Albatros - Inner Islands

Albatros, near the Sister Islands, is one of those sites that just feels good. We’ve always found the visibility here to be reliably decent, often pushing past 20 meters, which makes the scattered coral heads and swim-throughs even more inviting. Descending onto the main rock, you’re often greeted by a shimmer of fusiliers, so thick they almost obscure the reef. We love drifting through the natural passages, keeping an eye out for the resident loggerhead turtle that often cruises by, or a sleepy stingray tucked under a ledge. It’s a relatively shallow dive, maxing out around 18m, making it super comfortable for an hour-long bottom time. We’ve often seen small schools of eagle rays here, sometimes as many as ten gliding past in formation – a truly graceful sight. Keep an eye on the sand patches for flatfish and garden eels. This site is a great pick for newer divers looking for beautiful reef scenery without strong currents, and a relaxing second dive after exploring deeper sites.

Location
Inner Islands, Seychelles, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.301900, 55.875900
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Ile Coco National Park

Best Time to Dive in Inner Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Inner Islands occur in April, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 26.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.7°C
  • February: 29.0°C
  • March: 29.8°C
  • April: 30.4°C
  • May: 29.8°C
  • June: 28.5°C
  • July: 26.8°C
  • August: 26.6°C
  • September: 27.4°C
  • October: 28.3°C
  • November: 29.0°C
  • December: 29.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Inner Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Albatros

Marine Life in Inner Islands

Home to 184 recorded species including 156 reef fish, 8 hard corals, 6 sharks & rays, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 whales & dolphins, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Albatros

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the Albatros dive site?
The Albatros dive site offers a depth range from 12 to 25 meters, providing opportunities for various dive profiles. While the site can reach 25 meters, a typical maximum dive depth is often cited at 18 meters. This allows for exploration of its diverse underwater features.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Albatros?
Divers at Albatros can expect to explore a beautiful rock formation that extends out of the sea, featuring interesting passages. This vibrant reef is home to a rich variety of marine life. Keep an eye out for magnificent Whale Sharks, Guitar Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, impressive schools of 10-50 Eagle Rays, and Bumphead Parrotfish.
How challenging is the Albatros dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Albatros dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. This means it is generally not recommended for beginner divers who are still gaining experience. Divers should possess appropriate certification and comfort with varying conditions to fully enjoy this site.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at Albatros for optimal conditions?
The provided data context does not specify the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions at the Albatros site. For general information on when to dive in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are typically required or recommended to dive at Albatros?
Given that Albatros is an intermediate difficulty dive site, divers are typically recommended to have at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and comfort level for the depths and potential conditions encountered at the site.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the Albatros dive site?
Divers at the Albatros site can generally expect good visibility, with an average of 16 meters. The provided data context does not specify the usual current conditions for this dive site. Always check local conditions before diving.