The Inner Islands of Seychelles spread across five sub-areas, from the site-rich waters around Mahé and Praslin to the quieter reefs of Silhouette Island and Frégate Island. Granite foundations shape much of the underwater terrain, producing pinnacles, boulders, canyons and drift reefs alongside shallower coral gardens and seagrass beds. Skill levels run the full range: calm, shallow entries suit beginners, while deeper pinnacles such as Shark Bank and complex sites like South Mariane Island draw advanced divers. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Spotted Eagle Ray and Emperor Angelfish are consistently observed across the archipelago.
5 areas
44Granite-and-coral reefs around Mahé host Spotted Eagle Ray, Emperor Angelfish and Hawksbill Sea Turtle across sites suited to all levels.
31Granite reefs and drift sites around Cousin Island, with reliable Hawksbill Sea Turtle and Spotted Eagle Ray sightings.
19Reef and drift diving around granite islands, with Hawksbill Sea Turtle and Spotted Eagle Ray at nearly every site.
11Monthly water temperature across Inner Islands's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water stays warm throughout the year, peaking in the months from March to May and dipping slightly in August, which marks the cooler season. The best diving conditions align with two distinct windows: a spring peak around April and May, and a strong autumn peak in October and November. Currents are a notable factor at exposed sites such as Shark Bank and Sister Bank, making conditions more variable mid-year.
49 operators
Reef diving and snorkelling around a granite island, with Emperor Angelfish, Marble Ray and Grey Reef Shark among the regularly observed species.
Water temperature around Inner Islands ranges from about 26°C in August 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 Inner Islands; in the coldest months (about 26°C) step up to a 3mm full suit.
Fin maps 107 sites in Inner Islands (86 scuba diving sites and 41 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both), organised into 5 areas.
Across Inner Islands's dive sites, April, May, October and November are most often reported as the best months to visit.
The Inner Islands have a strong record of observation for Spotted Eagle Ray, Hawksbill Sea Turtle and Whitetip Reef Shark across many sites. Shark Bank, as its name suggests, is a noted site for shark activity. The Whale Shark is also listed among the signature species of the region, typically associated with the warmer months. Day Octopus and Indian Lionfish round out the highlights for those paying attention to smaller, more cryptic animals.
The region caters well to beginner divers, with a good number of sites rated for entry-level ability. Coral Gardens off Praslin, Cherimon near Cousin Island and Mannes Bank off La Digue are all accessible to those new to diving. Intermediate and advanced sites such as Channel Rock and South Mariane Island are available for those with more experience and comfort in mild to moderate currents. Shore entry is available at select sites, making independent access straightforward for beginners.
Mahé has the largest concentration of sites and is home to several dive operators, making it the most practical base for exploring the region. Praslin offers a strong mix of beginner and advanced sites, including the deep pinnacle of Shark Bank and the drift reef of Sister Bank. La Digue's sites tend toward intermediate drift diving, while Silhouette Island provides a more remote feel with fewer but varied options. Frégate Island has a small number of sites and suits those already staying on the island.
The majority of dive sites in the Inner Islands are accessed by boat, reflecting the island geography and the position of many reefs offshore. A small number of sites, including Coral Gardens, offer both shore and boat entry. Sainte Anne Marine National Park is accessible by shore for snorkellers. Most operators listed in the region, including UDive Centre Mahe, Dive Explorer Seychelles and Atoll Divers, run boat-based trips to the key sites.
