Monday 20 March 2017

Mauritius Explored

Top view of the island

Nothing quite says Mauritius like crystal clear turquoise water. The palm trees and cocktails served in coconuts go a long way but nothing quite competes with the beautiful hues of the Indian Ocean. It's no secret that I am a little obsessed with the island as a whole, and every moment not spent there is spent finding ways to get back there and stay to live the island life for good, but there are 5 things that cannot be missed 


1. Swimming with Dolphins 
Trying to catch the dolphins on camera
Probably one of the most surreal experiences of my life. You get on a speedboat with a vague idea in mind but it is nothing like what you'd expect. The dolphins are wild dolphins and you are in the middle of the Indian Ocean, which is quite a daunting realisation once in the water! Once on the speedboat you head to the location where the dolphins have been spotted - which was off the coast at Black River level for us. Once you reach the site there are a whole host of other boats with tourists looking for the same thrill. When the dolphins swim past you just close your eyes, jump in the water and start swimming. Because the animals are wild they don't stop for the boats or the tourist which makes it a really authentic experience.

2. Ile aux Benitiers
View of Le Morne from Ile aux Benetiers
Ile aux Benitiers is the most lovely small island off the south west coast of Mauritius, reachable by boat. Trips vary between speed boat or catamaran depending on your preference and budget. On the island there are lovely little stalls for tourists to buy souveniers and lunch is often served there as part of your trip. Some boat trips combine swimming with dolphins and snorkeling as part of the experience. 

Drinking from coconuts and vendors on Ile aux Benitiers

3. Ile aux Cerf
View as you sail out from Grand River South East
After a car trip across the island to get to the Grand River South East where the boats depart, you first get on a small tourist boat and they sail you up the river past trees where the occasional monkey can be spotted along with the gorgeous island birds. From there the boat takes you to the catamaran that will take you on your journey. Hands down my personal favorite, this boat tour is pure paradise. Island music playing on the catamaran with nothing but unspoiled view of sparkling waters and beautiful mountains. At the brink of the lagoon the boat stops to let you snorkel with the fish as they prepare lunch for you on the back of the boat. After lunch you sail on to the island where you disembark and have about 2 hours to spend on the island at your leisure. There are curio shops as you come onto the island, there is a bar/restaurant and endless places to go swim. There are also activities available on the island such as parasailing, jetskiing, snorkeling, banana boats etc. Once it is time to go back everyone gets back onto their respective boats and the trip home gets going. On the journey back the staff on board does a traditional Sega dance and teaches the guests as part of the experience. Be sure to pack your sunscreen for this trip as you are out in the sun from 09:00 - 16:30.

4. Parasailing
Floating in the air above Ile aux Cerfs
If, like me, you are weary of heights but want to try something adventurous - this is it! I went parasailing at Ile aux Cerfs where first they take you in a small boat to a platform in the lagoon where they give you the harness to put on as you wait to be strapped in. They will try tell you that they will take you on an extra long trip and dip you in the water for an extra 500 rupees but don't fall for that as they give everyone the same tour. Once it's your turn they clip you on to the platform where they tie the boat to your harness, the boat pulls forward and once there is enough tension on the line they un-clip you and you shoot up into the sky. Although initially it can be a bit scary, once you are up in the air the breathtaking beauty you are surrounded by completely makes you forget you are floating in mid air! Taking in the views and feeling the breeze as they slowly dip you into the ocean and take you back up is the most amazing feeling. Carefree and weightless sadly time goes by really quickly and before you know it you are back on the platform.

5. Under Water Walking
Underwater with the fishies
Under water walking is a completely different experience from all the other water activities above mentioned. You still get on a boat and find your way to another side of the lagoon, but this time you get briefed on what you will be doing under the water as opposed to above it. They talk you through how the "bubble" works and teach you the hand signals you will be using. Once under water, it feels like you are walking on the moon! It is hard to make your way around ad your vision is warped by the bubble. The tour guides throw bread in the water and give you bread to feed the fish to make sure they surround you completely. The whole underwater experience last about half an hour but it is a once in a life time experience. Perfect for kids over 10 and anybody who wants to experience life under water without needing a diving qualification.  



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