La Barge Profonde (Wreck) - Mayotte Lagoon

When we talk about wreck diving in Mayotte, our minds usually drift to the pinnacles, but La Barge Profonde is a proper, moody wreck that deserves its due. Down at 27 metres, this isn't a beginner's jaunt, but if you’ve got your advanced cert, you’re in for a treat. It’s an old fishing barge, sunk decades ago, now completely reclaimed by the sea. What we love here is the sheer density of glassfish that swarm the interior. They pour out of every opening as you approach, a shimmering, living curtain. Look closer and you'll spot scorpionfish perfectly camouflaged on the rusted hull, and we’ve often seen robust ghost pipefish clinging to the hydroids. The wreck itself is largely intact, with a clear outline of the wheelhouse and cargo holds, making for some great swim-throughs if you're comfortable with overhead environments. Our favourite part? Peering into the darkness of the engine room, often home to massive groupers. It's a deep dive, so watch your bottom time, but it's easily one of Mayotte’s most atmospheric wreck experiences.

Location: Mayotte Lagoon, Mayotte, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -12.906400, 45.257500
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 27m
Difficulty: Expert

Marine Protected Area: Ilots De Bandrele

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Mayotte Lagoon

Nearest Dive Centres to La Barge Profonde (Wreck)

Happy Divers centre de plongée - FSGT, ANMP, FFESSM, NAUI, PADI, SSI, BSAC, EDA
Le Lagon Maore

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.

Notable Species

Allison's Tuna (Thunnus albacares) - Reef Fish
Stripy (Katsuwonus pelamis) - Reef Fish
Bristle-toothed Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus) - Reef Fish
Blue-lined Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) - Reef Fish
Bullethead Parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) - Reef Fish
Argus Grouper (Cephalopholis argus) - Reef Fish
Indian gold-ring bristle-tooth (Ctenochaetus truncatus) - Reef Fish
Blackspot Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus) - Reef Fish
Whitetail Surgeonfish (Acanthurus thompsoni) - Reef Fish
Heavybeak Parrotfish (Chlorurus strongylocephalus) - Reef Fish
Dorado (Coryphaena hippurus) - Reef Fish
Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) - Sharks & Rays
Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) - Reef Fish
Salmon (Elagatis bipinnulata) - Reef Fish
Red-flushed Cod (Aethaloperca rogaa) - Reef Fish
Doubleband Surgeonfish (Acanthurus tennentii) - Reef Fish
Two-spot Bristletooth (Ctenochaetus binotatus) - Reef Fish
Ocean Triggerfish (Canthidermis maculata) - Reef Fish
Barracuda (Acanthocybium solandri) - Reef Fish
Bullet Mackerel (Auxis rochei) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for La Barge Profonde (Wreck)

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