Channel (Alphonse-St François)

Best time to dive

April to May; October to November; October to May

What you might see

• Dogtooth tunaPossible
• Grey reef sharkLikely
• Hammerhead sharkPossible
• Manta rayPeak season
• NudibranchLikely
• Nurse sharkPossible
• Sea turtlePeak season

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.

Snorkelling

Not a snorkel site - Not suitable - deep channel profile and strong current rule out snorkeling

Safety notes

Strong, sometimes unpredictable currents; advanced-diver-only conditions; very remote with limited surface support

Permits & fees

Alphonse and St Francois are part of a private atoll group - diving is only offered through the Alphonse Island Lodge/Blue Safari PADI 5-star dive centre; no independent diving access

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: Alphonse Island