Bay Ternay Marine Park – Mahé – South & West Dive Site
Site Overview
Bay Ternay Marine Park is a remarkable dive site in the Mahé – South & West region of Seychelles, situated in the warm tropical waters of the Indian Ocean among the stunning granitic and coralline islands that make this archipelago one of the world's most beautiful diving destinations. The site features depths from 2 to 15 meters with an average depth of 8 meters, offering an extraordinary underwater experience showcasing the unique marine biodiversity and dramatic granite and coral formations that Seychelles is celebrated for among divers worldwide. Renowned for its excellent visibility often exceeding twenty meters and its rich tropical marine communities, Bay Ternay Marine Park attracts divers seeking pristine encounters with Ghost Pipefish, Octopus, Glassfish and other remarkable marine species in a warm Indian Ocean setting. The granitic and coralline origins of the Seychelles create a stunning underwater landscape of massive boulders, coral walls, pinnacles, and sandy channels that provide habitat for incredibly diverse tropical marine communities. The surrounding Indian Ocean waters, influenced by the warm equatorial currents and seasonal monsoon patterns, bring nutrient-rich conditions supporting abundant marine life including seasonal whale shark aggregations from September to November, manta rays, hawksbill and green turtles, and numerous reef fish species. Visibility typically ranges between ten and thirty meters depending on season and plankton activity. Water temperatures range from twenty-four to thirty degrees Celsius depending on season and exposure. Bay Ternay Marine Park consistently ranks among the top dive sites in the Mahé – South & West region, drawing dedicated divers who seek exceptional tropical diving experiences in one of the Indian Ocean's most pristine and biodiverse marine environments combining granite landscapes with vibrant coral ecosystems.
Dive Briefing
"A typical dive at Bay Ternay Marine Park begins with a boat entry into the warm Indian Ocean waters, descending to the main reef or granite formation at approximately 8 meters while orienting yourself and equalizing before exploring the remarkable Seychelles underwater landscape. Once established on the main formation, divers should swim along the primary structure exploring diverse habitats, moving between granite boulders, coral bommies, and sandy channels while maintaining excellent buoyancy control to protect the fragile reef communities below. The most productive depth zone is between 5 and 10 meters where the highest concentration of reef fish species and photographic opportunities are abundant. Navigate along the reef edge watching for pelagic species in the deep blue, and check the granite overhangs and coral ledges where moray eels, groupers, and reef sharks shelter from the current. The Seychelles ocean environment requires careful current awareness at exposed sites, as conditions can change with tidal shifts around the granite headlands and channel entrances. Monitor depth and NDL particularly near 15 meters, and always maintain a conservative approach to dive planning given the importance of safety margins in the warm tropical environment. Scan the sandy channels and rubble zones between reef sections for nudibranchs, pipefish, and interesting macro life hiding among the granite and coral formations. Conclude the dive with a slow ascent and a generous safety stop at 5 meters, deploying your DSMB before surfacing and signaling the boat crew for pickup."
Signature Marine Life
Ghost Pipefish
Solenostomus paradoxus
Best: April, May, October
Octopus
Octopus cyanea
Best: April, May, October
Glassfish
Ambassis gymnocephalus
Best: April, May, October
Green Turtle
Chelonia mydas
Best: April, May, October
Parrotfish
Chlorurus sordidus
Best: April, May, October
Giant Moray
Gymnothorax javanicus
Best: April, May, October
Bluespotted Stingray
Taeniura lymma
Best: April, May, October
Butterflyfish
Chaetodon auriga
Best: April, May, October
Safety & Hazards
- Strong currents around granite headlands and channel entrances requiring reef hook use and DSMB deployment
- Boat traffic near popular shore-access dive sites in the inner islands requiring surface marker buoy
- Sea urchins on rocky shore entries and shallow reef flats requiring protective footwear
- Variable visibility near river mouths after heavy rainfall, especially during northwest monsoon
- Depth changes around granite boulders can be disorienting in low visibility requiring careful navigation
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Bay Ternay Marine Park is best suited for Open Water certified divers comfortable with the depth profile and warm tropical conditions at this beautiful Seychelles location. The site rewards beginners with abundant reef fish life, excellent visibility often exceeding twenty meters, and generally manageable conditions perfect for building confidence and refining buoyancy skills in a supportive environment. Underwater photographers will find outstanding opportunities with stunning coral formations and diverse tropical species in the shallower sections, while snorkelers can enjoy encounters with turtles and rays from the surface during favorable conditions. The warm Indian Ocean waters and relatively sheltered environment make this an ideal introduction to Seychelles diving for newly certified divers, with the gentle tropical conditions providing a comfortable and confidence-building experience for those new to the sport.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Ocean Dream Divers
- Underwater Centre Mahé
- Seychelles Underwater Services
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro
Nearby Stay
Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel
Beau Vallon, Mahé • 1km away
Constance Ephelia Mahé
Port Launay, Mahé • 8km away