Dive In: The Top 4 Wreck Diving Spots on Mauritius’ West Coast

Snorkelling with the kids is cute and all… but this year, you're craving something a little bolder. You’re channelling Jack Sparrow’s spirit and Ariel’s curiosity: bring on the adrenaline, the mystery, and a few surprises too! Time to dive into the depths of the Indian Ocean and explore the west coast’s most impressive underwater wrecks.

Since the 1980s, the Mauritius Marine Conservation Society (MMCS) has deliberately sunk around 20 vessels off the island’s shores. The goal? To turn them into artificial reefs and help restore marine habitats damaged by natural events or human activity. Today, these wrecks have become thriving underwater sanctuaries.

While exploring these sites, you might spot crustaceans, molluscs, and large predators like tuna and trevally on the hunt for smaller prey. You could even catch stingrays enjoying a “spa day,” getting cleaned by helpful little fish like wrasse. It’s nature putting on quite the show!

For the best wreck dive experience, follow the lead of Gérald Rambert, manager of Sundivers, a diving school based at La Pirogue, one of Sunlife’s beachfront resorts in Flic en Flac. With over 20 years of diving experience, he shares his top four wrecks.

1. Tiang Xiang 137

Depth: 40 to 45 metres | Level: PADI Advanced with Deep Diver speciality

This Chinese longliner, sunk in 2014, is the largest wreck on the West Coast. Despite being relatively recent, it’s already teeming with life — from batfish and snappers to an enormous Javanese moray eel. Divers can fly over its towering structure or venture inside.

2. Tug 2

Depth: 20 metres | Level: PADI Open Water

One of the first vessels deliberately sunk off Mauritius back in 1981, this tugboat now rests peacefully on the seabed. This buzzing little underwater metropolis is home to lionfish, groupers, eels, and nudibranchs.

3. Kei Sei 113

Depth: 35 metres | Level: PADI Advanced with Deep Diver speciality

Once a floating restaurant (yes, really), this barge was sunk in 1987. Though scarred by a cyclone, its core structure remains intact. Bonus: it sits right next to a vibrant natural reef. Double the sights, double the fun.

4. L’Orient

Depth: 45 metres | Level: PADI Advanced with Deep Diver speciality

Originally sunk to 30 metres in 1992, this fishing boat was dragged deepe, down to 45 metres, by two successive cyclones. Smaller than its neighbours, it still draws plenty of attention from fish and divers alike.

Thanks to MMCS’ efforts, Mauritius has turned these wrecks into havens of biodiversity. But their impact goes deeper: by protecting marine ecosystems, the programme also supports local fishing communities. When done responsibly, wreck diving becomes a model of sustainable tourism — enriching for those under the waves, and those who live above them.

Explore our experiences and start planning your Mauritius escape!

© All Photos Courtesy of Gerald Rambert & Sundivers Mauritius.