The Indian Ocean is well known for its awesome dive sites, with particular favourites being found on the North East coast of South Africa, the Maldives and the stunning islands of the Seychelles. Diving holidays to Mauritius are often overlooked, yet Mauritius is a diver’s paradise and has a number of dive sites which are well worth a dip for both beginners and advanced divers alike.
All of the Beachcomber Hotels either have dive centres on site, or if staying at the Dinarobin, at the Paradis right next door! Therefore all you have to do is wander down after breakfast in one of the stunning restaurants, to collect your kit ready for your mornings dive. Why not relax on the beach or perhaps try your hand at sailing or water skiing, before venturing out on your afternoons dive! The conditions are excellent all year round, with water temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees centigrade (5 mill in winter, 3 mill in summer). Summer air temperatures rise between November and February, but the inter seasons are also excellent with air temperature rarely dropping below 23 degrees.
The Shandrani Hotel is the only five star all inclusive which really is all inclusive! Yes, not only is all your food and drink included, but so are your dives! The hotel offers a great location from which to explore the 200+ shipwrecks lying on the island’s seabed! As the only National Geographic PADI-Dive centre in the Indian Ocean, the Shandrani Hotel offers all dives free for qualified divers. You can explore wrecks off the southern coast, or the stunning shoals of tropical fish on the extensive coral reefs.
If you are not an experienced diver, the Shandrani also offers instruction, with affiliations to CMAS, PADI, National Geographic and MSDA.
The west coast of Mauritius is a region with a variety of interesting dive spots. Average visibility: 20 to 25 meters. There is no typical ‘diving season’. Beautiful conditions exist all year round but the visibility can, of course, be affected by waves, plankton, tides or rain.
A unique experience is the sight of dolphins in the southwest! All year, in the Le Morne Region where the Paradis and Dinarobin Hotels and resorts are located, one can admire these fascinating creatures in their natural environment.
Not to miss: the famous PASSE ST.JACQUES-dive in Le Morne: Whitefinsharks, Grey reefsharks, Bullsharks, Eaglerays and Stingrays
Mauritius is not only on land but also under water, a real garden of Eden:- Clear turquoise seas, an abundance of live coral reefs and beautiful tropical fish.
Children’s diving holidays to Mauritius at a Beachcomber Hotel start with the Bubble Maker programme for children as young as 10 years old. Alternatively snorkeling and glass bottom boat trips are also popular.
Non diving partners will be happy about all the other activities and excursion possibilities in Mauritius. The Paradis and Dinarobin share a superb 18 hole golf course, plus an array of other land and water sports, including tennis, waterskiing, sailing and a wonderful Clarins Spa at Dinarobin.