NORTH ISLAND DIVE SITES
North Island has 13 sites in total. Those that have not been included here are very shallow and would suit less experienced divers or snorkelers. The nine listed here are worthy dive sites for seasoned divers.
Sprat City (Rated: 7/10)
• Situated at West Beach, North Island, the average depth ranges between 7m – 24m.
• There are three coral mounds teeming with life. This is a very active dive site with diverse fish life.
• Seasonal shoals of sprats inhabit the reef from late June, making it virtually impossible to see the reef, hence the name Sprat City. Other common sightings are the regal angelfish, humphead parrotfish, napoleon wrasse, powder blue surgeonfish, bluebanded surgeonfish, unicorn fish, white tip reef sharks, variegated lizardfish, emperor angelfish and oriental sweetlips. Shoals of gamefish move in and out, depending on the season and time of the day. Common sightings here are great barracuda, golden pompano, fulvie kingfish, golden kingfish. Spotted eagle rays are also a regular sighting. Coral growth is returning and there are many species of hard coral on this site.
• This dive site is approximately 10 minutes from the launch area.
The Spot (Rated: 9/10)
• Situated near North Island, average depth is 18–35m and slopes to deeper depths.
• This is an incredibly active dive site which is rated one of the top sites by the dive team. Strong currents often prevail here making it difficult to remain on the spot. This dive is only recommended for experienced divers.
• Hard corals can be seen on this dive. The likes of staghorn coral is seen. Large shoals of fish move in and out and shark sightings are almost guaranteed. Large shoals of blue banded snappers are always seen here, in addition to many species of the kingfish family. Large round ribbontail rays are also spotted here.
• The big attraction about this site is the abundance and variety of fish life.
Fisherman’s Plateau (Rated: 8/10)
• Situated near North Island, the depth ranges between 18m – 30m, a sloping dive site that attracts life at 18m.
• Similar to The Spot, an abundance of fish life is the main attraction here. Shark sightings are good. The kingfish family is a common sighting, with many varieties within the family being seen. Other regular sightings are emperor angelfish, powder blue surgeons, many species of the butterfly fish family and blue banded surgeonfish. The exciting aspect of this site is that anything can happen here and the diver merely needs to wait and be patient. There is plenty of action on this site.
Outer Banks (Rated: 6/10)
• Situated near North Island, the depth ranges between 20m – 40m as the site slopes down to deeper depths.
• Again, this site has most of the action on the shallower parts. Bigger fish move in and out whilst the smaller inhabitants go about their business. Coral life is fair. Octopi are regular sightings here. Oriental sweetlips are common as well as ray activity.
Hang Ten (Rated: 6/10)
• Situated near North Island, the laid back atmosphere of the site is what named it.
This has the same type of depth as Outer Banks, ranging from 20m – 40m, sloping down to deeper depths.
• On a good day this site can be very active, but quiet on others.
Twin Anchors (Rated: 8/10)
• Situated off Silhouette, the average depth here is 6m – 19m.
• In addition to the stunning topography, the other exciting feature of this site is the coral growth and amount of coral life.
• There are 2 anchors scattered over this site and it is always a challenge to find both.
• From the dive team’s perspective, an exciting encounter here is the orbicular batfish. Towards one end of the reef they appear as if ghosts and circle the divers for a long period of time. If divers are quiet and steady enough, the fish will approach and nibble on their fingers!
• Nudibranches are often seen along with the Spanish dancer eggs. The odd white tip reef shark can be seen as well as green job fish.
The Rock (Rated: 5/10)
• Situated off Silhouette, the average depth here is 2m to 18m.
• This is a large rock that sits very high up in the water, almost reaching the surface. The attraction here is that the diver can dive along the massive rock and look up towards the surface for an interesting view.
• Game fish are not often seen here but the smaller reef fish are in abundance.
The Gulley (Rated: 8/10)
• Situated off Silhouette, the average depth is 12m to 19m.
• This is a very interesting site, rated very highly by the dive team. Of interest is the fact that you are diving alongside the granite cliffs which have some major cracks in them, producing awesome scenery underwater. The diver is able to swim into the cracks and the sound of the waves breaking overhead is something to experience.
• Shark activity and gamefish sightings can be expected.
Shark Bank (Rated: 9/10)
• Near Mahé, depth range 20–27m.
• A typical shark dive with sightings almost guaranteed.
• Other sightings: spotted eaglerays and round ribbontail rays.
• Shoals of gamefish can be sighted as they move in from deeper to shallower depths.
• An exciting and interesting dive.
