Grand Bazar - Inner Islands

Le Piton aux Gorgones on Moorea is one of those sites that just feels right from the moment you drop in. We love a good wall dive, and this one delivers, dropping down to a sandy bottom at 28 meters. The real star, though, is the coral pinnacle that rises from that depth, its base disappearing into the blue below you. We've seen it absolutely covered in gorgonians, those delicate, fan-like corals, swaying gently in whatever current is passing through. It’s an easy dive, good for anyone comfortable with depths around 25 meters, and the average 22-meter visibility means you can really appreciate the scale of that pinnacle. Look for the flashes of Red and Pink Squirrelfish darting into crevices, and keep an eye out for the stealthy Rock Cod. The descent itself, along the drop-off, is a quiet affair, and as you round the corner to see the piton, there’s this great sense of discovery. It’s a beautiful spot for a relaxed drift, just soaking in the sheer size of the coral structure.

Location
Inner Islands, Seychelles, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.574800, 55.430800
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 Grand Bazar

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 Grand Bazar

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 Grand Bazar dive site?
The Grand Bazar dive site offers a beautiful reef dive with a maximum depth of 17m. This makes it suitable for a wide range of certified divers looking for a vibrant underwater experience on a relatively shallow reef.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Grand Bazar?
Divers at Grand Bazar can explore a lively reef environment. The site is home to a diverse array of marine life, including moray eels, hawksbill turtles, angel fish, butterfly fish, trigger fish, wrasse, octopus, rays, and damsel fish. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Grand Bazar dive site, particularly concerning currents?
The Grand Bazar dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. Divers should be prepared for varying current conditions, as currents can range from light to strong. This adds an exciting element to the dive, requiring good buoyancy control.
When is the best time of year to dive at Grand Bazar for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive at Grand Bazar for optimal conditions is not available in our current data. For general guidance on dive seasons, you can consult our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are generally required to dive at Grand Bazar?
Specific scuba diving certification requirements for the Grand Bazar dive site are not provided in the available data. As it's an intermediate site, typically an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is a minimum, but local dive operators can confirm exact requirements.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the Grand Bazar dive site?
At the Grand Bazar dive site, current conditions can vary significantly, sometimes presenting light currents and at other times strong currents. Divers can generally expect good visibility, with an average of 15m, offering clear views of the reef and its inhabitants.