Fishing

To leave Mauritius without trying one's hand at big game fishing is to miss out on a truly exciting experience of the marlin scene. Mauritian waters abound with varieties of fish: black and blue marlins, dorados, all types of sharks, sailfish, yellow-fin tuna, barracuda and bonitos, among others.

Big game fishing competitions are organised from October to March. From March to May is the yellow-fin tuna season. The main fishing activities extend from the south-west to the north of the coast.

Diving

The Mauritius Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) has diving centres located in most of the large hotels along the north, east and west coasts. All of them are fully equipped with wetsuits, life jackets, compressors, regulators, etc. Aqualung diving lessons are available at these centres. Lessons start in the swimming pool and if one has got the aptitude, progress to shallow sea dives is quick. The average holiday-maker should be able to easily progress to supervised aqualung diving within a two-week holiday.

Marvellous coral gardens are found at a depth of 15 metres and are home to over a thousand different species of fish. The magnificent underwater scenery is protected by law; the use of spearguns is forbidden and the collection of shells and corals is strictly prohibited.
MSDA - 36Bis, Meldrum, St, Beau Bassin Tel: (230)454  0011
Fax, Villa Caroline, Flic en Flac (230)453 8807

Yachting

Sailing conditions are excellent. Small boats are available at most hotels. Excursions in the open sea to coastal islands around Mauritius are offered by yachting organisations.

Paragliding

Who hasn't ever dreamt of flying? This thrilling sport with some 500 000 followers worldwide is available in Mauritius. Enjoy the opportunity to look down on the splendid view of the mountains of the south east and the transparency of its lagoons. Beginners are welcome.

Horse Racing

From the beginning of May until the end of November the horse racing season is of outstanding interest to visitors. The meetings are held in Port Louis during the weekends, at the Champ de Mars (top photo), which is one of the oldest race courses in the world (founded in 1812). Mauritius' Derby Day is the Maiden Cup, usually ran  in late August.

Other Activities

Most beach resort hotels offer holiday-makers the entire gamut of stimulating activities: watersports, tennis, golf, volleyball and much more.