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DeliciousMauritius (global-adventures.us): The Republic of Mauritius is an island nation off the coast of the African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean, about 900 kilometers (560 mi) east of Madagascar. Together with Réunion and Rodrigues, Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands. This archipelago was formed in a series of undersea volcanic eruptions 8-10 million years ago, as the African plate drifted over the Réunion hotspot. They are no longer volcanically active.
The island of Mauritius itself is formed around a central plateau, with its highest peak in the southwest, Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire at 828 meters (2,717 ft). Around the plateau, the original crater can still be distinguished from several mountains.
The local climate is tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; there is a warm, dry winter from May to November and a hot, wet, and humid summer from November to May. Tropical storms are quite common.
The island and its capital and largest city, Port Louis, are well known for their natural beauty. "You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius," so Author Mark Twain.
While English is the official language of the island; French and Creole are widely spoken. The cuisine of Mauritius is a blend of Indian, Creole, Chinese and European influences. Recreational activities in Mauritius are quite varied to support the local tourism industry.
Water sports are facilitated as the island is surrounded with coral reef, providing plenty of relatively shallow and calm water. Activities such as deep sea fishing, windsurfing, water-skiing, cruising in yachts and even submarines are some of the many water based recreations available.
Scuba diving is an all-year attraction, but best during the summer months (November until May, since the island is in the southern hemisphere). One of the top-spots is called Rempart serpent, a riff that stretches over 394 feet. The average depth is 85 feet, so no technical dive training is required. An average visibility of 100 feet, calm seas, and an intact flora and fauna make the spot suitable for most divers. The “Tug 2” is one of several wrecks that the Mauritius Marine Conversation Society sunk to form an artificial reef. Since 1981, corals have taken over the wreck that sits upright in 66 feet of water, and schools of fish call it home.
The water temperature is in the 70’s and 80’s, and the air temperature hovers between the low 80’s to the 90’s, depending on the season.
Mauritius could be your next adventure
We would really like to introduce more divers to this beautiful tropical spot in the Indian Ocean, so if you are interested, please contact us here.
The island of Mauritius offers a tropical climate, modified by southeast trade winds, and easy scuba diving. The image shows a scene from The Battle of Grand Port, a naval battle between squadrons of frigates from the French Navy and the British Royal Navy. Painting: Pierre Julien Gilbert/Public Domain
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