Diving in Seychelles

Bull Shark

General species description, not specific to this destination

Bull sharks are one of the most impressive predators divers can encounter in warm coastal waters. These robust sharks are easily recognized by their broad, blunt snout, stocky build, and grey coloration with a white underside. Growing up to 11 feet long, they have a powerful, muscular appearance that commands respect underwater. Bull sharks are known for their curious nature and may approach divers, maintaining a confident but generally non-aggressive demeanor. They're often seen cruising along reef walls or in open water, sometimes in small groups. Their ability to tolerate both saltwater and freshwater makes them unique among sharks, and they're excellent hunters with a varied diet including fish, rays, and other marine life.

Spotted Eagle Ray

Destination note

Frequently sighted gliding over sandy channels and reef flats around Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Often seen in small groups during the calm inter-monsoon months.

Green Sea Turtle

Destination note

Abundant year-round on nearly every dive site around the inner and outer islands. Nesting season peaks October–February on isolated beaches. Frequently seen grazing on seagrass beds.

Hawksbill Turtle

Destination note

Regularly seen on coral reefs throughout Seychelles, especially around Curieuse Marine Park and Aldabra. Nesting occurs on Curieuse beaches October–February. Often observed resting under coral ledges.

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Destination note

Resident coastal populations around Mahé and Praslin, often seen in small groups patrolling reef edges and bays. Easily spotted from boats throughout the year.

Indian Ocean Blue-spotted Maskray

General species description, not specific to this destination

A ray with distinctive blue spots on a yellowish-brown disc, found in the Indian Ocean. It inhabits sandy bottoms near coral reefs.

Common Lionfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

The stunning Common Lionfish is immediately recognizable by its dramatic fan-like pectoral fins and bold red, white, and brown stripes. These graceful predators glide slowly through the water with their venomous spines spread wide like a feathered headdress. Despite their beauty, lionfish are aggressive hunters that use their large mouths to vacuum up small fish and crustaceans. Originally from the Indo-Pacific, they've become established invaders in Caribbean waters. Divers often spot them hovering near coral formations or rocky overhangs during the day, moving with deliberate, almost theatrical movements. Their confidence underwater is striking – they rarely flee from approaching divers, making them excellent photography subjects when observed from a respectful distance.

Great Barracuda

Destination note

Solitary hunters and small aggregations common on outer reefs and channels throughout Seychelles. Frequently seen hovering in mid-water near drop-offs at most dive sites.

Sky Emperor

General species description, not specific to this destination

A stout emperor fish with a pale body, subtle bars or mottling, and strong jaws suited to picking prey from sand and reef edges. It has a robust profile and forked tail typical of lethrinids. Larger individuals are important reef predators and are vulnerable to fishing pressure in parts of their range.

Thorny Seahorse

General species description, not specific to this destination

A marine species with typical characteristics for its taxonomic group. Found in various marine habitats.

Threespot Angelfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

A marine species with typical characteristics for its taxonomic group. Found in various marine habitats.

Zebra Lionfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

A compact lionfish with bold zebra-like bands, fanlike pectoral fins, and venomous dorsal spines. It is usually reddish brown, white, and cream, blending well against ledges and coral rubble. Like other lionfishes, it is a sit-and-wait predator of small fishes and crustaceans.