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With its turquoise sea, white-sand beaches, and breath-taking nature, its no surprise that Mark Twain likened Mauritius to heaven on earth. The exotic paradise is equally idyllic underwater. Thanks to its abundant marine life, ship wrecks, and intriguing caves, Mauritius is known as one of the leading scuba diving destinations in the Indian Ocean. This flagship activity lures beginner to advanced divers as well as snorkellers, who have a bevy of coral reefs to explore. For an unforgettable underwater experience, let your Villanovo concierge book an excursion, like scuba lessons, a night-diving trip, or a Go Pro rental to capture your memories.
You can go snorkelling and diving year-round in Mauritius. The best time to dive is in winter from November to April when warm water temperatures are prime time for marine life. Keep in mind that cyclone season falls in January and February. Expect more wind and cooler temperatures from March to October. No matter the month, be sure to check that the currents are suitable for diving, as is oft the case when diving in Mauritius.
Trou-aux-Biches
Just a 45-minute drive from the capital, Port Louis, this northwest beach is a paradise for underwater exploration. Great snorkelling is just a swim away to the turquoise lagoon. Trou-aux-Biches' barrier reef has so much vibrant marine life you'll want to pack an underwater camera. Highlights include sting rays, turtles, striped Sergeant majors fish, and moray eels. Scuba divers get a two-for-one special at the Emily and Waterlily wrecks since the two barges sunk so close together. The sandy bottom and good visibility make this dive site ideal for first-time divers.
Gunner's Quoin and Flat Island
8 km north of Mauritius off the coast of Cap Malheureux, Gunner's Quoin (aka Coin de Mire) is prized for its nature reserve, white sand beaches, and rugged topography. Head to the southwest of the ancient volcanic island to snorkel in its shallow coral reef. For scuba diving, the sheltered Confetti Bay (max 30 m depth) is perfect for novice divers. The Wall offers the chance to spot larger pelagics like tuna. Carpenter Reef wows with its underwater caverns, swim throughs, and macro critter diving.
Further north, the snorkelling-friendly lagoon between Flat Island (Île de Plate) and its smaller cousin, Gabriel Islet, teems with tropical fish and turtles. Pigeon Rock, also known as the Shark Pit, is a sanctuary for bull sharks. Both islands are easily reachable by boat. Your expert Villanovo concierge can book an excursion suited to your needs, including a snorkelling trip on a catamaran to island-hopping to multiple dive sites.
Blue Bay
Named for its brilliant, emerald blue lagoon, Blue Bay beach is renowned for its coral reef and marine life. You'll find some of the best snorkelling in Mauritius at this certified Marine Park. The most beautiful reefs can be reached by boat, though you can also set out directly from the beach. Want to learn how to scuba dive? This beautiful natural reserve is the ideal backdrop for scuba lessons. Located just a few kilometres south of the airport, Blue Bay is ideal for short stays. Your Villanovo concierge can hire a glass-bottomed boat, reserve snorkelling gear, and so much more.
Flic en Flac
Located on the west coast of Mauritius between Port Louis and Black River Gorges National Park, Flic en Flac beach is sheltered from the wind, This makes it oh-so enjoyable to discover the diversity of the endemic flora and fauna like lion fish and sea turtles. Ideal for the whole family, the snorkelling spots are easily accessed from the white sand beaches, which boast views of Le Morne Brabant in the distance. For scuba diving, Flic en Flac has excellent visibility for spotting sea wrecks. Voted one of the world's best diving sites, Cathedral charms advanced divers with its caves and staggering drop offs.
Choose a Villanovo villa in sought-after locations in Mauritius. Enjoy white sand beaches in Trou aux Biches, a private island in Roches Noires, waterfront views in Belle Mare, and more.
Our attentive, hands-on concierges handle every detail so you can focus on enjoying your holidays. This personalized service tailors each trip to perfectly suit your needs including excursion reservations. The pièce de résistance? Every Villanovo stay comes with a travel booklet packed with our insider picks, including the best restaurant, shop to visit and what to do in Mauritius.
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