FONG KUO - Saint-Gilles & West Coast

Alright, let’s talk about the Fong Kuo. This isn’t a deep dive, not by a long shot. At a maximum of two metres, it’s practically a snorkel, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not worth your time. This factory ship went down in 1973, splitting neatly in two right on the reef. What you get now is a really accessible wreck, perfect for those days when you just want to potter around without the pressure of depth. We love the way the sunlight slices through the water here, illuminating every angle of the ship’s skeleton. You’ll find the two main sections are still pretty distinct. The bow and stern sections are separated by a short swim, and they’ve both become fantastic little artificial reefs. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for moray eels – they’re everywhere – and parrotfish chomp away at the corals growing on the metal. Our favourite part has to be the play of light and shadow, particularly mid-morning, as it dances over the twisted metal. It’s a great spot for photographers keen on natural light and close-ups of the small stuff. Just be mindful of the occasional surge, which can make things a bit bouncy around the shallower parts of the wreck.

Location: Saint-Gilles & West Coast, Réunion, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -21.316668, 55.818333
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 2m

Marine Protected Area: Marine De Vincendo

Best Time to Dive in Saint-Gilles & West Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Saint-Gilles & West Coast occur in January, averaging 27.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 27.9°C (air: 26.6°C)
February: 27.9°C (air: 26.6°C)
March: 27.9°C (air: 26.4°C)
April: 27.9°C (air: 25.6°C)
May: 27.9°C (air: 23.8°C)
June: 27.9°C (air: 22.0°C)
July: 27.9°C (air: 21.1°C)
August: 27.9°C (air: 21.2°C)
September: 27.9°C (air: 21.6°C)
October: 27.9°C (air: 23.0°C)
November: 27.9°C (air: 24.0°C)
December: 27.9°C (air: 25.4°C)

Nearest Dive Centres to FONG KUO

Marine Life in Saint-Gilles & West Coast

Home to 524 recorded species including 348 reef fish, 99 hard corals, 30 sharks & rays, 15 whales & dolphins, 9 sea cucumbers, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
Allison's Tuna (Thunnus albacares) - Reef Fish
Ocean Triggerfish (Canthidermis maculata) - Reef Fish
Dorado (Coryphaena hippurus) - Reef Fish
Stripy (Katsuwonus pelamis) - Reef Fish
Mahi Mahi (Coryphaena equiselis) - Reef Fish
Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
Oriental flying gurnard (Dactyloptena orientalis) - Reef Fish
Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) - Reef Fish
Barracuda (Acanthocybium solandri) - Reef Fish
Hatchetfish (Sternoptyx pseudobscura) - Reef Fish
Kingston (Decapterus macarellus) - Reef Fish
Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) - Whales & Dolphins
Brim (Kyphosus sectatrix) - Reef Fish
Savigny's Brittle Star (Ophiactis savignyi)
Immaculate Squirrelfish (Myripristis vittata) - Reef Fish
scad (Priacanthus hamrur) - Reef Fish
Racoon (Chaetodon lunula) - Reef Fish
Gilbert's Synaphobranchid Eel (Synaphobranchus affinis) - Reef Fish
Black sea cucumber (Holothuria atra) - Sea Cucumbers

Recommended Packing List for FONG KUO

Based on average water temperature of 27.9°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