Cruises are done on three coasts of Mauritius namely the north, east and west coasts whilst the south coast presents too strong currents for leisure sailing. From the northern part of the island, the journey is from a specific pickup point at Grand Bay or Pereybere (depending on the organizers) to sail onto the northern waters around Gabriel island, Flat island, Gunners’ Coin; lunch is usually served on one of the islets depending on the choice of the clients. On the east coast, the pickup point is at Trou d’eau douce, a journey which involves sailing onto the eastern waters up to Ile aux Cerfs for lunch. The pickup points on the western coast are at Tamarin, Riviere Noire or Le Morne; the cruise is about sailing onto the western waters with lunch on Ile aux Benitiers. All through the cruise, people can enjoy limitless drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic) whilst the skippers inform the public about interesting sites along the way.

Prices may vary from agency to agency and from boat to boat but typically it is around Rs 1,500/person which includes a full day cruise, lunch (barbeques/salads/soft drinks/water/alcoholic drinks) on a nearby islet and loaning of snorkeling equipment. The cruise is ideal for all persons and of all ages such as families, friends, honeymooners etc; it starts early in the morning at around 9am up to 4-5pm in the afternoon. Packages can be tailor made based on the clients’ desires such as parties, weddings, sunset dinners, swim with dolphins (west coast) etc.

Cruises allow people to enjoy a nice day out sailing over the paradise waters, visiting far away islets around Mauritius, swimming in the warm waters, snorkeling and discovering the rich marine life. While some agencies offer only full day cruises, others offer overnight charters too (check out different agencies if you want to do this). The sailing time can be roughly about 2hours depending on the weather and speed of the boat during which you can lie lazily on the deck or hammocks on certain boats and sunbathe or just enjoy the ocean views before heading off to lunch.

Numerous species of dolphins have been observed in the Mauritian waters such as the pacific bottlenose dolphin, pantropical dolphin and on rare occasions Fraser’s dolphin, rough toothed dolphin, hourglass dolphin, indo pacific humpback dolphin, long beaked common dolphin and Risso’s dolphin. However the two main species that can be commonly seen near the coasts and can be encountered during the journey are namely the bottleneck dolphin (dark grey in color with decreasing color on the undersides, about 2-4m long) and the spinner dolphin (dark grey with dark spots on the back, 1.5-2.5m long).

The best way to go for the dolphin swim is via speed boats which can get the anxious and excited visitors to the place in relatively a few moments but catamarans can also be chosen which tend to be slower and hence take more time to get to the spot where the mammals may no longer be present. Before the activity starts, skippers brief the visitors on the dolphins that will be seen (sometimes may not be seen depending on the weather, in that case a second trip is usually arranged but there is no money refund), safety measures and how to behave around them because even if humans are getting into the natural habitat of the mammals, it is done with all respect to nature following specific rules laid down for the dolphins’ benefits.

This activity is proposed by most of the hotels found in the regions where the mammals can be seen as part of an excursion package but very often people having speed boats also offer the service right on the beach where there are numerous people. The excursion package usually consists of a 2hr swim with the dolphins, lunch (barbeques, salads, alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks) on nearby Ile aux Benitiers where people can relax on the beach or swim or snorkel to enjoy the diversity of corals found in the waters there. The trip starts as early as possible so as to catch the dolphins like 8am/9am; a specific pickup point is arranged or transport to and from hotels for tourists can be organized.

Small in size, the islet can accommodate a handful of people at a time (about a dozen or so) which thus allows for more intimacy for visitors. Beautiful views can be enjoyed on all sides of the islet. While the south part offers breathtaking views of the white foam of surf crashing angrily against the islet’s cliff, the north to west area has a strand of perfect white beach and abundant sunshine for sunbathing and relaxing. The water in that part of Mauritius is quite calm and an unbelievable turquoise spelling out swimming. Off the east coast, some black hard boulders can be seen along the beach. The mainland of Ile des deux cocos is mostly covered with native vegetation. Hammocks have been placed in between trees for a relaxing nap in the wild, free from all worries.

The islet is found right in the middle of the Blue Bay Marine Park declared so as it contains one of the richest marine flora and fauna around Mauritius. The park can be visited in a bottom glass boat where marine life can be seen right from the boat. Snorkeling is thus a common activity that can be enjoyed on ile des deux cocos and to explore the marine park and the numerous coral species and swim with multi colored fishes. Ile aux deux cocos is thus a great place to either relax under the shade of the filao trees or enjoy some proposed activities by the guides like volley ball competitions.
As for lunch, it is done in an open area with an open buffet serving a wide range of Mauritian cuisine, barbeques, salads, desserts and drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic). The excursion package consists of the speed boat trip to the islet from the Blue Bay beach, welcoming drinks, loaning of snorkeling equipments, lunch, unlimited drinks and glass bottom visit of the marine park.

Also found on the islet is an ancient elegant mansion built by the British governor Sir Hesketh Bell who was a man of vision and taste. Having a mixture of oriental and European aura with a Mauritian interior, the mansion has been renovated into a villa which can be either visited during an excursion or even leased for a few nights. It consists of two bedrooms, dining room, living room, bathroom and porch all set in a modern elegant style for the comfort of the visitor. Additional improvements include air conditioning, TV, bathtub in the main room, phone, hair dryer, CD/DVD player and safe. A cook, waiter and security guard are also there to make your stay a success and invite you all over again.

Flora and fauna
The islet used to harbor some important forest areas, but the introduction of predators led to the degradation of the environment. In the past Tecoma and Pine plantations were established there and today remnants of these can still be seen; some native palm species are also present though they do not show much regeneration signs. Amongst the animals, some reptiles like geckos, tenrecs, feral cats, rats have been noted on the islet. Some endemic butterflies like the Mauritian friar as well as birds like the grey white eye have also been seen on ile d’ambre. Amongst the mangrove trees are the Rhizophora mucronata and some stands of Brugueira gymnorhiza found on the coastline.

Activities
Since access is quite limited to the islet, visits of the mainland can be done from some specific points. Most usually, swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing can be done on close by Ilot Bernache, a tiny islet offering wonderful lazy moments with very few people around.

One of the most interesting activities associated with the islet is kayaking which is supervised and organized by experts. It can be done by both novice and pros since all safety measures are taken into consideration (safety gears, brief on safety regulations before the start of the trip, help when needed etc). Given the nature of the islet with muddy alleys and mangrove shades, kayaking can be enjoyed at ease in the peaceful environment.
Another common excursion around the islet is fishing which is organized by specific people. With the clear waters around and rich marine life, it is a very peaceful day out at sea hooking on multi colored fishes and huge squids all in the traditional ways.

Picnics, juices and water are usually offered as part of the excursion packages but it is recommended of visitors to bring their towels and other beach wear and paraphernalia.

The actual beach itself is a thin stretch of white sand surrounded on one part by the rough sea and on the other part by cliffs atop of which is found a forest. Obviously, swimming is prohibited in the area. The crashing of waves can be observed along the upper cliffs whilst breathing in the salty air and feeling the splash of the cold water onto the face. It is advised to always take care when walking in the area to prevent slipping over the wet rocks. The sea can be observed either on the back cliffs or from up front where the cliffs jut out where you can feel the spray of the water on your face. Sitting onto the cliffs with feet dangling over the crashing waves, you can enjoy a peaceful moment with nature.

As the area has become more of a place of interest over the years, accommodations have been made for the public like ramps to protect people from leaning too close over, public toilets, lamp posts, dustbins, kiosks, benches to sit down and relax as well as parking facilities. It is easily accessible through a battered road amongst sugar cane fields and there are also banners leading to it. Very near the cliffs is a small restaurant called le Gris Gris Restaurant serving local Mauritian food.

A few metres off the Gris Gris cliffs is Le Souffleur (Blowhole), an amazing weather shaped chimney type rocky structure where the angry waves can go through and then blow out via the top opening. Also located in the area is La Roche qui pleure (weeping rock), another cliff, where the crashing waves cause big tear shaped wave droplet to fall once the waves have splattered against it.

The park has been conserved so as to give off the natural element to make it an ecotourism success as well as a relaxing and unforgettable one. All activities are thus centered on the green notion of preservation such that all vehicles are banned inside the park and rifle shooting is strictly prohibited. Activities include nature walks around the park or up to the Lagrave mountain at 638m altitude where panoramic views of the surroundings (south east of Mauritius, rivers, midlands dam) can be seen, bamboo raft construction, kayaking, fishing, camping, African archery, hikes, abseiling and visits of the lake.

The park is open from 9am to 4pm everyday and to people of all ages. Activities offered at the park are strolls of varying lengths (3km, 6km, 10km) or simple visits of the park at Rs 250/person, orientation races at Rs 500/person, activity days where one of 5 proposed activities can be done (walks, African archery, raft construction and trips/kayaking, VTT, ti-lapia fishing) which also includes lunch, one t-shirt/person and a trophy to the winning team at Rs 1500/person, renting of the park for weddings, engagements, seminars etc at Rs 30,000 and tent camping for a night plus breakfast at Rs 450/person. Menus on the other hand (creole, European, open buffet) range in price from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.

All excursion packages can be tailor made based on what the visitor is looking for as in treasure hunt, adventure day etc. Visitors can choose walks from maps at the entrance which are colored based on the ease of the path, choose to have lunch at the restaurant or go for a picnic bag to enjoy in the surroundings. Whether in private groups just for fun or a family day out, the park will meet all of your expectations regarding a peaceful day off work and everyday life and will invariably call you back again.

• On our Mauritius Q&A website (CleverDodo.mu) – this is our preferred method because we have an active mauritian community there and you’ll get a faster reply to your question there.
• On our facebook page (Mauritius Uncovered Facebook Fan Page)
• Using the comments form here
• Through our contact page

So no matter how trivial your question is, don’t hesitate to ask us and we’ll clear your doubts.

Mauritian to Mauritian marriages
The legal age of getting married is 18 years old but someone under 18 but above 16 can do so with the consent of the parents; in all cases two witnesses are required (with ID). The date of the proposed marriage must be published 10 days before the ceremony at the civil status office of the district takes place. Documents needed by the parties include originals of birth certificates, ID cards, previous marriage certificates (if applicable) and death (widow/widower) certificates (if applicable).

Mauritian to Foreigner marriages
For a marriage between a Mauritian and a foreigner, it is requested that the non Mauritian should have stayed on the island for at least 7 days before publication of the marriage date and after 10 days, the marriage can be celebrated; such a marriage is done only at the civil status office in Port Louis. Both parties need two witnesses, the same original documents as above, medical certificates and in addition to those, the foreigner needs an affidavit of good attendance from his/her country and an affidavit sworn before the registrar of Mauritius that he/she is in employment (plus one from the country of origin as well).

Non-Mauritian to non-Mauritian marriages
For non-Mauritian marriages, the parties must send copies of the above mentioned documents one month before the proposed marriage to the civil status office in Port Louis. The marriage can be celebrated one day after publication of the marriage date once the originals have been verified at the office.
Many hotels and agencies in Mauritius offer wedding packages in terms of the perfect location, clothes, decorations, bouquets (even witnesses if you don’t have them) and parties to make the big day a memorable one. Wherever and however you choose to say “I do” in Mauritius, the friendly and helping nature of the staff will make its best for you to feel right at home!

The most common game type and also the most coveted one is the java deer. This animal was introduced to Mauritius by the Dutch in the 1600′#s and successfully colonised the island later on. Unfortunately, the deer overpopulated and caused serious damage to the sensible flora of the island by trampling and browsing. Today, they have been removed from the remnants of native forests left where conservation programmes are held but are bred on private properties for the sport of hunting. Their numbers are strictly regulated and only the surpluses of herds are the objects of hunting.
Other animals commonly hunted are the wild boar, hare and guinea fowl (ground nesting bird).

While all these animals can be hunted all year round, the deer hunting period is during November to May. Numerous places such as Domaine du Chasseur offer hunting activities as well as accommodation. These places can be contacted directly and booked for the hunting sessions. Other areas offer packages such as transport from and to hotels, hunting and material rental as well as food. Taxidermy (making part of the dead animal into a trophy) is also feasible and then sent to the home land of the hunter. Hunting prices differ at the different hunting areas but they normally constitute of the number of animals killed as well as the type of animal killed (pig, stag etc).

All materials (rifles and ammunition) are available at the hunting domains; guides are present throughout the whole process to assist the persons in what they are doing. Mauritius offers a thrilling hunting experience: the hunter either gets to build on his adrenaline by stalking his prey and then attacking it or he can have hunting dogs sniff the odour of the prey and then launch after it. In either case, the hunter gets to enjoy to the max while following his prey in the beautiful forests!

The building itself is made up of large rough rectangular blocks that have turned greyish black over time. It has been made in the Moorish style with horseshoe arches and houses quarters for the army, water gallons and powder reserves. There is supposedly an underground tunnel leading from the fort to the harbour thus providing a quick means to reach the harbour in case of enemy invasion. Fort Adelaide was one of the four forts to be built to defend the island against attackers and which has been successfully saved from ruin unlike the other three forts which are Fort William, Fort George and Fort Victoria also found in Port Louis.

Sadly, shortly after the fort was built, most signs of war threats vanished making the fort useless. Today the fort has been turned into a national monument offering breathtaking views of the city with the tall skyscrapers (Caudan Waterfront, State Bank, Bank of Mauritius), the open ocean and harbour and the Port Louis Moka Ranges as backdrop. It is a common touristic area because of the views that it offers so don’t forget your camera when visiting the fort!
The fort has been renovated and used up to recently as arena for concerts and plays. But all these have ceased now and

Fort Adelaide just stands as an old fort recalling the time when the British feared enemy attack. The fort can be reached via a 10 minutes’ walk up the hill or can be accessed by vehicles via a well paved road. The vegetation around is mostly grass; interestingly the ornate day gecko, endemic to Mauritius, has been spotted in the surroundings. It is a great place to enjoy sunset or to jog for the locals. Actually a revegetation plan is being done at the Citadel where one hectare of land is to be replanted with native trees like the Round Island Hurricane Palm, Velvetleaf Soldierbush, Bois de Pipe to name a few.