Auberge Reef - Inner Islands

Coco Bay often gets overlooked, dismissed as just a training ground. And yes, it’s certainly calm enough for skills practice or getting reacquainted with your buoyancy after a long break. But honestly, if you take your time, there’s some really interesting macro stuff going on here. We often drop in for a slow poke around the sandy patches and the occasional rock pile, maxing out at about 15m. Visibility averages around 8m, sometimes less, so it’s not about grand vistas. What we love are the little discoveries. You’ll find surprisingly colourful blennies tucked into every crevice – the Bluntspine and Phallic Blennies are always a treat. Keep an eye out for Panamic frillfins and hourglass clingfish clinging to the rocks. We’ve even seen nurse sharks cruising the sand. Our favourite trick is to really get down low and comb the sand for Baja California ceriths and the gaudy frog shells. It’s a site for the patient observer, someone who enjoys the hunt for the small, the camouflaged, and the slightly absurd.

Location
Inner Islands, Seychelles, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.596100, 55.431400
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-20m

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 Auberge Reef

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 Auberge Reef

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 scuba diving at Auberge Reef?
The typical depth range for scuba diving at Auberge Reef is between 5 and 20 meters. While the reef itself is described as having a maximum depth of 13m for a beautiful dive, the overall site offers opportunities to explore down to a maximum depth of 17 meters.
What marine life and underwater scenery can divers expect to encounter at Auberge Reef?
Divers at Auberge Reef can expect a beautiful reef dive, teeming with vibrant marine life. You'll likely encounter a variety of species such as moray eels, hawksbill turtles, parrot fish, trigger fish, angel fish, butterfly fish, damsel fish, and puffer fish. For more information on these fascinating creatures, visit our wildlife database.
Is Auberge Reef considered a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for all experience levels?
Auberge Reef is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While it can sometimes have light currents, divers should be prepared for potentially strong currents, which contributes to its intermediate rating. This makes it more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive Auberge Reef for the clearest water and calmest conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Auberge Reef for the clearest water and calmest conditions. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, please consult our When to Dive guide.
Do I need any specific diving certifications to explore Auberge Reef?
The provided data does not explicitly state specific diving certifications required to explore Auberge Reef. However, given its classification as an intermediate dive site, divers should possess at least an Open Water certification and be comfortable with varying current conditions. It is always recommended to check with local dive operators for their specific requirements.
How strong are the currents at Auberge Reef, and what are the usual visibility conditions?
Currents at Auberge Reef can vary; divers may encounter anything from light currents to strong currents during their dive. The usual visibility conditions are quite good, with an average visibility of 19 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant reef.