TAYEB - Flic en Flac & West Coast

The Tayeb wreck, an old steamship that went down in 1972, lies just off the Flic en Flac coast. Measuring 97.5m long, she's a substantial dive. We often find her bow and stern sections, still largely intact, provide shelter for plenty of reef fish. Look for moray eels tucked into the deeper parts of the hull, and schools of snapper moving in and out of the cargo holds. It’s a good one for divers with some wreck experience, offering solid penetration opportunities for those who are trained, but still plenty to see from the outside if you prefer.

Location
Flic en Flac & West Coast, Mauritius, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-20.149471, 57.479862
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Port Louis 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 TAYEB

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 TAYEB

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 maximum depth for recreational diving at Tayeb dive site?
The provided data for the Tayeb dive site indicates a depth of 0m. While this suggests very shallow sections, the site is classified as an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, implying that deeper exploration of the 97.5m x 15.5m steam ship is typical. Divers should consult local dive operators for the precise maximum depth encountered during a dive.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Tayeb?
Divers at Tayeb can primarily expect to explore the impressive underwater features of a large steam ship wreck. This vessel, measuring 97.5m x 15.5m, sank in 1972 and offers a fascinating structure to navigate. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks like Tayeb typically become artificial reefs, attracting a variety of marine species over time.
How challenging is diving at Tayeb, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
Diving at the Tayeb dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. This means it is generally not suitable for absolute beginners, but experienced Open Water divers or those with Advanced Open Water certification should find it manageable. Divers should possess good buoyancy control and comfort in wreck environments to fully enjoy the site.
What is the best time of year to dive at Tayeb for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or specific marine encounters at Tayeb is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on seasonal conditions in the region, you may wish to consult our When to Dive section. Local dive operators in Flic en Flac & West Coast, Mauritius can provide the most current recommendations.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or highly recommended to dive at Tayeb?
Given the intermediate difficulty rating for the Tayeb wreck dive, an Open Water Diver certification with some experience in similar conditions is a recommended minimum. For enhanced safety and to fully explore the wreck, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or a Wreck Diver specialty would be highly beneficial. Always check with your chosen dive center for their specific requirements.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at Tayeb dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information about the typical currents or general water conditions at the Tayeb dive site. While the wreck's sinking involved a cyclone, this historical event does not reflect everyday diving conditions. It is always best to consult with local dive operators in Flic en Flac & West Coast for up-to-date information on currents and visibility.