Criminal Rock - Inner Islands

HNY 2012 is a testament to slowing down. We stumbled on this wall dive on New Year's Day 2012, and it quickly became one of our favourite spots for a relaxed plunge. The wall starts shallow, around 3 metres, and gradually slopes to about 18 metres, making it incredibly accessible for newer divers or anyone looking for a less demanding profile. What we love most about HNY 2012 isn't the big stuff, but the sheer density of macro life. You'll want to take your time here, almost hovering. Keep your eyes peeled for tiny nudibranchs, often tucked into the folds of the soft corals. We’ve spotted countless shrimp species, from the delicate anemone shrimp to the more elusive snapping shrimp. Feather duster worms retract with the slightest movement, and the vibrant Christmas tree worms add splashes of colour against the coral. The smooth cauliflower coral and corrugated coral provide intricate textures, perfect hunting grounds for flatworms. Visibility usually hovers around 20 metres, which gives you ample light to really peer into every crevice. It’s a dive that rewards patience and a keen eye, best enjoyed by those who appreciate the smaller wonders of the reef.

Location
Inner Islands, Seychelles, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.281100, 55.865200
Type
wall

Marine Protected Area: Ile Coco National Park

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 Criminal Rock

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 Criminal Rock

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 Criminal Rock?
At Criminal Rock, you can expect a dive site depth ranging between 15-25 metres. The maximum depth typically reached during a dive is 17 metres, making it a great site for intermediate divers to explore.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving Criminal Rock?
Criminal Rock is characterized by submerged granitic rocks and is a wall dive type, offering interesting topography. You can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including beautiful butterflyfish, large schools of yellow snapper, barracuda, and grouper. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Criminal Rock a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for beginners?
Criminal Rock is classified as an intermediate dive site. This means it is generally not recommended for absolute beginners, but divers with some experience will find it enjoyable and manageable. Its features and depth range are well-suited for those with a bit more training.
When is the best time of year to dive at Criminal Rock?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Criminal Rock. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the Seychelles, please refer to our When to Dive section. Local dive operators can also provide up-to-date seasonal advice.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Criminal Rock?
The specific diving certifications recommended or required for Criminal Rock are not detailed in the available data. Given its intermediate difficulty and depth range of 15-25 metres, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is often recommended for such sites. It's always best to check with local dive operators in the Inner Islands for their specific requirements.
Are there strong currents or challenging conditions at Criminal Rock?
While the data doesn't explicitly detail strong currents, Criminal Rock is categorized as an intermediate dive site. This classification often implies that divers may encounter some challenging conditions, such as moderate currents or varying visibility, depending on the day. Divers should be prepared for conditions typical of an intermediate-level dive.