This dive site, Ile aux Bénitiers, is primarily known as a popular snorkeling stop during boat trips on Mauritius Island. Situated in a shallow lagoon, the site offers extremely limited scope for scuba diving due to its maximum depth of 2 meters, making it unsuitable for traditional dive profiles. Navigation underwater is straightforward given the shallow, confined nature of the lagoon. There is no specific historical information or story related to the dive site itself, beyond its popularity as a tourist attraction.
Despite some unfortunately damaged corals in this highly frequented area, snorkelers can still observe a wide variety of colourful fish on the reef. The marine life consists mainly of smaller, vibrant reef fish commonly found in shallow tropical lagoons. Specific species are not mentioned, but typical lagoon inhabitants would be expected, offering a pleasant experience for surface viewers.
The best time to visit Ile aux Bénitiers is during its popular day trips, offering an iconic backdrop of the majestic Morne Brabant mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site. While excellent for snorkeling and surface activities, scuba divers will find this site unrewarding due to its extreme shallowness. It is perfectly suited for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a relaxed swim or snorkel in a picturesque setting. It is not suitable for advanced freedivers seeking depth but can be enjoyed for casual breath-hold diving.
