Dive Site: Le Sec Aux Boutres

About Le Sec Aux Boutres

Le Sec Aux Boutres is a distinguished dive site located near Arta, Djibouti, celebrated for its rich marine biodiversity and stunning underwater scenery. This site is particularly favored by divers for its beautiful coral formations and consistently clear waters, providing an exceptional experience for those seeking dynamic underwater encounters. Diving here typically explores depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters, revealing both hard and soft coral formations teeming with abundant reef fish. While the site itself is primarily a vibrant reef, the broader Djibouti region is known for diverse underwater landscapes including walls and lava flows, hinting at the geological richness of the area. The optimal diving conditions, characterized by good visibility and calm seas, are most reliably found from October to February. This period also coincides with the region's whale shark season, although Le Sec Aux Boutres’ main allure lies in its lively reef ecosystem rather than encounters with large pelagics. The site is accessed exclusively by boat, ensuring a guided and structured dive. Divers can anticipate an engaging reef dive with ample opportunities to observe a wide array of reef fish. Djibouti's dive sites are generally quiet and less crowded than more popular Red Sea destinations, allowing for a more immersive and peaceful exploration of this fantastic underwater environment.

Dive site facts: Le Sec Aux Boutres

Depth

10–30 m

Current

Typically calm, can be moderate

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

27°C (81°F)

Entry

Boat dive

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Reef, coral

Region / port

Arta, Djibouti

Coordinates

11.7256° N, 43.0874° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Le Sec Aux Boutres are typically calm, making for a relaxed dive experience. However, divers should be prepared for the possibility of moderate currents, especially considering the wider Djibouti region can experience stronger tidal movements in certain areas. Visibility at the site is consistently good, often ranging from 15 to 30 meters, though temporary reductions can occur due to weather events. Water temperatures are comfortably warm, averaging around 27°C (81°F). All dives are conducted as boat dives, necessitating careful entries and exits from the tender, and divers should be comfortable with basic techniques and potential minor current changes.

Marine life & sighting chances

Hard corals

Year-round · common

Soft corals

Year-round · occasional

Jacks

common

Barracuda

common

Nurse sharks

occasional

Manta rays

occasional

Dolphins

occasional

Reef fish (various)

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Le Sec Aux Boutres typically begin with a boat entry, providing direct access to the reef from the tender. After descending, divers generally follow the natural contours of the reef, exploring its colorful coral gardens. Depths vary from shallower sections around 10 meters down to a maximum of 30 meters, offering ample opportunities to observe the diverse marine life thriving among both hard and soft corals. The dive often continues along a section of the reef at a comfortable depth, allowing for extended bottom time and thorough exploration. Turn points are usually determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits. Divers then slowly ascend, completing their safety stop in the shallower parts of the reef or in the blue, depending on conditions, before resurfacing to the boat.

Underwater photography

Le Sec Aux Boutres offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, ideal for capturing the expansive, healthy coral formations and schooling reef fish. A wide-angle lens is perfect for showcasing the vibrant colors of the reef. For documenting individual fish and smaller reef inhabitants, a macro lens can be rewarding, especially when exploring the intricate details of the corals up close. Given the excellent visibility, natural light may suffice in shallower areas, but strobes are highly recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine life, particularly in deeper sections. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid damaging the delicate corals and to position yourself for the best shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• The Red Virgin

  A stunning reef dive site known for rich marine life.

• Ras Korali

  A highly regarded dive site with rich biodiversity and coral formations.

• The Dome

  The Dome is a dive site located in Djibouti's Gulf of Tadjourah, a significant basin at the entrance to the Red Sea.

• Le Boutre

  A known wreck dive site in the region.

• Salem Wreck

  One of the wreck dives in Djibouti.

Getting there & logistics

Diving in Djibouti typically involves flying into Djibouti City's Ambouli International Airport (JIB). From there, divers often join liveaboard trips that depart from Djibouti City or nearby ports like Arta, where Le Sec Aux Boutres is located. Liveaboards are a popular option, offering week-long itineraries to explore various dive sites across the region, including the Seven Brothers Islands and areas known for whale sharks. Day trips by boat are also available for sites closer to the mainland. While specific permit fees for this site are not detailed, marine park fees or local dive taxes may apply across Djibouti's dive areas. A typical liveaboard trip will combine Le Sec Aux Boutres with other significant sites, providing a comprehensive diving experience.

Safety & environment

The nearest recompression chamber is located in Djibouti City, approximately an hour's drive or boat ride from Arta. Evacuation in case of a serious diving emergency would involve transport by boat to the nearest port, followed by road transport to the medical facility. Divers are strongly advised to have comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical emergencies, recompression treatment, and emergency evacuation. Site-specific hazards are generally low with calm conditions, but divers should always be aware of moderate currents that can occasionally arise. Maintaining good buoyancy control is essential to protect the delicate corals. Always dive with a certified operator and follow your dive guide's instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Le Sec Aux Boutres FAQ

Liveaboards diving Le Sec Aux Boutres

These liveaboards may visit Le Sec Aux Boutres on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Elegante

Djibouti

14 guests25 m

$209/day

Felicidad II

Djibouti

18 guests30 m

$210/day