Dive Site: Cousin Island

Dive site facts: Cousin Island

Depth

0–18 m

Typical dive

8–18 m

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

28–30 °C

Entry

Boat dive

Level

Beginner friendly, intermediate

Dive type

Reef, boulder, protected marine reserve

Region / port

Praslin, Seychelles

Coordinates

4.3300° S, 55.6600° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents around Cousin Island can be variable; while some reviews note mild to no current, others indicate moderate or even tricky conditions, especially near the island edges. Dive plans must account for potential current build-up, necessitating a current-aware approach with boat logistics. Entry into the water is typically a negative or quick descent to avoid surface currents and ensure the group stays together. Divers should maintain awareness of their surroundings, particularly looking outwards into the blue for pelagic encounters. The dive profile is often a guided circuit, allowing divers to follow the contours of the reef while managing current flow. Safety stops should be carefully executed, potentially near the reef wall if it provides shelter from any prevailing currents.

Marine life & sighting chances

Hawksbill Turtle

common

Moray Eel

occasional

Lionfish

occasional

Napoleon Wrasse

occasional

Sweetlips

common

Grouper

common

Reef Shark

occasional

Manta Ray

occasional

Whale Shark

September–November · occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Nurse Shark

occasional

Parrotfish

common

Stingray

occasional

Trumpetfish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Cousin Island are typically guided boat dives, beginning with a swift entry from the boat to ensure the group descends together, especially if currents are present. The dive usually follows a controlled circuit around the island's protected reef and boulder formations, with depths primarily ranging from 8 to 18 meters. Divers are encouraged to maintain careful buoyancy control to navigate the granite and coral structures, observing the abundant fish life and feeding turtles. The route explores the complex topography, looking for lobsters within rockwork and schools of tropical fish above the coral. Turn points are determined by air consumption or bottom time, with a focus on a gradual ascent. The safety stop is performed at 5 meters for three minutes, often near a sheltered part of the reef or in visual contact with the boat, ensuring a smooth and safe surfacing for pickup.

Underwater photography

Cousin Island offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the healthy coral gardens, expansive granite formations, and schools of fish. A wide-angle lens is ideal for showcasing the reef’s overall health and the protected marine environment, including large schooling fish. For close-up shots of the numerous hawksbill turtles, moray eels, or smaller reef inhabitants, a macro lens can be beneficial. Given the shallow to mid-depth range, natural light is often sufficient, but strobes can enhance colors and bring out details on coral and fish. Maintain impeccable buoyancy to avoid any contact with the protected reef. When photographing turtles, approach slowly and respectfully, keeping a safe distance to observe their natural behavior without disturbance, aligning with the reserve's strict no-touch policy.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Whale Rock

  Known for whale shark sightings and underwater rock formations.

• Red Point

  A beginner-friendly dive site.

• South Marianne Island

  Famous for unique topography, caves, and pelagics for advanced divers.

• L'Ilot

  Granite island with arches and swim-throughs, whale shark season from September to November.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Cousin Island is strictly controlled as it is a Special Reserve, requiring booking through licensed operators for guided visits. The primary international gateway to Seychelles is Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé. From Mahé, divers typically take inter-island flights with Air Seychelles to Praslin, from where dive centers operate. Most dive trips to Cousin Island are day trips, integrated into itineraries that include other sites around Praslin and La Digue. Permits and guide fees are typically included in the dive operator's package. Modern dive equipment rental is available, but specialized gear repairs might be limited. The experience is designed to be orderly, aligning with the reserve's nature conservation and ecotourism focus.

Safety & environment

Safety at Cousin Island is paramount, particularly given its protected status and the potential for variable currents. Divers must adhere to the guide-led format, staying with their group at all times and respecting the reserve’s strict no-touch and no-collect rules. Strong currents around the island edges are a key hazard, requiring divers to be current-aware and maintain excellent buoyancy. In case of separation, divers should surface and signal the boat, which will track and pick them up, avoiding swimming towards it unassisted. The nearest recompression chamber is likely on Mahé. Divers should ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation. Photographers and divers completing multiple dives should be extra vigilant, as these groups have shown higher contact rates with reefs.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Cousin Island FAQ

Liveaboards diving Cousin Island

These liveaboards may visit Cousin Island on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Explorer 1

Seychelles

6 guests17 m

Sea Pearl

Seychelles

16 guests36 m

Sea Bird and Sea Star

Seychelles

18 guests42 m