Diving in Mayotte Lagoon

Explore 37 dive sites in Mayotte Lagoon, Mayotte. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Mayotte Lagoon

The warmest water temperatures in Mayotte Lagoon occur in January, averaging 29.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 29.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.9°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • February: 29.9°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • March: 29.9°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • April: 29.9°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • May: 29.9°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • June: 29.9°C (air: 25.0°C)
  • July: 29.9°C (air: 24.2°C)
  • August: 29.9°C (air: 24.1°C)
  • September: 29.9°C (air: 24.4°C)
  • October: 29.9°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • November: 29.9°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • December: 29.9°C (air: 26.9°C)

Marine Life in Mayotte Lagoon

Home to 415 recorded species including 260 reef fish, 101 hard corals, 17 whales & dolphins, 10 sea cucumbers, 9 sharks & rays, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Dive Site Difficulty in Mayotte Lagoon

Mayotte Lagoon has 25 beginner, 8 intermediate, 1 advanced, 1 expert dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Mayotte Lagoon

Based on average water temperature of 29.9°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°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

Marine Protected Areas in Mayotte Lagoon

  • Ilot Mbouzi - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pointes Et Plages De Saziley Et Charifou - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Littoral De Dembeni - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pointes Et Ilots Du Nord - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Baie De Dzoumogne-Longoni - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Baie De Boueni - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Iles Blanches - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilots De La Passe - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilots De Bandrele - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilots Sada - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilot Tanaraki - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Mayotte - Marine Nature Park (IUCN Category V)
  • La Vasière des Badamiers - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Bassin Versant De Tsingoni - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Littoral De Mamoudzou - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Littoral De Bandrele - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Littoral De Sada-Chiconi - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Presqu’Ile De Boueni - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Littoral De Kani-Keli - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Baie De Soulou - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • N’Gouja - Biotope Protection Order (IUCN Category IV)

Getting to Mayotte Lagoon - Nearest Airports

  • Dzaoudzi Pamandzi International Airport (DZA), Dzaoudzi - 11 km away, approx 27 min travel time
  • Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH), Moroni - 258 km away, approx 297 min travel time
  • Amborovy Airport (MJN), Mahajanga - 333 km away, approx 379 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical underwater visibility and water temperature conditions for diving in Mayotte Lagoon?
While specific underwater visibility data is not provided in the current context, divers can expect consistently warm water temperatures. The best water temperature months in Mayotte Lagoon see temperatures around 29.85°C. This makes for very comfortable diving conditions throughout these periods.
What kind of unique marine life can divers expect to see in Mayotte Lagoon, and are there any seasonal highlights like whales or manta rays?
The provided data does not detail the full range of unique marine life or seasonal highlights such as whales or manta rays in Mayotte Lagoon. However, one dive site, Passe boueni nord - patate barracuda, suggests encounters with barracuda. For more general information on marine species, you can consult our wildlife database.
Which are considered the best dive sites within Mayotte Lagoon for experiencing its diverse underwater environment?
Mayotte Lagoon offers a diverse range of dive sites catering to various interests and skill levels. For wreck enthusiasts, Yohan’s Wreck (Beginner) and La Barge Profonde (Wreck) (Expert) provide unique experiences. Divers can also explore the fascinating L’arche de Bandrelé cave or the vibrant reefs like Piste de ski - Mayotte.
Is Mayotte Lagoon suitable for beginner divers, or are most dive sites better for experienced individuals?
Mayotte Lagoon is very suitable for beginner divers, with numerous sites classified as 'Beginner' such as Yohan’s Wreck, Îlot Bandrelé #1, and various 'Passe en S' drift dives. However, the lagoon also offers challenging dives for more experienced individuals, including 'Intermediate,' 'Advanced,' and 'Expert' sites like La Barge Profonde (Wreck).
What is the best time of year to plan a diving trip to Mayotte Lagoon to experience optimal conditions and marine life?
Based on the provided data, the optimal time for diving in Mayotte Lagoon for water temperature is during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, when temperatures average 29.85°C. While specific marine life seasonality is not detailed, these months offer excellent conditions for comfortable diving. For more general guidance on dive seasons, visit our when to dive section.
How do travelers typically get to Mayotte for a diving holiday, and what are the transportation options once on the island?
The provided data does not include information on typical travel routes to Mayotte for a diving holiday, nor does it detail transportation options once on the island. For such logistical planning, it is recommended to consult general travel resources for Mayotte. There are 2 dive centres available in the sub-region to assist with local diving arrangements.
Are there strong currents to be aware of when diving in the passes of Mayotte Lagoon, and how do they affect the diving experience?
Yes, strong currents are a notable feature in the passes of Mayotte Lagoon, as evidenced by numerous 'drift' dive sites like Passe bateau sud, Passe Sada Nord, and Passe Bandrelé. These currents create exciting drift diving experiences, allowing divers to effortlessly glide along the reefs and observe marine life. Divers should be appropriately trained and equipped for drift diving conditions.
Beyond the well-known S Pass, what other notable dive sites in Mayotte Lagoon offer unique experiences or marine encounters?
Beyond the popular 'Passe en S' drift sites, Mayotte Lagoon boasts several other notable dive sites offering unique experiences. Divers can explore the fascinating L’arche de Bandrelé cave, discover wrecks like Yohan’s Wreck and La Barge Profonde (Wreck), or explore the dramatic wall dive at Tombant Sakouli. These sites provide a rich variety of underwater environments beyond the typical drift dives.