Local Information about the Eparses Islands

Climate

Europa and Bassa da India have an austral climate with a warm and humid season from December to March and a cool and dry season from June to September. The yearly rain falls are pretty low with only 597 liters/m2. The difference in temperature is minimal (more or less 5 degrees all year round) but extreme records have reached 37° for the hottest and 13° for the coldest temperatures. During the dry season, haze and fog can appear at the end of the night. Due to the lack of diving in the area, we can't provide precise water temperature. The temperatures below are only an indication.

Month:	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Period:
Air (°C):	28	28	27	26	25	23	22	22	23	24	25	27
Water (°C):	27	26	26	26	24	22	21	21	23	24	25	27

	= Optimal period
	= Recommended period
	= Not recommended period

Help us protect the environment

Since its inception ABYSS has always been committed to the protection of the environment. We invite you to join us in observing these simple rules:

Your travel documents will include a responsible diver chart from the Longitude 181 Association. Please study and apply these rules wherever possible.

Protect the environment, both above and below water, by reducing to a minimum the impact of our activities.
Leave nothing behind which is non perishable and remember to take back things such as batteries, cigarette filters and plastic containers to name a few.
Use a minimum of non renewable resources such as water and energy.
Never buy any souvenirs that are made from tortoise shell, shark teeth, coral or shells.
Do not touch the fish or the coral during your dives and control your buoyancy at all times.
The organisation of this voyage has been regulated so that our presence will not have more impact than a scientific mission (small groups of very experienced divers under constant supervision by one naturalist and 3 professional guides). We will respect to the letter the extended regulations imposed by the French government in relation to the environment (treatment of all waste, waste water, any physical contact with fauna).

Usefull details

Customs formalities:	Valid passport with expiry date more than 6 months after return. Please ensure you have a valid visa for Mozambic (to be paid on spot : EUR 25.-). Passangers requiring a visa to enter France should consult us as we are in effect visiting French territory.
Health formalities:	Up to date vaccinations recommended. No mandatory vaccination. Malaria treatment recommended in Mozambic(zone 3). A valid dive medical dated within the last 3 years is mandatory
Jet lag:	UT/GMT +3
Currency:	Euros (EUR)
Accepted methods of payments:	Cash Euros
Electricity:	220V and 12V - European outlets
Languages:	French
Flight time:	Depending on departure location
Luggage:	Our preference is for soft baggage for storage purposes on board. A max of 23 kg on international flights. Please bring some good sun screen as well as warm clothes for the evenings on the deck.
Pharmacy:	First aid kit, aspirin, paracetamol, sun screen plus sunburn ointment, insect repellent.
Required documents:	A valid dive medical dated within the last 3 years is mandatory. Photocopy of your passport, dive certification card, log book and valid dive medical within last 12 months. Cancellation and repatriation insurance is highly recommended. (i.e. www.diversalertnetwork.com or similar)