Dive Site: One Tree Island

About One Tree Island

One Tree Island is a well-known, shallow dive site located off the coast of Mahé, the largest of the Seychelles' Inner Islands. This site is particularly valued by divers keen on observing a wide array of fish species, thriving on a unique granite substrate. Its accessibility makes it a popular choice for divers of varying experience levels looking for classic reef fish encounters in the region. Underwater, the site features a granite foundation, which serves as a habitat for various marine organisms. The topography contributes to a vibrant ecosystem, with depths that allow for comfortable exploration. While specific structural details like swim-throughs or walls are not prominent, the site's layout focuses on open reef observation. Marine life at One Tree Island is abundant and diverse. You can expect to encounter numerous reef fish, including large humphead parrotfish, moray eels, and stingrays. For those with a keen eye, the elusive ghost pipefish can sometimes be spotted. This site is known for its consistent fish presence rather than seasonal aggregations of large pelagics. This location is generally considered suitable for beginner and intermediate divers due to its shallow nature and typically good visibility. Diving here often involves exploring the reef at a relaxed pace, focusing on marine observation. Conditions are usually calm, making it a comfortable experience for less experienced individuals.

Dive site facts: One Tree Island

Depth

8–30 m

Current

Variable

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

28–30 C

Entry

Liveaboard only

Level

All levels

Dive type

Reef, fish focus

Region / port

Seychelles Inner Islands

Coordinates

4.8988° S, 55.2158° E

Conditions & Currents

One Tree Island is generally characterized by calm conditions and good visibility, making it an accessible dive for many. The site is shallow, which contributes to its generally stable environment, though localized gentle movements can occur. Divers can anticipate a relaxed experience, without strong currents necessitating advanced techniques or significant gas planning beyond standard recreational limits. Entry and exit are typically straightforward, suitable for all skill levels. Visibility commonly extends beyond 15 meters, sometimes reaching 30 meters or more, providing clear views of the marine life and granite formations. There are no reported issues with thermoclines or significant boat traffic at the site itself, allowing for a focused and enjoyable dive.

Marine life & sighting chances

Moray eels

common

Stingrays

common

Reef fish

common

Humphead parrotfish

common

Ghost pipefish

occasional

Angelfish

common

Butterflyfish

common

Octopus

common

Lionfish

common

Nudibranchs

common

Mantis shrimp

common

Reef sharks

occasional

Green turtles

common

Hawksbill turtles

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Starting your dive at One Tree Island involves descending onto its shallow granite substrate. The dive typically progresses by exploring the various crevices and formations created by the granite, which serve as excellent hiding spots for moray eels and stingrays. Maintain a comfortable depth while observing the myriad reef fish and looking out for large humphead parrotfish in the open water. For macro enthusiasts, a slow and observant pace is key to spotting camouflaged creatures like the ghost pipefish. The site's generally good visibility allows for a relaxed pace throughout the dive, culminating in a gradual ascent. Your safety stop will be conducted in the shallowest part of the site, offering continued opportunities for observation before surfacing.

Underwater photography

One Tree Island's focus on reef fish and smaller elusive creatures like ghost pipefish makes it an excellent site for both wide-angle and macro photography. For capturing the schools of humphead parrotfish and the overall reefscape, a wide-angle lens with external strobes is recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the coral and fish. When seeking out moray eels, stingrays, or the more hidden ghost pipefish, a macro lens will be essential. Practice excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the shallow substrate and to get clear shots of your subjects. Given the good visibility, natural light can be effective for ambient shots, but strobes will enhance color and contrast, especially in shaded areas of the granite formations.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Trois Bancs

  Known for strong currents, steep drop-offs, walls, and pelagics.

• North Island

  Features fantastic coral reefs, pinnacles, and diverse reef fish including sharks and rays.

• Napoleon

  Offers beautiful soft corals, abundant fish life, and macro subjects.

• L'Ilot

  Granite island with underwater arches and swim-throughs, known for turtles and dolphins.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Seychelles is primarily through Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé. From Mahé, inter-island flights are available to Praslin, which is a common base for exploring inner island dive sites. Diving in Seychelles can be arranged through both liveaboards and land-based operations, catering to all skill levels. Most dive centers offer modern equipment rental, though repair facilities for personal gear may be limited. While specific permit or fee information for One Tree Island is not provided, many dive sites in Seychelles fall within marine protected areas that may incur fees. Trips often combine diving with land-based activities due to the proximity of beaches and other attractions.

Safety & environment

While diving in Seychelles, it's crucial to ensure comprehensive dive insurance is in place, covering medical emergencies and evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is typically located on Mahé, requiring logistical planning for evacuation from more remote sites. For One Tree Island, a relatively shallow site, general dive safety protocols apply: always dive within your training limits, monitor air consumption, and maintain neutral buoyancy to protect the marine environment. Although currents at this specific site are not detailed, divers should be prepared for varying conditions common in the region. Always follow your dive guide's instructions and conduct regular buddy checks.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

One Tree Island FAQ

Liveaboards diving One Tree Island

These liveaboards may visit One Tree Island 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

$212/day

Sea Bird and Sea Star

Seychelles

18 guests42 m

$288/day