Aquarium Rodrigues - Rodrigues Island

Aquarium Rodrigues is a site we’ve always held in high regard for new divers, and frankly, anyone who appreciates a vibrant, shallow reef. Dropping down to a maximum of 12 metres, it’s a perfect spot for getting comfortable in the water, but don’t mistake easy for boring. We’ve spent many an hour here just letting the gentle current drift us past walls of cauliflower coral, so dense they ripple in the surge. The sheer number of juvenile fish here is what sets it apart. Imagine schools of blackstriped cardinalfish swirling around you, or the subtle dance of a threespot righteye flounder trying its best to blend into the sand. You’ll spot hexagon groupers lurking under ledges and beautiful Indian Ocean oriental sweetlips parading through the corals. It’s an easy dive, often with minimal current, allowing you to really slow down and appreciate the smaller details – look closely for blennies peeking out of holes and the quick dart of a fire dartfish. Our favourite part? The afternoon sun really lights up the coral here, making the colours pop even more. If you’re looking to practice your photography or just enjoy a relaxed dive without battling conditions, Aquarium Rodrigues is our pick.

Location: Rodrigues Island, Mauritius, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -19.720000, 63.420000
Type: reef
Maximum Depth: 3-12m
Difficulty: Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Ile Aux Sables

Best Time to Dive in Rodrigues Island

The warmest water temperatures in Rodrigues Island occur in January, averaging 28.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 28.6°C (air: 25.4°C)
February: 28.6°C (air: 25.4°C)
March: 28.6°C (air: 25.4°C)
April: 28.6°C (air: 24.9°C)
May: 28.6°C (air: 23.7°C)
June: 28.6°C (air: 22.1°C)
July: 28.6°C (air: 21.2°C)
August: 28.6°C (air: 20.7°C)
September: 28.6°C (air: 21.0°C)
October: 28.6°C (air: 22.0°C)
November: 28.6°C (air: 23.2°C)
December: 28.6°C (air: 24.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Rodrigues Island

Nearest Dive Centres to Aquarium Rodrigues

Marine Life in Rodrigues Island

Home to 259 recorded species including 200 reef fish, 46 hard corals, 4 sharks & rays, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 clams & mussels, 1 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) - Sharks & Rays
Blackspot Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus) - Reef Fish
Honeycomb Grouper (Epinephelus merra) - Reef Fish
Coral Blenny (Istiblennius edentulus) - Reef Fish
Red-streaked Blenny (Cirripectes stigmaticus) - Reef Fish
Blackspotted Rockskipper (Entomacrodus striatus) - Reef Fish
Undulated moray (Gymnothorax undulatus) - Reef Fish
Epaulette Soldierfish (Myripristis kuntee) - Reef Fish
Red Squirrelfish (Sargocentron diadema) - Reef Fish
Longtail Silverbiddy (Gerres longirostris) - Reef Fish
Gorgeous Gussy (Chaetodon guttatissimus) - Reef Fish
Bluestripe Pipefish (Doryrhamphus excisus) - Reef Fish
Blue-dashed Rockskipper (Blenniella periophthalmus) - Reef Fish
Dusky Wrasse (Halichoeres marginatus) - Reef Fish
Floral wrasse (Cheilinus chlorourus) - Reef Fish
Two-tone wrasse (Thalassoma amblycephalum) - Reef Fish
Silver-streaked rainbowfish (Stethojulis strigiventer) - Reef Fish
Lineated Butterflyfish (Chaetodon trifasciatus) - Reef Fish
Common Lyre-tail Cod (Variola louti) - Reef Fish
Humphead Unicornfish (Naso unicornis) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Aquarium Rodrigues

Based on average water temperature of 28.6°C.

Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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