What to do in Mauritius

As Africa's original island darling, Mauritius has become synonymous with velvety sands that melt into sky-blue water, and snorkelling is one of the best ways to enjoy it. Below the surface, there is over 200 types of coral in bright hues and amazing formations, which is home to an array of colourful marine life. The waters of Mauritius are home to over 430 species, but the best time to spot sea turtles is between November and March. Apart from hurricane season (Jan - Feb), the conditions are sublime with outstanding visibility, especially between March and April.

Leave the island in a speedboat in search of the oceans most majestic creatures, whales. Your skipper will give you a run-down of the whales you might see, their traits and the best way to see a whale up-close while respecting their peace. There is always the chance to see whales in Mauritius, as long as the weather conditions are good, but Humpback Whales migrate between July and November. The species you're likely to see year-round include Blainville's Beaked Whale, Gray's Beaked Whale, Dwarf Sperm Whale and the Sperm Whale, which is a favourite in Mauritius. Expect to be enthralled and humbled by these giants of the deep as they blow, flap and (if you're lucky), leap from the water.

Dig your toes into the sand, take in the glow of the sun (or sunset) and let your senses be heightened by the surroundings, all while enjoying a tasty meal. Whether you'd like to start your day with laidback and breezy breakfast or end it with a private dinner under the moonlight, what better place than a beach on the coast of Mauritius?

Mauritius is the Indian Ocean's idyllic, island gem with a sunny disposition (almost) all year round, gorgeous, turquoise waters and views that go on forever. Sounds like the perfect place to put on a swim suit and dive in, and it is! Watersports are a staple on any Mauritian holiday, whether you're a novice or an established water baby. There are the more sedate options like stand-up paddleboarding where you'll find your 'lagoon legs' and the increasingly adrenaline-inducing activities like windsurfing, waterskiing and parasailing. Skip the peak heat of summer with a winter trip (May - October) when the sun remains but the humidity has died down.

Horseriding has deep roots in the island country of Mauritius and you'll have a chance to see its powdery-soft beaches and lush, forested interior from the saddle. In true island style, canter through the gently washing waves and sea breeze on horseback or head inland to ride up mountain trails, through dense rainforest and past the tranquil waterfalls. You could even ride right into the sea for a dip with your four-legged friend. Mauritius is lovely at any time of year (minus hurricane season) but its at its loveliest between May and October when the humidity is low, the temperatures are balmy and the sun is ever-present.

Launch off the pearl white beaches of Mauritius with your kite as you catch the seasonal winds that blow over this idyllic Indian Ocean island. So, why is kitesurfing in Mauritius so good? You have a combination of incredibly reliable wind, perfect flat water kitesurf lagoons with world class waves and hotels at really affordable prices. It’s such good value because the Mauritius wind season of May to November coincides with low season hotel prices (Most people try to avoid the wind). The focal point of kitesurfing in Mauritius is Le Morne. This beautiful lagoon, surrounded by the reef about 600m out, is great for beginners (who want to just have a bit of fun) and professionals wanting to push their limits.

Get into the island spirit with a picnic of hearty treats on the beach. Is there a better way to punctuate a day of epic diving, sunning and boat trips? Platters of fresh fruit, sweets and local dishes will be laid out on a blanket under the palms, along with a bottle of fizz to toast a memorable Mauritian holiday. It'll feel like you have the beach all to yourself and that, in itself, is priceless.

If it's something leisurely you're after, why not take in a few rounds at a local golf estate? For such a small island, Mauritius boasts a number of world-class and very popular golf courses, many of which have been designed by respected pro golfers. Great for spirited novices or seasoned golfers, give the snorkel and flippers a break for a few hours on the course.

Mauritius has been dubbed one of the greatest big game fishing destinations in the world. It's rings of coral reefs create a placid, undisturbed lagoon where anglers can drop a line and wait for 'the one' to take a nibble. For a more active fishing trip, head past the reef where a 3000-metre drop is teeming with nutrient-rich water and small fish, followed swiftly by the big boys. A variety of coveted fish frequent Mauritius' warm, tropical waters including yellow fin tuna, giant trevally, dorado and the famous blue marlin, which you have the best chance of catching between December and March. Our biggest piece of advice is to never fish straight after a full moon, when the large fish will have done all their feeding at night and you'll have almost zero chance of making a successful catch.

Explore Mauritus' tranquil waterways at your own pace, whilst paddling along in a kayak. You might choose the lush mangrove mazes where your trip is accompanied by a symphony of birdlife or its dreamy, placid lagoons - stop for a dip and a picnic under the palms on secluded isle along the way. Mauritius is blissful all year round but a visit in winter (May - October) means low humidity, sunny days and middle-range temperatures.

The idyllic, azure waters off Mauritius are known to offer some Africa's finest diving, with pristine reefs (there is over 200 types of coral!) where a menageries of underwater life resides. On any given day (or night), you could see anything from lion fish to octopi and sea turtles. Venturing into its plunging crevices may reward you with moray eel sightings and, for more experienced divers, the deeper water is home to dolphins, humpbacks (between June and October) and sharks - the most daring can discover the 'Shark Pit'. With up to 50 metres of visibility, the south coast is perfect for beginners, as is the shallower lagoons off nearby islands. The west coast is famous for its epic drift dives and the northeastern coast is where you'll find amazing shipwrecks to explore. With warm, temperate waters and fantastic visibility, diving conditions are fantastic all year round (except for the hurricane seasons between January and February), but the best visibility is between March and April.

Discover the island's hidden gems, warm culture and pretty scenery on a bicycle ride. Follow the scent of sweet sugar cane down quiet lanes, listen for the shrill calls of endemic birdlife and pick up a few souvenirs at the market. Mauritius has no shortage of natural beauty and two wheels are all you need when it comes to finding it.

Leave Mauritius' flaxen shores in the early morning, when you'll boat across the lagoon in the hopes of spotting a pod of Spinners or Bottlenose dolphins. Only a certain number of swimmers are allowed at one time and when it's your turn, be ready to jump in at your captain's call. Take your cue from the dolphins as they dart through the water, investigate the boats and swim in graceful circles below you. The best places to see dolphins is in Tamarin Bay or the Black River area, and you can even rent a private boat to really take your time.

Get a taste for this unique country as you learn to cook a few classic Mauritian dishes, which reflect the influences of cultures that have left their mark. Join a local chef on a trip to the market where you'll pick up an array of freshly-caught fish, spices and vegetables. You'll join them in the kitchen where the scent of byriani or rougaille, poudine maïs or boulettes fills the air, as you learn to cook local favourites (make plenty of notes for when you're back home).