Splashing out
If watersports are the big attraction then look no further than Mauritius. It’s clear warm waters make every watery activity- from diving and snorkeling to waterskiing and sailing – so much more appealing.
The lure of those sparkling turquoise waters surrounds Mauritius. With one of the largest coral reefs in the world encircling the island and creating calm, clear lagoons, Mauritius is a water sports paradise for beginners or hard core thrill seekers.
Whether you are a novice or a fully qualified diver, Mauritius’s abundant live reefs sustain a thriving underworld of bright corals and tropical fish. Most five star resorts have their own PADI licensed dive centres with everything from try dives for around £60 to underwater photography courses. Sites include Roche Zozo (18-40 m) where turtles or some sharks are often encountered swimming in, out and around the series of rocky peaks, canyons, tunnels and caves, which are all covered in pink coral and gorgonians. Alternatively, HMS Sirius, sunk in 1810 during the naval battle of Grand Port between the British and the French, whose remnants lie18-24 m below a river mouth. The best diving is between November and April.
Most leading resorts offer free access to snorkeling masks and fins and often other watersports too such as waterskiing, pedaloes, kayaking, windsurfing and catamarans. Many offer complimentary glass bottom boat trips which are a great way for young children to see the reef.
The best surf in Mauritius is at Tamarin on the west coat where a surf school can teach beginners the basic and hire out boards to the more skilled. This is also the place to come if you want to swim or view dolphins.
Most easily accessible snorkeling sites are Trou Aux Biches, pereybere and Grand Bair in the north, Turtle Bay, the first National Marine Park in the North West, LLe Aux Cerfs in the east and Blue bay National Marine Park in the south.
Sea walking is another way to see the underwater landscape. Wearing what look like an old fashioned diver’s helmet continuously fed by air pumped by a line from a boat above, visitors can stroll along the lagoon floor at Grand Baie, Anse La Raie and Belle Mare.
Or whow about a subscooter? Blue Safari’s two-person scooters allow their rides to sit one behind the other, breathing normally underwater with their heads covered by a transparent dome, providing a panoramic view of the reef. Trips cost around £65 per adult.
Big game fishing is good year round. Mauritius is home to the Annual Marlin World Cup.
Fast Facts
Top 10 water-based activities
• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling and glass bottom boat trips
• Swimming with dolphins
• Big game fishing
• Kitesurfing
• Kayaking
• Windsurfing
• Waterskiing
• Catamaran sailing
• Blue Safari Subscooter
To find more about WaterSport in Mauritius visit Mauritius Tourism Board Website