Sports and leisure activities East Coast

We don't necessarily think about it because it's the big thrill we're looking for, but the adventure starts all the same with a fabulous flight over the whole north of the island up to 3 000 meters of altitude. For about twenty minutes, we discover the lagoon, the mountains, the contours, the exceptional density of the colors seen from above... so many panoramas which come to intensify an emotion already exacerbated by the setting in condition on the ground - briefing and putting on of the suit and the glasses. Then, how to say, and can we only enclose this type of sensations in words: a feeling of loss, of fall, of freedom, an intoxication that goes without alcohol, 30 seconds of pure madness, a vertiginous dive in the air element, followed by a few minutes of floating, softer although still fast (!), but which leaves the time to the landscapes to take shape and reliefs. No need to think, we are in tandem, the instructor takes care of everything: from the push in the air to the soft landing, under the watchful eye of the cameraman who films all the mimics and color changes of the face... Amazing!

Note that the instructors are excellent and have a very solid experience with several thousand jumps to their credit. On site: video room and small outdoor bar.

Nota bene : for the accompanying persons or those who chicken out at the last minute, possibility of flying over by plane-ULM thanks to Island Wings (same departure base).

On the banks of the river, Otentic, in addition to offering nights in tents, is open to day-trippers who wish to discover real Mauritian cuisine prepared as at home by the village ladies. For a fairly modest fee, guests can enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the place, its leisure facilities (swimming pool, pétanque, kayaking...) and a shuttle service to Île aux Cerfs. At an additional cost, you can take part in some great off-the-beaten-track activities - mountain biking, kiteboarding, hiking...

Designed by German champion and golf architect Bernhard Langer, this magnificent 18-hole is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. From the outset, one is seduced by the exceptional location of the course surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and white sandy beaches. Par 72 with a fabulous setting, it is also the second longest 18-hole course in Mauritius (6 452 m) and the most technical. The equipment and services are to the same level: panoramic club-house, pro shop, David Leabetter golf academy, driving range, putting green and approach zones, pitching green. A must!

The Montagne du Lion is part of the Bamboo chain and majestically borders the bay of Vieux Grand Port, where General Decaen's staff watched Napoleon's only naval victory over the English in 1810. The French military also used the mountain as a lookout point. An emblematic feature of this part of the island, Lion Mountain can be seen from Mahébourg Bay, to which it adds height and relief against the sharp blue of the sea. Its peaks are said to resemble a lion at rest, with vegetation forming its mane. Use your imagination!

Although the mountain doesn't exceed 480 metres, its ascent presents a number of strenuous semi-climbing passages, not to mention the fact that the markings are sometimes covered by dense vegetation. The services of a guide are recommended.

To get there, take the track just before the police station (when arriving from the south) on leaving the village. Then take the first track on the right up through the sugar cane, following the red-orange signs. At the top, turn left, then take a path to the right. The path flattens out a little, there are some steps and then you follow a ridge to the summit with several really challenging sections. At the top, the view of the coastline and the immense southeastern lagoon is magnificent! The descent is just as challenging, so follow randopitons.re's directions and advice to make a loop.

Signed Peter Allis and Rodney Wright, this harmonious course is rated a championship course by 71. With a length of 5,942 metres, it covers 32 hectares in the extension of its elder, the Legend, the precursor of golf in Mauritius, which it complements marvellously with a less technical yet challenging offer. Contrary to the Legend, the links is also characterised by wider fairways and a smaller number of lakes. On site: driving range, putting green and panoramic Club House with bar, restaurant, pro-shop, golf academy.

A light and handy means of transport, with an open or closed cockpit (as you wish), the Ulm-plane is ideal for a flight close to the natural elements. It doesn't give you vertigo, you are comfortably seated (as in a small plane, not to be confused with a paraglider), it hardly jerks at take-off and landing, and it is much closer to the ground than a plane: 300 meters above sea level on average, which is more than enough for the lagoon to become a painter's palette, for the coastline to be offered in a panoramic version, for the soft green of the sugarcane fields to stand out, for the bluish tones of the coral reefs, and for the rainbow of the small boats moored in the coves...

Whatever the coast we fly over - North or East - it is always a delight for the eyes to see this world from above: a way to better locate the villages and hotels, to better understand the relief or the absence of relief, to perceive all these creeks and "inaccessible" beaches hidden by the rows of Mauritian houses... In the helmet: the explanations of the pilot, very professional, very nice. Above: the sky. Underneath: the life that is going on in the Creole way. And in the middle of it all: you, installed in this kind of big and pretty dragonfly that flies from one color to another, and reveals the hidden sides of Mauritius (the ocean so close behind the coral barrier...). For the romantics, flight in binomial possible in 2 microlights side by side, wow!

And for the daredevils, free fall in parachute from the same base.

Popular in Mauritius, underwater walking consists of walking in the lagoon at a depth of 3 meters with a diving suit on your shoulders. Even if you are wet to the neck, you can breathe freely, wear your goggles and admire the small reef fishes in their natural environment without fear of creasing your hair. As the guides bring bread, the tête à tête with the fishes is guaranteed, as well as some good laughs given the slightly crazy side of the activity! To be done as much for the experience as for the funds explored.

Top-of-the-range services (cocktails on arrival and deckchairs on the beach) at super-correct rates under the aegis of the Sunlife (= serious) hotel group. Here's the best value for money for regular, scheduled crossings on uncrowded boats, from a jetty in the grounds of Shangri-La's Le Touessrok hotel, with guarded parking. A choice of packages, including buffet lunch and drinks. Activities available at extra cost.

Operational for years, this small agency knows its business well and brings dozens of tourists to Ile aux Cerfs every day. Its various packages cover almost the entire range of beach activities: from a simple round-trip transfer to a full day with lunch and a choice of activities. On the island, the company offers towed buoy tours and parasailing. Nice staff and good prices.

A special mention for this excellent club based at Constance Belle Mare Plage but open to all, and with branches in 4 luxury establishments which is a guarantee of quality. Even if he no longer gives courses, it is Jean-Michel Langlois, a great name in Mauritius diving, who supervises the centre. Several outings and training courses are offered: first dives, exploration dives, wreck dives, exclusive dives around the island, CMAS-PADI courses, etc. Prices are a little more expensive than elsewhere, but this is justified by the quality of the service: 4 clients per instructor maximum.

A trailblazer, it is THE golf course that has put Mauritius on the map of world golf destinations. Home to the Mauritius Open, it has attracted players from all over the world for many years. Designed by South African champion Hugh Baiocchi, it is a 6,018-metre Par 72, challenging and embellished with numerous water hazards requiring precise shots. Hole 17 is the signature shot, 152 metres above the lagoon. On-site clubhouse with restaurant, bar, boutique, golf academy (private and group lessons) and driving range.

This new 9-hole Par 3 course, designed by IMG for golfers of all levels, allows you to enjoy the discipline without spending half a day on it. In 1h30, the round is completed, and you can then enjoy the beach, go on an excursion, take in the sunset... Quality is the order of the day on this friendly, varied course, partly bordered by a river, which has three tees per hole and can also be played as an 18-hole course. On site: driving range, pro shop, Golf Academy, rentals, Club House on the ninth hole with bistronomic restaurant.

Versatile and well established on the east coast, this company can combine several types of services. From its platforms anchored off Ile aux Cerfs, it offers fun nautical activities: towed buoy tours, parasailing, underwater walking... Fast boat crossings are organised at any time and can be enhanced with multiple options depending on the package chosen: visit of the waterfall, BBQ etc. Also catamaran day trips.

Although the school is located on the beach of the C Mauritius resort (a dynamic and cool boutique hotel promoting fun, unrestricted, zen and/or sporty vacations...), it is of course open to all. With its vast expanse and steady winds, this section of the eastern lagoon offers excellent conditions for kitesurfing for all - beginners, intermediates and advanced. Passionate Martin and his team of IKO-certified instructors encourage fun-filled learning, with a range of options: private lessons for 2 or families; downwind on request.

Framed by the Bamboo Mountain and the ocean, this par 72 of 6,828 meters with 6 holes on the edge of the lagoon was designed by South African Ernie Els who considers the 18th hole to be one of the most impressive in the world. Facilities and infrastructures are of the highest standard: GPS-equipped golf carts, practice range on grass,putting green, clubhouse with bar, Italian restaurant and top-of-the-range Pro Shop, plus the Four Seasons Golf Academy for private and group lessons

Supervised by Mukesh Buldewa, one of the great divers of Mauritius, this club is open to all and also has a branch in the nearby Long Beach Hotel. Well equipped, it offers all the classic PADI and CMAS courses, as well as first dives, exploration dives by day and night, and even snorkelling courses for those who don't want to pass their level but are attracted by the beauty of the underwater world. Children are welcome from 7 years old. Instructors are pedagogical and very professional.

Because the colors of the lagoon are even more beautiful and intense seen from the sky than from the beach, and because it's a wonderful experience to climb aboard a seaplane-ULM taking off directly from the water, we offer you this flash of aerial beauty: in a 15-minute version for the sensation of flying and discovering a piece of the East coast and in particular the island of Ambre; or 30 minutes for a panoramic view of the seven northern islands and flying over the Blue Water Hole; or the ultimate 60-minute experience to float out of time. Experienced pilots and maximum safety.

THE specialist in catamaran cruises in Eastern France is Océane, which pioneered the activity on the island over 37 years ago and is now a benchmark in the sector. Of the company's 9 boats, 6 ply the Île aux Cerfs lagoon daily, offering not only classic day cruises, but also private cruises (choice of itinerary and timetable) enriched by a range of à la carte experiences.

The company also offers private excursions for up to 10 people in speedboats or Pontoon Boats - fast, flat-bottomed boats ideal for the lagoon.

This water park occupies 4,000^m2 of the gardens of the Maritim Crystals hotel. It consists of 3 pools, one of which is shallow for children, and 5 slides: one of 71 meters that you can slide down in a buoy, another of 57 meters and 3 smaller ones of 17 meters each. If the park is accessible free of charge to hotel guests, non-residents can purchase a day pass including a buffet lunch and unlimited ice cream, milkshakes and drinks. An entertainment program is included in the price: aquagym classes, zumba, water volleyball.