Дайв-сайты: Moheli Island

Coelacanths inhabit deep volcanic caves at depths typically exceeding 150 meters around the Comoros Islands, placing them beyond recreational diving limits. However, Moheli Marine Park is one of the confirmed coelacanth habitats in the world, and the knowledge that these prehistoric fish live in the caves below the reefs you are diving adds a profound dimension to the experience. Technical divers with deep diving training and appropriate equipment have documented coelacanths at shallower depths in the Comoros, but recreational encounters are not expected.

Moheli (also called Mwali) is the smallest of the three main Comoros Islands. It is reached by small propeller aircraft from Moroni, the capital on Grande Comore, with flights taking approximately 30 minutes. International flights reach Moroni from Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, and several French cities. Accommodation on Moheli is limited to a handful of eco-lodges and guesthouses, and advance booking is essential. There is minimal tourist infrastructure, which is precisely what preserves the island's remarkable natural character.

The Parc Marin de Moheli was established in 2001 as the first marine protected area in the Comoros. It covers the southern coast of Moheli and several offshore islets, protecting nesting beaches used by thousands of green turtles annually, coral reefs, and the surrounding waters. The park is community-managed, with local villages responsible for enforcement and conservation in their respective zones. A modest entry fee supports park operations. Diving within the park requires coordination with local guides and is subject to park regulations including no-take rules and anchor-free mooring.