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Mauritius accommodation © Copyright 2011 2016 All rights reserved |
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 of mauritius 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 on the west coast of mauritius 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. Alphacar
offers a wide variety of
sightseeing tours and excursions in Mauritius