GVI Seychelles - Inner Islands
The team at GVI Seychelles are less a dive centre and more a full immersion into the ocean, especially if you’ve ever wanted to dive with purpose. They’re based on the northwest tip of Mahé, and while they teach PADI courses, their real strength lies in marine conservation training. We’d recommend this centre for divers keen to move beyond recreational dives and contribute to something bigger. It suits those looking for a hands-on experience, learning about reef ecosystems, and actively participating in conservation efforts rather than just ticking off dive sites. What we love about GVI is the practical, boots-on-the-ground approach. You’re not just reading about coral identification; you’re in the water, finning slowly over the reefs, pencil and slate in hand, counting parrotfish and surveying coral health. We’ve found the diving around this part of Mahé to be consistently rewarding, particularly for macro life if you have the patience to look. Think vibrant nudibranchs, tiny crabs tucked into anemones, and juvenile reef fish darting through the new coral growth. Our favourite time to dive with them is early morning, right as the sun starts to warm the water. The light filters down, illuminating the busy reef, and you often see blacktip reef sharks making their rounds before the day heats up. Be prepared for some serious current on certain dives; it’s excellent for drift diving, but you need to be comfortable with it.
- Location
- Inner Islands, Seychelles, Indian Ocean & East Africa
- Coordinates
- -4.643894, 55.383423
- Phone
- +248 2 511 338
- [email protected]
- Website
- https://www.gviusa.com/programs/marine-conservation-expedition-seychelles/
- Certification Agencies
- ["PADI"]
- Courses
- PADI Dive Center [padi:24137]
- Address
- c/o SNPA PO BOX 1240, Victoria, Mahe, No State, Seychelles
Dive Sites Near GVI Seychelles
GVI Seychelles provides access to 15 dive sites in Inner Islands.
- Albatros (reef)
- Albatros (reef)
- ALDEBARAN - 26m (wreck)
- Aldebaran Wreck (wreck)
- Aldebaran Wreck (pinnacle)
- Amoujie Maman
- Anse Petit Cour (muck)
- Anse Petit Cour (reef)
- Aquarium (reef)
- Aquarium (reef)
- Aride Bank (reef)
- Aride Bank (reef)
- ATERPE-ALAI - 17m (wreck)
- Auberge Reef (reef)
- Auberge Reef (reef)
Other Dive Centres in Inner Islands
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
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 Marine Life
- Stripy (Katsuwonus pelamis) - Reef Fish
- Allison's Tuna (Thunnus albacares) - Reef Fish
- Kingston (Decapterus macarellus) - Reef Fish
- Bullet Mackerel (Auxis thazard) - Reef Fish
- Dorado (Coryphaena hippurus) - Reef Fish
- Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) - Reef Fish
- Rainbowfish (Halichoeres hortulanus) - Reef Fish
- Salmon (Elagatis bipinnulata) - Reef Fish
- Blackspot Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus) - Reef Fish
- Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) - Sharks & Rays
Recommended Packing List for Inner Islands
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