Aquarium - Inner Islands

Aquarium, near Beau Vallon, earns its name honestly. We love this site for its chilled-out vibe and the sheer density of fish life in such a compact area. It's a shallow dive, maxing out at 14m, perfect for an afternoon potter or a long, leisurely second dive. You'll spend most of your time around the three main bommies, which are packed with activity. Look for the massive schools of Blue Surgeonfish that swirl around the coral heads, almost like a living curtain. We often spot Flathead Sleepers and Reticulate Sandgobies burrowing in the sandy patches between the bommies. Keep an eye out for the shy Bloodspot Pipefish too, they blend in beautifully with the Montipora and Staghorn corals. The visibility averages around 13m, which is good enough to take it all in without feeling overwhelmed. It’s ideal for photographers who want to get up close with reef fish and those who appreciate a slower pace. The site is pretty sheltered, so currents are usually light, though you might feel a gentle tug at the surface occasionally.

Location
Inner Islands, Seychelles, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.599200, 55.417900
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-15m

Marine Protected Area: North East Point 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 Aquarium

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 Aquarium

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 Aquarium dive site in the Red Sea?
The Aquarium dive site is located in the Inner Islands, Seychelles, not the Red Sea. At this site, divers can expect a maximum depth of 14 meters. There are three bommies on the edges of the site that reach depths of up to 15 meters.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can I expect to see when diving at the Aquarium dive site?
At the Aquarium dive site, you can explore a vibrant reef teeming with diverse marine life. Expect to encounter species such as batfish, anemonefish, hawksbill turtles, and octopus. You might also spot angelfish, parrotfish, boxfish, and even occasional eagle rays.
How difficult is the Aquarium dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Aquarium dive site is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. While it offers beautiful encounters, it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers due to its classification. Divers should have appropriate experience for intermediate sites.
What is the best time of year to dive the Aquarium dive site for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine encounters at the Aquarium dive site. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the Seychelles, we recommend checking our When to Dive resource.
Do I need a specific diving certification, like Open Water or Advanced, to dive at the Aquarium dive site?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, the Aquarium dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. This typically suggests that divers should possess at least an Open Water certification with some experience, or ideally an Advanced Open Water certification, to comfortably and safely explore the site. Always consult with your local dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the Aquarium dive site?
At the Aquarium dive site, you can generally expect favorable conditions regarding currents. There is sometimes a light current on the surface, but currents are rarely present on the bottom. The average visibility at this site is a clear 13 meters, offering excellent viewing opportunities.