Ray's point - Inner Islands

Okay, so Stanmore Bay Pool. We’re not going to lie, it’s a pool. A big, rectangular, tiled pool. If you’re picturing schools of fusiliers or a majestic manta ray gliding past, you’re in the wrong place. But for what it is, a training ground, it’s surprisingly good. We love the simplicity here. The water is often bathwater warm, and the visibility is, well, 25m of pure, unadulterated blue tile. It's the perfect spot to iron out those buoyancy kinks, practice fin pivots until they’re second nature, or get comfortable with a new piece of kit without fighting current or cold. Our favourite tip? Head to the deep end, all 1.6 metres of it, and just spend some time hovering. It’s meditative. You might spot a forgotten hair tie or a shiny coin, which adds a certain treasure hunt element. This is where we bring new divers to build confidence, or seasoned pros to test out a new camera housing before hitting the open ocean. It’s controlled, predictable, and frankly, a bit of a laugh. You’ll leave feeling proficient, ready for whatever the real ocean throws your way.

Location
Inner Islands, Seychelles, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.632600, 55.373100

Marine Protected Area: Baie Ternay Marine 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 Ray's point

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 Ray's point

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 Ray's Point?
Diving at Ray's Point typically explores a beautiful reef along granite rocks. The maximum depth for this site is noted as 16m, though the reef itself extends up to 17m. This makes it suitable for divers comfortable with moderate depths.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Ray's Point?
Ray's Point is a beautiful reef along granite rocks, offering a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter fascinating species such as the Hawksbill turtle, pipe fish, lion fish, moray eel, stone fish, and octopus. Occasionally, you might also spot larger pelagics like eagle rays and white tip reef sharks, making it an exciting spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
How challenging is diving at Ray's Point, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Ray's Point is rated as intermediate difficulty. This means it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers due to potential currents. Divers should have some experience and comfort in varying conditions to fully enjoy this site.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at Ray's Point?
At Ray's Point, current conditions can vary, sometimes being light and other times quite strong. Divers should be prepared for these potential changes. The average visibility at this site is excellent, typically around 16m, offering clear views of the vibrant reef.
What are the best months or seasons to dive at Ray's Point for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best months or seasons for optimal diving conditions at Ray's Point. For general guidance on diving in the region, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resource.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or recommended for Ray's Point?
While the data does not specify particular certification requirements for Ray's Point, its intermediate difficulty suggests that divers should ideally hold an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures you have the necessary skills and experience to handle potential currents and deeper sections of the dive safely.