Mascareignes Plongee

Located at the Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains port on the west coast of Réunion Island, Mascareignes Plongée has been a fixture of the local diving community since 1994. The centre operates within the boundaries of the Réunion Island Nature Reserve, providing access to some of the most protected marine environments on the island.

Whether you are looking to start your training or are an experienced diver seeking exploration dives, the centre provides a professional base for your activities. The proximity to the reef and the established local knowledge make it a reliable choice for those wanting to experience the island's underwater landscape.

The centre is led by Patrick Fournier, a Regional Instructor with a 2nd Degree State Diploma. He is joined by Christine, a Monitrice holding a 2nd Degree Federal Instructor qualification and a 1st Degree State Diploma. This dual expertise ensures a high standard of instruction and safety for all divers.

As a professional team, they manage everything from initial discovery dives to advanced technical training. The centre's long-standing presence in Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains is built on this local expertise and a commitment to the professional standards required for diving in a protected reserve.

Mascareignes Plongée offers a comprehensive curriculum of training, affiliated with FFESSM, CMAS, PADI, and SSI. For beginners, they provide Niveau 1 and PE12 courses, as well as introductory discovery dives.

Advanced divers can progress through Niveau 2, Niveau 3, and Niveau 4 certifications. The centre is equipped to handle these structured training programmes, which include the necessary theoretical study and practical lessons required for certification.

The Kandani II is a locally designed vessel used for all dive excursions. It is an unsinkable hull boat powered by a Suzuki 90CV engine and is homologated to carry up to 12 divers.

The boat is used for various types of diving, including standard explorations and night dives. Its capacity and design make it well-suited for navigating the sites along the west coast.

The shore-based facilities include a Bauer compressor and a dedicated inflation station, allowing for efficient management of compressed air cylinders. The centre provides full equipment hire for those who do not wish to carry their own kit.

For those looking to undertake night dives, torches and appropriate equipment are available. The centre is fully equipped to handle the needs of both autonomous divers and those requiring full instructor supervision.

The marine life in this area is defined by the seasonal presence of humpback whales, which can be observed during their migration from June to September. During these months, the centre offers specialised underwater hiking excursions to witness these pelagics.

The reefs and sandy areas are home to a variety of resident species. You will encounter diverse marine life as you navigate the different depths of the reserve, from the shallow reef flats to the deeper sections of the sites.

The dive sites are located along the west coast, within a protected nature reserve. Divers should be aware of local conditions when planning their excursions, particularly when choosing between shallow reef dives and deeper sites like Boucan-Canot.