Aquabulle Octopus

Aquabulle Octopus has been operating out of Saint-Leu, Réunion, since 2002. Situated directly within the UNESCO-listed Marine Reserve, the centre provides access to a highly diverse underwater landscape characterised by rugged relief and vibrant reef systems.

The location is ideal for those looking to explore the island's volcanic coastline, with most dive sites reached within a 10 to 20-minute boat ride. Whether you are looking for a single exploration dive or a structured training programme, the centre operates year-round to accommodate different diver needs.

The centre is affiliated with PADI, FFESSM, and ANMP, allowing it to cater to both international divers and those following the French national training standards. This dual affiliation ensures a broad range of curriculum options for anyone looking to progress through their certifications.

Instruction covers all levels, including dedicated programmes for children and specialised training such as DPV (diver propulsion vehicle) and underwater scooter courses. The team manages morning departures at 08:00 and afternoon sessions at 13:00, ensuring a structured approach to daily dive schedules.

The training catalogue is extensive, covering PADI certifications such as Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and Deep Diver. For those following the FFESSM pathway, courses range from Niveau 1 through to Niveau 4, alongside specific technical levels like PE12 and PE40.

Specialised training is also a core part of the curriculum, including Nitrox (simple and confirmed) and DPV/scooter courses. For divers looking to professionalise, the centre offers Divemaster training and EFR (Emergency First Response) courses.

A full range of rental kit is available on-site, including regulators, wetsuits, fins, and masks. For those interested in night diving, torches are available for hire.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time. The centre also provides underwater scooters for those wishing to explore the reef with increased mobility.

The reefs are home to a vast array of colourful fish, including schools of fusiliers, parrotfish, and surgeonfish such as the crowned surgeonfish and the convict surgeonfish. You will also encounter various triggerfish, including the clown triggerfish and the titan triggerfish, alongside emperor angelfish and various species of wrasse.

Macro life and crustaceans are abundant throughout the reserve. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs, including the psychedelic nudibranch, as well as various crabs, porcelain crabs, and hermit crabs. The area is also a prime spot to find octopus, frogfish, scorpionfish, and various species of moray eels, such as the ondulée moray and the white-mouthed moray.

The larger pelagics and iconic species include green sea turtles and coral sharks. During the season from July to October, the waters also host humpback whales, providing unique opportunities for observation.

Diving is possible throughout the year, with water temperatures ranging between 22°C and 29°C. The site's location within the Marine Reserve provides a variety of habitats, though divers should always check local conditions for swell and current before heading out.