L’Ilot - Inner Islands

The Odyssey wreck on Roatán is one of those dives that just sticks with you. Dropped for divers in 2002, this isn’t some ancient galleon, but a huge, intact cargo ship – 300 feet long, 50 wide, and 85 feet tall. We love that it’s still so whole, letting you really appreciate its scale. Descending onto the wheelhouse, you can feel the sheer size of it, stretching out into the gloom. Our favourite part is exploring the cargo holds, which are vast and open, allowing light to filter in and illuminate schools of schoolmaster snappers and barracuda hanging in the shadows. Look for the resident giant groupers and we’ve even seen reef sharks cruising the perimeter on deeper dives. It’s a fantastic dive for advanced open water divers who enjoy penetration (with proper training, of course) or just circling a substantial structure. Visibility averages a decent 22m, but hit it on a good day and you’ll see the entire wreck from bow to stern. It’s an impressive artificial reef, and the sheer volume of the wreck itself is the main attraction, rather than delicate coral gardens.

Location
Inner Islands, Seychelles, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.560200, 55.430700
Type
wreck

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 L’Ilot

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 L’Ilot

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 maximum depth for diving at L'Ilot?
The maximum depth for diving at L'Ilot is 17 meters. While the site features depths ranging from 6 to 25 meters, the recommended maximum depth for divers at this location is 17m, making it accessible for various certification levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at L'Ilot?
Divers at L'Ilot can anticipate an exciting array of marine life, including majestic Whale Sharks, Guitarfish, Grey Reef and Nurse Sharks. You might also encounter impressive schools of 10-50 Eagle rays, vibrant Bumphead Parrotfish, and graceful Turtles. The site itself is a beautiful small island passage, known for its excellent drift diving opportunities.
How difficult is the L'Ilot dive site, and is it suitable for beginners?
The L'Ilot dive site is rated as intermediate in difficulty. Due to its nature as a big passage with extreme currents at times, it is generally not suitable for beginners. Divers should have experience with drift diving and managing strong currents.
When is the best time of year to dive at L'Ilot for optimal conditions and marine sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at L'Ilot for optimal conditions or marine sightings. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the Seychelles, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at L'Ilot?
Given the L'Ilot dive site's intermediate difficulty and potential for extreme currents, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is highly recommended. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving techniques and have experience in similar conditions. While the maximum depth is 17m, the challenging currents necessitate a higher skill level than basic certifications typically provide.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the L'Ilot dive site?
The L'Ilot dive site is known for its dynamic current conditions, often featuring extreme currents as it is a big passage. This makes it an excellent drift dive. Divers can generally expect good visibility, with an average of 13 meters, offering clear views of the abundant marine life.