Scuba Diving in Seychelles

Explore 79 dive sites and 21 dive centres in Seychelles. Conditions, marine life, and the best time to dive.

Seychelles Diving at a Glance

4 dive regions, 79 dive sites, 21 dive centres, 540 marine species recorded.

Travel Advisories for Seychelles

UK FCDO: See travel advice before travelling.

Best Time to Dive in Seychelles

The best months to dive in Seychelles are January, February, March, based on water temperature, visibility, wave conditions, and currents.

Month-by-Month Diving Conditions

  • January: Great, water 28.7°C, current 9.2 cm/s
  • February: Great, water 29°C, current 11.1 cm/s
  • March: Great, water 29.8°C, current 4.1 cm/s
  • April: Great, water 30.4°C, current 6.3 cm/s
  • May: Great, water 29.8°C, current 11.3 cm/s
  • June: Great, water 28.5°C, current 15.8 cm/s
  • July: Great, water 26.8°C, current 22 cm/s
  • August: Great, water 26.5°C, current 18.4 cm/s
  • September: Great, water 27.5°C, current 17.5 cm/s
  • October: Great, water 28.3°C, current 7.3 cm/s
  • November: Great, water 29°C, current 7.1 cm/s
  • December: Great, water 29.1°C, current 5 cm/s

Recommended Packing List for Seychelles

Based on average water temperature of 28.6°C, currents 11 cm/s.

  • 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

Dive Regions

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Seychelles for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The water temperatures in Seychelles are consistently warm, ranging from 27°C in July-September to 30°C in March-May. While specific marine life sightings vary, the warmer months often provide excellent conditions for diving. For more details on seasonal variations, check our When to Dive guide.
What are the visa and entry requirements for international travelers planning a diving trip to Seychelles?
Unfortunately, the provided data context for Seychelles does not include information on visa and entry requirements for international travelers. We recommend checking official government travel advisories or the Seychelles immigration website for the most up-to-date details before planning your trip.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see when diving in Seychelles?
While the provided data does not list specific marine species, Seychelles is renowned for its diverse underwater ecosystems. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of reef fish and other marine creatures typical of healthy Indian Ocean reefs, especially around the Inner Islands. For more on marine life, explore our wildlife database.
Are the dive sites in Seychelles suitable for beginner divers, or are they mostly for advanced levels?
The Inner Islands of Seychelles are particularly well-suited for beginner divers, offering accessible reef diving experiences. With 75 dive sites in this sub-region, there are plenty of options for all skill levels. The unique granite boulder formations also provide interesting landscapes for divers to explore.
How much does a typical scuba diving trip to Seychelles cost, including dives and potential certifications?
The provided data context for Seychelles does not include information on the cost of diving trips or certifications. Pricing can vary significantly based on dive centers, package deals, and the duration of your stay. We recommend contacting one of the 21 dive centres directly for current rates.
Which are the best dive sites around Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue for different diving experiences?
While specific dive site names for Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue are not detailed in the provided data, these islands are part of the Inner Islands sub-region, which boasts 75 dive sites. This area is known for its accessible reef diving and unique granite boulder formations, offering a variety of experiences for divers. To discover specific sites, you would typically consult local dive centres.
What are the unique diving experiences and marine life encounters offered by the Outer Islands of Seychelles like Aldabra or Alphonse?
The Aldabra & Outer Islands of Seychelles, including the remote Aldabra Atoll, offer a truly unique experience with pristine wilderness diving. As a UNESCO site, Aldabra provides an untouched environment, distinct from the more accessible Inner Islands. This sub-region features 4 dive sites, promising exclusive encounters in a less-frequented setting.
What are the typical water temperatures and underwater visibility conditions like for diving in Seychelles?
Water temperatures in Seychelles are consistently warm, ranging from a comfortable 27°C in July, August, and September to a balmy 30°C from March through May. While specific underwater visibility conditions are not provided in the data, these warm temperatures generally contribute to pleasant diving experiences. For more seasonal insights, visit our When to Dive page.