10 Best Underwater Activities in Mauritius
The Best Underwater Activities in Mauritius
Mauritius is home to some of the world's most breathtaking coral reefs and marine life ever to be seen. Full with numerous species of bright-colored fish, sea turtles, the underwater world of Mauritius can be deemed a natural wonder.
Offering a perfect fusion of thrill and relaxation, the possibilities for discovering the underwater marine world are vast and you are spoilt with choices. From various family friendly activities such as the Glass Bottom boat trip, Semi Submarine and the Underwater Submarine to selection of more adventurous activities including the Underwater Sea Walk, Scooter Cruiser Underwater Experience, the Underwater Scooter Adventure, Mauritius has it all!
For all the Non swimmer or non-divers, you have nothing to worry about, as you could join and enjoy almost all the underwater activities.
Here are the best underwater activities in Mauritius:
1. Glass Bottom Boat Trip at Blue Bay
Explore the coast of the island of Mauritius on a glass-bottomed boat and discover some of the world's rarest marine species in their natural habitat.The panoramic windows will allow you to clearly see the amazing coral reefs that numerous different species of fish and molluscs, including starfish. The lagoons and reefs of the beautiful isle of Mauritius are the natural habitat of some of the world's rarest marine species.
The most famous glass bottom boat trip is done at the Blue Bay marine park. Situated on the South East coast of Mauritius near Mahebourg, it is one of the best places to see the beautiful marine life and to go snorkeling in Mauritius.
The total area of the Marine Park is 353 hectares and it’s home to mangroves, algae, sea grasses, corals, and other marine organisms. There is also a wide variety of fish species that include Damselfish, Surgeonfish, Butterfly fish, juvenile Sailfin tangs, as well as tiny Pipefish and large Trumpet fish.
Once you reach the bay of Blue Bay Marine Park, you will feast your eyes on some of the bluest waters and most breathtaking white sandy beaches you will ever see. When you see the turquoise blue color of the lagoon you will understand where the name comes from.
Book your Glass Bottom Boat Trip
2. Semi - Submarine Trip (Nessee)
Take a trip onboard a semi-submarine and discover the unique undersea world in absolute safety.
You’ll explore the rich aquatic life of the underwater of Mauritius, spot coral reefs, different types of fish, and discover the marine ecosystem. The vessel in itself resembles a surfaced submarine and upon your arrival onboard, you’ll descend to your seats below the waterline where you’ll see big glasses of windows on the sides, hence enabling you to have a stunning underwater view without getting yourself wet. The atmosphere inside creates an illusion that you are travelling in a submarine.
The trip lasts 1:45 hours. All along you will be comfortably seated underneath sea level in an air-conditioned room offering you an optimal and close panoramic view of coral reefs, of the abundant colorful fish and of many other species.
The guides will explain to you about the different species you will encounter during the trip and brief you on Mauritius’ marine world. At any time you can take a break and go on board to enjoy some sun, beautiful views of the lagoon, of the beaches and of Mauritius landscape.
3. Underwater Sea Walk Excursion
It is once in a lifetime adventure which will allow you to experience a unique underwater sea walk on the ocean floor to explore the beautiful fauna, corals, and a wide variety of fish, all in their natural habitat.
Qualified experienced driver-guides will accompany you along the course of the Underwater Sea Walk guaranteeing your maximum safety. The Underwater Sea Walk is one of the most unique attractions that one must experience when visiting Mauritius. The activity does not require any knowledge of swimming or diving and you are not even required to remove your glasses.
The Underwater Sea Walk is offered at 3 different locations, namely:
- Belle Mare Beach
- Ile Aux Cerf
- Grand Bay Beach
For all the available packages, upon arrival on the platform you will receive a pre departure briefing on the gear, the local marine life, on safety procedures and on the underwater walking trail.
Then, with the help of a fun and enthusiastic guide you will go off board the platform to start your underwater walk adventure. Depending on the package, total time of the excursion varies; however for the walk itself, it takes about 15-20 minutes.
Book your prefered Underwater Sea Walk Adventure
4. Seabob Adventure
Explore the beautiful crystal-clear Mauritian lagoon through a thrilling Seabob Adventure.
The Seabob is easy to handle and provides you with incredible agility that enables you to 'swim like a dolphin'. The SEABOB is the most versatile, quiet and environmentally friendly underwater electric vehicle on the world market today.
You can use this ultimate, high-performance watercraft to explore the underwater world and discover the amazing marine life that the Indian Ocean hosts.
As part of this package, your adventure will begin with a 15 to 20-minute boat ride followed by the Seabob activity of either 15 minutes or 30 minutes long, depending on your choice.
The boat that will take you to the designated activity area, will cruise at a relatively moderate speed so you can marvel at the exquisite lagoon, the spectacular reefs and the sandy beach. Once you reach the designated area, you will have a quick briefing on how to maneuver the watercraft.
Then, you will be able to ride the waves of the splendid Mauritian Lagoon with superb agility, thanks to the Seabob.
5. Scooter Cruiser Underwater Experience
The Scooter Cruiser is an awesome experience riding your own single or a double motorized scuba bike, which resembles a cross between a scooter and a midget submarine.
You will be seated on a Scooter Cruiser, with your head and shoulders within a clear dome, your air supply constantly replenished from the scuba tank, enabling you to breathe normally!
Though your body is immersed in the water, your head remains dry inside the dome, allowing you to breathe easily and wear contact lenses or glasses comfortably, while admiring the one hundred and eighty degree view of Mauritius’ marine life, and will discover its marine flora and fauna.
From a safety point of view, each group of 4 participants is accompanied by a fully qualified PADI Dive Instructor and additional qualified divers who are there to assist on any matter. The dive depths are controlled by the use of an attached buoy, thus preventing damage to the Coral or the Diver. Also, there is no need to know how to swim in order to experience the Scooter Cruiser, in fact the Scooter Cruiser is even used by people with minor disabilities.
This activity is done in the North West of Mauritius, the whole experience takes around 1.5hrs and the dive itself around 35 mins. For the benefit of all participants the entire experience is captured in digital photography. With pictures being available on CD as soon as you have completed your Scooter Cruiser adventure.
Book your Scooter Cruiser Underwater Experience
6. Underwater Scooter Adventure
Pilot your own underwater submarine scooter by yourself or as a couple to 3-4 meters depth in full safety, and enjoy a unique experience in the World!
Comfortably seated one behind the other (one or two people can ride the scooter together), on height adjustable seats, you can breathe normally inside a big broad common transparent and panoramic glass dome and enjoy a 360 degrees panoramic view.
You will enjoy a full view of the reef and of the marine life of Mauritius and will discover its marine flora and fauna.
All along the adventure you can communicate with your partner and share your comments, views and enjoy this experience together.
Before going on the adventure you will receive a full briefing about the easy control of the underwater scooter, and will be equipped with a diving suit provided for warmth and full safety.
The underwater scooter is very easy to pilot, with a steering wheel, two accelerator pedals and a single button to control the depth level. You only need to press the button to dive or to go up to the sea surface, as easy as that.
The underwater trip is done in the North West part of the island, it takes about 40 minutes, and the total duration of this excursion is about 2 hours. Please note that it is also possible to go on the underwater scooter excursion in groups of up to 5 scooters (up to 10 people in total).
All the underwater scooters are approved and certified by the international authorities for design and safety at sea. No need to be a diver or swimmer to control the sub scooter...
Book your Underwater Scooter Adventure
7. Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving is absolutely fascinating where you will enjoy the colorful marine life and the peaceful silence of the sea as you dive into it. If you have always wanted to be a true explorer and venture out at sea, exploring the marine world, this is your chance to make your dream come true. Diving is guaranteed to open up a new world of adventure so go ahead and create some incredible memories.
Additionally, scuba divers in Mauritius are spoilt for choice- there are numerous dive sites scattered all over the island namely Tamarin in the West and Grand Bay & Pereybere in the North. There is also a special 10 days diving trip package to St. Brandon Island which is all about doing the extraordinary, discovering a true heaven on earth with various astonishing species and having a lifetime memorable experience.
There is a large variety of diving packages and diving courses on offer, from Junior Open Water Diver Course in Tamarin, to Padi Advanced Open Water Diver Course - Grand Bay and even an Exclusive Safari Diving Trip & Visit To Benitier Island.
During the Junior courses the instructor will teach you basic theoretical knowledge – you will have to take a test at the end of each chapter to ensure proper assimilation of scuba diving basics, along with a final theoretical exam on all the material covered. You will learn the practical skills of diving during 5 swimming pool sessions and 4 open water dives.
Exploration, Excitement, Experiences. They’re what the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is all about. The course helps you increase your confidence and builds your scuba skills so you can become more comfortable in the water. This course builds on what you’ve learned and develops new capabilities by introducing you to new activities and new ways to have fun scuba diving, all under the direct supervision and guidance of qualified PADI instructors.
With diving Sea Safari you’ll benefit from your very own personalized diving safari in Mauritius, so that you can enjoy the best of Mauritius' dive sites.
Discover and learn on the many Diving Packages on offer
8. Snorkeling
Your underwater sports activities in Mauritius are counted as incomplete without snorkeling. You will get a chance to discover the remarkable underwater marine world, in the heart of the Indian Ocean- home to some of the world's most breathtaking coral reefs and marine life ever to be seen..
We offer 2 packages in the North part of the island for snorkeling. Both activities last for 2 hours, it’s onboard a private speed boat and you will get to spend about 1.5 hours snorkeling breaks in a few key locations for you to discover the amazing underwater marine world found along the island. Refreshments are also included as part of the packages
1. Private Snorkeling trip to Coin de Mire (Gunner's Quoin)
Explore the rich marine life by snorkeling at Coin de Mire Island which is considered the best snorkeling site in Mauritius, observe the large number of native birds flying around the island.
2. 2-Hour Private Snorkeling Trip in the North - Swim with Turtles
During your underwater adventure, you will also come across turtles and enjoy an unforgettable swimming experience with these adorable sea creatures. While swimming in their proximity, remember not to touch them. Contrary to what you might think, the carapace, plastron and skull of these reptiles is very sensitive and touching them can frighten the animals. It is best to admire the turtles from a safe distance and not hinder their swimming.
Discover these great Snorkeling trips right here:
9. Underwater Photography
While on vacation in Mauritius, visit some truly exceptional sites and capture the beautiful moments through a unique and creative underwater photo shoot session. Be part of the mesmerizing marine world, white sand and crystal clear turquoise-blue waters while all the essentials will be captured by a professional photographer for a picturesque memoir.
The underwater photography session consists of a boat trip to pristine and beautiful spots off the south west coast such as Le Morne, Crystal Rock, lagoons and the deep sea. You will first embark on a 45-minute boat trip to discover the unspoilt beauty of the south west coast of Mauritius and will then have a 1-hour or 2-hour underwater photoshoot in the locations of your choice.
Depending on the artwork and your vision, shooting spots will be selected. There are several themed based photography sessions for you to choose from such as: Maternity, Wedding, Couple, Personal, Honeymoon, Trash the dress, and Free diving.
The cruise will be done on a private speed boat along the west coast which is considered one of the most beautiful areas, and a must-see place to visit when in Mauritius.
Book your Underwater Photography
10. Submarine Underwater Trip
Enjoy a dream adventure going underwater to 35 meters depth on board a real submarine.
Go for a once in a lifetime experience and discover the beautiful marine life and the underwater world of Mauritius!
As part of the submarine trip, you will get to visit a shipwreck, explore the rich coral reefs of Mauritius, and observe and encounter various species of fish.
The submarine is air-conditioned with fully transparent-glassed cabin so you will enjoy exceptionally clear panoramic views of the extraordinary underwater world. It is designed so each passenger has an individual observation window for viewing outside on the wonderful underwater world.
At Mauritius Attractions, for this activity, we designed 2 packages and both are located in the North part of the island.
- Amazing Submarine trip to the deep mystery of the sea of Mauritius
- Exclusive Submarine Trip
Enjoy an exclusive submarine trip with your partner, family and friends going for a 30 meter deep. Depending on your preferences, the Submarine will head to the deep sea unveiling the underwater world of the North Coast reef. The submarine pilot will provide personal guidance while manoeuvring the submarine to discover the coral reefs, the undersea world and the famous wreck of the "Star Hope".
Based on the selected package, a choice of canapés, a bottle of champagne or even lunch can be added at a supplement.
Discover these amazing Submarine Underwater Trips:
Conclusion:
The possibilities to discover the underwater world is large and you’ll never run out of choices.
There are various activities, convenient for families, couples and friends So be sure to book your activities long in advance and to unveil this truly remarkable underwater world of Mauritius….not to be missed!