Mauritius: A Hidden Gem for Macro Diving and Sea Slug Lovers

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A Diver’s Guide to the Ocean’s macro

When people think of diving in Mauritius, they often imagine colorful coral reefs, crystal-clear lagoons, and warm tropical waters. But beneath the surface lies a much smaller, and arguably more magical, world: a growing paradise for macro photographers and nudibranch enthusiasts.

By Cindy

Cindy

Teaching Director

Cindy is our In House Padi Master Instructor she is always keen to share her views and philosophy as an Instructor with her students. Dedication, knowledge and professionalism are only a few of her qualities. She speaks French German Italian and English and is originaly from Switzerland Her knowledge and passion will guide you as you gain skills and experience with her. On her dark side she reveals her CCR Trimix skills and will take you to some amazing Technical dives.

An Explosion of Macro Life

Over the past few years, Mauritius has been gaining recognition among divers who seek out the tiny and bizarre—nudibranchs, sea slugs, and all forms of macro marine life. Thanks to increasing exploration and a passionate local diving community, new species are being discovered and documented regularly.

From vibrant shrimp and elusive frogfish to flamboyant cuttlefish and decorator crabs, Mauritius offers a treasure trove of subjects for macro lenses. But it's the sea slugs—especially nudibranchs—that are stealing the show.

A Nudibranch Heaven in the Indian Ocean

Mauritius is now being talked about in the same breath as world-renowned macro destinations like Lembeh or Anilao. Dozens of nudibranch species are already identified here, and new sightings continue to surprise even seasoned photographers. From the delicate Glossodoris to the flashy Thuridilla, there's no shortage of colorful finds.

And among them all, one tiny superstar stands out: the Costasiella specie—better known as the “Shaun the Sheep” slug. Adored by underwater photographers for its cartoonish appearance and vibrant green color, this species is one of the most searched and beloved in the world. And yes, you can find it in Mauritius!

Ideal Conditions for Macro Photography

Mauritius offers excellent diving conditions all year round, with calm lagoons, easy shore entries, and a wide variety of habitats—perfect for macro lovers. Volcanic rock, coral rubble, and seagrass beds host an incredible diversity of critters, many of which are overlooked by casual divers but prized by photographers.

Guided dives with knowledgeable spotters are becoming more common, and dive centers are increasingly tailoring their services to cater to macro-focused divers and underwater photographers.

The Rise of a New Macro Hotspot

The secret is out. Mauritius is no longer just a place for beach holidays and reef dives—it's becoming a serious contender on the global map of macro diving. Whether you're chasing the elusive Costasiella or documenting your own nudibranch finds, Mauritius offers a rich and exciting frontier.

So pack your camera, bring your close-up lens, and get ready to dive into one of the most vibrant and underappreciated macro diving destinations in the Indian Ocean.