Many hotels provide windsurfing and kayaking equipment for their
guests, and for those who prefer less strenuous communing, there's
usually a glass-bottom boat to be found. For Jules Verne fans, lead-booted,
bubble-headed 'undersea walks' can be arranged near Grand Baie reef,
as can a ride on La Nessee, a semi-submersible boat - sort of like
a submarine - that allows a close-up tour of the reefs without the
nuisance of getting wet.
Surfing was big on the island in the 1970s, until
the rising costs of airfare and accommodation drove surfers to
seek bluer pastures. Now, with vacation costs back to bearable,
the crowds are picking up again. The area around Tamarin is said
to be the best spot to drop in, and the season lasts from around
June to August. Diving around the island is not especially interesting,
save for off the outer isle of Cargados Carajos, but there are
no dive operators there. On Mauritius, the best dive sites are
around Flic en Flac on the west coast. Snorkelling is a better
proposition, with over-the-side boat trips running from most major
hotels and from Grand Baie beach. The best swimming beaches are
all at the northern end of the island.
Serious anglers will love the superb deep-sea
fishing in the waters off Mauritius, where there are healthy populations
of blue and black marlin, bonita and yellowfin tuna, several species
of shark and spectacular sailfish to hook into. Overall, October
through April is the best time to sink a line, though there are
fish to be caught year round and the wahoo don't start biting
until September.
Though Mauritius is promoted primarily as a 'beach'
destination, the attractions of hiking and trekking through the
interior are legion. For lowland walking, take into account the
heat and humidity. For highland treks, come prepared for rain
at any time of year, especially from October to March. The Réserve
Forrestière Macchabée and Black River Gorges National
Park provide the bulk of the wild walks on the island, though
there are some fantastic short-but-strenuous hikes in the hills
around Moka Town. Curepipe, atop the plateau, is the best place
for trekkers to stock up before a trip. Caving aficionados will
want to visit Caverne Patate on Rodrigue.
Mauritius
Activities
