| CATAMARAN
EXCURSIONS
If you have come to Mauritius and enjoyed the turquoise crystal
clear waters and would like to see an island in the middle
of nowhere, the Catamaran excursions are for you.There are
three outings which you will be interested: the Gabriel Islet,
the Ile aux Cerfs island and the Ile aux Benitiers island.
DOLPHIN WATCHING
Their innate connection to humans has made dolphins one of
the most fascinating sea creatures. Most often seen in the
West of Mauritius and in groups of four or five, the dolphins
are more than happy to perform their ballet in the water,
as they ride alongside the boat! We have seen some 50 once
on a catamaran trip this year 2002.
But do not contend to stay in awe from the deck of your boat!
Instead we invite you to get up close and personal with our
very friendly dolphins!
Want to take the best ride of your life? Book with us for
an excursion where we combine dolphin watching and introduce
you the exquisite beauty of the South West coast, Crystal
Rock and Benitiers Island. A sumptuous BBQ lunch with grilled
lobster and sea urchin await you on board, just after your
snorkeling in the crystal clear waters (masks & fins supplied).
DIVING
The continuous stretch of coral reefs around the island has
not only blessed Mauritius with beautiful beaches but also
offers a great diving sites. Diving amongst our tropical fishes
may be comparable to diving in an open aquarium.Currently
there are 23 diving centres in the island, registered with
the Mauritius Scuba Diving Association (MSDA).
DEEP SEA FISHING
auritius is renowned for being one of the best fishing destinations,
especially for big game fishing. A top fishing spot is found
off Le Morne (South West), where the seabed plunges 700m and
the currents attract small fish pursued by huge predators.
Marlin, sailfish, barracuda, wahoo, tuna and shark are common.The
fishing season takes place as from mid October to the end
of March.
The best time to catch the fast-running wahoo (140 to 200
lbs) is definitely during the month of September. Shoals of
yellow-fin tuna moving into our Mauritian waters between March
and April. And you can expect other local fishes like the
dorado, bonito (smaller specie of tuna) and the sailfish.
Bigger catch include the black and blue marlin. And you might
find blue sharks, hammer-head, mako, tiger, black fin and
white fin sharks in our waters!
WATERSPORTS
And so you have planned this trip so that you can see with
your own eyes that postcards showing picture-perfect, clear
blue sea are not exaggerating? Yes, and now you are in front
of that reality... There is definitely more to swimming!
Banana
For an absolutely mind-blowing 15-minute ride on the colourful
banana, all you have to do is hang on tight to the handle
and scream at your top of your lungs, with three other friends
as the speedboat cuts through the water!
Waterski
Just for these few seconds that you are gliding in style,
absolutely exhilarating! Monoski or on both skis, your choice!First-timers,
do not get discouraged if you lose balance and gulping seawater
more than you should! Needless to feel self conscious too;
everyone is on holiday!
Windsurfing
You just can't resist the sight of those very colourful surf
boards, against the calm blue sea reflecting the scorching
midday sun! Choose your spot carefully, for in calm seas,
you might not be going very far! May we suggest you try the
bigger waves of the West coast.
Kayaking
One-two, one-two! Yes, you are toning your biceps and triceps,
while gliding on the calm blue sea on board your kayak! If
you are with a group of friends, try racing! Alone or in tandem,
great fun guaranteed!
Pedalo
What we affectionately call, cycling over water! Usually done
in tandem, pedalo is great for those who like the feeling
of being lost in the middle of the sea (in the lagoon of course!).
Parasailing
You take off from a pontoon anchored in the middle of the
sea, and a speedboat pulls you until you have gathered enough
speed and altitude! From there, enjoy a bird's eye view of
your surroundings! If you are not so confident, 'hanging up
there', take a partner with you!
TREKKING
The Black River Gorges National Park offers you one of the
best trekking opportunities, over an area of more than 6,754
hectares. To ensure that the fauna is not affected by trekking
activities and walking tracks have been traced for your convenience.Along
the way, you may come across various endemic birds like the
pink pigeon and the Mauritius Echo Parakeet, and even see
wild monkeys! The principal road through the park is Les Mares
- Plaine Champagne - Chamarel Road. You can pick some Chinese
Guavas (May to July) by the Mare Longue lake before heading
back up a volcanic route to Petrin.
Black River Peak track
From Plaine Champagne-Chamarel Road, near the main
lookout, to the island's highest point (Piton de la Petite
Rivièew Noire), it takes about 3 hours to return.
Riverside track
Approximately a 2.5 kilometre walk along or near
the Black River upstream of the Visitor Centre to a kiosk
by the river.
Macchabée-Black River track
More challenging yet rewarding, this walking track
leads from Petrin, through the Macchabée forest and
down to the end of the Riverside track at the kiosk below
Plateau Remousse. This trek is suitable for all levels and
ages with a good health and fitness.
Cascade Cinq Cents Pieds track
A steeper track running down to Alexandra Falls,
and counting a 2 km return.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Discover the pleasures of mountain biking in Mauritius, amidst
the lush greenery and breathe in the freshness of the morning
dew.
Chamarel Ride
An easy ride of 1 hour, around the area of Chamarel
Seven Coloured Earths, in the middle of banana trees, pineapple
and sugarcane fields.
Chamarel Down Hill
Slightly more challenging than the Chamarel Ride.
A great scenic route for lovers of nature. Speed down the
valley, past Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths, Chamarel Falls
before heading to the South Coast.
South Coast
Starting from Savannah in the morning, a ride on
the South coast allows you to see the only break in the coral
reefs occurs in the South of Mauritius. From the top of the
cliffs, you can witness the wild show as big waves crash in.
Macchabée Forest
A more challenging ride. Do make sure your helmet
is on as as you descend the National Park into our indigenous
forests. Take time to listen to the song of birds in their
natural habitat and keep a watch for our endangered speicies
like the echo parakeet, pink pigeon and the kestrel.
SEA KAYAKING
Sea kayaking is yet another alternative to enjoying
the beautiful and refreshing beaches of Mauritius.
Péreybère
Highly recommended for first-timers. Security measures,
paddle signals and paddling techniques are being demonstrated.
Possibility to snorkel at the reefs.
Ile d'Ambre
Departing from St Antoine in the morning, towards
Ile d'Ambre, an islet off the North East coast of Mauritius.
Half way, a stopover at Bernache island, where you can re-fuel
your body and refresh yourself in the cooling beaches of Bernache
island. The final stretch is an easy paddle along the mangroves
towards Ile d'Ambre.
West Coast
Paddle in the depths at Tamarin, on the west coast
of Mauritius, where you have the opportunity to see spinner
dolphins. As you propel your kayak up the Rempart River, you
can watch the birds busy in their daily chores.
Kalodyne, Grand Baie
For more challenging sea kayaking, enjoy the view
of the North coast as you paddle downwind. Possibility to
stop on the reef for snorkelling.
Warwick Bay
From Pointe d'Esny in South East of Mauritius, paddle alongside
mangroves, towards the neighbouring islands Ile aux Aigrettes,
Ilot Chats and Ilot Singes.
GOLF
Most of the golf courses in Mauritius are maintained by the
major hotels and designed around exotic palm trees, bougainvilleas,
flamboyant trees and lakes.Golf courses may be hired by prior
arrangement with the hotel concierge and clubs and caddies
are also available for hire.
The 18-hole golf course at Gymkhana Club at Vacoas is open
to members, tourists and locals, and visitors may apply for
temporary membership.
The dress code requires men in collared shirts with tailored
trousers or tailored shorts with long socks and, women in
collared shirts with skirt below knee length, or long shorts
or tailored trousers.
First time playing golf? No worries! Subscribe to golf lessons
at an affordable price, without feeling self-conscious or
intimidated by more experienced players! And as you practise
your swings, posture, grip alignment and improve your accuracy,
you will be hooked to this sport before you know it!
HORSE RACING
Without a doubt, the most popular sports amongst locals, today
attracting regular crowds of more than 30,000 people every
Saturday. The excitement of the crowd is absolutely contagious
and the thrill of winning your bets even more so! The first
race starts at 12.45 and the last at 16.30, and is covered
live on the local TV channel and radio station. You may attend
the horse racing free of charge, though we highly recommend
you to book a seat at the tribune (entrance fee Rs. 100) for
a bird's eye view of the whole race track.And, why not try
your luck, and bet with one of the bookmakers on-course? Alternatively
you may place your bets by telephone, through Tote - the only
off-course means of betting. You never know!!
So, make it a must, if you are fortunate to catch the horse-racing
season between early May and late November, at Champ de Mars
(Port Louis), the first racecourse in the southern hemisphere
and the second in the world.
KARTING
Come and enjoy the thrills of karting, the most dynamic of
motor sport happening in the exciting West coast! One of a
kind in the island, Kart Loisir has already attracted many
locals to give in to the excitement of 270cc karts, on a track
of 900 metres.
Those of you who are looking for heightened thrills, opt for
the Quad Bike, where you can conquer more challenging terrains,
towards sugar cane fields with a guide.All drivers are required
to wear gloves and safety helmets.
Feeling hungry? Settle down comfortably in their restaurants,
serving Italian and Mauritian dishes by the swimming pool,
overlooking the landscape of Port Louis. For those who want
to chill out at night, The Wild Monkeys is open for you to
dance all night long! |
