Mauritius : Mauritius Attractions

Largely a destination that attracts crowds because of its reef-protected beaches, Mauritius offers the whole gamut of beach-related activity along its entire coast ranging from surfing and windsurfing to snorkelling, diving and kayaking. Some of the best and most popular stretches of sand are Choisy, Le Morne, Belle Mare, Power supply is 220 volts so carry adapters if required. Carry sun block and dark glasses.

And above all... smile a lot and leave your stress at home! Peyrebere, Trou aux Biches and Grande Baie with Tamarin on the southern coast being especially good for surfing. For the not-so-active, most hotels provide a glass bottom boat. 'Undersea walks' in true Jules Verne style, complete with bubble helmets and heavy boots, can be arranged near the Grand Baie reef as can a ride on a semi-submersible submarine-like boat. The best dive sites are around Flic en Flac on the west coast of the island, and swimming around the wrecked frigates Sirius and Magicienne (both sunk in 1810), at a depth of about 50 feet is also interesting. Reef diving is best in winter and offshore diving in summer. Most of the time though, snorkelling is a better idea for those new to it all. The best swimming beaches are all at the northern end of the island. Deep-sea fishing is also a big attraction.

The airport also boasts of easy immigration and custom clearance as well as helicopter transfers.

Taxis have white registration plates with black figures and yellow signs and are metered. Car hire is one of the most advisable ways to get around in Mauritius - either self-drive or hire a private car with a driver, ^elf-drivers should keep in mind that traffic drives on die left. Drivers must be 23 years of age and must possess ah international driving permit valid for one year although a foreign licence is sometimes accepted. There are numerous car-hire firms. Several car rental agencies can be found in all the cities as well as at the main airport. Popular rental agencies in Port Louis are Avis (Tel: 208 1624) and Europcar (Tel: 637 3240, 208 2115).

In addition, motorbikes can be rented around Grand Baie. Bicycles and boats too can be rented wherever tourists congregate.

Keep in mind that there are no direct airport buses, though express buses ply between Port Louis and Mahebourg, several times a day, stop at the airport. Allow at least two hours between the airport and Port Louis. The MV Mauritius Pride plies the waters between Mauritius and Rodrigues several times per month. There are excellent bus services to all parts of the island, however, it takes time to get from one place to another as opposed to having a private car - so schedule time accordingly. Buses go to (or near) just about any place on the island. There are several operators, none of which cover the entire island. Port Louis and Curepipe are the main hubs. Tickets are cheap and should be kept handy, as inspectors check them frequently. Late night services are available between Port Louis and Curepipe.

A must do is the 'dolphin watch' tour aboard a catamaran that sets sail at 9 am from the jetty off the Sports Club Hotel, west of the island. An excellent lunch is served on board while viewing dolphins and the adventurous can also indulge in swimming with the dolphins!

Avid golfers are well catered too, with several hotels sporting 9 This is the destination to soak in the sun, lie in the sand and feel the peace or 18-hole golf courses. The Gymkhana Club in Vacoas is the only private club with an 18-hole golf course. Visitors may have temporary access to the golf course by paying an admission fee.

Horse racing is also a popular activity- the racing season is from May to November. The Mauritian capital of Port Louis offers a variety of sights, sounds and flavours for the average tourist, not to mention some unbeatable bargains. Founded by the French governor MahE de Labourdonnais in 1935, the harbour town, surrounded by a range of mountains boasts of several historical structures worth a dekko.

The Citadel Or Fort Adelaide

The oldest mosque on the island.

Pere Laval's Shrine

The French-colonial government house dating back to 1729.

Port Louis Theatre

The hub of the city's cultural activities.

The Supreme Court

Some 18th century barracks.

The Natural History Museum

Features on most tourist itineraries as do the several other museums and galleries

The Tombeau Malartic Obelisk

Port Louis' Chinatown

Teeming with curio shops, hawkers selling nightclub, the Latitude 20 Bar at the Waterfront Hotel, Grand Baie (pronounced as Graw Bay) is the place to be for a party lover. Getting around to bars and discotheques in the island is not that difficult and does not take too long at night. Clubs normally come alive at 11 pm and don't stop rocking till 5 am ensuring a night of non-stop fun! LOCAL