Mauritius has a reputation for providing some of the best relaxing beach holidays in the world, a fact which actually belies the vast array of activities that a visitor can indulge in on the island. Mauritius may provide some of the most glorious beach sites available in the modern world, but it’s true wonders actually lie just beneath the waves.
Diving in Mauritius is one of life’s simple pleasures, with diving enthusiasts from across the globe often making their way to this small island in the Indian Ocean. Becoming one of the many to venture beneath the waves is actually relatively simple, as much of Mauritian tourism is dependent on providing good diving.
On the main island of Mauritius alone, there are around 40 accredited centers for scuba diving. Some of these are associated with hotel and resort complexes, while some remain standalone. For a real Mauritius diving experience to remember, visitors tend to recommend visiting one of the unaffiliated centers
Even if you have no diving experience, you can still begin. Almost all centers cater to the beginner, offering courses which will teach you the basics of scuba diving in as little time as possible. These centers offer equipment rental, guiding through your first dive, night diving and license exams.
As well as beginning lessons with a center, it is a good idea to register yourself with the Mauritian Scuba Diving Association (MSDA). The MSDA is a non-profit organization, designed to give more to the tourist than a few hours wandering under the sea. Their dives, which go on throughout the week, are often more interesting and exciting than the standard fare offered as a past-time more than anything else by the hotel complexes. By diving with an accredited center on dives approved and sometimes arranged by the MSDA, you can really see the underwater glory.
The main island of Mauritius is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs and their associated wildlife. However, you must be careful to research thoroughly where exactly you’re diving to if diving with a hotel diving school. Hotel complex-arranged diving has something of a poor reputation, often venturing to dead reefs with only small amounts of marine life, with dives lasting 35 minutes. While for some this may be thrilling, for anyone wanting a little more from their dive, research thoroughly.
As well as the reefs, coral and marine creatures, Mauritius offers a huge range of shipwrecks, the majority of which can be dived to. As Mauritius has a history of literally being a port in a storm – with sailors of yesteryear seeing land during a fierce storm and heading for the island, only to run into trouble on the surrounding reefs – the shipwrecks are plentiful and varied.
There are currently 14 shipwrecks around the coast of Mauritius, all within easy reach. Some of these are ships that, at the end of their service life, were deliberately scuttled to provide an ecological formation and diving experience. The wrecks are no less wondrous for this, and actually provide a wonderful experience as the ships are almost entirely intact. The most popular include the wrecks of the “Silver Star” and “Stella Maru”, full ships which are far into the development as artificial reefs.
Mauritius diving is possible all year round, though the best months are November through the April, the Mauritian summer. During these periods sea temperatures can reach 28°C and the waters are calm with good visibility. The water is cooler – around 20°C – for the rest of the months, water can be choppy and visibility can be poor, but Mauritius diving is still a wonderful way to spend a holiday.