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Trou aux biches · Mauritius · Indian Ocean
Max. depth · 18 mThe 3 Anchors: Exploring 17th-Century Relics in Trou aux Biches
Descend to a quartet of 17th-century anchors resting between 13 and 18 metres, often accompanied by a dozen green sea turtles.
What makes this site special
- Explore three authentic 17th-century anchors very close to each other.
- Regularly encounter over a dozen green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) resting on the reef.
- Spot elusive frogfish (Antennariidae) on the anchors and surrounding rock.
- Observe colourful reef fish on small walls and coral formations.
- Unique experience of diving alongside tourist submarines operating at depth.
- Ideal for night dives, offering a different view of the site's inhabitants.
- Accessible for divers of all experience levels.
- Shallow to moderate depths between 13 and 18 metres.
The 3 anchors about the site
Dropping into The 3 Anchors, you quickly find yourself drifting over an underwater landscape defined by gentle walls and volcanic rock formations, all carpeted in coral. The main draw becomes apparent as you approach the 13 to 18-meter range: three magnificent 17th-century anchors. These aren't hidden artifacts; they are relatively close to each other, resting on the bottom, each a silent sentinel of a bygone era. Their presence gives the site its name and a tangible connection to the maritime history of Mauritius.
As you explore the small walls and coral-encrusted rocks, your eyes will frequently be drawn to the resident population of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). It's not uncommon to count over a dozen of these graceful creatures, often found resting serenely above the low walls or tucked into the volcanic outcrops. Their calm demeanor allows for observational encounters, a highlight for many divers who visit this spot, making it a reliable destination for turtle sightings.
Beyond the turtles and the impressive anchors, the site pulses with typical reef activity. Colourful reef fish dart in and out of the coral growth on the walls, adding a constant visual tapestry to the dive. Keep a keen eye on the anchors themselves and the surrounding rocky seafloor, as this is a known locale for spotting frogfish (Antennariidae) – masters of camouflage that reward diligent searchers with their peculiar forms.
One truly distinctive aspect of a dive at The 3 Anchors is the potential for an unexpected encounter: tourist submarines. Operating at depth nearby, the sight of a submarine gliding past is a unique spectacle, creating a memorable moment for both divers and the passengers inside. It adds a futuristic contrast to the ancient relics and natural beauty of the reef, making for a truly one-of-a-kind dive experience.
Diving The 3 anchors: the marine life you’ll meet
Diving conditions
This site is accessible to divers of all levels, welcoming everyone from novices to the more experienced. Depths here range comfortably between 13 and 18 metres, making it an excellent profile for extended bottom times. The 3 Anchors is also particularly well-suited for night dives, offering a different perspective on its historical elements and nocturnal marine life.
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Map of hotels, dive sites and dive centres in Trou aux biches
Dive centres in Trou aux biches
Hotels in Trou aux biches
Frequently asked questions about The 3 anchors
When should you dive The 3 Anchors?
You can choose The 3 Anchors for a daytime dive or plan a night dive. The site is particularly well-suited to night diving, when the historical anchors and nocturnal marine life offer a different perspective. During the day, you can explore the coral-covered walls, volcanic rock formations, and marine life around the anchors.
What level of diver is The 3 Anchors, and how deep is it?
You can dive The 3 Anchors at any experience level, from novice to experienced diver. The site ranges between 13 and 18 metres, offering a shallow to moderate profile with scope for extended bottom times. Gentle walls, volcanic rock formations, and coral-covered areas shape the underwater landscape at these depths.
What can you see while diving The 3 Anchors?
You can explore three authentic 17th-century anchors resting relatively close together on the bottom. Around them, look for green sea turtles resting on low walls and volcanic outcrops, elusive frogfish on the anchors and nearby rock, and colourful reef fish moving through coral formations. Tourist submarines may also pass nearby at depth.
What is a night dive at The 3 Anchors like?
A night dive at The 3 Anchors gives you a different view of its historical elements and nocturnal marine life. You can examine the three 17th-century anchors among coral-covered rocks and gentle walls while looking for frogfish on the anchors and surrounding rock. The site welcomes divers of all experience levels.
