Coin de Mire is a predominantly boat-access dive area built around the volcanic island off the north coast of Mauritius. The site mix spans beginner-friendly reef dives, drift dives with meaningful current, a cave and cavern system at 3 Caves, a vertical wall dropping well below recreational limits, and the El Djabeda Wreck, a Japanese fishing vessel now colonised by hard and soft corals. The Emperor Angelfish and Giant Moray are consistently observed across sites, while the Spotted Eagle Ray and Spanish Dancer appear more selectively. Conditions tend to favour the cooler, calmer shoulder months when visibility opens up.
Monthly water temperature across Coin de Mire's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperatures peak through the summer months from January to April, then ease through a cooler mid-year period before climbing again in late spring. The cooler months from May through October draw the strongest diver interest, likely reflecting improved conditions at exposed sites such as The Channel and The Wall. Sites like Carpenter Reef carry current year-round, so checking conditions before each dive is worthwhile.
5 more sites to explore
Water temperature around Coin de Mire ranges from about 24°C in July to 28°C in January, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 28°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Coin de Mire; in the coldest months (about 24°C) step up to a 3mm full suit.
Fin maps 17 sites in Coin de Mire (15 scuba diving sites and 3 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
The Emperor Angelfish and Giant Moray are observed consistently across the dive sites here. The Blackspotted Pufferfish, Mauritian Clownfish and Checkerboard Wrasse are also very commonly encountered. More selective sightings include the Spotted Eagle Ray, Spanish Dancer, Day Octopus and Grey Reef Shark.
Several sites here are rated beginner level, including Confetti Bay, Flat Island and The River, all offering reef diving at manageable depths. Intermediate and advanced sites such as Carpenter Reef, The Wall and the El Djabeda Wreck require more experience, particularly where drift conditions or depth are factors. Operators Dodo Divers and Indigo Divers both run trips in the area.
Almost all dive sites in Coin de Mire require boat access, which reflects the offshore nature of the area. Confetti Bay is the one site offering both shore and boat entry. Operators organise boat departures to the full range of sites, including the El Djabeda Wreck and Carpenter Reef.
The area goes well beyond flat reef diving. The El Djabeda Wreck provides a wreck dive with coral growth across the structure. Carpenter Reef and 3 Caves both feature underwater caves and caverns, while The Wall is a vertical drop-off suited to intermediate divers. Drift conditions are present at Carpenter Reef and Stingray Bed.
