6 Fantastic Water Sports to Enjoy in Mauritius
A Mauritian island holiday gives you the opportunity to enjoy more than just a swim in tranquil warm waters. Mauritius water sports are plentiful for those who’re keen to learn something new or dip back into something enjoyed before. Here are 6 Water Sports to tempt you to play in Mauritius’s gorgeous tropical waters!
1. Scuba diving
Mauritius ocean temperatures range from 21 – 28’C. This makes them perfect for comfortable longer dives, with a great variety of things to see. Mauritius boasts a vast variety of dive sites from natural coral reefs to a marine park and about 22 wrecks. Both novices and professionals will enjoy the great visibility and colourful marine life. People travel all over the world to dive in Mauritius. Safety is paramount so you’ll need to qualify as a Padi or SSI diver before or during your holiday.
2. Sea Walk
No time to qualify for your scuba licence? Or still a little weary? Then an Underwater Sea Walk is a great opportunity to explore the reefs and find sea creatures without a diving licence. One of the most popular options is the Underwater Sea Walk in Grand Bai. Hop on a boat to go to a platform inside the lagoon, North of Grand Bai, and gear up. You’ll be kitted out in a transparent helmet, much like those worn by astronauts, with your own air supply. This setup makes it easy to breathe, as it’s pretty much the same as how you normally breathe. A great upside to this is it doesn’t require you to master a snorkel setup before you start exploring. A knowledgeable guide will go down with you and point out the wonders of coral and colourful sea creatures.
3. Parasailing
This daring activity is great for couples or as a lovely way to have the sky to yourself. It’s offered on the North and Eastern coastline of Mauritius. Launch into the air with the help of a great support team. Then parasail for up to 20 minutes as you enjoy spectacular views over the lagoons and beaches of the island.
4. Sea kayaking
Choose between a number of different sea kayaking excursions to experience the natural environment of this Indian Ocean Island. Explore the smaller tropical islands that dot the sea off the mainland. Paddle through mangrove swamps and listen to the call of brightly coloured birds. Step out of your kayak and learn a bit about plant life, while you meander along forest trails and explore fascinating ruins.
Another option, on the West Coast, is to spend the day paddling through the Albion caves. These particular excursions will take you to Mauritius’s most stunning locales. Excursions tend to place emphasis on a safe and educational experience. They aim to leave you enriched and even more in love with this island paradise.
5. Surfing
Surfing is an absolute treat in Mauritius. There are plenty of great opportunities to find that much sought after sweet-spot. It’s particularly good to surf during the June, July and August months.
The ultimate surfing spot is Le Morne Beach. It’s nestled under the Le Morne Mountains and stretches for over 3kms. If you’re keen to learn to surf, then head over to Tamarin Bay. Black Rocks or Ilot Sancho are favourite spots amongst the more experienced surfers. Although, check with the locals for an update on currents and the possibility of a shark joining you.
6. Sea Hover
If you’re keen for an adrenaline rush, then head to the island’s West or South-West Coasts and jump onto a sea hover. After a safety and training briefing, your instructor will lead the way at thrilling speeds. Taking you to explore the coastlines and see gorgeous spots, such as those in the West Coast lagoons. Sea Hovering also gives you the chance to enjoy sea views of Rempart and Le Morne Mountains, the Black River Mountain range and the gorgeous Le Morne Peninsula.
Choosing an Ethical Wildlife Encounter
Mauritius offers interactive adventures and wildlife tours. Mauritius offers you the chance to see dolphins, turtles, crocodiles, lemurs, crocodiles, giant tortoises and skinks to name a few. The wonder of encountering, watching them close up and sometimes even an animal can be a treasured life experience.
As with anywhere in the world, some operators are better than others at ensuring the protection of animals. Some animals cannot be touched without hurting them and wild animals should never be herded into smaller areas or trapped. Therefore, ahead of booking a tour, we recommend that you do a quick check on how a company enables animal interactions. An easy way to do this is to read reviews and look at the photos from tours others have taken. Additionally, you can look at the company’s social media pages and look at their affiliations or licences on their website. This will give you an idea of what the official company approach is and how well they actually uphold it.
