The most beautiful sites for scuba diving in Mauritius
Written on : 21 March 2019 By : Leo-Paul Weiss
With its turquoise lagoons and warm waters, Mauritius has something to dream about. Though some people prefer to relax on their honeymoon, or simply to have a good time with their loved ones, others want to explore the seabed of this island paradise. What is certain is that scuba diving enthusiasts will not be disappointed with Mauritius. Varied and splendid, there are diving sites dotted around all four corners of the island. Although it is possible to dive all year, the best time to practice snorkeling is between October and March. Put on your wetsuit, mask and snorkel, and set off to explore the fantastic aquatic life of Mauritius!
1- The coral garden in the Blue Bay Marine Park
Classified as a Ramsar site, the Blue Bay Marine Park has not finished surprising you. Covering an area of more than 350 hectares, this park is recognised for its ecological functions as well as for the protection of its incredible biodiversity. Notice to all lovers of snorkelling, the coral garden in the Blue Bay Marine Park is a must! Indeed, here you will find rare species of corals. Along this exceptional seabed, discover fish of a thousand and one colours and a surprising vegetation. The show is simply magical.
To get to the park, board a boat from the public beach in Blue Bay for a short trip of a few minutes. If you don't want to dive, you can still watch these vertebrates play with their fins from glass-bottomed boats! Please contact Villanovo to organize your trip!
The West of Mauritius is home to some of the most beautiful scuba diving sites.
Among them, the Cathedral at Flic en Flac. It is the most famous diving spot in Mauritius. As soon as you dive into the turquoise waters of the Cathedral, you will understand why. This site has a 28-meter deep arch and a vertical chimney that allows you to get up close and personal with Mauritius' marine life. Watch a trickle of light seep through the arch and chimney, radiating light across the seascape. Something to delight any photographer! In the overhangs and crevices, you can admire a plethora of colorful fish, as well as vast morays, flying scorpionfish, and schools of jacks.
3- The Aquarium, Grand Baie
Located in the Trou d'Eau Douce lagoon, the Aquarium is ten metres deep. With a beautiful light, the Aquarium is ideal for all those who want to learn about snorkelling. Under your diving mask, you will be able to contemplate all the beauty of the juvenile fish, seahorses and emperor fish. And yes, the Aquarium is aptly named. Like a huge natural pool, this scuba diving site radiates light. Swim in the middle of an abundant wildlife and explore all the richness of the biodiversity of Mauritius.
Once again, Flic en Flac dazzles visitors with the beauty of its marine fauna. Undulating like a snake, this dive site is very aptly named. Over 120 metres long and one metre high, you can observe predators closely watching for their prey: angelfish, moray eels, but also lobsters, catfish and soldier fish. The underwater wildlife is of incredible beauty here. In the waters of Snake Rampart, you can also swim alongside impressive species such as marlin and flying lionfish.
5- The Shark Pit, Pigeon Rock
Discovered by Hugues Vitry, the Shark Pit is undoubtedly the most impressive dive spot of all Mauritius. Some diving clubs in the North and West of the island organise excursions to this breathtaking spot. If you fancy an adrenaline rush, the Shark Pit is for you! As its name indicates, this spot allows you to observe a great concentration of sharks which congregate in their natural environment. In this pit, there are about 60 species of shark, including the famous gray sharks. Get ready to admire these gorgeous creatures and shudder as they approach! To get there, some dive clubs in the north and west of the island organize excursions from Grande Baie or Trou aux Biches.
Contact Villanovo for more information.
Though the beach of Belle Mare is famous for its fine sand and its turquoise blue waters, its seabed is absolutely not to be missed. The site is full of scuba diving areas. The most exceptional is undeniably the Japanese garden. Located in the pass of Belle Mare, the Japanese garden is for beginners as well as more experienced divers. More accessible than the Gorgonian forest, the Japanese garden radiates beauty and will delight all underwater photographers.
Here, coral life and marine life are of incomparable beauty. You will be able to contemplate such incredible species as butterflies, moray eels, platax, and hogfish at a depth of 20 meters. The Japanese garden of Belle Mare is also renowned for the protection and diversity of its corals. Fire corals, staghorn corals, but also tubular corals will never cease to amaze you!
7- Silver Star, Grand Baie
There are several wrecks on Grand Bay, but Silver Star is probably the one that deserves the most attention. At 40 meters long and well preserved, the Silver Star is covered in soft corals and is home to an abundance of aquatic life. Here you can see barracuda, platax, jacks, and even toadfish, often lying motionless and hidden under the Silver Star's nooks and crannies. Large scorpionfish have also found refuge here. Ideal for taking photographs and admiring the beauty of the underwater fauna, the Silver Star wreck is reserved for the most experienced divers!
8- Coin de Mire
The Coin de Mire is a Mauritian island located 8 km north of the main island. Perfectly adapted to families for snorkeling, the Coin de Mire will never cease to amaze you. Various spots are renowned. Put on your mask and snorkel and admire the sea turtles, the beautiful anemones, and the clownfish. For diving, the Djabeda wreck at 34 meters depth and the Confetti spot will also make your trip to Coin de Mire unique in the world. We also advise you to go to the Charpentier spot, at a depth of 25 meters, a reef full of life where the aquatic fauna evolves in the middle of canyons and underwater caves.
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