Dive Site: Sister Bank

About Sister Bank

Sister Bank is a notable dive site situated in the Inner Islands of Seychelles, specifically near Praslin Island. It is widely recognized for its thriving marine biodiversity and impressive coral structures, making it a favored location for divers across various skill levels. This site is conveniently located between Praslin and the Sister Islands, often included in liveaboard itineraries exploring the region. The underwater topography at Sister Bank is characterized by striking rock formations and natural swim-throughs, creating diverse habitats for marine species. Depths at the site reach a maximum of 30 meters, with visibility typically ranging from 15 to 30 meters, allowing for excellent appreciation of the submerged landscape. The area is home to an array of reef fish and larger pelagic species. Divers frequently encounter shoals of snapper and the rare Armitage angelfish seeking shelter within the formations. Other common sightings include shoaling bumphead parrotfish, fusiliers, Hawksbill turtles, clown triggerfish, barracudas, and occasional grey reef sharks. Diving at Sister Bank is typically a boat entry and is often enjoyed as a drift dive due to the mild currents. The site's conditions, including good visibility and warm water temperatures, contribute to a comfortable and rewarding dive, though an intermediate certification is recommended to fully appreciate its features.

Dive site facts: Sister Bank

Depth

Up to 30 m

Typical dive

15–30 m, 50 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

24–30 °C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Drift, reef, rock formations

Region / port

Praslin, Inner Islands

Coordinates

4.9012° S, 55.0534° E

Conditions & Currents

Sister Bank experiences mild currents, making it well-suited for drift diving over its distinctive rock formations. While currents are generally manageable, they can occasionally be stronger, particularly around canyon drop-offs, which may attract larger pelagic species. Surface conditions typically present no surge. Divers should be prepared for boat entry and exit procedures. Visibility generally ranges from 15 to 30 meters, providing clear views of the underwater environment, and water temperatures remain warm, between 24°C and 30°C, throughout the year. The currents are instrumental in supporting the rich marine life observed at this site, necessitating good buoyancy control and dive planning for intermediate-level divers.

Marine life & sighting chances

Armitage angelfish

rare

Bumphead parrotfish

common

Hawksbill turtle

common

Grey reef shark

occasional

Barracuda

common

Snapper

common

Fusilier

common

Clown triggerfish

common

Napoleon wrasse

occasional

Giant grouper

occasional

Reef shark

occasional

Whale shark

October-November · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Sister Bank typically involves a boat entry, followed by a drift along the site's distinctive topography. Divers descend over dramatic rock formations, navigating through various swim-throughs and overhangs that provide shelter for diverse marine life. The average dive depth is between 15 to 30 meters, allowing exploration of vibrant coral gardens and rocky outcrops. Keep an eye out for shoals of snapper and bumphead parrotfish within the formations, and barracudas and Hawksbill turtles in the open water. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent, often incorporating a safety stop along shallower parts of the reef or in the blue, before surfacing for boat pick-up. Average dive time is around 50 minutes, depending on air consumption and depth profile.

Underwater photography

Sister Bank offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the grandeur of its dramatic rock formations, swim-throughs, and expansive coral gardens. A wide-angle lens is ideal for showcasing the topography and large schools of fish like bumphead parrotfish and fusiliers. For deeper shots or to enhance coral colors, external strobes are highly recommended. While wide-angle is primary, a macro lens can still be rewarding for capturing rarer species like the Armitage angelfish or other smaller reef inhabitants found tucked into crevices. Buoyancy control is paramount, especially when navigating swim-throughs, to avoid contact with delicate coral and rock surfaces. Maintain a respectful distance from marine life, particularly turtles and sharks.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• St. Pierre

  Known for shallow dives and macro photography, located within Curieuse Marine Park.

• Ave Maria (Praslin)

  Features vertical walls, diverse fish life, and frequent turtle sightings.

• White Bank

  Submerged granite boulders with sponges, corals, napoleons, and barracuda.

• South Marianne Island

  Advanced site with strong currents, attracting grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and dramatic topography.

• Curieuse Marine Park

  Offers diverse dive experiences including St. Pierre, with opportunities to see giant tortoises on land.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Sister Bank is primarily via liveaboard trips departing from Praslin. The main international airport for Seychelles is Victoria International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé. Divers typically fly into SEZ, then take a domestic flight with Air Seychelles or a high-speed ferry to Praslin to meet their liveaboard. Liveaboard itineraries exploring the Praslin area, including Sister Bank, commonly span 8 days and 7 nights. While some basic gear can be rented on liveaboards, divers are encouraged to bring their own equipment. No specific dive permits are generally required for Sister Bank, but national park fees may apply to certain parts of the broader itinerary.

Safety & environment

For dive safety in Seychelles, the nearest recompression chamber is located in Victoria, Mahé, requiring evacuation by boat or air in an emergency. Divers are strongly advised to have comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical emergencies, recompression treatment, and evacuation. At Sister Bank, divers should be aware of the potential for mild to moderate currents, especially during drift dives; maintaining good buoyancy and following the dive guide's instructions are crucial. Always dive within certification limits. Due to the presence of large pelagics and occasional stronger currents, an intermediate certification is recommended. Always verify local conditions with dive operators, as information may not be guaranteed accurate or current.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Sister Bank FAQ

Liveaboards diving Sister Bank

These liveaboards may visit Sister Bank 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