le sec jaune

Le Sec Jaune is an advanced dive site off Reunion Island's southwestern coast, where a submerged reef formation rises from the deeper seabed to create an isolated underwater feature that concentrates marine life in the open water. The name, meaning Yellow Bank, references the coloration of the reef summit where certain organisms create the distinctive golden hues that make the site recognizable. The seamount-like formation acts as a magnet for marine species, its elevated structure providing shelter and feeding opportunities in waters that are otherwise devoid of significant reef features. This aggregation effect creates diving encounters of impressive quality, with fish density around the bank substantially higher than on the adjacent seabed. The bank's summit supports a diverse coral community adapted to the mild current and excellent light conditions at its crown. Hard coral species create the structural framework, while the golden-toned organisms that give the site its name add their characteristic warmth to the reef palette. The slopes descending from the summit transition to deeper-water communities where soft corals and gorgonians thrive. Fish populations around Le Sec Jaune include both resident reef species and pelagic visitors attracted by the bank's concentration of smaller prey. Schools of tropical fish aggregate above the summit, while larger predatory species patrol the bank's periphery. The open-water position means that encounters with sharks, rays, and other pelagic species are a realistic possibility. The advanced classification reflects the bank's depth, its offshore position, and the current conditions that can develop around the formation. The open-water nature of the dive requires blue-water comfort and solid navigation skills. Le Sec Jaune offers Reunion divers an offshore experience that delivers concentrated marine encounters in a dramatic underwater setting.