underwater discovery
Rodrigues is a tiny island located in the middle of the Indian Ocean under Mauritius territory. What makes this tiny island so unique you may ask? The well preserved marine environment with a large surrounding lagoon, a diverse marine life and more than 300 coral species definitely makes for a legit diving destination.
Did you know that environment minister is a diver himself who banned all pollution on the island a few years ago? The marine life is thriving and whenever you decide to dive around the reefs, you’ll be greeted by a lively and diverse marine life including rays, turtles, reef sharks, and countless other species. Also, underwater features countless caves and canyons which are such a fantastic thing to explore during the session.
As you’ve probably heard, Rodrigues is one of the most famous kitesurfing spots in the world, but did you know that it is also becoming a hot spot for diving? The majority of diving spots are located on the south and east coast. Arguably, the east coast features the most diving spots and according to others, it’s the best place to be while diving in Rodrigues waters. You can pick among 20 different dive sites including exploration of coral reefs, canyons and just deep blue waters.
sea life
The most famous site for diving is by far St. Francois pass that features a 1-kilometer long canal located just off the coast. The canal is home of exotic marine life like diverse and colorful fish species including tuna and rays. Around St. Francois pass, there are a few diving spots where you can experience extreme diving exploring the deepest parts of the underwater canyon. It sounds like full of adrenaline, right? Don’t get too excited since you have to be certified diver to be able to explore canyons.
La Basilique is just another diving spot that you shouldn’t miss. It features a breathtaking underwater scenery featuring corals and a colorful marine lifestyle. This spot is usually a place where beginners can get certified or dive with certified divers. This spot reaches a depth of 25 meters and is located on the northeastern part of the island.
Eastern coast is a true paradise for divers and it’s a home of another stunning spot; Le Canyon.This spot is a bit extreme and requires experience and certification since you’ll be going inside the canyon with a rope. It’s a very breathtaking spot since a whole canyon is located beneath a coral reef.
La Grande Pass is the most popular diving spot suitable for beginners. It doesn’t differ much from other spots when it comes to experience. The spot features a diverse marine life and colorful coral reefs along with crystal clear waters with a depth of about 20 meters.
perfect conditions
The best season for diving around Rodrigues waters is a high season. The high season takes a place between October and December when you can expect a good visibility, water temperatures that reach 27C, tranquil waters and even a possibility to stumble upon a flock of whales. Another favorable period to dive is between March and May, just before getting into a low season when winds tend to blow from Australia.
biodiversity
Waters around the huge lagoon surrounding the island feature a rich and biodiverse marine life and you’ll have a chance to stumble upon following species (among thousand):
learn
When it comes to dive centers, the most popular and reliable are by far Bouba Diving Center located on Mourouk and Cotton Dive Center on Pointe Coton. Both diving centers have professional and certified (PADI and CMSI) drivers who’ll be your instructors underwater. Since there are countless diving spots around the island, it totally depends on your experience which one you will take. At the mentioned diving centers, you can take open water classes, but also take part in advanced dives through canyons.
Already a kitesurfer? Great, you are looking at the perfect website.
Not yet a kitesurfer? Great, you are still looking at the perfect website.
Rodrigues and more specially Mourouk, is among the best kitesurfing spot in the world. This next holiday is the perfect opportunity to enjoy pure conditions and ride in the massive lagoon starting just in front of the hotel. If you come to learn, there are many kite school all around the hotel that will soon let you call yourself a real kitesurfer.
