Perched in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the island of Rodrigues is surrounded by breathtakingly fertile waters. Immerse yourself in the depths of Rodrigues and discover a veritable biological Ali Baba’s cave nestled in its seabed, with flora and fauna unrivalled anywhere else on the planet.
What makes Rodrigues so attractive to divers?
Highly acclaimed for the brilliance and vitality of its coral, which covers three quarters of its seabed, Rodrigues Marine Park has now been elevated to the status of marine reserve. It stretches over a 45-kilometer spectrum, protecting over a hundred species of coral and myriads of fish.
Extraordinarily, the island has been shaped by the ages, sheltering behind its coral barricade one of the most sublime coral plateaus in the entire Indian Ocean! So many assets that make Rodrigues an irresistible stopover for diving enthusiasts.
Efforts to preserve nature
There are currently more than 273 varieties of coral in Rodriguan waters, some of them endemic. Concerned about preserving their environment, the inhabitants of Rodrigues and their government have taken restrictive measures to protect their seabed. Motorized water sports are prohibited here, and diving is only permitted as a drift. Thus, only man, and not his machines, touches the anchor.
It’s worth noting that the small number of diving clubs on the island makes a major contribution to safeguarding the various sites.
Where should you dive in Rodrigues?
Dive in the lagoon, along the drop-off and in the shallows for veterans. You’ll find pristine coral and a profusion of fish, which also attracts large predators. The underwater spectacles are simply enchanting.
During your stay in Rodrigues, you’ll be welcomed by a variety of spots, including coral gardens, passes, gorgonian fans and caves. First dives start at 4.50 meters, and the deepest can go down to 30 meters in the Saint François pass.
Divers sometimes find themselves confronted with surprises of considerable size, such as schools of more than 200 trevally!
The hotel of choice for diving in Rodrigues
Diving is a relatively recent activity in Rodrigues, with Jacques Degremont, a fervent enthusiast, opening the very first dedicated club in 1996. Driven by his love of the seabed, Jacques now oversees the island’s best club, located within the Tekoma Boutik Hotel. A superb establishment on a human scale bordered by a sublime wild beach, this is our choice of excellence on the island.
The club is ideally positioned facing the passe St Francois, offering easy access to the island’s east coast, where an 8 km by 3 plateau awaits you, virtually unexplored. On the first 3 kilometers, the depth does not exceed 30 meters, a friendly environment for all divers.
What can you see on a dive in Rodrigues?
The biological diversity of Rodrigues’ underwater fauna is phenomenal. Beneath the surface, a myriad of coral fish greet you: leaf fish, parrots, ghosts, dragons, syngnaths, butterflies and surgeons, green turtles, ignobilis jacks and even a few reef sharks.
The depths of Rodrigues are also home to rare species such as the Pegasus (the famous walking fish) and unbelievable endemics. These fish tend to be very friendly with divers, which could be a consequence of the absence of industrial fishing vessels in the area.
With its virtually untouched waters and underexploited sites, the little pearl of the Mascarene Islands never ceases to amaze marine explorers. Get your masks and snorkels!
