La Barge Profonde (Wreck)

Best months: Jan–Dec

Protected Area

Ilots De Bandrele

Why dive here

With 401+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blue sharks, blue-spotted stingrays, dolphins and dugongs - La Barge Profonde (Wreck) offers some of Mayotte Lagoon's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 30°C.

Marine lifeBarracuda, Blue Sharks, Blue-Spotted Stingrays, Dolphins and Dugongs · 401+ species recorded

Water30°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive · max 27m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

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.