Mauritius
This volcanic island, situated 1,242 miles off the coast of S.E. Africa, covers an area of 720 sq miles and its 93 miles of sandy beaches are protected by the world’s third largest barrier reef.
It is the island's volcanic origins, coupled with the barrier reef, that makes Mauritius such an exciting place to visit with your dive gear. With caverns, caves, grottos and drop-offs, a healthy reef system and the occasional wreck to keep you occupied during your stay.
Popular sites include The Cathedral; a vast cave, penetrated by shafts of dancing light which can be reached through a small opening, 35 metres down a steep coral encrusted wall. The wreck of the Sirius, a 19th century British frigate is teeming with marine life thanks to the strict enforcement of the marine conservation policy, which has drastically improved the marine environment surrounded the island.
The history of Mauritius is almost as interesting as the diving. Appearing on ancient Arabian maps dated from 1500 as “Dina Arabi”, the first European to land was the Portuguese sailor Domingo Fernandez Pereira in 1511. It was the Dutch, though, who first settled here, and the island was given its name in honour of Prince Maurice Van Nassau of Holland.
The Dutch left in 1710 and the French established a naval base in Port Louis, launching many successful raids against British ships during the Napoleonic wars. 1810 saw a successful British attack, and the 1814 Treaty of Paris ceded Mauritius to Britain.
Under Governor Robert Farquhar there were rapid social and economic changes, not least the abolition of slavery in 1835. Landowners sought indentured labour from the India and Africa and, along with settled Chinese traders, built the foundations for the rich diversity of religion and culture that exists in perfect harmony today. Christian, Islamic, Hindu and traditional Chinese celebrations are embraced by the whole island and barely a month goes by without a vivacious and colourful festival taking place.
With over 100 resort hotels tending toward the luxurious, the traveller is spoilt for choice. For divers and non-divers alike, Mauritius is a gem just waiting to be discovered.
Passports & Visas
A passport valid for six months and a return ticket are required to enter the country. EU nationals do not require a visa unless staying for more than three months.
Health
At present there are no notifications of any vaccination requirements, although Malaria exists in the vivax variety in some rural areas. It is advisable to check with the relevant authorities before travelling.
The water is untreated and unsafe to drink, dairy products are un-pasteurised and should be avoided. Fresh fruit and vegetables should also be peeled before consumption.
Money
Mauritian Rupee (Mre) = 100 cents approx: £0.20
All major credit cards are accepted. Traveller’s cheques, preferably in US dollars or pounds sterling, can be exchanged at banks and most hotels. There are over 125 ATM locations so access to cash should not be a problem.
Dive Centres
Aquarius Diving. Le Grand Gaube Hotel, Ph: +230-253-4997 Fax: +230 451 5357
http://www.aquarius-diving.com
Aquarius Diving. Le Paradis Hotel, Ph: +230-253-4997 Fax: +230 451 5357
Aquarius Diving. Les Pavillions Hotel, Ph: +230-253-4997 Fax: +230 451 5357
DiveMauritius Villas Mon Plaisir Hotel, Tel: (230) 258-1361 Fax: (230) 261-6600
DiveMauritius La Plantation Hotel, Turtle Bay Balaclava Mauritius. Tel: (230) 258-1361 Fax: (230) 261-6600
BSAC Club
Mauritius Underwater Group
The Clubhouse, Railway Road Tue, 19.30 The Secretary 00230 6965368
mugdiveclub@internet.mu
http://pages.intnet.mu/mug/
LINKS
Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority
32, Elvaston Place
London
SW7 5NW
www.mauritius.net
Getting There:
British Airways (0845 779 9977; Website flies to Mauritius from Gatwick twice a week, via Nairobi, and direct on a Friday. Air Mauritius (020 7434 4375) flies twice weekly direct from Heathrow, once a week direct from Manchester. There are also direct flights from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya, as Mauritius is a popular post-safari stop-off. This is a destination where it may well be advantageous to take a package tour as there are good values with hotel/flight arrangements. Many hotels in Mauritius offer "all inclusive" deals.
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BSAC TRAVEL CLUB BOOKSHOP SELECTION
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The capital, Port Louis, is the main shopping area with a colourful local market. The cultural mix of Mauritians has a strong influence on the island and is reflected in the many cuisines and the warm hospitality toward foreign guests. Standards of accommodation, food and service are generally very high. Entertainment tends to be centred round the hotels, and whilst there are local bars and restaurants, particularly round the Grand Baie area, there is little night life outside the hotels. Beaches on the west coast are more sheltered than those on the east, which can be breezy.
Mauritius Dive Diary by Derek Dear
Mauritius: The Indian Ocean's Hidden Gem, April 2006 by Brian Rayner
Stacked at the Serpent - Diving in Mauritius
Toxic Delights
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