Dive Site: L'Ilot

About L'Ilot

L'Ilot is a small, granite island located approximately half a kilometer from Mahé, easily accessible from Beau Vallon. This site is significant for its unique underwater topography, which continues the dramatic granite formations found above water, creating a diverse landscape for divers. The dive site allows for circumvention of the entire island, revealing underwater arches, swim-throughs, and boulder gardens formed by the granite. Depths typically range from 18 to 25 meters, reaching a maximum of 27 meters. Both coral reefs and varied rock formations host a rich array of marine species, with stronger coral growth and larger fish often found in deeper sections. Divers frequently encounter turtles, common dolphins, and a variety of colorful reef fish. The site is particularly renowned for whale shark sightings, especially between September and November. Other common marine life includes eagle rays and healthy gorgonian corals. L'Ilot is suitable for both beginner and advanced divers due to its clear waters and generally steady conditions. While currents can be medium (1-2 knots) and at times strong, requiring close attention to the dive guide, good visibility often extends up to 30 meters. Night diving is also a popular option, offering a chance to see corals "bloom." Many dive operators based in Beau Vallon provide short boat rides to this nearby location.

Dive site facts: L'Ilot

Depth

5–30 m

Typical dive

15–20 m, 50–60 min

Current

Moderate (1–2 knots)

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

28–30°C

Entry

Boat / Tender

Level

All levels

Dive type

Reef, drift, granite formations

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Mahé, Seychelles

Coordinates

-4.6, 55.38

Conditions & Currents

Currents at L'Ilot are generally moderate, typically ranging from 1 to 2 knots, making it manageable for divers of various experience levels. While not consistently strong enough to necessitate dedicated drift diving techniques, divers should be mindful of these moderate flows, especially when navigating around the granite formations. Visibility is a consistent highlight, frequently extending beyond 20 meters and reaching up to 30 meters during peak seasons. Water temperatures are comfortably warm, averaging around 29°C throughout the year, minimizing the need for thick wetsuits. Entry and exit are typically boat-based, often via tender, ensuring safe access to the site's unique underwater topography.

Marine life & sighting chances

Whale shark

September to November · occasional

Moray eel

common

Lionfish

common

Spanish dancer

occasional

Green turtle

occasional

Dolphin

occasional

Batfish

common

Barracuda

occasional

Crayfish

common

Parrotfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at L'Ilot typically begins with a boat entry, dropping into the clear waters near the granite outcrop. The initial descent leads you along the sloping reef and into the realm of impressive granite boulders. You'll navigate through natural arches and swim-throughs, with depths varying between 5 and 20 meters, exploring the coral-encrusted walls for moray eels and lionfish. The route often circumnavigates the small island, allowing for a comprehensive view of its diverse topography and marine life. Deeper sections can reach up to 30 meters, particularly on the outer edges. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent, allowing for a safety stop at 5 meters, often conducted near the vibrant, shallower reef areas before surfacing for boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

L'Ilot offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the dramatic granite formations, arches, and swim-throughs that characterize the site. A wide-angle lens will best convey the scale of these underwater landscapes. For macro enthusiasts, the coral-covered walls and crevices are home to smaller subjects like nudibranchs, crabs, and juvenile fish, making a macro lens equally rewarding. Due to the high visibility, natural light can be sufficient in shallower areas, but strobes are recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine life, especially when shooting into the deeper blue or inside the swim-throughs. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid disturbing the delicate coral growth and to navigate the tight spaces without contact.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Ennerdale Wreck

  A famous wreck dive for advanced divers, located northeast of Mahé.

• Twin Barges Wreck

  A beginner-friendly wreck site off Beau Vallon with resident marine life.

• Brissare Rocks

  Known for strong currents and pelagic sightings, 5km north of Mahé.

• Sainte Anne Marine Park

  A protected marine park, excellent for turtles and easy diving.

• Shark Bank (Mahé)

  A deep reef with granite pinnacles, attracting reef sharks and eagle rays.

Getting there & logistics

Access to L'Ilot is primarily from Mahé, with most dive operators departing from Beau Vallon Bay. The Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé is the main international gateway, with flights from various global carriers. Dive trips to L'Ilot are typically day excursions, often combined with other nearby sites, lasting half a day or a full day. Liveaboards operating in the inner islands also frequently include L'Ilot in their itineraries, offering a more extensive diving experience across multiple sites. Marine park fees may apply, typically around $12 USD, which are often included in dive package pricing. No special permits are usually required beyond standard dive certifications.

Safety & environment

Safety at L'Ilot is generally straightforward, but divers should be aware of the moderate currents that can occasionally be encountered. Always dive with a reputable operator and follow your dive guide's instructions. The nearest recompression chamber is located on Mahé, approximately 5 km from Beau Vallon, providing essential medical support in case of emergencies. Dive insurance, covering medical evacuation and recompression, is strongly recommended for all divers visiting the Seychelles. While marine life is abundant, exercising caution and maintaining a respectful distance from all creatures, especially lionfish and moray eels, is advised. Avoid touching any marine life or corals to protect both yourself and the fragile ecosystem.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

L'Ilot FAQ

Liveaboards diving L'Ilot

These liveaboards may visit L'Ilot on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Sea Bird and Sea Star

Seychelles

18 guests42 m

$288/day

Explorer 1

Seychelles

6 guests17 m

$522/day

Sea Pearl

Seychelles

16 guests36 m

$211/day