Chuckles - Inner Islands

Grand Coude de Kele is a spot we keep coming back to in the Loyalty Islands. It’s a definite standout, and a personal favourite for a relaxed but rewarding dive. The name translates to ‘Big Elbow’, and that’s precisely what you get: a bend in the reef wall that creates some wonderfully sheltered pockets, even when there's a bit of current out deeper. We typically drop in right on the elbow and let the reef guide us along. The coral health here is really something; big, solid formations of porites and branching acropora that feel ancient. You’ll find those vibrant fluted clams tucked into crevices, their iridescent mantles pulsing. We’ve had some truly memorable encounters with schools of fusiliers here, so dense they momentarily block out the sun, followed by hunting black surgeonfish darting through the chaos. Keep an eye out for the resident bumphead parrotfish cruising the reef crest, too. They’re a real treat to watch. Maximum depth sits at around 24 metres, but honestly, some of the best action, especially the nudibranchs, is shallower, around the 10-15 metre mark. Visibility averages 19 metres, which gives you plenty of scope to take it all in. This site is brilliant for divers who appreciate healthy coral and diverse reef fish life, without needing extreme depths or challenging conditions. It’s perfect for a second dive of the day, when you want to soak up the atmosphere and spot the smaller stuff.

Location
Inner Islands, Seychelles, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.564100, 55.430400
Type
reef

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 Chuckles

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 Chuckles

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 Chuckles dive site?
Divers at Chuckles can expect a maximum depth of 17m, making it suitable for a range of recreational divers. This granite rock dive site offers varied topography within this depth limit.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Chuckles?
Chuckles is a granite rock dive, providing interesting underwater features. Divers can anticipate encountering a diverse array of marine life, including octopus, white tip reef sharks, trigger fish, puffer fish, porcupine fish, box fish, angel fish, and butterfly fish.
Is Chuckles considered a difficult dive site, and what level of experience is recommended?
Chuckles is considered an intermediate dive site due to its varying current conditions. While sometimes experiencing light current, it can also have strong currents, requiring divers to have a good level of experience and comfort in such conditions.
When is the best time of year to dive at Chuckles for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Chuckles for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Chuckles?
The provided information does not explicitly state specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Chuckles. However, given its intermediate difficulty and potential for strong currents, an advanced certification or equivalent experience is generally recommended for comfort and safety.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at the Chuckles dive site?
At Chuckles, divers can expect variable current conditions, ranging from light to strong. The average visibility at the site is a good 14m, offering clear views of the underwater environment down to its maximum depth of 17m.