Saya de Malha Bank, Ocean bank in Indian Ocean, Mauritius
Saya de Malha Bank is a vast shallow underwater region in the Indian Ocean spanning approximately 40,000 square kilometers. It features two distinct zones with coral reefs and abundant marine life throughout.
Portuguese navigators discovered this shallow region approximately 500 years ago while establishing maritime routes between the Cape of Good Hope and India. The name given by these early explorers has remained ever since.
Fishing communities from Mauritius have long worked these waters, relying on traditional methods passed down through generations. The bank remains central to local food security and the livelihoods of people who depend on the ocean.
Access requires specialized vessels departing from Mauritius ports, and navigation permits are necessary for entry. Visitors should prepare for open ocean conditions and expect longer travel times.
Scientists conducted an experimental project here attempting to create an artificial island using electrical currents. The project called Autopia Saya aimed to establish a research facility in this remote location.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
