As is logical to imagine it is easy to find deals everywhere activities with the sea.
Catamaran Cruises
Without doubt the recommended excursion. Generally, they are day trips with lunch on board. The three typical routes are:
A hike in the northern islands. The voyage in open seas to the islands takes a couple of hours and lunch is served at anchor in a lagoon of calm sea in the Baie de l’Ilot Gabriel.
Cruise to the famous Deer Island. All navigation is done inside the barrier reef in calm waters and a barbecue is served on board. During the trip, you can get close to the waterfalls of Grande Rivière Sud-Est.
Hiking along the coast of Riviere Noire Bay and the Ile aux Benitiers, with lunch on board. Surely, the dolphins will come to the party.
Surf, Windsurf and Kite:
The best places for surfing are located on the west coast and south of the island’s best season is during the austral winter, June through September. The best known spot is Tamarin although there are others that are of high quality: Ilot Sanchot or One Eye for example. Mind you, all these sites have waves breaking over the reef so it is necessary to have a high level in this sport.
Diving:
Mauritius is a paradise for scuba divers, the coral reef, exotic fish and warm water temperature throughout the year make the practice of this sport to be an irresistible temptation even for those who have never practiced before. The entire coast of the island offers suitable sites for diving, cite in particular: the Blue Bay Marine Park, coral reefs, Flic en Flac, Le Morne and North islands. There are over 40 diving centers in the country and all hotels have a school with international certification courses (PADI, NAUI) and offer free basic equipment: fins, mask and snorkel.
There are a variety of activities that allow you to explore different ways and unforgettable Mauritius funds such as:
Submarine (North): Climb aboard a submarine 35metros deep. A unique and unforgettable experience!
Sub-scooters (North): scooters excursions under the sea.
Walking under the sea: available on the East Coast.
Sailing and other water sports:
All hotels offer their guests’ disposal are many possibilities to practice water sports: sailing, hobby cat, kayaks, water skiing, etc.
Parks and gardens:
Casela and Yemen: More than 1500 birds of 150 species of birds of the tropics, some in danger of extinction. The book also displays mammals: panthers, leopards, tigers, ostriches, wallabies, giant turtles, deer, monkeys etc. The park, located on the west Cascavelle, extends over 14 hectares of manicured tropical gardens. There is a restaurant with spectacular views of the sea. 9h-17h Open May to September and from 9am to 18pm from October to April (closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1).
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens: This botanical garden is located in Pamplemousses and is also known as The Garden of Pamplemousses. The park is home to several colonial houses and the main one was the residence of several governors of Mauritius. The Garden is internationally recognized for its collection of plants, palms and native and exotic trees found there. Highlight the pond with water lilies and giant tree Talipot that, after sixty years of growth, blooms only once before dying. Open from 9h00 to 17h30.
Le Domaine de Anse Jonchee: This park was a pioneer in Mauritius to develop green tourism in the island and remains a benchmark in this sector for its natural surroundings, where the views over the bay of Mahébourg are spectacular. Java deer and other animals roam freely in the reserve of 1000 acres near Mahebourg in Mauritius Southeast. There are several organized activities: quad, fishing, hunting, etc. 4×4 ride. The reserve has many ancient endemic trees and Mauritius and several species of animals and birds, including Crecerelle, small falcon in danger of extinction. Also, you can spend the night in one of the ten log cabins and eating at the restaurant.
Vanilla Crocodile Park: Park with the alligator as the star. Also, you can see deer, monkeys, giant turtles, insects and reptiles. Located in the South of Mauritius, the park enjoys a privileged natural environment with endemic and exotic plants and rivers that contribute to create a tropical atmosphere. In the restaurant, you can try deer meat and, of course, crocodile. Open from 9:30 am to 17h.
The Garden of Ylang Ylang: This garden, located in the southeast of the country near the park Le Domaine de Anse Jonchée is dedicated to the cultivation of Ylang Ylang, flower used as an ingredient in fragrances numbers and essential oils with healing powers. Open from 9h to 17h daily. Shop with sales of oil and tasting of farm products.
Domaine de L’Etoile, the only natural park of 6,000 hectares in the Southeast, where the endemic forest, crystal-clear rivers and lush valleys have a sea view over the Indian Ocean. Several excursions are organized to see all that this park offers: quad, 4×4, biking, jeep or on foot, and you’ll see deer, monkeys and birds, including Cateau Vert Crecerelle and in danger of extinction. The park also houses a coffee route which began production in these lands around 1800.
Domaine Les Pailles: Located near the capital, Port-Louis, Domaine les Pailles, is a natural reserve of 1500 hectares which can be accessed at 4×4 or horseback. The park also hosts several very attractive activities: cultural museum, sugar mill (XVIIIth century), made of rum (year 1758), spice gardens, horse-drawn carriage or vintage train. Within the complex there are 4 selected restaurants. Do not miss the casino in an old colonial house.
The Land of Seven Colors: This park, located in the mountains of the west coast Chamarel has always been a must for visitors to Mauritius. In the midst of lush vegetation is a volcanic geological curiosity: dunes with seven colors. By mixing in a glass bottle a little of each type of soil, these seven colors become detached. The area, which is where the Rastafarians living in Mauritius, it is interesting also for the plantations of bananas, coffee (Coffee Chamarel) or waterfalls.
Iles-aux-Aigrettes: This 25-acre island in Southeast Mauritius, Mahébourg Lake is a nature reserve by the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation. Representatives of the foundation will take the island and you will find many specimens of the flora and fauna present. The funds from paying the entrance fee is used for this conservation project.
Deer Island: This island is not really a park, but has almost always been the image of the island, as it has amazing beaches. Located on the east coast, is a site that you can not miss, we’re sure you’ll love. There can and on the beach offers several activities: do not miss the waterfalls of Grande Riviere Sud-Est, parasailing etc.
Les Gorges de la Riviere Noire National Park is a nature reserve over 6.500hectareas. Located in the mountains of the west coast of the island, the forest is home to a dozen endemic birds and more than 150 varieties of plants. For lovers of nature, is a must. The only way to visit is on foot, assisted by a guide.
Le Domaine de Valriche: The park is located in the south of the island, then Les Gorges Park. It has spectacular sea views from the south, waterfalls and rivers, deer in the wild, unspoilt countryside can be enjoyed on foot, bike, quad or 4×4. This park is controlled by the staff of the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation.
