Mauritius is the Mecca for water sports. I visited Mauritius this October with my family and tried my hand at almost everything. Here is where I realised that I absolutely loved being underwater. As they say, our biggest fears are our own manifestations. I can’t swim too well and was always worried about going underwater or even trying any of the water sports in Mauritius. The sun, sand and the beautiful sea incite and excite you to try out the wide array of water sports that are available in Mauritius. I would rate the below water sports in Mauritius as a must try;
1. Underwater Sea Walk
This might be the beginner’s guide to know if you should attempt scuba diving or not. Both my sister-in-law and I tried it. You are taken on a speedboat to the end of the lagoon where there is a fixed platform created. From here you wear a life jacket, a weight belt, and a water shoe to wear. You down a ladder and just before your head enters the water, they put a large glass bubble on your head which is attatched to a long line and oxygen supply. A guide takes you in and lowers you to the ground even before you can understand. You hold hands and walk around interacting with the marine life and fishes. The water is not very deep and so you hardly feel ear pressure. However, my sister-in-law didn’t like it as she felt claustrophobic. I enjoyed it and it gave me the confidence to try scuba.
Tips: The underwater walk is not suitable for children below seven years and you don’t need to know swimming to try this.
2. Parasailing
I hadn’t tried parasailing as well so this was a first for me again. They take you in a speedboat to the middle of the lagoon. You wear a life jacket and get tied to a harness before they latch you to the parachute which is tied to the boat. They first dip you in the water before taking you up in the sky and the whole process is smooth, there is no shaking. I was skeptical initially but doing it along with my hubby gave me a little bit of confidence. Once you are high in the air you should look around and enjoy turquoise waters and their vastness. You can see how sceptical I was in the beginning.
Tips: If you are scared of heights you can look around instead of looking down.
3. Kayaking
A rather easy one among various water sports in Mauritius. You can either try a single kayak or a double kayak. You can even look at cave sea kayaking
where you can explore the caves of Pointe Aux Sable and discover the gorgeous basalt rock gardens.
Tips: Pack an extra pair of clothes, sunscreen, towels and comfortable sandals.
4. Tube Ride
This works on the concept of centrifugal force and it was one of the most exhilarating rides that we experienced. The tube is pulled by a speedboat through the water . There is no safety harness and you have to hold onto the tube handles. When the speedboat pulls the tube you can even fly off, so be careful. My kids enjoyed this the most.
Tips: Keep the lighter person in the centre and the heavier ones on the sides for a better balance.
5. Windsurfing
We had the option to try windsurfing every day at our resort and I could really see some guys brushing their skills on it. When you watch a windsurfer you realise it’s not an easy task maneuvering the surf and riding the waves but in Mauritius, you can start in a lagoon and then maybe you can brave the sea.
Tips: Take a board and just practice, practice till you get a hang.
6. Safari Submarine
Safari Submarine ride is recommended to everyone as once in a lifetime experience. You can go inside the ocean in a submarine with your entire family even an infant. In fact, they charge you for the infant as well. Located at Trou Aux Biches & Mont Choisy, Blue Safari Submarine will give you a tour of the ocean but it’s an expensive option. They charge around 4700 MUR for adults.
Tips: Reservations are recommended at least a day in advance.The price per adult is Rs 39,000 and for children it’s Rs 23,000.
7. Underwater Scooter
I have never seen this anywhere else and found it a unique concept. Here you can ride on a scooter where your head is covered in a glass chamber so your head doesn’t go into the water and you can go inside the ocean and interact and experience corals and marine life. The underwater scooter has two engines, one for advance, another for movement upwards and you are taken up to a depth of about 4 meters.
Tips: Wear comfortable flats. Don’t do this if you are claustrophobic. It’s a great option to interact with marine life and get a sense of adventure if you don’t want to attempt scuba diving.
8. Snorkeling
What’s the fun without some snorkeling in Mauritius? Plunge into the blue sea and explore the magical corals and marine life. This is an experience you will never forget, ‘cos the reefs here are spectacular.
Tips: Wear comfortable light swimwear for snorkeling in Mauritius. If you want to take pictures, get yourself an underwater camera.
9. Scuba Diving
After I posted about my underwater sea walk experience my friends almost pushed me to try scuba diving. I am not a great swimmer and I was worried but nevertheless I did not want to go back from Mauritius without try my hand at scuba. The instructor did a good 30 minute session with us inside the pool and I panicked once but then he explained me how to handle the gear. We were then taken to the sea and once I was in the water I loved the corals and interacting with the fish. All my fears vanished.
It was my first scuba dive and it was not at all scary but magnificent. I guess both my fear of heights and going underwater was overcome in Mauritius.
Tips: To get the best out of your diving experience in Mauritius contact with accredited dive centers. I got my PADI beginners certification here which means now I can dive anywhere in the world.
When it comes to water sports in Mauritius, I have just touched the tip of the iceberg. There is canoeing, paddling, jet ski and much more that you can do in Mauritius. One last tip for you guys before we sign off, do remember that if you are looking for cheap flight tickets for Mauritius from India do look to book on alternate days as you will get direct flights and cheaper ones too. Flights from Mumbai to Mauritius on a Friday are cheaper and direct whereas on a Sunday there is no direct flight and they are more expensive too. So go ahead plan your holidays and do not forget to pack your sunhats, glasses and swimming costumes.
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