Bigorno Diving Center
★ 5/5 (548 reviews)
Trou aux biches · Mauritius · Indian Ocean
Max. depth · 26 mHidden Reef (Whale Rock) - Amphitheatre, Trou aux Biches
At Hidden Reef's Amphitheatre, you'll encounter a vibrant wall dive adorned with soft corals, fan corals, and glass corals, frequented by large pelagics.
What makes this site special
- Wall dive with depths from 14 to 26 metres.
- Decorated with soft corals, fan corals, and glass corals.
- Frequent schooling fusiliers and batfish.
- Sightings of giant moray eels.
- Known passage for large pelagic fish.
- Located off Cap des Canonniers, Trou aux Biches.
Hidden Reef - Amphitheatre about the site
Dropping into the Amphitheatre at Hidden Reef, off the point of Cap des Canonniers in Trou aux Biches, immediately immerses you into a world of dramatic underwater topography. This site is aptly named, as you find yourself descending alongside a distinct wall, a natural stage for the vibrant marine life that calls this place home. The initial descent takes you into a depth range of 14 to 26 metres, offering a comprehensive profile that caters to various dive plans, allowing ample time to explore the intricate details of the reef.
As you follow the contour of the wall, the true artistry of the Amphitheatre unfolds. The rock face is not merely a grey backdrop; it's a canvas upon which nature has painted with an array of soft corals, delicate fan corals, and the ethereal shimmer of glass corals. These intricate formations create a living tapestry, providing shelter and sustenance for countless smaller inhabitants, and demanding a closer look with every kick cycle. The interplay of light and shadow on these formations adds another layer to the visual experience.
Your gaze will inevitably be drawn to the open blue, as this site is a crucial congregation and transit point for larger marine life. Here, you'll find yourself amidst schools of fusiliers, their silver bodies flashing in unison as they patrol the currents. Keep an eye out for the distinctive shapes of batfish and the powerful presence of giant moray eels emerging from their rocky lairs, a testament to the rich food chain supported by this impressive wall.
While the decor of the wall is captivating, the real thrill often comes with the presence of pelagic species. Hidden Reef (Whale Rock) - Amphitheatre is known as a passageway for big fish, the kind that give a wall dive its extra dimension. From the moment you descend, be prepared to scan the deeper blue, as the occasional visitor, from various large fish species, can make a sudden appearance, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement to your dive profile.
Diving conditions
Hidden Reef (Whale Rock) - Amphitheatre is accessible for all levels of divers, with depths ranging from 14 to 26 metres. Be prepared for strong currents that can sometimes sweep through the area, occasionally making the site unworkable. Dive planning should account for variable conditions, as currents can be initiated by winds blowing from miles away, affecting both the flow and potentially the water clarity.
