The Emily and Waterlily wrecks are among the most celebrated dive sites in northern Mauritius, and for good reason — two wrecks for the price of one dive. Located offshore from Grand Baie, these vessels were intentionally sunk to create artificial reefs, and they have fulfilled that purpose spectacularly. The Emily rests at around 25–35 metres while the shallower Waterlily sits at approximately 20–25 metres, giving divers the chance to explore both on a single tank if they plan their bottom time carefully. The wrecks are positioned close enough together that navigating between them is entirely feasible, making this a true double-wreck experience that is rare anywhere in the world.
The hulls are now heavily encrusted with hard and soft corals, sponges, and sea fans, transforming the steel skeletons into thriving artificial reef systems. Penetration of both wrecks is possible in certain sections, offering those with wreck diving experience the chance to venture inside the rusting interiors where the atmosphere is genuinely mysterious. Light filters through open hatches and portholes, casting dramatic beams across coral-covered machinery and creating an almost cinematic sense of adventure.
The biodiversity attracted to the Emily and Waterlily wrecks is impressive. The combination of hard structure and rich encrusting life provides habitat for a wide range of species that would not otherwise thrive on the sandy seabed of this area. Key inhabitants and visitors include:
The wrecks also serve as cleaning stations, where larger pelagic visitors occasionally stop to have parasites removed by cleaner wrasse, making patient observation very rewarding.
Currents at the Emily and Waterlily are generally light, which is one reason this site is accessible to intermediate rather than advanced divers. Visibility averages between 15 and 25 metres depending on the season and weather, with the clearest water typically found between November and April during the southern hemisphere summer. The site is relatively sheltered from the dominant south-east trade winds by the geography of northern Mauritius, meaning surface conditions are usually calm enough for comfortable boat entry and exit.
Water temperatures range from around 24°C in the austral winter (June–September) up to 29°C at the height of summer (January–March). A 3mm wetsuit is comfortable for most of the year, though a 5mm may be preferred during the cooler months. The maximum depth of 35 metres means air consumption and nitrogen loading must be managed carefully, and divers should plan their profiles to allow adequate bottom time on both wrecks.
The best months to dive the Emily and Waterlily are November through to May, with January, February, March and April offering particularly excellent conditions. During these months the sea is at its warmest, visibility tends to be at its peak, and the northerly winds that can occasionally affect Grand Baie are at their calmest. The site can be dived year-round, but the austral winter months of June through September can bring stronger south-east trade winds that occasionally limit boat departures from Grand Baie.