Aquarium

Aquarium North is a shallow, sheltered reef dive site off the northern coast of Mauritius, a short boat ride of roughly 10–20 minutes from Grand Baie. The reef earns its nickname by resembling a living aquarium, with a patchwork of staghorn and brain corals, sea fans, and sponges spread across a sandy seabed. The shallowest sections of the upper reef sit at just 1–3 metres, the main reef ranges from about 5 to 15 metres, and the maximum depth reaches 17.8 metres. The sandy bottom between coral formations opens up the terrain and contributes to the site's good visibility.

Marine life at Aquarium North is varied and approachable. Sergeant majors, butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, and wrasse are ever-present and often approach divers directly. Giant moray and honeycomb moray eels occupy coral crevices, while blue-spotted ribbontail rays rest on the sandy bottom between formations. Green and hawksbill turtles visit occasionally, seen grazing on sea grass or resting near coral heads. Sandy patches and rubble zones hide camouflaged octopus and cuttlefish, and patient divers find nudibranchs and cleaner shrimp among the coral. Active cleaner stations where small wrasse and shrimp service larger fish are a feature throughout the reef. Lionfish and scorpionfish are present and should be watched for.

Conditions at this site are consistently mild. The protected lagoon position keeps current light and the surface generally calm. Visibility typically runs 15–30 metres, reaching its peak during the dry season from May to October when winds are lightest. During the wet season (December to March) heavy rain or swell can reduce visibility temporarily, but the site remains diveable on most days. Water temperature ranges from 24°C in the cooler austral winter months to 28–29°C in summer, with the broader seasonal band running 23–29°C.