Diving in the Seychelles in June

Conditions in June

So, you're eyeing a dive trip to Seychelles in June, huh? That's a great choice, as June marks the beginning of the southeast monsoon season, bringing with it a distinctive shift in diving conditions that many seasoned divers absolutely love. While it’s often touted for its calmer periods, the southeast trade winds mean you can expect some choppier surface conditions, especially when traveling between islands. Don't let that deter you though; subsurface, the magic truly begins.

Water temperatures in June are consistently warm, hovering delightfully around 26-28°C (79-82°F), making for incredibly comfortable diving. You'll probably only need a thin 3mm wetsuit, or even just a rash guard, depending on your personal preference for warmth and protection from stinging plankton. Visibility-wise, June can be a mixed bag, but generally it's excellent. Expect visibility to range anywhere from a fantastic 20 meters up to a breathtaking 30 meters on a good day. However, these southeast winds can stir up the ocean, particularly closer to shore or around certain islands, occasionally reducing visibility slightly in localised areas.

The currents during this period are generally moderate, making drift diving a common and enjoyable experience around many of the outer atolls. These currents are also a key factor in the increased abundance of pelagic activity, which we'll dive into next. So, while the surface might be a bit sportier, the underwater world is often thriving and offers an exhilarating experience.

What you will see

June in the Seychelles is an absolute feast for pelagic lovers! The stronger currents during the southeast monsoon act like a magnet for larger marine life, bringing nutrient-rich waters closer to the reefs. This is the prime time to encounter various species of sharks, including the majestic whale sharks, though their appearances are less predictable than in the later months of the year. You're far more likely to come face-to-face with reef sharks – gray reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and silvertip sharks are frequent visitors to the outer reef systems, cruising effortlessly in the currents.

Manta rays are also a fantastic sight in June, particularly around cleaning stations and areas with consistent currents. Witnessing these graceful giants glide overhead is an unforgettable experience. Beyond the big stuff, the Seychelles reefs are bursting with colourful fish life, from enormous schools of fusiliers and snappers swirling around pinnacles to vibrant parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish decorating the coral gardens. Keep an eye out for large groups of barracuda and tuna too, often hunting in formation.

Macro enthusiasts won't be disappointed either. While the focus is often on the pelagics, the reefs still hold a treasure trove of smaller creatures. Look closely among the corals and crevices for ornate ghost pipefish, pygmy seahorses (if you have an eagle-eyed guide!), and a myriad of nudibranchs in every imaginable hue. The combination of pelagic action and abundant reef life makes June a truly dynamic time to explore the underwater wonders of the Seychelles.

Top dive sites this month

For incredible pelagic action and dramatic topography, you absolutely must target the Outer Islands. Sites like those around Desroches Island and Poivre Atoll offer spectacular wall dives and pinnacles, where the currents really bring in the big fish. Think schools of jacks, barracuda, and consistent shark encounters. These remote atolls are often only accessible by liveaboard, which for June, is definitely the way to maximise your diving experience.

Closer to the Mahé group, the Ennerdale Wreck, a 1970s British oil tanker, is always a fantastic dive, teeming with fish life and often visited by various pelagic species. Its deeper location makes it a great spot for advanced divers, and the currents can be quite strong, intensifying the marine activity. For stunning coral gardens and frequent sightings of reef sharks and eagle rays, Shark Bank, located off the northwest coast of Mahé, is another top contender. Its exposed location benefits from the currents, attracting a diverse array of marine life. Another must-dive is the granite formations of Brissare Rocks, particularly known for its sheer walls and abundance of large groupers and schooling fish.

Practical tips for your trip

Given the comfortable water temperatures of 26-28°C (79-82°F), a 3mm shorty wetsuit or even just a rash guard and board shorts will suffice for most divers. If you tend to get cold easily or plan on doing multiple dives a day, a full 3mm wetsuit would be ideal. June diving in Seychelles is suitable for experienced recreational divers due to the potential for stronger currents and choppier surface conditions, particularly on liveaboards venturing to the outer atolls. While beginners can still enjoy diving in more sheltered bays, to truly experience the best of what June offers, an Advanced Open Water certification and some experience with drift diving is recommended.

Liveaboard availability in June is generally good, and truthfully, a liveaboard is your best bet to access the iconic Outer Islands and experience the rich pelagic life this month truly delivers. Be sure to book well in advance, especially if you have specific dates or a particular boat in mind. What to pack? Besides your standard dive gear, consider a good quality surface marker buoy (SMB) and a whistle – essential for drift diving and safety in areas with currents. Sun protection is key, including reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, as the equatorial sun is intense. Also, bring some light, quick-drying casual clothes for topside, and if you're prone to motion sickness, don't forget your preferred remedy for potentially choppier seas between dive sites. Enjoy your Seychelles adventure!