This post details 4 luxury experiences that you can take in Mauritius, which is located in East Africa. It is an Indian Ocean island nation, which is known for its beaches, lagoons, and reefs.
The paradise island of Mauritius lies just off the coast of Madagascar. It rises from the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. With a mountainous interior and an ethereal shoreline, there are many rare and incredible experiences to be found here.
On the west coast, you’ll find bustling market towns and Port Louis, rich with French colonial architecture and cultural delights. Inland, the lush rainforests with multiple hidden waterfalls offer hours of world-class trekking.
But for a relaxed and exclusive vibe, the beaches of Mauritius are where you want to go. There are luxury resorts and hotels set just a stone’s throw away from long stretches of white sandy beaches. Coral reefs waiting to be explored and blissful indulgence is inevitable.
Here are four luxury experiences you have to try in Mauritius.
Exploring Coral Reefs in Style
Mauritius in East Africa has a really fun and unique way for visitors to experience its underwater world – sub-scooters. You can rent vehicles that allow you to explore the coral reefs with ease. it comes with a clever oxygen pump keeping your head dry and your body comfortably submerged and seated as you visit all the colorful fish, turtles, and rays.
Without the need for masks or mouthpieces, it’s a fun activity for those nervous about scuba diving or who’d rather keep their hair dry.
Each sub-scooter seats up to two people, so you can share the experience and talk to each other as you glide through the crystalline waters.
Witness an underwater waterfall
How the seawater, sand, and silt mix in the southwestern coastline of Mauritius creates an amazing optical illusion that looks like an underwater waterfall.
As the sandy bay fades into the seabed, it suddenly drops 12,000 feet into an abyss of deep ocean. This is because the island of Mauritius sits on a shelf above the seabed. It was formed from volcanic eruptions some eight million years ago.
While the ‘waterfall’ is perfectly safe to swim and dive in, the best way to view the amazing natural phenomenon is with a private helicopter tour.
You can find multiple tour operators in Le Morne, and whilst the ride can be rather expensive, it’s well worth it for the view.
Swim with wild dolphins
Whilst you’re in Le Morne, take the opportunity to head out and play with a pod of wild dolphins. Experienced local guides take you offshore via a speedboat, which is extremely fun in itself, to deep waters teeming with beautiful bottlenose and spinner dolphins.
Snorkeling gear is provided, and you’ll have a good couple of hours to watch and admire these graceful creatures feeding and playing in the waves.
Be sure to book ahead, as tours typically set off early in the morning to have the best chance of meeting up with the dolphins. These highly intelligent animals are so used to having human visitors that the entire experience is safe.
Cruise on a private catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs
These ocean-safe boats are perfect for island hopping around Mauritius. One of the best places to visit is Ile aux Cerfs, a tranquil haven of diversity and paradise beaches. There’s an abundance of first-class restaurants waiting to serve you fresh, local produce.
Tender seafood seared over a coconut BBQ and fresh salads with coriander and lime are just some of the delicious and authentic dishes to try.
The turquoise lagoons surrounding Ile aux Cerfs make for wonderful snorkeling and swimming opportunities. There is no shortage of powdery white sand to relax on and soak up the warm island sun.
Stay safe when exploring
Mauritius is a large island with many inviting landscapes. It is worth investing in proper tours and guides if you want to venture off your resort. Especially in the dense jungles and rainforests inland, travelers can quickly become lost.
Always wear plenty of sunscreen and have a large amount of water with you when you go exploring. Stay safe by keeping in touch with your guide or resort manager so they know where you are and when you’ll be back.
*This is a contributed post, all images owned by jetsetandforget, unsplash.com, pexels.com, and pixabay.com