Dive Site: White Bank

About White Bank

White Bank is a captivating dive site situated off Praslin, a highlight among the Seychelles' granitic Inner Islands. This submerged bank features impressive granite boulders that form a dynamic underwater landscape, providing shelter and foraging grounds for numerous species. It's often combined with nearby sites like Ave Maria for day trips, making it an accessible and rewarding destination for divers. The topography consists of large granite formations that extend from around 15 meters down to an average depth of 17-19 meters, though parts can reach 22 meters. These geological structures are covered in a rich tapestry of sponges and hard and soft corals, creating a colorful and intricate environment. The site is known for its mild to moderate currents, which contribute to the excellent visibility and healthy marine ecosystem. Marine life at White Bank is abundant and varied, ranging from schools of reef fish to larger pelagics. You can expect to encounter napoleon wrasse, giant groupers, and schools of barracuda and jackfish. Hawksbill turtles are common, and the site occasionally offers glimpses of whitetip reef sharks. During certain seasons, whale sharks are also a rare but thrilling possibility in the wider region. Diving White Bank typically involves exploring the boulder formations, observing the diverse coral growth, and keeping an eye out for both resident reef fish and transient pelagic species. Its manageable depths and generally good conditions make it suitable for a range of dive levels, while the dynamic marine encounters ensure an engaging experience for all.

Dive site facts: White Bank

Depth

15–22 m

Typical dive

17–19 m, 49–53 min

Current

Mild to moderate (1-2 knots)

Visibility

10–25 m

Water temperature

26–30 °C

Entry

Tender / Negative entry

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Drift, Reef, Boulder

Night dive

Possible (selected areas)

Region / port

Praslin, Seychelles

Coordinates

-4.2, 55.78

Conditions & Currents

Currents at White Bank are typically mild to moderate, generally ranging from 1 to 2 knots. This makes it an ideal spot for drift dives, allowing divers to effortlessly glide over the impressive granite formations and observe marine life. While usually manageable, conditions can vary, especially during certain moon phases or weather patterns. Divers should be prepared for potential stronger currents by ensuring good buoyancy control and staying close to the dive guide. Entry is typically by tender, and a negative entry may be advised to descend quickly to the sheltered parts of the reef. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 25 meters, but can reduce to 10 meters during plankton blooms, which coincidentally can attract larger pelagics like whale sharks.

Marine life & sighting chances

Napoleon Wrasse

occasional

Giant Grouper

occasional

Barracuda

common

Jackfish

common

Hawksbill Turtle

common

Whitetip Reef Shark

occasional

Yellowfin Soldierfish

common

Angelfish

common

Spiny Lobster

occasional

Whale Shark

September - November · rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at White Bank typically begins with a tender drop, often requiring a negative entry due to the potential for mild currents. You'll descend directly onto the top of the submerged granite formations, which start at around 15 meters. The dive usually progresses by drifting along the boulder-strewn reef, exploring the crevices and overhangs for hidden marine life like spiny lobsters and morays. You'll observe the vibrant sponges and corals that cover the rocks, keeping an eye on the blue for schools of barracuda, jackfish, and potentially napoleon wrasse or giant groupers. The maximum depth reached is generally around 19-22 meters. The dive will turn based on air consumption and no-decompression limits, and your safety stop will be conducted in the shallower sections of the bank, around 5 meters, before surfacing for tender pickup.

Underwater photography

White Bank offers fantastic opportunities for wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the grandeur of the granite boulders and the schooling fish. Consider using strobes to bring out the true colors of the abundant sponges and corals. For macro subjects, such as colorful nudibranchs or smaller reef inhabitants within crevices, a macro lens with a diopter will be beneficial. Be mindful of your buoyancy, especially when photographing close to the reef, to avoid accidental contact and protect the delicate ecosystem. Patience is key when waiting for barracuda or jackfish schools to pass by, or for hawksbill turtles to pose for a shot.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Ave Maria

  Often combined with White Bank for day trips, known for its canyons and crevices.

• St. Pierre

  A shallow, beginner-friendly site within Curieuse Marine Park, excellent for macro.

• Channel Rocks

  Known for strong currents and encounters with larger pelagics like eagle rays and sharks.

• South Marianne Island

  An advanced dive site with strong currents, dramatic topography, and frequent shark sightings.

Getting there & logistics

Access to White Bank is typically from Praslin, which is reachable via domestic flights or high-speed ferry from Mahé. Mahé hosts the Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), serviced by airlines such as Air Seychelles, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. Dive trips to White Bank are usually organized by local dive centers on Praslin, such as White Tip Divers or Cote D'or Octopus, and are often part of a multi-dive itinerary. Most trips are day excursions; liveaboard options are also available for extended diving around Praslin and nearby islands. There may be marine park fees applicable, which are usually included in dive package costs. Ensure your trip allows ample time to account for travel between islands.

Safety & environment

Diving at White Bank generally presents manageable conditions, but divers should always carry appropriate dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is located on Mahé, necessitating an emergency evacuation in the event of a decompression illness. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid contact with the fragile coral and sponges, especially photographers who are prone to higher contact rates. Given the potential for mild to moderate currents, good physical fitness and current-diving experience are beneficial. Always follow your dive guide's instructions, especially regarding entry and exit procedures and maintaining group cohesion. Be aware of boat traffic when surfacing and deploy a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB).

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

White Bank FAQ

Liveaboards diving White Bank

These liveaboards may visit White 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