The diving around Rodrigues is said to be some of the best in the Indian Ocean. The reefs here are untouched by industrial pollution and the water is usually very clear.
Snorkelling is also excellent and many hotels and guest houses arrange boat trips.
Although there are dive resort courses for beginners, Rodrigues diving is best suited to qualified divers. There are several dive centres, a couple at Port Mathurin and some around Cotton Bay.
There are two options for diving categories in Rodrigues either inside the lagoon (which surrounds the island) or in the open sea. The lagoon edges are closer to land on the east side of the island than the west. The marine life here is stunning, coral arches and deep ravines offer excellent diving. Shallow dive sites are accessible for beginners in the lagoon. Experienced divers can enjoy a huge variety of sites during their stay.
Inside the reef barrier, sites include 'The Aquarium' where colourful species such as Parrot Fish, Trumpet Fish, Clown Fish and Sea Anemones abound close to the surface and 'The Canyon' which runs under a coral barrier where Groupers, Morays and Lobsters can be found. At St Francois Pass (a 30m dive) there is a stream which carries divers about 1km. This is an amazing dive with roundabout shoals of Big Eye Kingfish, sometimes Turtles and even small Sharks.
In the open sea there is a variety of colours and shapes which have for years been protected against tourism and fishing exploitation. There are around thirteen different dive sites. Several shipwreck sites are also of interest.
