The north coast of Mauritius is best known for the lively Grand Baie with its restaurants and bars or for the popular photo opportunity of the Catholic church Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice de Cap Malheureux with the bright red roof tiles.
But not to be missed are catamaran cruise to islands with white sand beaches, amazing wildlife and fascinating history. Here are some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Mauritius with crystal clear turquoise waters. Introducing the northern islands of Mauritius:
कॉइन डे मायर
About five miles off the north coast of Mauritius is the island of Coin de Mire, also known as Gunner’s Coin or Gunner’s Quoin. Renowned for its rich tropical bird population, birders will delight in spotting species such as the red and white-tailed tropicbird, sooty tern and masked booby. Although visitors are not allowed on the island for conservation reasons, the picturesque nature reserve offers some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Mauritius, where a variety of fish and, with a little luck, sea turtles and dolphins frolic.
Ile aux Gabriel
The Ile aux Gabriel is like paradise. The island is famous for the crystal clear turquoise water and the white sandbar. Visitors can also spot a number of birds that have made the island their home, such as the white-tailed tropicbird. Other residents include the orange-tailed skink and the Bojers skink. It’s worth taking a stroll around the idyllic island to get a glimpse of what the mainland looked like before development. A dream come true!
Ile Plate
Just five minutes from Ile aux Gabriel, Ile Plate – also known as Flat Island – served as a quarantine station for cholera, smallpox and malaria sufferers from the mid-19th century until the 1930s. A few overgrown structures remain on this uninhabited island, and a historic white lighthouse still serves as a guide for fishermen; Elsewhere on the south side of the island a cemetery can still be seen. Experienced divers will love the internationally renowned dive site, The Shark Pit. At the base of a huge rock, Pigeon Rock, divers can spot gray and silvertip reef sharks swimming in a circular pattern in the pit.
गोल द्वीप
Since being designated a nature reserve in 1957, this small island has been one of the longest-running island conservation projects in the world and an ecological success story. Habitat restoration has resulted in reptiles, birds and plants repopulating this uninhabited island, including the endangered Round Island Boa. Access to this island is only permitted for scientific research purposes.
सर्प द्वीप
This mountainous island is the most remote of Mauritius’ five northern islands. Despite its name, there are no snakes on the island, but it is home to a large colony of seabirds. The waters around the island are very popular with divers as they offer excellent visibility. A wall that drops to a depth of 50 m offers ideal conditions for the observation of colorful batfish; at another site known as Shark Arena, reef sharks are regularly seen. Stepping on the island is not permitted, but the surrounding waters offer plenty to delight visitors.
