Diving Regulations in Mauritius: A Complete Guide 2026

Competent Authorities

Scuba diving in Mauritius is regulated by several organizations:

• The Ministry of Tourism supervises the diving tourism activity
• The Tourism Authority issues licenses and monitors operators
• The Mauritian Coast Guard control maritime safety
• The Ministry of the Environment ensures the protection of marine ecosystems
• Approved diving centers provide training and supervision

Recognition of International Certifications

Mauritius recognizes major international diving certifications, including:

• PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) – the most widespread organization
• CMAS (World Confederation of Underwater Activities) – European system
• SSI (Scuba Schools International)
• BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club)
• NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors)

Important French national certifications such as Level 1 PE40 and Level 2 PA40 are not recognized as such in Mauritius. Divers holding these qualifications must present an international equivalent (CMAS).

Level Specific Restrictions

Mauritius applies specific restrictions regarding certification levels:

Level 1 / Open Water Diver:

• Recognized only as PE30 (Supervised Diver 30 meters)
• Dives must be made without imposed decompression stops
• Safety stops must be respected at all times
• Maximum depth: 18 meters for beginner divers
• Mandatory supervision by a certified guide or instructor

Level 2 / Advanced Open Water:

• Must be framed up to 40 meters
• Possibility of autonomous dives in groups up to 20 meters
• Maximum depth: 30 meters with professional supervision

Higher Levels (Rescue Diver, Divemaster):

• More autonomy granted based on experience
• Possibility of diving up to 40 meters
• Supervisory responsibility for lower levels

Equivalences and Recognitions

Divers with foreign certifications sometimes have to go through a recognition or equivalency process. Mauritian dive centers generally assess a diver's actual skill level by... evaluation dive (check dive) before determining the depths and types of dives allowed.

Medical Certificate

For training courses A medical certificate of fitness is MANDATORY for all diving courses (introductory dive, Open Water, etc.).

For exploration dives The medical certificate is highly recommended However, it is not always mandatory for certified divers in good health. Dive centers generally require the completion of a medical questionnaire (MSDA form). If a positive answer appears on this questionnaire, a medical certificate then becomes mandatory.

Options to obtain the certificate:

• Obtain the certificate from a doctor in your country before coming (valid for 1 year)
• Consult a doctor in Mauritius (addresses available from diving centers)

Practical advice Even though a medical certificate is not mandatory for your profile, it is strongly advised to obtain one before your departure. If you have any doubts while completing the medical questionnaire on site, you will need to consult a Mauritian doctor, which may delay your dives and incur additional costs.

Special Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions require special attention and a specialist medical certificate:

• Cardiovascular problems
• Respiratory problems (asthma, chronic bronchitis)
• ENT problems (chronic sinusitis, perforated eardrums)
• Neurological disorders
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy (diving generally not recommended)

Minimum Age

• Discover Scuba / Introductory dive: 10 years minimum
• Open Water Diver: 10 years minimum for PADI Open Water certification
• Advanced certifications: Usually 12-15 years depending on the organization

Restrictions for Minors

Minor divers are subject to additional restrictions:

• Parental authorization required
• Depths limited by age
• Reinforced supervision
• Reduced instructor/student ratios

Minimum Age

• Discover Scuba / Introductory dive: 10 years minimum
  

  Coral Reef Protection

  Mauritius applies strict rules to protect its reefs:

  • No touching corals and marine fauna
  • Prohibition on taking any marine organism
  • Use of eco-friendly sunscreens recommended (opt for "reef-safe" creams)
  • Respect for distances with marine fauna (turtles, sharks, rays)

  Protected Areas and Marine Reserves

  Certain areas are subject to specific regulations:

  • Blue Bay Marine Park Access is restricted; permits are required for certain activities.
  • Balaclava Reserve : supervised dives only
  • Breeding areas : temporary bans depending on the season

  Wreck Regulations

  Mauritius has many protected historic wrecks:

  • Respect for the integrity of wrecks
  • Prohibition on taking objects
  • Some wrecks require special permits
  • Technical dives on deep wrecks reserved for experienced divers

  Protection of Marine Mammals

  IMPORTANT REGULATIONS 2026 Swimming with humpback whales and sperm whales is strictly prohibited in Mauritius, in accordance with the Tourism Authority (Dolphin and Whale Watching) Regulations 2012, article 8.

  Key points of this regulation :

  • Whale and sperm whale watching is only permitted from a boat
  • Minimum distance required: 100 meters for whales, 50 meters for dolphins
  • Only exceptional authorizations are granted for scientific missions or professional film shoots.
  • Operators must hold a specific license issued by the Tourism Authority
  • Swimming with dolphins remains permitted but is highly regulated (only licensed operators).

  Sanctions Violations of these regulations can result in heavy fines and legal prosecution. Respect for these marine mammals is essential to their preservation.

• Open Water Diver: 10 years minimum for PADI Open Water certification
• Advanced certifications: Usually 12-15 years depending on the organization

Restrictions for Minors

Minor divers are subject to additional restrictions:

• Parental authorization required
• Depths limited by age
• Reinforced supervision
• Reduced instructor/student ratios

Mandatory Equipment

All dive centers must meet minimum standards:

• Certified equipment and regularly checked
• Emergency oxygen on board all dive boats
• First aid kits complete
• Means of communication (VHF radio, satellite phone)
• Surface security system (SMB/surface parachute, whistles)
• Approved propeller guard (required for activities involving marine mammals)

Security Protocols

Dive centers must apply strict protocols:

• Mandatory safety briefings before each dive
• Equipment Check
• Adherence to dive profiles and decompression tables
• Standardized emergency procedures
• Continuing training of management staff

Hyperbaric chamber

Mauritius has a hyperbaric chamber at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Hospital in Pamplemousses. In case of decompression sickness, treatment is tourist feesThe fees can be very high and must be paid in cash or by credit card.

It is therefore ESSENTIAL to take out diving insurance covering the costs of hyperbaric chamber and repatriation.

Approved Diving Centers

Only officially approved diving centers can provide training:

• Offer all courses currently offered by the world's two leading diving organizations: PADI and CMAS
• Qualified and certified staff
• Equipment meeting international standards
• Mandatory civil and professional liability insurance

Centers recognized for their expertise : some pioneering centers like Blue Water Diving Centre (founded in 1987) are particularly renowned for their respect for FFESSM standards and their ecological commitment.

Structure of the Training Courses

Both diving organizations offer a wide selection of courses for all ages and levels, including a wide range of specialty courses (Deep Diver, Underwater Photographer, Night Diver, Wreck Diver, and many more).

Typical progression:

1. Discover Scuba/Baptism : first experience (from age 10)
2. Open Water Diver : basic certification
3. Advanced Open Water : improvement
4. Rescue Diver : rescue and safety
5. Divemaster/Instructor : professional levels

Best Times to Dive

The best time to dive in Mauritius generally corresponds to the dry season, from May to NovemberThe water temperature is then pleasant and visibility is excellent.

Features by season:

• May to October (Dry season/Southern winter) Optimal conditions: calm sea, excellent visibility up to 30 meters, water temperature 22-24°C
• November to April (Wet season/Southern summer) Variable conditions, cyclone risk (January-March), water temperature 27-29°C
• July to October Humpback whale season – prime time for whale watching
• Currents generally lowSuitable for divers of all levels

The best months April-May and October-November offer the best compromise between stable weather conditions, optimal visibility and the presence of diverse marine wildlife.

Cyclone Restrictions

Mauritius is currently in the 2025/2026 cyclone season (November to April), which implies:

• Enhanced weather monitoring
• Diving trips may be cancelled in case of an alert.
• Emergency protocols activated according to cyclone alerts
• Refunds or deferrals in the event of unsafe conditions

Important : Diving centers are very vigilant regarding safety and do not hesitate to cancel outings in case of bad weather conditions.

Mandatory diving insurance

All divers must have insurance covering:

• Diving and decompression accidents
• Medical and repatriation costs (Treatment is not free for tourists in Mauritius)
• Hyperbaric chamber fees (very expensive)
• Civil liability

Recommended insurance The organization DAN (Miscellaneous Alert Network) is globally recognized and highly recommended for diving. It offers specific coverage and 24/7 assistance.

ATTENTION Basic life, civil, or home insurance policies generally do NOT cover scuba diving. Check your coverage carefully before you go.

Responsibility of Divers

Divers are responsible for:

• Respect their certification level
• Report any medical problems
• Follow the safety instructions and those of the divemaster.
• Respect the marine environment and environmental regulations
• To delve into the limits of their training and experience

Post-Dive Advice

• Maintain an interval of minimum 24 hours between your last dive and a flight
• Also avoid any high-altitude activities (mountain hiking) within 24 hours of diving
• Keep all payment receipts (including ambulance or taxi fares) and medical reports in case of an incident for your insurance company.

Inspections and Verifications

The Mauritian authorities regularly carry out:

• Inspections of diving centers and verification of licenses
• Verification of diver and instructor certifications
• Equipment and boat safety inspections
• Audits of security procedures
• Checks on compliance with environmental regulations

Sanctions for Violations

Violations of the regulations may result in:

• Significant administrative fines
• Temporary suspension of activity for operators
• Permanent withdrawal of accreditation for the centers
• Criminal prosecution in case of serious accident or repeated violations
• Specific sanctions for failure to comply with the protection of marine mammals

Digitalization of Certifications

Mauritius adapts to new technologies:

• Recognition of digital certifications (PADI e-cards, SSI)
• Dive tracking apps
• Geolocation systems for security
• Online booking platforms

Sustainable Development and Responsible Tourism

The new guidelines favor:

• Responsible Diving Ecotourism
• Sustainable tourism certifications Some resorts, like Blue Water, have received the bronze medal for responsible and sustainable tourism.
• Marine protection training and diver awareness
• Raising awareness among visitors (videos on marine conservation shown on Air Mauritius flights)
• Participatory scientific research with NGOs such as MMCO (Marine Megafauna Conservation Organization)
• Support for cetacean protection initiatives

Before You Go

• Check the validity of your certifications (license, dive logbook)
• Obtain your medical certificate (although not mandatory, highly recommended)
• Take out appropriate diving insurance (DAN recommended)
• Check the weather conditions and the season
• Budget for diving (expect to pay €40-60 per dive on average)

On Site

• Choose approved and reputable dive centers
• Present your certification, dive logbook and medical certificate if requested
• Take an assessment dive if you haven't dived in a long time.
• Strictly follow the safety instructions and briefings.
• Adapt your dives to your actual skill level, not your ego.
• Protect the marine environment: do not touch anything, do not take anything
• Use a "reef-safe" sunscreen
• Respect the regulations concerning marine mammals

After the Dives

• Always respect the safety limits
• Absolutely avoid flights within the last 24 hours following the last dive
• Avoid high-altitude activities for 24 hours after diving.
• Report any incident or problem to your dive center
• Hydrate well after each dive
• Help preserve these sites by sharing your observations.

Best Recommended Diving Sites

• Blue Bay Marine Park Ideal for beginners, colorful corals, excellent visibility
• The Cathedral (Flic-en-Flac): spectacular rock formations, experienced divers
• Corner of Mire : to the north, a varied site suitable for all levels
• The Shark Pit : Shark observation in their natural habitat
• Serpent Rampart Rock formations, caves, intermediate-advanced level
• Shipwrecks Stella Maru, Silver Star, Water Lily for wreck enthusiasts