Black Forest North

Overview

Black Forest North is a renowned dive site located off the north coast of Mauritius, near the popular diving hub of Grand Baie. The site takes its evocative name from the dense thickets of black coral trees and dark gorgonian sea fans that dominate the reef structure, giving it the appearance of a sunken forest. This is a site that appeals to intermediate and experienced divers, offering a combination of dramatic topography, excellent visibility, and a rich diversity of marine life. The reef descends through a series of ridges and sandy channels, creating multiple micro-habitats that shelter an impressive array of species.

Marine Life

The defining feature of Black Forest North is undoubtedly its black coral (Antipatharia) formations, which thrive in the slightly deeper sections of the reef. These ancient and slow-growing structures provide habitat for a wide range of small marine creatures, including nudibranchs, shrimp, and juvenile fish. Beyond the coral forests, divers regularly encounter:

• Green and hawksbill turtles – commonly seen resting on the reef or grazing on sponges
• Eagle rays – elegantly cruising the sandy channels between coral ridges
• Moray eels – including giant morays tucked into crevices along the wall
• Lionfish and scorpionfish – masters of camouflage hiding among the coral
• Groupers, snappers, and fusiliers – forming large schools in the mid-water column
• Octopus – frequently spotted hunting along the sandy bottom
• Butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish – adding colour to the reef's upper sections

Lucky divers may also spot reef sharks patrolling the outer edges of the reef, particularly in the early morning hours when the site sees less boat traffic.

Dive Conditions

Black Forest North is generally considered an intermediate-level dive site due to its depth range and the possibility of moderate currents on certain tidal cycles. Visibility is typically excellent, ranging from 20 to 30 metres on good days, thanks to the clear Indian Ocean water that characterises this part of Mauritius. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, averaging between 24°C and 29°C depending on the season, making a 3mm wetsuit suitable for most divers during the summer months, while a 5mm suit provides more comfort in the cooler austral winter.

Currents can be variable at this site. On calm days, the site drifts gently and is accessible even to relatively new divers with some open-water experience. However, stronger tidal flows can occur, and it is advisable to dive with a local guide who knows the reef's nuances. The site can be dived as a drift dive when conditions allow, making for an exhilarating experience as you glide effortlessly over the coral landscape.

Best Season

Mauritius can be dived year-round, but the optimal period for Black Forest North is during the austral winter months from May to November. During this period, the southeast trade winds are calmer in the north, seas are generally flatter, and visibility tends to be at its best. The months of July and August are particularly popular as water clarity peaks and marine life activity is high. The summer months (December to March) bring warmer water and more marine life, though occasional cyclonic disturbances can reduce visibility and surface conditions temporarily.

Tips for Diving Black Forest North

• Book with a reputable Grand Baie dive centre that knows the site — local knowledge of current patterns is invaluable here
• Dive early in the morning for the best light penetration and calmest conditions
• Bring an underwater torch or video light to illuminate the colours of the black coral and reveal hidden creatures within
• Maintain excellent buoyancy control — the delicate black coral formations take decades to grow and must never be touched
• Keep a safety sausage (SMB) handy, especially if conditions look like a drift dive may develop
• Allow time for a slow ascent and safety stop at 5 metres to fully enjoy the shallower reef section, which is teeming with colourful fish

Getting There

Black Forest North is accessed by boat from Grand Baie, which is a short drive north of the capital Port Louis. Most dive operators in Grand Baie include this site on their regular rotation, and the boat journey to the reef takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes depending on the operator's base. Day trips typically combine two dives at nearby sites, allowing you to explore multiple reef systems in a single outing.