Dive Passion Mauritius
Google 4.8/5 (176 reviews)
Belle Mare · Mauritius · Indian Ocean
Max. depth · 33 mSea Fan Forest, Belle Mare: Dive into a Gorgonian Wonderland
Descend into the vibrant depths of Sea Fan Forest, where ancient gorgonian corals form a living labyrinth teeming with unique reef fish and pelagic visitors.
What makes this site special
- Dense forest of thick-trunked gorgonian sea fans.
- Green parrotfish engaging in hide-and-seek behaviour.
- Groupers, boxfish, pufferfish, and batfish within the gorgonian forest.
- Schools of striped bonito around the central peak.
- Regular sightings of dogtooth tuna in the vicinity.
- Very good visibility enhances the colourful reef.
- Serene yet animated underwater environment.
For subtitles in English: start the video firstthen click the gearat the top right of the video, select “Subtitles/CC”, then “Auto-translate” and choose “English”.
Sea Fan Forest about the site
Dropping into Sea Fan Forest, you immediately understand the site's name. From around 22 metres, large, ancient gorgonian sea fans begin to appear, their thick, gnarled trunks creating an intricate, almost impenetrable woodland. This is not a scattered collection; rather, it’s a veritable forest that demands exploration, inviting you to weave through its living structures while keeping an eye out for the marine life taking refuge amongst its branches.
The topography here is characterised by a central peak, around which the gorgonian forest flourishes. As you approach, you'll often be greeted by schools of green parrotfish, playing a perpetual game of hide-and-seek among the coral's deep recesses. This vibrant activity sets the tone for the dive, offering a sense of playful discovery as you slowly make your way deeper into the site, towards its maximum reported depth of 33 metres.
Within the protective embrace of the gorgonian forest, a rich diversity of reef fish finds sanctuary. Groupers lurk mysteriously behind the thick trunks, their watchful eyes following your progress. You'll encounter curious boxfish and pufferfish, often blending seamlessly with their surroundings until their sudden movements reveal their presence. Additionally, batfish, with their distinctive shapes, glide through the spaces between the sea fans, adding to the serene, yet lively, atmosphere of the peak.
Beyond the immediate reef, the open water surrounding Sea Fan Forest holds its own draws, particularly around the peak itself. Keep an eye on the blue for larger, more dynamic encounters. Schools of striped bonito are frequently observed, moving with purpose in coordinated formations. These fast-moving pelagics add an exciting element to the dive, providing a stark contrast to the more sedentary reef dwellers and showcasing the vibrant, animated nature of this dive site.
Diving Sea Fan Forest: the marine life you’ll meet
Diving conditions
Sea Fan Forest is exclusively for experienced divers, with a depth range from 22 to 33 metres. Visibility here is consistently very good, offering clear views of the extensive gorgonian forest and its inhabitants. While the specific current at this site isn't detailed, the Belle Mare pass generally experiences currents, suggesting the potential for some water movement.
Three dives not to miss
Map of hotels, dive sites and dive centres in Belle Mare
Dive centres in Belle Mare
Hotels in Belle Mare
Frequently asked questions about SEA FAN FOREST
What experience level does Sea Fan Forest require?
Sea Fan Forest is exclusively for experienced divers. The site reaches substantial depth and involves exploring an extensive gorgonian forest around a central peak. You will weave among thick, gnarled sea fans while observing marine life sheltering within them, making comfort and confidence in this environment important.
How deep is Sea Fan Forest?
Sea Fan Forest ranges from 22 to 33 metres. Large gorgonian sea fans begin appearing at around 22 metres, while the site extends toward its maximum reported depth around the central peak. The depth makes this a site for experienced divers who are comfortable exploring deeper reef terrain.
What current should you expect at Sea Fan Forest?
The specific current at Sea Fan Forest is not detailed. However, the Belle Mare pass generally experiences currents, so you should be prepared for the possibility of water movement. Conditions may affect how you explore the gorgonian forest, central peak, and surrounding open water during the dive.
What can you see at Sea Fan Forest?
You can explore a dense forest of thick-trunked gorgonian sea fans with very good visibility. Green parrotfish move among the branches, while groupers, boxfish, pufferfish, and batfish shelter within the forest. Around the central peak, schools of striped bonito pass by, and dogtooth tuna are regularly seen nearby.
