Lost Anchor

Overview

Lost Anchor is one of the North coast's most evocative dive sites, drawing its name from a weathered anchor that lies on the seabed as a testament to the region's seafaring past. Located offshore in the clear waters of northern Mauritius, this reef dive offers a compelling blend of history, topography and marine biodiversity. The site descends from approximately 24 metres at the top of the reef structure to around 30 metres on the sandy plateau below, making it an ideal destination for experienced recreational divers and advanced open-water certified divers looking to explore deeper reef environments.

The topography features a network of coral outcrops, rocky ridges and sandy channels that create a varied underwater landscape. The titular anchor itself serves as a natural focal point for dives, acting as an artificial reef that attracts a wide variety of fish species and invertebrates. Encrusted with hard and soft corals, sea fans and sponges, it has become as much a part of the reef ecosystem as any natural formation on the site.

Marine Life

Lost Anchor rewards divers with consistently impressive sightings of pelagic and reef species. The site's depth and position in the open water column mean that larger animals are regular visitors, drawn by the nutrient-rich currents that sweep across the northern reef systems of Mauritius.

• Jack Fish: Large schools of bigeye trevally and bluefin jack are a hallmark of Lost Anchor. These powerful, fast-moving fish often form dense, swirling tornados around the reef pinnacles, creating one of the most spectacular shows in Mauritian diving.
• Snapper: Several species of snapper inhabit the reef, including the striking red snapper and the more common twinspot snapper. They congregate around coral overhangs and rocky ledges, adding splashes of colour to the scene.
• Eagle Rays: The sandy plateau at depth is a favourite cruising ground for spotted eagle rays. These graceful animals glide effortlessly through the water column, and patient divers are frequently rewarded with prolonged close encounters.
• Other Species: Keep an eye out for moray eels nestled in coral crevices, lionfish hovering near overhangs, and the occasional octopus hunting across the sand. Hawksbill turtles are also occasional visitors to this part of the northern reef.

Dive Conditions

Lost Anchor sits at a moderate-to-advanced difficulty level due to its depth range and the possibility of currents in the open water. The site is best suited to divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience, particularly those comfortable with deeper profiles and managing mild to moderate current. Bottom time at 30 metres is naturally limited, so dive planning and awareness of your no-decompression limits are essential.

Visibility at this site is generally excellent, often ranging between 20 and 30 metres on good days. The clear blue water of the North region, sheltered from the worst of the southeast trade winds by the island itself, contributes to consistently good underwater conditions for much of the year. Water temperature ranges from around 23°C in the cooler austral winter months (June to August) to a warm 28–29°C during summer (November to March).

Best Season to Dive

Lost Anchor can be dived year-round, but the optimal window is generally from October to May, when calm sea conditions prevail in the north of Mauritius and underwater visibility is at its peak. During the summer months, the warmer water temperature also means a greater abundance of pelagic activity. The austral winter from June to September can bring stronger trade winds and choppier surface conditions, though the site remains diveable on calmer days and visibility can still be superb.

Practical Tips for Divers

• Plan your dive profile carefully — at 30 metres, bottom time is restricted, so prioritise your descent to maximise time at the anchor and deeper sections first.
• Bring a surface marker buoy (SMB) and deploy it before ascending, especially if there is any current running, as boat traffic in northern Mauritius can be significant.
• A 3mm wetsuit is comfortable for most of the year; consider a 5mm suit for winter dives in June through August.
• Carry an underwater torch to illuminate the coral overhangs and crevices where moray eels and lobsters hide.
• Book with a reputable local dive centre to ensure boat cover and dive guide support at this deeper site.