While the majority of the tourist attractions in Mauritius are on the main island itself, there is much to be gained from Mauritius offshore. The entire Republic of Mauritius as comprises the main island itself, as well as many outlying islands, some of which are inhabited and others which are as empty as they were when they were formed eight to 10 million years ago. The scope for exploration is quite breathtaking, so at least once during your holiday, venture from Mauritius island and go offshore.
The most visually spectacular and popular offshore activity is diving, be it scuba or snorkeling. Almost all of Mauritius is surrounded by reefs, which cover roughly 190 square kilometers in all directions from the main island. There are many diving centers on the mainland who can advise you how best to enjoy them.
Due to the huge amount of coral surrounding Mauritius, offshore there are many shipwrecks just beneath the waves. Some of these are genuine shipwrecks, dating back many centuries, who upon encountering the terrific Indian Ocean storms saw Mauritius island and made for land, seeking refuge. Unfortunately, they were then scuttled by the reefs and coral that encase the island, but the remains of the wrecks make for some of the most hauntingly beautiful sites Mauritius offshore can offer.
More than 100 genuine shipwrecks are registered to lie just offshore from the main Mauritius island. While some are too deep or perilous to dive to, many remain and are regularly visited by tourists. You will need some previous diving experience, or at least a willingness to learn while on holiday, to see these ships, but they will undoubtedly but worth it.
These shipwrecks offshore from Mauritius have occasionally thrown up some true treasures. Over the years, gold bullion, pearls, ivory and diamonds have all been discovered amidst the wrecks. Odder items have also been recovered, mainly from the British ship “Speaker”, the wreckage of which contained items such as a sundial, several compasses and even a smoking pipe. There are also still occasional reports of skeletons being found, but any wreck which is dived to by a commercial center will already have been thoroughly inspected and any such items removed. What remains is the wreck itself, stunning in it’s final resting place on the ocean floor.
In modern times, Mauritius offshore also contained ships and barges that have been deliberately sunk to the seabed to make artificial reefs. Before a ship can be sunk, it must be prepared thoroughly, with all fuel removed, rigorous cleaning and all watertight holds and hulls must be breached. Many divers prefer the wrecks that have been deliberately scuttled and sank, finding them less haunting than the genuine shipwrecks, which while fascinating did mean a disastrous end to a journey for many sailors.
So when it comes to Mauritius offshore, there is more than just the natural reefs. The shipwrecks, both genuine and those deliberately placed on the seabed, making for fascinating viewing for any diver. They are ecological homes to huge amounts of marine wildlife and provide a fascinating glimpse to a final resting place, just beneath the waves.