The lagoon of Mayotte

On this page 4 sections

1. A rare double barrier reef
2. Diving the S-Pass
3. Whales, dolphins and dugongs
4. Islets and sandbanks

A rare double barrier reef

The lagoon is closed off by a barrier reef several dozen kilometres long, pierced by passes where the ocean rushes in. In the south-west, a double barrier, a phenomenon rare on a global scale, draws spectacular patterns visible from the summits. The whole marine area is protected by the Mayotte Marine Nature Park.

Diving the S-Pass

An emblematic dive site, the S-Pass winds through the barrier reef and teems with life: turtles, rays, shoals of trevally, reef sharks. Several dive centres offer try dives and trips for experienced divers.

Whales, dolphins and dugongs

From July to October, humpback whales come to give birth and suckle their calves in the shelter of the lagoon. Dolphins can be seen all year round. More discreet, the dugong, a herbivorous marine mammal, survives here in very small numbers: an exceptional encounter. Boat trips must follow the code of conduct for approaching marine mammals.

Islets and sandbanks

The lagoon is dotted with islets: M'Bouzi, a national nature reserve, Mtsamboro in the north, and the famous white sand islets that only emerge at low tide. A day on a boat lets you combine watching marine mammals, snorkelling and a picnic on a sandbank.