Top Sea and Beach Things to do in Mauritius

The only problem with trying to write a 'Top sea and beach things to do in Mauritius' list is that it is simply one set of superlatives after another.

This little island in the Indian Ocean is paradise for everyone who has ever dreamed of a relaxing beach holiday.  Not that you will get much lazing-around-on-the-beach time, if you work your way through this list of how to enjoy every second of those clear, lagoon-protected waters.

And that is an important point to bear in mind.  The island is protected by an almost totally encircling reef, which means that the waters within it are (largely) calm and peaceful, and of the most iridescent turquoise.

Outside the reef, the waters are choppier, so for divers, fishermen and sailors: always seek local advice before venturing beyond the reef.  You will need to navigate your way through the narrow passes in the rocks to get out into the open sea, so don’t attempt it on your own.  Use a local boatman, fisherman or dive master to guide you through the rocks and shallows.

So, what can you do, to while away the hours by the sea?  We’ll take swimming as a given, and move onto the rest of the list:

Diving

Although the reef has been damaged – quite badly in some parts – there is still a lot to enthrall even experienced scuba divers.  There are many species of reef fish, and in abundance.  There are fun deep dives down to volcanic rocks at Whale Rock, and, a personal favorite, a great shipwreck to dive, the 'Stella Maru'.

Fishing

From sitting fishing on a rock just off the beach with a rod and bait, to deep-sea, hard-core marlin fishing, Mauritius has it all.  Deep-sea fishing is well-organized, from professionally-run bases in Grand Baie, in the north of the island, or at Black River, down in the south.

Undersea walk

Even if you can’t swim let alone scuba-dive, worry not: you can see the coral and the marine life on the reef by walking under the sea.  Literally.  You are attached to a boat by your breathing apparatus, which you place on your head, and then you walk on the sand and rocks.  Clearly you don’t go very deep, but there are masses of pretty reef fish even at three meters, and they crowd 'round you, waiting to be fed with slices of bread that the boatman will give you.

Snorkeling

As long as you can swim, you can snorkel.  Swim slowly over the reefs and the rocks, watching the hectic activity below you. Be warned, though. Snorkeling may well lead to scuba-diving.  Once you have seen the beauty of the reefs, you will be hooked for life.  Guaranteed.

Sailing

With the relatively placid waters of the lagoon on offer at most of the island’s hotels, taking out a boat or a dinghy or a pirogue (the local wooden fishing boat) is a perfect way to enjoy the sea.  Wear your life jacket, though, always.

Kite surfing

Most hotels will organize this for you, or point you in the right direction of a local club.

Surfing

Head down to Flic-en-Flac and chill with the island’s surfer dudes, who rate the waters down on this pretty south-east coast as some of the region’s best.

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