Sister Bank - Inner Islands

Tortilla, over on the Caribbean coast, is one of our favourites for a completely different vibe. Forget the big pelagics; this site is all about the macro and the weird. We're talking rubble and rock formations, which, to the uninitiated, might sound a bit… drab. But that's exactly where the magic happens. Drop down to about 15 metres, often less, and immediately slow your pace. Visibility here usually hovers around 7 metres, so you need to lean in, quite literally. Our best dives here have been a meticulous search for the Roughbar Frogfish, which blends in so perfectly with the sponge-covered rocks that it practically dares you to find it. We've also spotted the odd Leopard Cusk Eel peeking out from under ledges, and the Panamic Soldierfish are almost always schooling in the shadowed overhangs. The key is to move slowly, really scrutinise the nooks and crannies. It’s not a drift dive, it’s a treasure hunt. If you love a challenge and the thrill of spotting the truly obscure, Tortilla delivers.

Location
Inner Islands, Seychelles, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.282300, 55.849500
Type
reef

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 Sister Bank

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 Sister Bank

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 Sister Bank?
The dive site at Sister Bank offers a varied depth profile, typically ranging from 15 to 25 meters. However, the maximum recommended depth for this site is 18 meters. This makes it suitable for divers with appropriate certification.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Sister Bank?
Divers at Sister Bank can expect to encounter a diverse range of marine life amidst its giant granitic boulders and interesting swim-throughs. Keep an eye out for impressive species such as Whale Sharks, Guitar Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Eagle rays, Humphead Parrotfish, and Turtles. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Sister Bank, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Sister Bank is rated as intermediate difficulty. While not suitable for absolute beginners, it's an excellent site for certified divers looking for a more engaging experience. Divers should have adequate training and experience for intermediate conditions.
What are the best months or time of year to dive at Sister Bank for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best months or time of year for optimal diving conditions at Sister Bank. For general information on seasonal diving in the Seychelles, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for Sister Bank?
Given the intermediate difficulty and a maximum depth of 18 meters at Sister Bank, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience to safely navigate the site's conditions and explore its depths.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions like at the Sister Bank dive site?
Divers visiting Sister Bank can typically expect an average visibility of 14 meters, offering clear views of the underwater landscape and marine life. The provided data does not specify the usual current conditions for this dive site.