Diving in Mauritius: Interview with Annecy, a Future PADI Instructor at Dodo Divers
Today, we’re talking with Annecy, a passionate Divemaster at Dodo Divers and soon-to-be PADI Diving Instructor. She shares her journey, favorite dive sites, and what makes diving in Mauritius an unforgettable experience.
Annecy, could you share with us your first diving experience?
I had my first dive in 2018 when I was 20 years old, and I did it with Dodo Divers! It was an incredible experience, even though I struggled a bit with equalizing at first. But the moment I got comfortable, I was completely mesmerized by the beauty of the underwater world. The vibrant coral reefs, the schools of colorful fish—it felt like stepping into another universe. From that moment, I knew diving would become a huge part of my life.
How long have you been diving with Dodo Divers?
I've been diving with Dodo Divers for the past four years. I started my journey with the PADI Open Water Diver course, then continued with the PADI Advanced Open Water. It just felt natural to keep going, so I pursued my Divemaster certification. Now, I’m taking the next step and preparing for my PADI Instructor course, which is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking!
What do you enjoy the most about being a Divemaster?
For me, the best part of being a Divemaster at Dodo Divers is seeing the smile on people’s faces after a dive. Introducing people from all over the world to the beauty of diving in Mauritius is such a rewarding experience. Whether it’s someone’s first dive or their hundredth, every dive brings a new discovery, and I love being part of that journey.
What is your favorite diving spot in Mauritius?
That’s a tough question because Mauritius has so many amazing dive sites! But if I had to choose, I’d say TiCorail is my absolute favorite. It’s an incredible dive site with an astonishing diversity of marine life. On any given dive, you might spot octopuses, stingrays, eagle rays, lionfish, stonefish, scorpionfish, and even mantis shrimp! Every dive at TiCorail is unique, and that’s what makes it so special.
How do you feel abouT starting your PADI Instructor course?
I’m really excited but also a bit nervous! Becoming a PADI Instructor is a big step, and I know the theory part will be challenging. There are so many protocols to memorize, and the responsibility of training new divers is huge. But at the same time, I can’t wait to take this next step in my diving career and share my passion for the ocean with even more people
What does diving give you that nothing else does?
Diving gives me a sense of empowerment, and independence that I’ve never experienced anywhere else. The moment I descend into the water, everything else fades away. It’s just me, my breath, and the incredible marine life around me. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of weightlessness and connection with nature.
What makes Mauritius one of the best diving destinations in the world?
Mauritius is a diving paradise because of its incredible combination of macro and pelagic marine life. If you’re lucky, you might encounter sharks, dolphins, or even a whale. But what I love most is the sheer diversity of small fish—there are over a thousand species here, in all colors and sizes. Whether you're into exploring vibrant coral reefs or deep wreck dives, there’s always something new to discover in Mauritian waters.
Do you prefer macro or pelagic diving?
Definitely macro diving! If you take the time to slow down and look closely at the reef, you’ll uncover an entire tiny world of wonders—nudibranchs, shrimps, tiny crabs, and camouflaged creatures hiding in plain sight. There’s always a new surprise waiting if you know where to look!
Thank you for the interview, Annecy! We wish you all the best with your PADI Instructor course.
Thank you! I can’t wait to continue my journey with Dodo Divers and introduce more people to the magic of diving in Mauritius!
