EQUINOXE Diving School

Equinoxe Diving School is situated on the north coast of Mahé, right on the sands of Beau Vallon Beach. This prime location provides immediate access to some of the most diverse diving environments in the Seychelles, where massive granite formations meet lush coral ecosystems.

The centre operates with a focus on local expertise, catering to a wide range of experience levels. Whether you are looking for your first breath underwater or are a technical diver interested in rebreather training, the school provides the necessary infrastructure and local knowledge to navigate the Mahé seabed.

The team is composed of experienced PADI Divemasters and instructors who are local to the Seychelles. This local insight is a significant advantage, as they possess an intimate understanding of the seasonal shifts and the specific micro-habitats found around the island.

As a member of the Blue Sentinel Charter, the school maintains a strong commitment to environmental protection. This ensures that diving activities are conducted with respect for the delicate coral ecosystems and marine life that define the region.

The school provides a comprehensive range of training through both PADI and CMAS affiliations. For those starting their journey, courses include PADI Discover Scuba Diving, PADI Bubble Maker, PADI Scuba Diver, and PADI Open Water Diver.

Advanced divers can progress through PADI Advanced Open Water, PADI Deep, PADI Navigation, and PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy, or pursue professional paths such as PADI Rescue and PADI Divemaster. The CMAS curriculum is also fully available, covering everything from Bronze Diver to the higher-level 4 Stars certifications.

Specialist training is a key feature here, with options for CMAS Wreck, Drift, Deep, and Night diving. The centre also offers technical opportunities, including the CMAS Discover Rebreather TRITON course.

The centre is an AQUALUNG partner, ensuring that the rental kit is modern and regularly maintained. You can hire a full range of equipment on-site, allowing you to travel light.

Safety is a priority on the boats, which are equipped with oxygen, pressure reducers, BCDs, safety blocks, first aid kits, and VHF radio. For post-dive relaxation, there is a dedicated space on the upper floor where you can unwind after your excursions.

The granite landscapes and coral gardens are teeming with life, including colourful reef fish, butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish. You will regularly encounter large groupers, barracuda, and various species of snapper and fusiliers.

Large pelagics and mobile species are a highlight of the area. Look out for hawksbill turtles, green turtles, and various rays such as stingrays and eagle rays. Depending on the site, you may also spot sharks, including whitetip sharks and grey reef sharks.

Between August and October, you may have the opportunity to see whale sharks during their seasonal presence. Between October and December, Lilôt remains a notable spot for spotting whale sharks as well.

For those interested in macro life, the reefs host a variety of smaller creatures including octopuses, lobsters, and various species of moray eels. You can also find nudibranchs, shrimp, and scorpionfish tucked away in the coral and rocky crevices.

Diving in the area includes a variety of environments, from calm, low-current sites like Aquarium, which is suitable for beginners, to more challenging locations. Some sites, such as Conception Arena, require advanced certification due to strong currents and greater depths.

Drift diving is a common experience at sites like Light House, where the current carries you along the granite walls. Other sites, such as Brissaire Rock & Dragon Teeth, are also known for having strong currents that attract larger fish.