Sports and leisure activities Mauritius

THE hiking specialist in Mauritius, the one who has given the most impetus to this hobby from the outset, is Yan, a lovable Mauritian who is keen to help people get to know his island better through beautiful guided walks with commentary, at different levels. Respecting ecosystems, his team of professional guides offers a wide range of excursions throughout the island, including bird-watching treks for enthusiasts.

Yan also organizes tailor-made trail running sessions and offers kayak trips in Tamarin - river and/or sea to see dolphins.

This reliable and quality club is affiliated to CMAS and PADI and offers a wide variety of training and services, including for children. At the helm is the friendly Vellin Bhurtun, a former resuscitation nurse and great traveller, with more than thirty years of experience in the discipline. Vellin agrees to go out to sea for one person and never takes more than six divers per outing. Baptisms, island dives and night dives, with or without nitrox, are therefore carried out in complete safety, without it being "the factory". A good address.

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).

This beautiful 1,300-hectare reserve is the most upscale on the island in terms of services and activities, making it a fabulous place to indulge in green tourism. The concept: quad, buggy, 4x4 or walking (hiking and trekking) excursions that combine learning and entertainment around the flora, fauna and history, in the company of trained guides. Ecosystems and landscapes are varied - rivers, waterfalls, deer, wild boar, birds, etc. For lunch, choose between a typical and inexpensive restaurant or an exclusive picnic on a private site.

This is one of the beautiful thrill rides in Rodrigues: a 128-meter long suspension bridge allowing the vertiginous, but quiet and 100% safe crossing (harness connected to a life line), of the gully of the Pistachio waterfall. The team, very professional, knows how to give confidence and everyone can cross, if only for the view, in addition to the sensation. The most reckless will find an activity to match their fearlessness, the Jump : an impressive pendular jump from the middle of the bridge - a moment of pure adrenaline!

At the back of Le Morne, in a wild and unhotelized section, a vast lawn extended by a shallow-water lagoon ends in the ocean - the place known as La Prairie. It's from this exclusive site, one of the most beautiful on Mauritius's southern coastline, that Lagoon Flight's pilots take off their small seaplane-ULMs. As well as climbing into this type of aircraft and taking off directly from the water, which is an experience in itself, you soon reach the most astonishing of Mauritius's "aquatic" sights: the famous underwater waterfall of Le Morne, an optical illusion that can be seen from the sky alone. The shortest flight, 15 minutes, offers a beautiful glimpse of this impressive natural illusion, and also of the mountain of Le Morne - a steep rocky mass hemmed in by a sublime lagoon. Longer (and therefore proportionately more expensive) flights of 25, 40 or 80 minutes can depart from La Prairie or, on request, directly from the lagoon in front of your hotel - classy! They allow you to take in a wider range of landscapes and sights: the South and East coasts, coastal villages, Blue Bay Marine Park, Souillac and Souffleur cliffs, etc. - A wonderful souvenir, in complete safety, thanks to the pilots' experience and the comfortable stability of the Sirius TL Ultralight.

For an additional €50, you can fly side-by-side (2 microlights). Flights are subject to the vagaries of the weather, so it's best to book in advance to benefit from a postponement in case of rain.

It's one of Mauritius's leading cruise operators, and has been operating for years in all parts of the island: from Grand Baie to Gabriel Islet (north); from Trou d'Eau Douce (east) or Mahébourg (southeast) to Ile aux Cerfs; from Rivière Noire to the southwest lagoon. In the latter region, as in Mahébourg, we sail on the spacious Harris Wilsons, legendary boats! Each outing is punctuated by swimming, snorkeling, lounging and a BBQ lunch on board. Sunset cruises are also available in the north and southwest.

Friends divers, here is a mythical club created by the very popular Hugues Vitry, diving virtuoso and specialist in underwater photography, who, in addition to the classics, can concoct tailor-made trips, in particular to meet morays or sperm whales. To supervise you, several instructors, including Hugues when he is there, a CMAS 3-star instructor also affiliated to the French diving federation (FFESSM). Dives for all levels from 8 years old, training up to level IV, exploration of technical sites, safaris (2 dives and lunch), freediving, etc.

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!

Created in 2008, this excellent center advocates flexibility and safety above all. Established in the immediate vicinity of a large variety of sites (caves, drop offs, wrecks...), it is managed by a team of experienced and passionate instructors, who provide PADI courses and training of all levels (from Bubblemaker and baptism to PADI Divemaster). Lessons are given in French, English and German and children are accepted from 10 years old. On the program: exploration dives to discover wrecks, underwater cavities, shark sites, etc., trips to iconic sites such as Cathedral (famous for its caves, its light shows, its high density of fish) or Silvana (for its sea turtles), night dives...

The club also offers a range of exclusive outings for a minimum of 4 people (family, friends): safaris combining 1 or 2 adventure dives and a barbecue on an islet; a discovery of the mythical Passe Saint Jacques and its stingrays; multi-activity packages for intense and varied fields days combining diving, surfing, kayaking with a lunch break at the Veranda hotel. A la carte rates on request.

More unusual: night snorkeling open to non-divers and preceded by a boat ride at sunset. Or the underwater wedding proposal at a "romantic" location chosen according to the diving level of both partners. Rates on request.

Totof is a local figure and a pioneer of tourism in the bay. 20 years ago, he had the idea to build a glass-bottomed boat to discover the wonders of the most beautiful marine park in Mauritius. The boat is still there, with the addition of motorboats to discover Ile aux Cerfs and/or the islets of the South-East with Vanessa and Virginie, Totof's daughters who have taken over: picnics and BBQ, swimming, lazing around, snorkeling... all personalized to the maximum, far from mass tourism.

The JPH team members, who generally grew up in the area, have known dolphins since their childhood. They offer a privileged encounter with the cetaceans, both by boat and by swimming. The objective is to go to the bay early enough around 6 or 7 am (before the big catamarans arrive), and to observe the mammals underwater with a mask and a snorkel, and a red buoy for safety - we underline this because it is rarely the case. On board a small speed boat, we try to find a group of morning dolphins. We approach them with the boat and we slip into the water as gently as possible to follow the cetaceans. The latter, used to men, let themselves be approached with pleasure. If you keep a certain distance of a few meters, you can often accompany them for several minutes at a time to observe their behavior underwater. As soon as they accelerate, all the best crawlers in the world can do nothing: the space empties in a few seconds and you have to get back in the boat to find the group or to spot another one. You don't need to be a good swimmer: either the dolphins are calm and move at a slow pace and you can see them very well with the mask while staying on the surface; or they try to move away and disappear in a few seconds - a vision that is both fleeting and long-lasting, and that will be etched in your memory..

This company specializes in unique and/or exclusive (i.e. privatized and upmarket) sea excursions.

Well-known in Mauritius for its submarine excursions, it is the only company in the Indian Ocean - and one of the very few in the world - to market this extraordinary atypical activity, offering the opportunity to realize a Jules Verne fantasy! Duration of the expedition: just over an hour, not including the 15-minute boat ride to a large trawler from which the captain and crew help future passengers into the boat: a 10-person submarine with one porthole per participant. Then begins the incredible 40-minute dive out of this world, the sensations of which we won't reveal, to leave everyone the pleasure of discovery. Three sites are usually visited at depths of over 30 meters: a coral mass rich in fish, an authentic wreck as in our explorers' dreams, and a mercy anchor probably dating from the ^17th century. A magical experience!

Another unique activity in the world, invented by Blue Safari, which has exclusive rights to it: the underwater scooter. Although original, the concept is simple: an aquatic scooter covered by a large, transparent, panoramic dome under which you can breathe freely without a passenger. Steering is via a simple steering wheel and accelerator pedal. The machines, certified by safety classification societies, can each accommodate 2 people seated one behind the other, for rides in groups of 5 scooters under the watchful eye of 2 diver-accompanist guides. As with submarine excursions, the activity begins with a boat transfer to the operating barge, from which the immersion takes place. The depth is less than 3 metres, which is more than enough to see fish in Mauritius, especially as the experience of the scooter itself and the wildly original aspect of the machine are just as attractive as the marine beauties!

More classically, but with the same concern for quality and service, Blue Safari also offers exclusive, totally à la carte outings (quotations on request) by motorboat or monohull for up to 6 people (ideally 2 or 4 on the sailboat). The company also has a superb catamaran that can be privatized for up to 22 people - day, sunset, dinner and even overnight stay on request for a few people.

This is the island's most fun-filled land activity, along with the Cascade Pistaches suspension bridge and jump, and the Montagne Tonnerre Via Ferrata, designed by the same company: a condensed 30-minute thrill ride, in a panorama of gullies and ocean - green on blue. On either side of valleys that wind their way down to the southern lagoon, there are 2 courses of 3 and 4 zip lines where you can let yourself slide in complete safety under the guidance of trained guides. Small connecting steps between the zip lines also allow you to discover the local flora and fauna. Exhilarating!

A Unesco World Heritage site, Morne Mountain is open to all, and has been designed for walking. The climb, which is quite steep at the end, offers the reward of a spectacular panorama from the near summit. From the parking lot, take an easy path for around 1h45, which narrows in its second section and finally becomes steep. At this point, you may have to climb, using the ropes provided. If you're prone to vertigo, the climb ends here! At the top, the 270-degree view is breathtaking. Allow 1h15 for the descent.

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.

Run by a Mauritian with European and American diplomas in the discipline, the company offers top-quality services and maximum safety - first aid is one of the specialties of Krish, the manager. Each canyoning trip is limited to a maximum of ten people (often fewer), supervised by 2 or 3 guides who are fully conversant with canyoning and water rescue techniques. Several canyons are available throughout the island, on request and according to the level of participants. In particular, Krish takes beginners and/or experienced climbers to Les Sept Cascades, which, depending on the section, is suitable for both beginners and more experienced climbers (several abseils from 15 to 50 meters). Outings generally last a full day and include lunch.

At the same time, Vertical World organizes half-day and full-day guided hikes for all levels, including ascents of the island's main peaks such as Pouce and Montagne du Lion. In particular, Krish takes good hikers to the top of Pieter Both, a mythical Mauritian peak that can only be reached by guides with mountain training (alternating walking and climbing).

We also offer roped climbing sessions in Baie du Cap and on the Albion lighthouse and cliffs, team building for groups and lasertag(BattleZone) in the open air. A la carte combinations available.

This 18-hole golf course bordered by several kilometres of beaches lies at the foot of the Morne mountain: a site! Designed to fit in perfectly with the 150-hectare private peninsula that houses the Paradis Beachcomber hotel estate, this magnificent course covers 5,924 metres and is a pleasant championship course with 5 water hazards and 9 holes lined up along the coast. On site: driving range, putting green, pitching green, club-house, bar, Golf Academy under the guidance of a pro - private lessons for golfers of all levels.

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.