Seven Exciting and Unusual Activities to Enjoy in Mauritius
Many people think of Mauritius as a honeymoon destination. Well, it is. With its white, coconut tree-lined beaches, turquoise creeks, and bays, it makes for a tranquil destination.
However, there is more to Mauritius than lying on the beach listening to the waves. You can enjoy many water activities along the coast. In addition, the Mauritius interior offers a host of fun and unusual outdoor activities.
Located some 900 kilometers (560 miles) east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, this tropical African island is a collection of four islands. Apart from the main Mauritius island, there’s Rodrigues, Agaléga, and the uninhabited Cargados Carajos Shoals.
You are spoilt for choice in Mauritius. Here are seven of the exciting activities waiting for you.
1. Take an underwater sea walk
Yes, walk on the ocean floor as you explore the marine life and corals in their natural habitat. And you don’t even have to be a swimmer or have diving experience to enjoy this unique and exciting activity. A qualified driver-guide accompanies you on this 15 to 20-minute walk, assuring your safety.
2. Go on a submarine underwater trip
Remember all the stories you read in your childhood about going underwater in a submarine? Now is the time to live out that dream. Imagine being in a real submarine and enjoying the beautiful aquatic life of Mauritius.
Apart from observing innumerable species of marine life, the submarine trip includes visiting a shipwreck and observing the rich coral reefs of this tropical island.
3. Sample a skydiving encounter
Enjoy the unrivaled thrill of jumping from 12,000 feet above the ground. Perform some acrobatic moves as you come racing down with a parachute on your back to break your fall. It’s a matchless experience, as long as you have no fear of heights.
4. Walk with the lions
Experience the wild side of Mauritius by walking with the lions. These walks are held at the Yemen Reserve, which is a part of the Casela Nature Park. After a briefing by the lion reserve safari team on what to expect and the safety measures you need to observe, you will be introduced to the lion handlers.
You will then start your 1-hour walk with the lions. You will observe them as they climb trees, feed, play on the rocks by the river, and move freely among your party.
5. Swim with the dolphins
Get into a speedboat, a yacht, or a catamaran and experience a close encounter with dolphins. The crystal-clear waters off the coast of Mauritius provide an ideal location to view these resplendent mammals as they show off their playful nature.
For an even closer encounter with the animals, you can jump into the water and enjoy snorkeling as you interact with the dolphins in their natural habitat.
6. Ride a zipline
If you like ziplining, then head to the Vallée des Couleurs Reserve in southern Mauritius. Enjoy an adrenaline rush as you fly like a bird on a 1.5-kilometer zipline adventure, the third-longest zipline in the world.
You can also zipline at River Galets or Casela Nature Park. Thrill your senses no end as you ride across different landscapes at high speeds.
7. Propel an underwater scooter
You and your partner can navigate your own underwater submarine scooter up to a depth of four meters in complete safety. Breathe normally as you sit on height-adjustable seats, one behind the other, and enjoy this unique experience. You’ll be sitting inside a large glass dome that allows you a 360° view of the Mauritius marine life.
Final thoughts
There are so many thrilling activities to enjoy in Mauritius that you really are spoilt for choice. You are bound to find pursuits that delight and challenge you even as you take in the striking views, whether under or above land and water.
Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate, with mild temperatures all year round. You can enjoy the above activities any time of the year. However, if you want to avoid the peak of summer and winter, it’s best to visit from April to June and September to December.
Article by Wanjiru Ciira