Azzura Dive Center is the current name of the operation formerly known as Azzura Pro Dive Center at La Digue Island Lodge in Anse Réunion. The PADI center offers courses, guided boat dives and snorkeling trips for beginners and certified divers. Groups are limited to no more than five guests in the water per guide.
Grey reef sharks at South Marianne
The official website lists Ave Maria, Channel Rock and South Marianne as dive sites where shark encounters are possible. South Marianne is particularly well known for grey reef sharks patrolling among the granite boulders and in the current-swept open water. The site can generally be dived year-round when weather and currents allow.
Whitetip reef sharks may also be encountered at the region’s other granite reefs. They are year-round residents rather than visitors with a short, distinct season. Sightings of neither species can be guaranteed, and South Marianne in particular may require confident diving skills when currents are strong.
Boat, season and requirements
The transition periods in April and May and in October and November often bring the calmest conditions and the best chance of reaching offshore sites. Diving also takes place during the rest of the year, although the planned destination may be changed at short notice to a more sheltered alternative.
Dives depart on an approximately 32-foot catamaran equipped, according to the operator, with radio, navigation, life jackets and emergency oxygen. The published dive sites reach depths of around 25 meters, so certification and experience must be appropriate for the day’s destination.
The current website does not clearly confirm the availability of nitrox, so guests who require it should ask in advance. The center promotes natural encounters without a feeding program. Anyone hoping to see grey reef sharks should specifically ask about South Marianne and allow several weather-flexible days.
