Bigorno Diving Center
★ 5/5 (548 reviews)
Trou aux biches · Mauritius · Indian Ocean
Max. depth · 20 mBatfish Alley - Banc rouge, Trou aux Biches, Mauritius
Follow the crystal-clear waters into a cul-de-sac canal where curious Batfish (Platax) are the star attraction.
What makes this site special
- Exploring a unique cul-de-sac canal formation.
- Common sightings of Batfish (Platax).
- Diving in consistently clear waters.
- Accessible for divers of all experience levels.
- Rich in diverse fish species.
- Sheltered rocky habitat at the channel's end.
Batfish Alley - Banc rouge about the site
Your dive at Batfish Alley begins with a beautiful passage through water that is often strikingly clear, inviting you into a world teeming with marine activity. This site, known as Banc rouge, guides you on a leisurely exploration over varied underwater terrain. As you descend, the ambient light filters through, illuminating the myriad fish that populate this serene environment, setting the tone for a relaxed and engaging dive experience from the very first moments.
The journey unfolds as you drift along, observing the vibrant marine life that congregates here. The topography of Batfish Alley is defined by its canal-like structure, leading you steadily towards its distinctive feature. This natural formation serves as a natural magnet for marine creatures, creating numerous nooks and crannies for fish to inhabit. The gentle progression through this underwater landscape feels less like a dive and more like an immersive tour of a thriving aquatic neighbourhood.
The climax of the dive leads you into a remarkable cul-de-sac, a channel that narrows and ends amidst a collection of large rocks. This geological feature is precisely where you can expect to encounter the site's namesake, the Batfish (Platax). These elegant, disc-shaped fish are a common sight here, often congregating in groups, seemingly unbothered by the presence of divers as they glide gracefully through their rocky domain. It's a special interaction, watching them navigate the crags and crevices of their sheltered 'alley'.
Beyond the Batfish (Platax), the alley and its surrounding rocks provide shelter and foraging grounds for a diverse array of other fish species. The calm conditions within this natural impasse allow for closer observation of the smaller inhabitants and the intricate coral formations that cling to the rocks. The feeling of being enclosed yet open, surrounded by active marine life, offers a sense of discovery that makes the journey to this remote site worth the effort during the calm summer months.
Diving conditions
Batfish Alley is accessible for divers of all levels, establishing it as a welcoming destination for both new and experienced divers. The depth consistently holds at 20 metres throughout the dive, offering a comfortable profile. This site is best dived during the summer months, from October to April, when weather conditions are favourable for the journey to this distant location.
