Thursday, November 30, 2006

Water Sports in Mauritius

Mauritius, a beautiful island in the midst of Indian Ocean, is prime tourist attraction with tourists from all over the world converging in this paradise island. Mauritius-the land of surf and sun has plenty to offer to tourists. Primarily a beach escape destination, Mauritius is also pretty well known for its wide range of water sport activities that keep the tourists busy and entertained during their vacation in Mauritius. Discover the wonderful tropical underwater scenery and the multicolored marine flora and fauna of Mauritius by indulging in the various water sport activities of Mauritius. The water sports of Mauritius are extremely thrilling and adventurous.

The Mauritian waters support a prolific range of water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing, sub-water walk, motorboat journeys, parasailing and much more.

Snorkeling involves breathing through a small pipe that juts out of the water while one can look at the underwater corals. Snorkeling is limited to shallow waters only. Snorkeling is very popular in Mauritius and most of the snorkeling spots are close to the sea. Some of the best spots are just off rocky shorelines. Tourists not feeling very adventurous can go on trips to glass bottomed boats that also provide very clear glimpses of the marine life and the corals.



Windsurfing is also popular with adventure enthusiasts who take advantage of the near perfect conditions of Mauritian waters to get their adrenaline pumping. The Bay of Tamarin is said to be the best spot in entire Mauritius where waves reach up to 6 ft. Other surfing spots include the Le Morne and One-Eye's and Baie du Cap. The popularity of windsurfing in Mauritius has resulted in World Championships for Windsurfing to be held in this paradise island, along with other competitions also.

Water sports in Mauritius also include sailing, as the conditions are always so excellent. Exploring the island of Mauritius on a sailing cruise aboard a yacht has its own special charm. Grand Baie is the main centre for yachting. Also sailing regattas are held annually in Mauritius. Generally the beach resorts arrange for sailing excursions or the tourists themselves can charter small sailing dinghies or yachts depending upon their need. Tourists can also rent out catamaran and enjoy the beautiful Mauritian sunset.

Deep sea fishing, ocean kayaking and scuba diving also the other water sport options available to tourists who want to spend their time in the serene waters of Mauritius. Anglers are sure to have an enthralling time hunting for the gray marlins, sailfishes, barracudas, wahoos, tunas and sharks in Mauritius. The Undersea Stroll is a must for tourists who crave anything unusual, where one actually walk on the seabed in weighted boots and dive helmet that is connected to a top-side air supply.

Spa Holiday in Mauritius

Mauritius is a dream destination- a place where people go to bask in the glorious sunshine, frolic in its turquoise waters and five a free rein to their adventurous spirit by indulging in a variety of water sport activities like scuba diving, snorkeling and deep sea fishing. But lately tourists have been coming into Mauritius for another reason also. And that is for experiencing a rejuvenating spa holiday in Mauritius. The elegant hotels of Mauritius set on gorgeous tropical beaches combine spa therapy with top class luxury for a memorable holiday.

Experience the art of soul therapy and pure relaxation that a spa holiday in Mauritius guarantees. Imagine escaping into the folds of nature and submitting your body to a soothing massage while listening to the soft lapping of the waves or enjoying a spectacular Mauritian sunset by the shore. Spa Holidays of Mauritius is trip down the luxury lane that leaves a lasting experience.

A luxury holiday in Mauritius is perhaps the sign of the ultimate indulgence. All the top class hotels and resorts in Mauritius have exclusive spa centres that have just one objective in mind- pure personal pampering. Some are even specialist spa resorts where the very essence of the stay is that of is relaxation and well-being. Feel the tiredness drain out of each bone of your body as you surrender to the soothing massages administered by the skillful masseurs. There are many different varieties of spa treatments and therapies available nowadays such as Ayurvedic, Indonesian, Thai and Balinese.


While the new exotic spa therapies are more for exciting the senses by using varied aromatic products, the traditional spa treatments draw on the healing powers of thermal water and ancient Asian rituals to balance the mind and body. But the end result of a spa treatment is same and that is a feeling of rejuvenation both on physical and mental level

A spa holiday in Mauritius is more than just a spa holiday. It is time for reflection and self-discovery while the mind and body shrug off their fatigue and reawaken to whole new world. Some of the world renowned hotels in Mauritius that also double up as spa resorts and provide refreshing spa treatments are The Residence, The One and Only St Geran, The One and Only St Touserrak, The Hiltion Mauritius Resort and Spa, The Oberoi and The Heritage Spa Resort, to name just a few.

Scuba Diving in Mauritius

Mauritius- the island of incomparable beauty situated in the Indian Ocean is home to some of the world's finest coral reefs and marine life ever to be seen. Teeming with hundreds of gaily-colored fish, the underwater world of Mauritius can be deemed a natural wonder in its own right. Scuba diving is the perfect way in which tourists can partake in the pleasures of watching nature's amazing beauty. Scuba diving in Mauritius is indeed a very enjoyable experience.

Scuba diving has always been a very popular pastime for tourists. Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like the rush of swimming with schools of fish streaming by your side as you take in the beauty of vibrant coral reefs and the marine life of Mauritius.

Mauritius is attractive to scuba divers because the island provides quite safe and near perfect conditions. With a coral reef that extends right around the island and water that is both warm and crystal clear, Mauritius is a place of enchanting beauty for divers from around the world. The diving sites in Mauritius are secure, given the warm temperatures of the water and a generally good visibility that even the first timers are more than enthusiastic to dive into the azure water of the island.



Even though Mauritius is an evergreen scuba diving destination, the months of summer are considered the best time for this particular water sport activity. This is so because in the summer season, the warm water attracts an abundance of fish and marine life. Persons going for diving during this particular period an easily catch sight of exotic fishes that include parrot fish, groupers, wrasses, sweetlips, angelfish, sergeant majors, trumpet and clown fish, moray eels, crayfish along with a wide variety of corals, sponges and sea anemones.

Scuba divers in Mauritius are spoilt for choice of dive sites. There are numerous dive sites strewn all over the island. Beginners can start at the shallow side of the ocean whereas experienced divers can head straight for the more adventurous dive sites such as cliffs, caverns, reefs, pinnacles and wrecks. One of the well-known and popular dive sites in Mauritius is the Cathedral that is located off the Flic en Flac on the western coast of Mauritius. Other dive sites in Mauritius include the Whale Rock and Roche Zozo that is an underwater rock pinnacle and the submerged crater near Ile Ronde.



All the major hotels and resorts of Mauritius arrange for scuba diving trips along with instructors. Some even have a dive centres that are operated by professionally trained staff, to ensure a memorable and safe diving experience.

Port Louis

Port Louis is the vibrant capital of Mauritius and a very important port city of the Indian Ocean. The city was founded by the French in 1735 as a supply halt for their ships travelling around the Cape of Good Hope. Named after King Louis XV, Port Louis is one of the busiest city of the country and also its financial capital.

The city is dominated by the Citadelle that is situated atop Port-Louis mountain range. Tourists can never get enough of Port Louis. Discovering the city can be an enriching cultural experience. The Chinatown has a fascinating atmosphere and where the Chinese culture had been kept alive. Spicy aromas waft out through the small restaurants, engulfing the whole area, thus lending it a mystic aura. Chinatown is also home to the Jummah Mosque that was built in 1853 and has intricate fabulous teak doors and decorations. Tourists also visit Chinatown to pay their respects to the Père Laval's shrine that is supposed to have healing powers.

Other places of tourist attractions in Mauritius include the Mauritius Natural History Museum that is known for its stuffed replicas of extinct species, especially the dodo. Also rare, exquisite stamps can be viewed at the Mauritius Postal Museum. The Place D'Armes is a good place to starting point for sightseeing and is dotted by original government houses, museums, churches and the most ancient theatre of the Indian Ocean along with the statue of Mahé de Labourdonnais. The hub of the city is undoubtedly the Caudan Waterfront with its swish shops, cinema halls, restaurants, bars and casinos.



Shopping in Port Louis is very much, especially since the country is totally duty-free. The shopping centres reflect the ethnic diversity of Mauritius and some good bargains can be made. The Port Louis Central Bazaar is a great place to shop for Mauritian handicrafts and other such things. Nature lovers can appreciate Port Louis' flora and fauna at the Mauritius Institute that is dedicated to the study of Mauritius's natural beauty.

Port Louis has plenty to offer for the adventurous tourist as well. Hiking through Mt. Limon and Mt. Malartic, spelunking through the Caverne Patate, surfing at Tamarin or diving at Rodrigues are just some of the options. Tourists can also view the splendid horse racing competitions at the Champ de Mars, also called the Hippodrome.

Marine Life of Mauritius

Welcome to Mauritius where brightly colored exotic fishes will greet you the moment you duck your head inside the azure water of the Indian Ocean. Mauritius is home to an infinite wealth of sea treasures. Mauritius boasts of an extremely rich marine fauna that comprises a large number of fish, shells, sea urchins, molluscs and crustaceans among others.

The reason behind Mauritius's such an abundant marine life is that it is almost totally encircled by one of the world's finest coral reefs that provide a perfect breeding ground for the marine species. Hence tourists can easily catch glimpse of the trumpet, clown fish, boxfish, rays, eels, game fish, dolphins and a variety of shark. The Mauritian marine life is a major tourist attraction in its own right.

Delve into the underwater world of Mauritius and lose yourself in the magical environs of marine flora and fauna. Swim with the black and long beaked dolphins by your side as you take in the marine beauty of Mauritius. To witness the rich abundance of Mauritian marine life, tourists have a plethora of options that they can exercise. Snorkeling and scuba diving have always remained the two most popular options for exploring the marine life. Tourists can also take a ride in submarine or go cruising atop a glass-bottom boat to sample some of ocean delights of Mauritius.

Honeymoon in Mauritius

A honeymoon serves to bring the couple closer to each other, in the privacy of the beautiful environs. As the couple together explores the honeymoon destination, they also get an insight into each other's personality. Mauritius promises to overwhelm your senses with incredible sights, sounds and aromas reflecting the cultural diversity of its inhabitants. Honeymooning in Mauritius means a never-ending saga of beauty and discovery.

Mauritius has long been established as honeymoon destination. Indeed, it has always figured among the top choices for as a honeymoon destination. And why shouldn't it? With panoramic views of spectacular scenery- endless golden beaches, mystical mountains, cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests and sugarcane plantations, Mauritius is an ideal place for a romantic honeymoon.

With over 330 kilometers of coastline, Mauritius has some of the most enchanting beaches in the world. Spend time with each other under the swaying palm trees and the golden sand as you listen to the waves crashing against each other during your honeymoon in this beautiful island nation. Mauritius also some great beach resorts like Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches, Mon Choisy, St Francois, Trou d' Argent and Petit Gravier where you can let your hair down and party late in the night with your loved one.



If you have dreamed of being marooned on a tropical island with your beloved, a Mauritius Honeymoon would be the perfect answer. A sparkling emerald in the Indian Ocean, its easy to lose yourselves in the scenic beauty of Mauritius while on a honeymoon what with verdant rainforests, wooded mountain peaks, sugar cane plains and coral reefs and lagoons

Explore the unique marine life of Mauritius along with your spouse or indulge in water sport activities like snorkeling, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing during your honeymoon in Mauritius.

Golf Holiday in Mauritius

Situated in the warm azure water of the Indian Ocean, the beautiful tropical island of Mauritius, with its vast stretches of pristine white-sanded beaches, is one of the most exotic destinations in the world and also an idyllic location for a relaxing golf holiday. Yes, surprising as it sounds, Mauritius has fast emerged to be a perfect location for golf vacation. The Mauritian landscape, with its beaches, plateaus and picturesque mountains is ideal for golfing. The elegant hotels of Mauritius set on gorgeous tropical beaches combine golf with top class luxury for a memorable holiday.

Apart from being one of the most sought after beach holiday destinations, Mauritius is also becoming an increasingly popular golf destination, and the catalyst for this change has been creation of Belle Mare Plage Resort in 1994. The plush resort boasts of two grand golf courses that have been designed by Hugh Biaocchi and Peter Alliss respectively. The golf course created by Biaocchi is called the Legend. The course has been carved out of bush-covered volcanic rock in some areas and shaped over low-lying flood plains in others. Featuring 18 holes, the most challenging ones are the tree and bush-lined fairways. The second course at Belle Mare Plage, designed by Peter Alliss, is called the Links.


It is named so because of its exposed location and rolling terrain. The Belle Mare Plage Resort has been hosting the Mauritius Open Golfing Championship since 2002 where the likes of golfing greats like Rodger Davis, Michael McLean, Philip Golding, Jonathan Lomas, Gordon Sherry and European Tour Players such as Lee Westwood, Andrew Coltart, Barry Lane, Ronan Rafferty, Joachim Haeggman and Thomas Levet have participated and won.

Fast becoming a firm favorite with the golfing fraternity, Mauritius also has other golf courses, namely the La Paradis and Le Saint Geran. Le Saint Geran is situated in the midst of a plantation of coconut palms and also comprises of the David Leadbetter Golf Academy whereas Paradis is situated on a secluded private peninsula. Another super luxury golf course is the One&Only Le Touessrok Golf Course where isolated golden beaches, framed by Casuarina trees provide the perfect backdrop to a splendid golf course. Some of the holes have exotic names such as Lava Rock, Razorback, Tidal Pool, Plateau Verde, Rock Ledge and Carry Me Home.


Other golf resorts include the Telfair Resort and Le Coco Beach. With so may option to choose, a golf holiday in Mauritius is a memorable experience.