L’Ilot

About this dive site

This dive site, L’Ilot (The Islet), is a small island located just 200 meters from Mahe in the Seychelles. It's renowned for its exhilarating drift dives, characterized by strong and sometimes extreme currents. Divers should be comfortable navigating in these conditions and should have proper buoyancy control to manage the currents. The underwater topography of the passage is not extensively documented, but the currents and the variety of marine life found suggests the presence of varied terrain. The dive site is highly likely to be a natural formation, rather than an artificial structure.

The marine life at L’Ilot is incredibly diverse. Divers can encounter a variety of sharks including Whale Sharks, Guitarfish, Grey Reef Sharks, and Nurse Sharks. Large schools of Eagle rays (10-50) are a common sight, alongside Bumphead Parrotfish and Turtles. While the description doesn't specify other fish species or coral types, the diversity of larger animals suggests a rich ecosystem likely including many other fish and invertebrate species.

The best time to visit L’Ilot is during the Seychelles' calmer months, typically from April to October. During this time, currents are less intense, though still considerable, making for a safer and more enjoyable dive. Divers should always check the weather and current conditions before embarking on a dive at this site. Due to the strong currents, freediving is strongly discouraged, and only experienced scuba divers with proficiency in managing currents should attempt this dive. Good buoyancy control is essential.