Corsair Reef - Inner Islands

Heaven’s Door is one of those Somosomo Strait sites that just feels… different. We love dropping into a couple of metres of water, right onto the reef crest, before the wall drops away to beyond 50m. The big draw, of course, is the swim-through. You’ll know why it’s called Heaven’s Door when you look up and see the sunlight pouring in through the ceiling – it’s genuinely spectacular. The walls here are covered in soft corals. Not just a few patches, but a complete carpet of them, interspersed with giant sea fans. We’ve had great luck spotting blennies and gobies tucked into every crevice, and the Pearl-spotted wrasse always seem to be darting around. Keep an eye out for Freckled Anglerfish too; they blend in beautifully, but they’re there if you’re patient. Visibility usually holds around 20 metres, making it a great spot for photographers, both macro and wide-angle, especially on a bright day when the light beams through the opening. It’s a pretty easy drift, suitable for most experience levels, as long as you’re comfortable with a wall dive.

Location
Inner Islands, Seychelles, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.615400, 55.410500
Type
wall

Marine Protected Area: Port Glaud

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 Corsair 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 Corsair 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 diving at Corsair Reef?
Corsair Reef is primarily a big, shallow reef with a maximum depth of 10-12 meters. However, the overall dive site can reach a maximum depth of 15 meters. This makes it an accessible site for various experience levels, offering plenty to explore within its shallower sections. For more details, visit the Corsair Reef dive site page.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to encounter at Corsair Reef?
Divers at Corsair Reef can expect to encounter a vibrant ecosystem featuring both hard and soft coral formations. The reef is home to diverse marine life, including bat fish, hawksbill turtles, butterfly fish, angel fish, moray eels, sweet lips, nudibranchs, and parrot fish. Lucky divers might also spot reef sharks and rays, adding to the excitement of this rich marine environment.
Is Corsair Reef suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered an advanced dive site?
Corsair Reef is classified with an intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level. Its characteristics as a big, shallow reef with a maximum depth of 15 meters and typically light currents contribute to its intermediate rating. While not an advanced site, it offers enough complexity to be engaging for certified divers looking to expand their skills in the Inner Islands of Seychelles.
When is the best time of year to dive Corsair Reef for optimal conditions and marine life?
Our current data for Corsair Reef does not specify a 'best time of year' for optimal conditions or marine life encounters. We recommend checking local dive operators in the Seychelles for up-to-date information on seasonal variations. You can also explore general when to dive guidelines for the region.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Corsair Reef?
While the data does not explicitly state specific diving certifications required for Corsair Reef, its intermediate difficulty rating suggests that a basic Open Water Diver certification is a minimum requirement. Divers with Advanced Open Water or equivalent certifications may find the experience more comfortable and rewarding. Always confirm with your chosen dive operator regarding their specific certification requirements.
What are the usual current conditions and underwater visibility at Corsair Reef?
At Corsair Reef, divers can generally expect light current conditions, with strong currents being a rare occurrence. The average underwater visibility is quite good, typically around 11 meters. These conditions contribute to a pleasant diving experience, allowing for clear views of the reef's vibrant marine life and coral formations at this Seychelles dive site.