Passe en S is the channel connecting Mayotte's southern lagoon to the open ocean, and its S-shaped profile makes it one of the most well-known dive sites in the territory. Strong currents are the defining feature, and most dives here are drift dives requiring solid buoyancy control; the site is best approached by experienced divers. The channel and its neighbouring sites, including Passe Saziley and Îlot de Sable Blanc du Sud, cover a range of conditions, from calm beginner-friendly shallows around the white-sand islet to powerful flows through the pass itself. Reef sharks, eagle rays, regal angelfish, batfish, and giant clams are among the species recorded here.
Monthly water temperature across Passe en S's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperature reaches thirty degrees in March and April and falls to the mid-twenties from July to September. The cooler, calmer months of the dry season often offer better visibility in the channel, which can stretch to fifty metres at Passe Saziley, though conditions vary with tidal state regardless of season.
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Water temperature around Passe en S ranges from about 26°C in July to 30°C in March, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 30°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Passe en S; in the coldest months (about 26°C) step up to a 3mm full suit.
Fin maps 4 sites in Passe en S (3 scuba diving sites and 2 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
