Dive Site: Trois Bancs

About Trois Bancs

Trois Bancs is a remarkable dive site in the Seychelles' Inner Islands, distinguished by its unique topography of three granite-based reefs. This site features steep drop-offs, vertical walls, massive ledges, and small caves, creating a dramatic underwater landscape. Depths typically range from 8 to 30 meters, with divers often drifting along the walls and over the drop-offs. The granite formations are home to abundant reef fish, moray eels, and stingrays. Observant divers may even spot ghost pipefish. The currents at Trois Bancs can be notably strong, which makes it an advanced site. These currents are also the reason for the rich pelagic life, attracting reef sharks, turtles, and in season, whale sharks. The site's dynamic environment ensures exciting encounters. Diving here involves navigating these currents, often as a drift dive, making it unsuitable for beginners. The rewarding marine encounters and unique geological features make Trois Bancs a highlight for experienced divers in the region.

Dive site facts: Trois Bancs

Depth

8–30 m

Current

Strong

Visibility

Often over 30 m

Water temperature

28–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced, current experience essential

Dive type

Wall, drift, pelagic

Region / port

Inner Islands, Seychelles

Coordinates

4.2694° S, 55.6792° E

Conditions & Currents

Trois Bancs is characterized by potentially strong currents, making it an advanced dive site. Divers can expect to perform drift dives along the walls and over the drop-offs, utilizing the current to experience the site. These currents are a key factor in attracting the large pelagic species observed here. Experienced divers with excellent buoyancy control and comfort with drift diving are best suited for this site. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, particularly during the calmer months, but strong currents can sometimes affect clarity near the walls. Entry is typically from a boat, and careful planning for entry and exit points is crucial due to the prevailing currents. There are no reported thermoclines or significant boat traffic concerns at this specific site.

Marine life & sighting chances

Reef sharks

common

Sea turtles

common

Whale sharks

August-November (peaking October) · occasional

Moray eels

common

Stingrays

common

Reef fish (myriad)

common

Humphead parrotfish

common

Ghost pipefish

occasional

Big pelagics

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Trois Bancs typically begin with a boat entry, allowing divers to drop directly onto or near the granite reefs. Due to strong currents, divers usually engage in a drift dive, moving along the site's vertical walls and over its steep drop-offs. The route explores the unique formations of massive ledges and small caves, maintaining depths between 8 and 30 meters. The dive often follows the prevailing current, showcasing the abundant reef fish and larger pelagic species attracted to the stronger water flow. The turn point is often dictated by air consumption or the extent of the drift. Safety stops are performed in the open water at the end of the drift, with the boat following the divers for a comfortable pick-up.

Underwater photography

For capturing the dramatic topography and pelagic action at Trois Bancs, a wide-angle lens is ideal. This allows photographers to encompass the sweeping walls, deep drop-offs, and larger marine life such as reef sharks and turtles. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the coral formations and fish against the blue water, especially when dealing with the potential for deeper shots. Due to strong currents, excellent buoyancy control is paramount for stable shots. When whale sharks are present, ethical photography practices dictate maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding flash photography that could disturb them. Consider a fast shutter speed to freeze action in the current.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• One Tree Island

  A shallow granite site known for reef fish, suitable for less experienced divers.

• Brissare Rocks (Mahé)

  Granite pinnacle site with dense fish life and potential for larger marine animals; strong currents can occur.

• Shark Bank (Mahé)

  Another granite pinnacle site off Mahé, similar to Brissare Rocks with abundant schooling fish.

• Île Cocos Marine Park

  A reef site popular for snorkeling and diving, featuring granite and reef formations with abundant marine life.

• Ave Maria (Praslin)

  Reef site with granite-and-reef formations, popular for turtles and reef fish, often combined with Île Cocos.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Trois Bancs is typically arranged via day boat operations from the Inner Islands, predominantly Mahé or Praslin, where most dive centers are located. The main international gateway to Seychelles is Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, with flights from various international carriers. Liveaboards primarily focus on the Outer Islands, so for Trois Bancs, land-based diving is the more common approach. Typical dive trips to sites like Trois Bancs are often part of multi-day dive packages offered by local centers. While there are no specific park fees mentioned for Trois Bancs itself, general marine park fees may apply depending on the operator and itinerary. Divers should ensure their equipment is in good working order as repair facilities for personal gear may be limited, though rental gear is modern and available.

Safety & environment

Diving at Trois Bancs, especially with its strong currents, requires divers to be advanced and proficient in buoyancy and drift diving techniques. Divers must ensure they are adequately insured for scuba diving, including emergency evacuation and recompression chamber access, as this site can present advanced challenges. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Mahé, and emergency evacuation from dive sites in the Inner Islands can be facilitated by local services. Site-specific hazards primarily include the strong, unpredictable currents, which necessitate careful dive planning, buddy checks, and communication with the dive guide. Always carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) for safe ascent and surface visibility. Adherence to dive guide instructions is crucial for a safe experience.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Trois Bancs FAQ

Liveaboards diving Trois Bancs

These liveaboards may visit Trois Bancs 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

$211/day

Sea Bird and Sea Star

Seychelles

18 guests42 m

$288/day