Anse Petit Cour - Inner Islands

Chekechea, which means 'Kindergarten' in Swahili, really lives up to its name. It’s a shallow spot, topping out at 16 meters, and often feels like a giant underwater nursery. We’ve spent some fantastic dives here just poking around the mud bottom, discovering juvenile fish species, pipefish, and even some unusual Indian walkman. It's a relaxed dive, usually with good light, making it perfect for newer divers, those of us honing our buoyancy, or anyone with a keen eye for macro life and a camera in hand. You might even catch a glimpse of a dusky shark cruising by in the deeper sections, or if you’re very lucky, a whale shark passing through the area.

Location
Inner Islands, Seychelles, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.308100, 55.733400
Type
muck
Maximum Depth
5-15m

Marine Protected Area: Praslin Shell Reserve

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 Anse Petit Cour

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 Anse Petit Cour

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 diving depth at Anse Petit Cour?
Anse Petit Cour offers a shallow and accessible dive experience, with most of the dive typically around 5 meters depth. The maximum depth reachable at this site is 14 meters. This makes it an ideal spot for new divers to explore the underwater world at Anse Petit Cour.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Anse Petit Cour?
At Anse Petit Cour, divers will explore a vibrant reef environment, characterized by a bottom composition mostly of hard and soft corals. This reef type dive offers a beautiful display of coral formations, providing a habitat for various marine species. For more information on specific species, you can visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Anse Petit Cour, and is it suitable for beginners?
Anse Petit Cour is exceptionally suitable for beginners and first-time divers, rated as the best site for them. The dive conditions are consistently calm within the bay, and the mooring area is well protected, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. This makes it an ideal location to gain confidence and enjoy your initial dives in the Inner Islands of Seychelles.
When is the best time of year to go diving at Anse Petit Cour for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify a particular best time of year for diving at Anse Petit Cour. However, the site is noted for its always calm sea conditions in the bay, suggesting it offers pleasant diving experiences consistently. For general information on seasonal diving in the Seychelles, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive at Anse Petit Cour?
As Anse Petit Cour is described as the "best site for total beginners or first time divers," it is highly accessible. Typically, an introductory dive experience (like a Discover Scuba Diving program) or an Open Water Diver certification would be sufficient. Its shallow depths and calm conditions make it perfect for those just starting their diving journey in Seychelles.
What are the usual water conditions and currents like for diving at Anse Petit Cour?
Divers at Anse Petit Cour can expect consistently calm sea conditions within the bay, as the mooring area is well protected. The average visibility is a clear 11 meters, offering excellent viewing opportunities of the reef. These tranquil conditions make it a very comfortable and enjoyable dive site in the Seychelles.