. The site is rich in diversity, offering a wide variety of tropical fish. Lucky divers may also encounter rays, sharks, and especially turtles, making it a rewarding experience for marine life enthusiasts. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Swiss Drop dive site, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Swiss Drop dive site is rated as intermediate in difficulty. While experienced divers can explore deeper sections and cavities, it is also accessible for Open Water certified divers by staying on the top of the plateau. This flexibility allows a range of divers to enjoy its unique features.
What are the best months or seasons to dive at Swiss Drop for optimal conditions and visibility?
While specific data on the best months or seasons for optimal conditions at Swiss Drop is not provided, divers can generally expect an average visibility of 18m. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you can consult our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Swiss Drop, especially for deeper sections or cavities?
For diving the top plateau sections of Swiss Drop, an Open Water certification is sufficient. Given the maximum depth of 20m and the presence of cavities, divers wishing to explore the deeper sections and passages may benefit from advanced certifications or experience. Always ensure you have the appropriate equipment and training for your planned dive.
What are the usual current conditions and water temperatures like at the Swiss Drop dive site?
Currents can be a factor at the Swiss Drop dive site, and when present, they create a very nice drift dive opportunity. Unfortunately, specific data regarding usual water temperatures for this site is not available in our current records. Divers should always check local conditions before diving.