The Pass (Belle Mare) – East Coast – Belle Mare & Trou d'Eau Douce Dive Site
Site Overview
The Pass (Belle Mare) is a drift pass with grey reef sharks and eagle rays dive site in the East Coast – Belle Mare & Trou d'Eau Douce region of Mauritius, situated in the warm tropical waters of the Indian Ocean along one of the most beautiful reef-fringed islands on Earth. The site features depths from 5 to 30 meters with an average depth of 18 meters, offering an immersive underwater experience showcasing the extraordinary marine biodiversity of the Mascarene archipelago. Renowned for its vibrant coral reef ecosystems, The Pass (Belle Mare) attracts divers seeking encounters with Grey Reef Shark, Grey Reef Shark, Eagle Ray and other remarkable marine species throughout the year. The reef formations create diverse habitat zones supporting rich communities of reef-dwelling organisms and pelagic visitors that patrol the open water beyond the reef edge. The tropical Indian Ocean environment with warm water temperatures and generally excellent visibility creates ideal conditions for extended exploration and photography. Visibility typically ranges between fifteen and thirty meters during the optimal diving season. Water temperatures range from twenty-two to twenty-eight degrees Celsius depending on season. The Pass (Belle Mare) consistently ranks among the top dive sites in the East Coast – Belle Mare & Trou d'Eau Douce region, drawing repeat visitors who return to observe the seasonal changes in marine life activity and the ever-evolving coral landscape that makes Mauritius a premier Indian Ocean diving destination.
Dive Briefing
"A typical dive at The Pass (Belle Mare) begins with a controlled descent from the dive boat to the main formation at approximately 18 meters, taking a moment to orient yourself and equalize before beginning your exploration. Once established on the main formation, divers should swim along the primary reef structure exploring diverse habitats, moving between coral bommies and channels while maintaining excellent buoyancy control to protect the fragile reef ecosystem below. The most productive depth zone is between 7 and 25 meters where the highest concentration of reef fish and photographic opportunities are abundant. Navigate along the reef edge watching for pelagic species in the blue, and check cleaning stations where larger fish pause for service from smaller cleaner wrasse. The Indian Ocean environment requires careful current awareness and constant monitoring of your position relative to the reef structure and boat. Monitor depth and NDL particularly near 30 meters, and always maintain a conservative approach to dive planning with regular buddy checks throughout the dive. Scan sandy channels between reef sections for resting sharks, rays, and interesting macro life hiding among the rubble. Conclude the dive with a slow ascent and a three-minute safety stop at 5 meters, deploying your DSMB if conditions warrant and performing a controlled ascent with your buddy."
Signature Marine Life
Grey Reef Shark
Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos
Best: May, June, July
Grey Reef Shark
Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos
Best: May, June, July
Eagle Ray
Aetobatus narinari
Best: May, June, July
Eagle Ray
Aetobatus narinari
Best: May, June, July
Barracuda
Sphyraena barracuda
Best: May, June, July
Safety & Hazards
- Strong currents possible at reef passes and outer reef sites requiring DSMB deployment
- Boat traffic in popular lagoon areas requiring surface awareness and DSMB use
- Marine life stings from lionfish, stonefish, and fire coral possible on reef contact
- Variable visibility during cyclone season from January to March due to sediment disturbance
- Depth exceeding 30m at wall and deep reef sites requiring careful NDL management
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
The Pass (Belle Mare) is best suited for Advanced Open Water certified divers with deep diving experience and comfort in open ocean environments with potential strong currents. The site rewards experienced divers with dramatic deep reef walls, complex topography, and encounters with the ocean's largest predatory fish species including sharks, eagle rays, and large pelagic fish. Technical divers will appreciate the depth range and pristine geological formations that showcase the full majesty of the Indian Ocean reef system. Given the exposure to open ocean conditions and distance to shore, thorough equipment checks and conservative dive planning are essential prerequisites for diving at this advanced site.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Constance Dive Centre
- Belle Mare Dive
- Ocean Spirit East
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro
Nearby Stay
Constance Belle Mare Plage
Belle Mare • 2km away
Ambre Resort
Belle Mare • 3km away