Luxury Diving Holidays in the Aldabra Group

Divers and snorkellers can expect to see impressive soft coral coverage, macro life including nudibranchs and leaf scorpionfish, large grouper, snapper, Napoleon wrasse and tuna, as well as healthy populations of green and hawksbill turtles. Being so close to the drop-off means that there is a greater chance of seeing pelagic species. Several species of shark may turn up including hammerhead, bull, silver tip, tawny nurse, white tip reef and grey reef. There are 11 dive sites (and counting) to choose from, with favourites including ‘Magnificent City’ named for its extensive coverage of anemones between 10 and 25m depth and ‘Hammertime’ where divers can go in search of scalloped hammerheads on an early morning dive.  

A stone’s throwaway from the World Heritage site of Aldabra, Cosmoledo Atoll is the most diverse ecosystem accessible to tourism in the Seychelles. It is made up of over 20 islands, islets and cays, surrounding a large white sand fluctuating lagoon and vast sand flats. The habitats are extremely varied including sand dunes, grassland and mangroves, all of which contribute to this wild and diverse haven. As well as being an important bird area for the Seychelles, the diversity beneath the waves does not disappointment making it the perfect spot for a diving holiday in the Aldabra Group.  

The coral coverage is thought to be the best of anywhere in the Seychelles, with the hard coral being particularly spectacular, home to a plethora of colourful reef fish and busy with macro life. The variation of coral species is impressive, from plating and encrusting corals for as far as the eye can see to massive branching colonies and boulders. The topography is also diverse making for exciting scuba diving, with drop-offs, gentle slopes, deep reefs, raised ridges and vertical walls. There are over 20 dive sites to choose from, host to a wide variety of marine life including large grouper which are a particular highlight, giant trevally, dogtooth tuna and barracuda in huge schools. ‘Storm Ridge’ is a site not to be missed, with some of the best branching coral colonies in the Seychelles and huge grouper out in the blue. One of the most special features of a diving holiday in Cosmoledo, is being able to observe the bird life whilst travelling to and from the dive sites, witnessing some of the most important booby colonies in the Indian Ocean. Spinner dolphins may also join, making it quite the wildlife extravaganza!  

Beyond the Reef

A diving holiday in the Aldabra Group offers nature at its wildest and best for those that want to explore above the waves too. Enjoy world-class fly-fishing across Astove and Cosmoledo, as well as paddling boarding, kayaking and sand-dune sundowners. 

Astove Atoll activities include heading out on an Atoll Safari on an ATV to explore the lay of the land and find secret spots with incredible views. Join one of the knowledge guides on a reef flats expedition to learn about the rich seagrass beds and spot juvenile turtles. Astove has one of the largest populations for nesting green sea turtles, so it’s also possible to view turtle nesting whilst on the island. Mangrove nature hikes are on offer for those that want to experience yet another habitat, overflowing with all types of wildlife. 

Cosmoledo holds the largest colonies of all three species of booby that breed in the Seychelles, as well as hundreds of frigate birds, and the largest colony of sooty terns, breeding on the northern end of Wizard Island. Needless to say, for twitchers, time spent not scuba diving will be put to great use bird-watching. The Wizard Island Tour is a real highlight for its panoramic views whilst identifying birdlife, fish and plants as well as the possibility to spot hawksbill or green turtles nesting if you’re lucky. Other adventures include mangrove hikes and atoll explorations to name a few.