Dive Site: Baie Ternay Marine Park

About Baie Ternay Marine Park

Baie Ternay Marine Park, nestled near Mahé Island in the Seychelles, stands as a premier dive site known for its extraordinary beauty and abundant marine life. This protected reef is accessible to divers of all levels, featuring shallow waters that reach a maximum depth of 23 meters. Its calm conditions make it ideal for both scuba diving and snorkeling, offering diverse coral formations and a thriving ecosystem. The park's topography includes spectacular coral reefs, characterized by both hard and soft corals that provide a dynamic habitat for numerous species. Divers can navigate through labyrinthine coral formations, encountering a vibrant array of tropical fish in addition to larger pelagic species. The shallow nature of the site, particularly around 20 meters, ensures a relaxing and accessible experience while still presenting opportunities for discovery. Marine life sightings are consistent throughout the year, with optimal conditions for viewing from April to May and October to November. During these transition months, visibility is at its best, enhancing encounters with everything from small invertebrates to reef sharks and turtles. The protected status of the park contributes to the excellent quality of its corals and the health of its diverse fish populations. Diving here typically involves boat access from nearby Beau Vallon or Bel Ombre. The site's generally low currents, usually less than 1 knot, ensure a comfortable experience, allowing divers ample time to explore the expansive reef system. Its natural beauty and ease of access make it a standout destination for underwater exploration in the Seychelles.

Dive site facts: Baie Ternay Marine Park

Depth

Up to 23 m

Current

Low (< 1 knot), occasionally light/strong

Visibility

5–10 m

Water temperature

29°C

Entry

Boat

Level

All experience levels

Dive type

Reef, coral gardens

Region / port

Mahé Island, Seychelles

Coordinates

4.6045° S, 55.4167° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents within Baie Ternay Marine Park are typically low, generally less than 1 knot, ensuring a relaxed and manageable dive experience. While occasional light to strong currents can occur, especially closer to the outer reaches of the park, the sheltered nature of the bay often results in calm waters. Visibility can range from 5 to 10 meters, though during peak seasons, it can extend further. Water temperatures remain consistently warm, averaging around 29°C. Entry to the dive site is typically by boat from Beau Vallon or Bel Ombre, with anchoring permitted on sand areas. Due to the mild conditions and accessible depths, divers of all experience levels can comfortably enjoy the site. There are no significant thermoclines reported at these depths, and surge is generally minimal within the protected marine park boundaries. Divers should still plan their air consumption considering the p

Marine life & sighting chances

Hawksbill Turtle

common

Moray Eel

common

Parrotfish

common

Lionfish

common

White-tip Reef Shark

common

Angelfish

common

Pufferfish

common

Trumpetfish

common

Octopus

occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Stingray

occasional

Grouper

occasional

Whale Shark

rare

Nudibranch

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Baie Ternay Marine Park typically commence with a boat descent into the clear, shallow waters, which are generally calm. Starting near the expansive coral gardens, divers gradually explore the reef system, which extends to a maximum depth of 23 meters. The profile often involves a gentle meandering along the reef, observing the intricate hard and soft coral formations and the myriad of colorful reef fish. For those seeking larger encounters, deeper sections of the park or nearby areas might reveal rays or sharks. The dive route is often guided by the natural contours of the reef, ensuring a relaxed experience for all skill levels. A safety stop is usually conducted over the shallower sections of the reef, allowing for a final observation of the diverse marine life before ascending back to the boat. Due to the generally low currents, divers can enjoy extended bottom times while exploring the vibrant ecosystem.

Underwater photography

Baie Ternay Marine Park offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse topography and abundant marine life. For capturing the expansive coral reefs and schools of fish, a wide-angle lens is recommended. The generally clear, shallow waters allow for natural light photography, but external strobes will enhance color saturation and detail, especially when shooting wide. When focusing on smaller subjects like nudibranchs, invertebrates, or seahorses, a macro lens is essential. Pay close attention to buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the delicate corals and sandy bottom. Patience is key for capturing marine turtles, octopi, or moray eels, which can be found tucked within the reef. Given the potential for vibrant colors, consider using a red filter or color correction if shooting without strobes, especially in deeper areas, to bring out the natural hues of the corals and fish.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Lighthouse Reef (Mahé)

  Located at the tip of the Baie Ternay Marine Park, offering granite formations and pelagic encounters.

• Twin Barges Wreck

  Two accessible shipwrecks, a short distance from Baie Ternay, teeming with marine life.

• Shark Bank (Mahé)

  A popular site for spotting reef sharks, eagle rays, and occasional whale sharks.

• St. Pierre

  St.

• Ste Anne Marine Park

  A well-known marine reserve offering various diving and snorkeling options.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Baie Ternay Marine Park is primarily via boat, typically departing from Beau Vallon or Bel Ombre on Mahé Island, which is a convenient 20-minute journey. International travelers usually arrive at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé. Many liveaboard cruises offer dives at Baie Ternay, with itineraries often combining it with other prominent dive sites around Mahé and the Inner Islands. Land-based dive centers in Beau Vallon also organize daily trips to the park, sometimes including snorkeling. There are no specific individual permits mentioned for diving in the marine park itself beyond standard dive operator fees. While trip lengths vary, a typical diving holiday in the Seychelles often spans 7 to 10 days, allowing for comprehensive exploration of multiple sites.

Safety & environment

While diving in Baie Ternay Marine Park is generally considered safe due to its calm and shallow conditions, standard dive safety protocols must be observed. The nearest recompression chamber is located on Mahé Island, requiring prompt evacuation by boat if a decompression illness incident were to occur. Divers should ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Site-specific hazards are minimal, primarily revolving around maintaining proper buoyancy to avoid contact with the delicate coral ecosystems. Divers should always follow their guide's instructions, stay within designated limits, and be mindful of other marine park users, including snorkelers and small boats. Carrying a surface marker buoy is recommended for increased visibility to boat traffic upon surfacing.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Baie Ternay Marine Park FAQ

Liveaboards diving Baie Ternay Marine Park

These liveaboards may visit Baie Ternay Marine Park on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Explorer 1

Seychelles

6 guests17 m

$522/day

Sea Pearl

Seychelles

16 guests36 m

$211/day

Sea Bird and Sea Star

Seychelles

18 guests42 m

$288/day