Dive Site: Shark Bank (Mahé)

About Shark Bank (Mahé)

Shark Bank, located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Mahé in open water, is a submerged granite plateau that rises from depths exceeding 60 meters to a broad top at around 18 to 20 meters. This seamount effect creates a unique ecosystem, drawing in an exceptional density of marine life, particularly large pelagics. The site's topography features a lunar-like landscape of smooth granite boulders interspersed with sand, providing shelter and resting spots for numerous species. Divers here can expect to see an impressive array of megafauna. Marble rays and bull rays, some with wingspans over two meters, are frequently encountered resting on the granite surfaces. Grey reef sharks patrol the plateau edges in consistent circuits, and nurse sharks can be found tucked into the crevices between boulders. During the transitional monsoon seasons, the bank becomes a reliable interception point for whale sharks, offering the chance of a truly unforgettable encounter. Beyond the large animals, the plateau supports healthy gorgonian fans, barrel sponges, and resident schools of batfish. Giant trevally make aggressive hunting passes, adding to the dynamic underwater scene. The granite substrate provides a distinct diving environment, differing significantly from coral-based reefs and highlighting the Seychelles' geological origins as continental fragments. Shark Bank is considered an advanced dive due to its exposed location and potential for strong, unpredictable currents. Surface conditions can also be rough, making for an uncomfortable boat ride. However, for experienced divers, the site rewards with a raw, wild glimpse into the Seychelles' rich marine biodiversity.

Dive site facts: Shark Bank (Mahé)

Depth

15–40 m

Typical dive

25–40 m, 40–50 min

Current

Strong and unpredictable

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

25–30°C

Entry

Live drop / negative entry

Level

Advanced Open Water, current experience required

Dive type

Pinnacle, pelagic, drift

Region / port

Mahé, Inner Islands

Coordinates

-4.5833, 55.3333

Conditions & Currents

Shark Bank is situated in exposed open water and can experience strong, unpredictable currents that may change direction during a dive. These currents are a primary reason the site attracts large pelagic species. Divers should be prepared for potential drift diving conditions and have excellent buoyancy control.

Marine life & sighting chances

Whale shark

March–May, Sept–Nov · occasional

Grey reef shark

common

Nurse shark

common

Marble ray

common

Bull ray

common

Eagle ray

occasional

Giant trevally

common

Batfish

common

Yellowfin tuna

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Fusilier

common

Humphead parrotfish

occasional

Hawksbill turtle

occasional

Green turtle

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Shark Bank typically begin with a live drop from the boat directly onto the top of the submerged granite pinnacle at approximately 15 meters. From there, divers descend to circumnavigate the pinnacle, often at depths of around 25 meters, exploring the edges where pelagic action is most prevalent. The dive may progress deeper, reaching the base of the pinnacle at 40 meters, to observe larger marine life congregating at greater depths. Due to the potential for strong currents, the dive often involves a drift, with divers maintaining close proximity to the granite formations. The turn point is usually dictated by air consumption and bottom time, after which a gradual ascent is made. The safety stop typically occurs at 5 meters in open water, requiring careful management of buoyancy and awareness of boat traffic for pickup.

Underwater photography

Shark Bank is an exceptional site for wide-angle photography, especially given the potential for whale shark encounters and large schools of pelagic fish. A fisheye or wide-angle rectilinear lens will best capture the immense granite formations and the vastness of the marine life. For close-up shots of rays or nurse sharks resting in crevices, a mid-range zoom lens might be useful, but the primary focus should be on the grand scale. Natural light is often sufficient on the pinnacle top, but strobes are recommended to bring out the colors of gorgonian fans and sponges at deeper levels and to properly expose darker areas or subjects against the bright surface. Maintain excellent buoyancy to avoid stirring up sand from the plateau and practice proper etiquette when approaching marine life, particularly whale sharks, to minimize disturbance.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Brissare Rocks (Mahé)

  Another granite pinnacle known for biodiversity and pelagics.

• L'Ilot

  A small granite island with arches and swim-throughs, also accessible from Mahé.

• Conception Island

  Features majestic granite boulders and seasonal whale shark sightings.

• Twin Barges Wreck

  A popular wreck dive near Mahé, good for night diving.

Getting there & logistics

To reach Shark Bank, divers typically fly into Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé. Dive trips to Shark Bank are usually day excursions operated by dive centers located on Mahé's northwest coast, primarily from Beau Vallon or Victoria. The boat journey to the site takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on sea conditions. Due to its exposed location, the trip is weather-dependent and may be cancelled in rough seas. Shark Bank is often offered as a special trip requiring advance booking and may have minimum diver requirements. It is a premium site often combined with other Inner Island dives on multi-day itineraries, though liveaboards also visit. There are no specific park fees mentioned for this particular site, but general marine park fees may apply in Seychelles.

Safety & environment

Safety at Shark Bank is paramount due to its exposed location and potentially strong currents. Divers must hold an Advanced Open Water certification and demonstrate proficiency in current diving. The nearest recompression chamber is located at Victoria Hospital on Mahé, approximately 45-60 minutes by boat and then road from the site. Comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency evacuation and recompression treatment is essential. Site-specific hazards include unpredictable currents, rough surface conditions, and significant depths which demand conservative dive planning and excellent air management. Divers should always follow their dive guide's instructions, maintain buddy contact, and be prepared for potential drift ascents. It is advisable to dive with experienced local operators familiar with the site's unique conditions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Shark Bank (Mahé) FAQ

Liveaboards diving Shark Bank (Mahé)

These liveaboards may visit Shark Bank (Mahé) 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