Adventures
Mauritius is a fascinating paradise, waiting to be explored! Now, we won’t call it a crime if you spend all your time on the water and the beach - but let’s say it’s not far off.
You’ve travelled a long way for this trip of a lifetime so we humbly suggest you make the most of the experience. While you can certainly spend every day on the water if you want, you may also choose a number of optional adventures as an alternative if you’d like to explore and experience a little more of the island.
From scuba diving, kayaking and kite surfing to guided tours, many other options – see below for a full description of all the choices available to you.
When in resort you may, if you wish, trade a certain number of your sailing days for days out on these excursions and activities. For a stay of 7-9 nights you can swap up to two days sailing for two excursions, 10-13 nights stay you can swap up to three days sailing and 14 or more nights you can swap up to 4 sailing days. Of course it is entirely up to you if you wish to do any swaps. Note: some of these activities carry a small supplementary fee – please see below.
Scuba Diving
The term ‘underwater paradise’ might be a cliché, but rarely has it been more appropriate than in the waters of Mauritius. If you are a diver, you simply cannot come here without exploring the magnificent underwater landscape. Large areas of natural coral are bursting with sea life, while the warm water is exceptionally clear.
Mauritius is home to some of the world’s finest coral reefs and marine life in the world. Teeming with hundreds of brightly coloured fish, the underwater world of Mauritius is a wonder to behold. There are about 430 different underwater creatures, including 200 different species of coral. Some of the more unusual sightings spotted include tuna, wahoo and marlin.
Our Discover Scuba Diving Experience offers beginner dives that will let you try and experience scuba diving for the first time.
For experienced divers, there are two 2 hour dives included in your holiday package.
The Discover Scuba Diving Experience for novice diversAre you a novice diver? Learn to dive in safe and controlled conditions under the direct supervision of the qualified instructors of Mauritius’ friendly and professional PADI Dive Center. You’ll first have a lesson and a practise dive in the pool and then you’re off for your first dive at sea. This is a great opportunity to try something new and see the wondrous world beneath the waves. There is nothing like breathing underwater for the first time. It takes a little getting used to, but after a few minutes most participants realise how easy and relaxing scuba diving really is.
As part of this experience you will get to learn about the diving equipment, the basics of diving and will also get to scuba dive in the open sea.
Requirements, restrictions and surcharges
- All the equipment necessary will be supplied by the diving centre, you don’t need to bring anything.
- Your adventure will be registered with PADI International, so you’ll gain credit for a future diving course.
- You must be 10 years or older to take the Discover Scuba Diving Experience.
- The activity is accessible to anyone in good physical condition and not suffering from cardio vascular, hearing or respiratory problems. The diving adventure is not suitable for pregnant women.
Northern Catamaran Cruise - the islands of Coin de Mire/Ilot Gabriel/Ile Plate tour.
You’ll have a great chance to encounter dolphins and whales on this highly informative and unforgettable Catamaran cruise to the north of Mauritius.
A major highlight of the voyage is the spectacular scenery of Gunner’s Quoin with its natural aquarium where you can swim and snorkel among an abundance of colourful reef fish. If you are also interested in a visit to Flat Island we will be happy to take you there in our speedboat. You can ask our guide to show you some of the best vantage points to get the most spectacular views: with cliffs towering into the sky which are nesting grounds for large colonies of tropical birds which can be seen gliding by. Built on Flat Island’s highest point is an historic white lighthouse which is still an active beacon for fishermen and other seafarers entering Mauritian waters from the north. The northern isles are the last vestiges of Mauritius’ natural habitat and important refuges for the country’s rare and endangered species – many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
A major attraction on Gabriel Island is a highly recommended 45-minute hike that circles the island on a well-marked coastal trail: this path has numerous stunning viewpoints from which you can see the spectacular aerobatics of the colourful birdlife – don’t forget your camera! You can also snorkel in the lagoon or simply laze in the sun on the renowned Gabriel Island sandbar.
Ocean swim with wild dolphins
Swimming with dolphins is an incredibly moving experience that many people find life altering. This adventure takes you by speedboat out to sea where, weather permitting, you will get close to and swim among these fantastic marine mammals. Snorkelling and swimming at your leisure then followed by a sumptuous BBQ lunch which is served on the nearby Ile aux Bennitiers island. Then it’s a relaxed boat trip back through the still waters of the lagoon and a drive to your hotel. A unique and memorable experience. To get an idea of how amazing this experience is, take a look at this video made by Viviane. You really will be this close to these friendly, wild dolphins!
Explore the spectacular lives of these magnificent marine mammals in their natural aquatic habitat. Immerse yourself in the adventure of a lifetime and swim face to face with dolphins in crystal clear waters.
Dolphins live in pods and the Bottlenose and the Spinner dolphins have made the West Coast of Mauritius their resting place. They sleep here before going out to the deeper ocean to fish.
The Bottlenose dolphin is one of the most well-known: grey in colour and between 2 and 4 metres (6.6 and 13 ft) long. Its diet consists mainly of small fish. The Spinner dolphin is dark grey, with darker patches on the tail, back and throat. Its beak is distinctively long and thin, with a dark tip. Adults vary in size from 1.3 to 2.4 metres. Spinners gather in groups that range from just a few companions to great schools of thousands.
Lagoon Catamaran trip to Ile Aux Cerfs
Set sail from Trou d’eau Douce on a luxury catamaran. Enjoy the wind in your face cruising through crystal clear water along the East Coast to the Grand River waterfalls. The scenery is breathtaking. When you get to the Grand River, you will go by speedboat to visit the waterfalls which are about 500m upstream. En route you may see monkeys and an amazing variety of birds in the trees. Following the visit to the waterfalls you will head back to the boat where you are welcome to go for a swim in the turquoise water. Snorkelers are in for a treat with some of the world's most breath taking coral reefs which are home to a wealth of brightly coloured marine life. After a delicious BBQ on board, take time to relax on the white sand beaches and enjoy this famous Robinson Crusoe style island. This cruise is all about making sure your day is both relaxing and enjoyable.
Once on the island of Ile aux Cerfs it’s time to relax on one of the picture-postcard beaches, enjoy a swim and/or snorkel in the azure sea and take time to appreciate the stunning scenery.
Sea Kayaking Trip - Ile d'Ambre Island
This fun ecological excursion lets you discover the secrets of Mauritius’ beautiful lagoons, islands, rivers, channels and hidden beaches.
The adventure starts with a short safety briefing before you don a life jacket and head for Ile D'Ambre which is an islet (a small island) inside the lagoon, covered with diverse vegetation. One of the most interesting features is the flora all around it that create small, shady water alleys which are great to paddle under in kayaks.
Our Sea Kayaking excursions are led by one of the most experienced guides in Mauritius. He has been doing this for years and loves to share his local knowledge, passion and love of nature. Safety is key. All safety regulations are followed and full safety gear is provided. Each trip is carried out with total respect for, and preservation of, nature.
You will have the opportunity to get close to the natural beauty of Mauritius, both the fine greenery of the lagoons and the magnificent open waters of the Indian Ocean.
Whether you choose one of the calmer routes or decide to venture out into the deep ocean waters, you are sure to have a great time, regardless of your level of expertise.
There are three single kayaks (4-4.5m) and six double kayaks (4.5-5.5m) available, all equipped with hatches, back rests, tow ropes and all safety gear, including feathered paddles and personal floating devices (PFD). Each kayak has a watertight compartment to store your spare clothing, cameras and other valuables. The trip starts at 9.00 a.m. and finishes around 12:30 pm.
Requirements, limitations and surcharges
- For this optional adventure, a supplement of £15 per person will be charged.
- You have to be eight years or older to participate.
- Water, juice and snacks will be provided during the trip
- We recommend you bring sea sandals or shoes, mask and snorkels, sun cream, towel, swim suit and a spare set of clothes.
Northern Mauritius Island Tour
A day full of contrasts, history, culture and beauty, the visit starts from Fort Citadelle which offers a magnificent view of Port Louis, the vibrant capital of Mauritius and Africa’s wealthiest city with its markets and shopping centres. We drive through the city and visit Caudan Waterfront, the atmospheric Central Market and then on to the North Coast to the busy fisherman’s village of Grand Bay with the picturesque red-roofed church of Cap Malheurex. A personal guide will show you around in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus.
Beautiful South-Mauritius Island Tour
A spectacular day taking in the extinct volcano of Trou aux Cerfs with its magnificent views followed by the model ship factory shop in Curepipe before going into the wilderness to visit the sacred lake of Grand Bassin Then it's into the forest reserve of Plaine Champagne, the Black River National Park (from where you’ll have a great view of the waterfalls) and then onto the wondrous seven-coloured earth of Chamarel with its local habitants – the giant turtles all mixed in with a sumptuous typical Mauritian lunch in the heart of a small village.
A personal guide will show you around in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus.
Trou auxCerfs is Mauritius’ famous volcanic crater, 85m deep and 200m wide which was formed millions of years ago. Here you will have a beautiful panoramic view of the crater and the town of Curepipe and, when the sky is clear, you can see all the way to Reunion Island. From here you will continue to the town of Curepipe and then to the Mare aux Vacoas, the largest freshwater lake and reservoir in Mauritius. This is dotted with casuarina and coniferous trees and is a unique alpine wilderness. We then go to the Model Ship shop and on through the Black River Gorges Nature Park, where you will see many endangered plant and animal species. Along the way you will stop at a viewpoint to see the Black River Gorges nature park and Alexandra waterfalls: you may also be lucky and see the wild monkeys who can be curious to investigate who these humans are.
Grand Bassin is a lake situated in a secluded mountain area deep in the heart of Mauritius. It is about 1800 feet (550m) above sea level and, with its Hindu temple, is a holy place for many Mauritians. The lake rests in the crater of an extinct volcano and it is said that the water inside the lake communicates with the waters of the holy Indian Ganges. The Hindu community goes on an annual pilgrimage there on Maha Sivaratri (Shiva’s Great Night).
Next to Grand Bassin you will visit the statue of Lord Shiva, also known as the impressive Mangal Mahadev statue. At 108 feet (33 metres), this is one of the 50 highest statues in the world.
The village of Chamarel offers two natural wonders: the magnificent Chamarel waterfall is considered the most beautiful in Mauritius and the seven coloured earth is a geological phenomenon - a small area of strikingly bare landscape surrounded by dense forest. It was created by volcanic rocks that cooled at different temperatures, forming beautiful patterns of colours red, brown, grey, and purple in the exposed hillsides. When visiting the park you will be able to walk between the sand dunes, along trails and see this unique sight. Along the way you’ll see a small petting farm where you can pet Giant Turtles which live there.
Create your own Adventure – Rent a Car for the Day
If you prefer to spend a day exploring on you own then you can rent a car. Discover the ‘real’ Mauritius with its little nooks and crannies. Drive by the sugar cane and pineapple fields, through sleepy inland hamlets, beautiful scenery, local restaurants serving Mauritian delicacies, roadside stalls with fabulous fresh fruits and vegetables, amazing views from the mountain slopes and the coastal road with its stunning coastline and sea side villages offering wonderful local freshly caught fish – cooked the Mauritian way: not to be missed. Or visit the Southern part of the island where you will find the beautiful beach of Le Morne with the mountain as a backdrop on the South Western tip or visit the beautiful protected Blue Ray Natural Marine Park on the South Eastern side where you can take a boat trip inside the reef and be truly amazed at the beauty of the 40+ different types of Coral and the vast array of stunningly colourful fish.
New to our portfiolio Casela, Quatre Bornes market & Flic en Flac Beach
We start the day with a drive down to the local market of Quatre Bornes in the centre of the island which offers typical inexpensive souvenirs and general items.
Casela Adventure Park
A Drive down the West coast brings you to the exciting Casela world of adventures. This 14 hectare park opened in 1979 and today is home to 1,500 birds, lions, zebras, giant tortoises, monkeys, a tiger and many other animals. Walk through the bird aviary and interact with numerous colourful birds from around the world. Or you might prefer to take a 45 minute adventure into the Mauritian savannah where you can see zebras, ostriches, deer and African antelopes from the adventure vehicle.
Are you a cat person? You’re in luck! While you’re a long way from the African savannah, you can experience the thrill of getting close to lions, cheetahs and tigers. Not into cats? You might want to visit the majestic giraffes.
The kid’s playground offers a classic dome, five-way swing, spire net, climbing wall, springers and seesaws as well as other activities. Children from 1 to 101 will enjoy the petting farm with deer, rabbits, fawn and their other friends. What a great way to get closer to nature!
For our younger guests, those who are young at heart, those who need time to switch off from the hectic city life and those who want to spice up their holiday with some action, the Casela Nature & Leisure Park has something for everybody!
Flic en Flac Beach:
The short drive to Flic en Flac beach is a good way to finish your adventurous day with some relaxation and a swim before heading back to the hotel. The beach is known as the Miami beach of Mauritius. It is a long sandy beach fringed with filao trees and blue turquoise ocean. A lovely way to end the day!
Hiking World Heritage site – The Slave Route, Le Morne Mountain, South of the Island
Experience a blend of breathtakingly magnificent views from Le Morne mountain, endemic plants, the history of slavery in Mauritius and challenging mountain hiking. (DIFFICULTY: SPORTY/CHALLENGING)
The first 250 metres of the ascent are easy and the path is wide. From 250 to 400 metres, it gets narrower and steep. The final 100 metre ascent is the most challenging part but doesn't require technical equipment or knowledge. Anyone can do the walk. You just need to be in a normal to good physical condition. May be unsuitable for children under 12 years.
We start our walk at 06.30 am in Summer (December-April), and from 07.30 am in Winter (May-November). Travelling from the North you will need to be up bright and early as your transfers will leave around 05.15.
Recommended: comfortable clothes like shorts and T-shirt and hiking shoes with a good grip.
At the end of the excursion, enjoy light snacks and drinks by the Le Morne beach.
This is adventure is not for the physically challenged & is classed as DIFFICULT/ SPORTIF/CHALLENGING)
The Hiking adventure carries a supplement of SFr.0 per person (for couples, families or groups).