Right Cliff

Overview

Right Cliff lives up to its name — a near-vertical reef wall that drops dramatically from the shallows into deeper, darker water along the western or southern coastline of Mauritius. The site is characterised by its imposing cliff-like profile, riddled with crevices, swim-throughs, and ledges that provide shelter for an astonishing variety of marine species. Whether you are drifting along the wall in a gentle current or hovering motionless to observe the reef's intricate ecosystem, Right Cliff delivers a memorable underwater experience for intermediate and advanced divers alike.

The reef structure at Right Cliff is well-preserved, featuring hard coral formations along the upper reaches of the wall transitioning to soft corals, gorgonian sea fans, and encrusting sponges as you descend deeper. The visual contrast between the sunlit shallows and the shadowy depths makes this site particularly atmospheric, and photographers will find endless compositions in every direction.

Marine Life

Right Cliff is a productive feeding zone where nutrients and current combine to attract a diverse cross-section of Mauritian marine fauna. Divers regularly encounter:

• Reef fish: Powder-blue surgeonfish, moorish idols, parrotfish, and schools of snapper congregate along the wall's upper edges.
• Pelagics: Trevally, barracuda, and occasionally wahoo patrol the open water beyond the wall, drawn by the abundant smaller fish.
• Invertebrates: Nudibranchs, feather stars, and spiny lobsters tuck into crevices and overhangs throughout the wall.
• Sharks and rays: White-tip reef sharks rest on sandy ledges at depth, and eagle rays glide elegantly past the wall face.
• Turtles: Green and hawksbill turtles are occasional visitors, often seen grazing on algae along the shallower sections of the reef.

Night dives at Right Cliff reveal a completely different cast of characters — sleeping parrotfish encased in mucus cocoons, hunting lionfish, and a host of nocturnal crustaceans make after-dark excursions particularly worthwhile.

Diving Conditions

Right Cliff is generally suited to intermediate and advanced divers due to the depth of the wall and the potential for current. Surface conditions can vary with the season, but underwater visibility is typically excellent, averaging 20–30 metres on calm days. Water temperatures range from around 24°C in the austral winter (July–September) to 28–29°C during the warmer summer months (December–March), making a 3mm wetsuit suitable for most of the year.

Current at Right Cliff can range from negligible to moderate, and on days when it runs, it can be used to drift along the wall effortlessly, covering ground and encountering more marine life in a single dive. Dive operators in Mauritius will always assess conditions before briefing guests and will time entry to take advantage of the most favourable tidal windows.

Best Season

Right Cliff can be dived year-round, but the optimal months are generally October through December and April through June — the shoulder seasons when the sea is calm, visibility is at its peak, and marine life activity is at its most vibrant. The summer months (December–March) can bring stronger swells from the northwest and occasional cyclonic weather, while winter (July–September) can produce choppier surface conditions on the windward coast, though diving remains excellent on sheltered sides of the island.

Practical Tips

• Book with a reputable local dive centre that knows Right Cliff's tidal patterns and can plan your dive around ideal current conditions.
• A dive computer is strongly recommended given the wall's variable depth profile — it is easy to lose track of depth when the scenery is this captivating.
• Bring an SMB (surface marker buoy) and a torch for exploring crevices and overhangs.
• Keep buoyancy control tight near the wall to avoid disturbing the delicate coral and invertebrates encrusting the rock face.
• For underwater photography, a wide-angle lens captures the full drama of the wall, while a macro lens rewards those patient enough to search the cracks and ledges.