The Charm, natural beauty and tales of the South coast
This excursion will fascinate those visitors in quest of natural beauty, past historical sites as well as cultures and traditions. First stop at Le Morne, a small fishermen village where the majority of its inhabitants are descents of the black African slaves. The imposing mountain found there is evocative of the runaway slaves and their pains. The road running between the sea and the mountains offer unparalleled panoramic views: beautiful beaches and spectacular scenery at La Prarie; the curious stone at Macondé; the village of Baie du Cap; the waves of the ocean battering against the black basalt cliffs at “Gris-Gris” and the “Sanchot island” where it is said that a treasure has been buried are as much of interesting places worth discovering. This excursion will end at La Vanille Reserve Des Mascareignes, a place of discovery a nature reserve dispersed through 3.5 hectares of luxuriant tropical forest.  Here while walking through galleries of palms, raven alas and giant bamboos and one can encounter many different animal species from the islands of the South West Indian Ocean.   Do not forget to take your camera for some beautiful souvenir pictures

Curepipe/ Grand Bassin/ Plaine Champagne and the Black River gorges
Curepipe is the second most important town in Mauritius. It is located on the highlands and is known for its moderate climate as well as for its elegant country mansions as witnessed by its Town Hall. There are many specialized shops that offer Chinese arts and crafts, exotic jewels, embroidery and souvenir items. Curepipe also houses a ship model factory where one can admire the meticulously hand-made reproductions of a variety of historically famous vessels. Before proceeding to the second part of the excursion, a halt on top of an extinct crater, the “Trou aux Cerfs”, will give you an idea of what awaits you next.

LUNCH (VEG OR NON-VEG FOOD) IS SERVED AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT SPECIALLY SELECTED BY US.

The second part of this excursion will bring you to Grand Bassin, a sacred lake and a place of pilgrimage for Mauritians of Hindu faith. You will then penetrate the deep interior of the island on the Plaine Champagne- Chamarel route, a thickly wooded and mountainous region which, scenically, is the most fascinating and the most spectacular in the whole island. Not to miss, the superb view of the deep plunging gorges at Black River and the small village of Chamarel renown for its 7 colored earths and its beautiful water-fall.

The city of Port-Louis and the famous botanical garden at Pamplemousses
Port-Louis is a city of remarkable contrasts teeming with a variety of faces of all religions and cultures present on the island. In the centre, La Place d’Armes and the Government Palace are remains of the colonial past whereas, a few meters ahead, everything is sold in a riot of colors: local handicrafts; spices from India; colorful T-Shirts and pareos as well as souvenir items are on display at the market place. The small China town offers items from Hong Kong, China and Malaysia. Not to miss, the Caudan Waterfront where shopping is at its best.

LUNCH (VEG OR NON-VEG FOOD) IS SERVED AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT SPECIALLY SELECTED BY US.

The second part of this excursion will bring you to the botanical gardens of Pamplemousses, one of the most beautiful and one of the most ancient in the southern hemisphere. There, you will be amazed by the important collection of indigenous and exotic plants such as the giant water lilies and the Talipot which, according to legends, flowers once every 60 years before dying.

Half day shopping tour
Shopping in Mauritius can be both exciting and profitable. If you know what to buy, it will be another bonus, among others, to your holidays in this most cosmopolitan island in the sun. From the tourist resort in Grand Bay to the capital city of Port-Louis, from Rose-Hill to Quatre Bornes and from Curepipe to Floréal, there is a wide range of locally made goods or imported products for you to choose from the numerous shopping malls and duty free shops. Not to miss, the bewildering panoply of t-shirts and pareos imprinted with colorful tropical designs.
Travellers Delight has carefully planned 3 different half day shopping itineraries for you at either (a) Port-Louis & Grand Bay (b) Rose-Hill & Quatre- Bornes or (c) Curepipe & Floréal.

Our sea excursions and other water sport activities

BIG GAME FISHING
This is a truly exciting experience. Mauritian waters abound with a variety of fish, specially the blue and black marlins; Dorado’s; yellow-fin tunas; Wahoo’s; bonitos; sailfish and a lot more.
The best time for fishing is from November to April. Fully equipped boats, specially designed for big game fishing, are available for ½ day rental (07h00 to 13h00) or full day rental (07h00 to16h00). Each boat can carry a maximum of 4 anglers and 4 accompanying persons.
The cost of rental includes the service of 2 experienced skippers and fishing equipments of international standard

SEA ACTIVITIES

UNDER SEA WALK: Discover the magical under sea world paradise by participating in one of our planned outings. Multi-colored fish, moray eels, and magnificent coral beds await you.  This is a fascinating experience addressed to one and all even to non-swimmers. The walk is for 20 to 25 minutes in some 3 meters of water. 
BLUE SAFARI SUBMARINE:  A rare experience at 35 meters depth, your dream comes true as you discover the magic of the marine life. You will enjoy a rare and unforgettable experience, traveling in total security and comfort, on board very sophisticated air-conditioned submarines. A unique adventure which should not be missed whether you are 2 or 90 years old.
SUBMARINE SCOOTERS 2 PERSONS: Drive your own submarine sub scooter or with a partner and enjoy the fun of this original activity, unique in the world. The riders sit comfortably one behind the other and breathe normally with their head cover with a transparent dome providing a panoramic view of the reef. Since their is no need of regulator, riders can communicate with each other and express their instant delight under water while discovering the fauna and flora. A dive lasts 30 minutes at 3 meters depth.
SCUBA DIVING: The perfect way to discover the enchanting beauty of the marine’s life into the island azure water. Scuba diving in Mauritius is indeed a very enjoyable experience. Several diving sites are available: swim with schools of fishes streaming by your side as you take in the beauty of vibrant coral reefs and let yourself be charmed by the abundant flora and fauna.

FULL DAY SAILING CRUISE ON BOARD A MAGNIFICENT CATAMARAN
Treat yourself to a memorable day by participating in one our planned sailing cruises in the beautiful lagoons with a stop on one of the many islands surrounding Mauritius. The price includes: drinks and snacks during the day, lunch with local wine, rum, beer, soft drinks and mineral water. Snorkeling equipment are also provided free of charge on board the catamaran.
You can cruise on the East coast with a visit of the waterfalls of Grand River South East, do snorkeling there and, afterwards, proceed to the marvelous “Ile aux Cerfs” island where kilometers and kilometers of white sandy beaches await you. Time to swim in the beautiful lagoons or to relax on the beach
On the West coast, you will set sail to Tamarin Bay where there is a chance to see and swim with the dolphins. Thereafter, your skipper will bring you further south to the magnificent “Ilot Bénitiers” where the catamaran will set anchor in turquoise waters. Time to relax, to snorkel or to swim
In the North, you will proceed along the beautiful scenery of the northern coasts, pass by the Gunner’s point, home of the “Paille-en-queue” before reaching the extraordinary beautiful “Ilot Gabriel” where the catamaran will set anchor. There is time for you to swim or snorkel in the beautiful lagoons of this paradise island or to simply relax on the white sandy beaches

A DAY AT ILE AUX CERFS
In the morning, travel by one of our comfortable vehicles from your hotel to Trou D’eau Douce, a fishermen village, from where you will embark on a pirogue ( small Mauritian boat ) After a 12 minutes ride in the lagoon, you will reach this marvelous Robinson Crusoe island which is located at some 600 meters off the East coast of Mauritius. There, kilometers and kilometers of white sandy beaches as well as a host of water sport activities await you. There are also 2 restaurants, a beach bar, changing rooms and toilets for your comfort.
Lunch, drinks and water sport activities ARE NOT INCLUDED in our price.

REMINISCENCES…
Drive to Mahébourg, a town located near the sea on the South East coast. Ancient capital, it had its time of glory. It is in this region, in the “Old Grand Port” that, in 1810, the English and French squadrons had a terrible battle to take possession of Mauritius. Town of the past, Mahébourg houses a Naval and Historical Museum with a collection of relics salvaged from the wrecks; the Regatta Point and its monument in memory of the French and English sailors who lost their lives during the famous battle of 1810, the Pointe Canon and its monument commemorating the abolition of slavery in Mauritius and, a biscuit factory, where the method to make the delicious “biscuits manioc” is still the same as in 1870, year when it was founded. Mahebourg also houses one of the most colorful open markets. The road along the sea is very picturesque and full of historical memories. There is the “Salle d’Armes” where officers, once, fought duels to gain the love of a young girl. At the “Devil’s Point” one can still see the French batteries which date back to 1760. The devil, at this point, was said to be responsible for upsetting the magnetic compasses of ships passing the headland. On the way back, you will pass through small but very picturesque villages where Mauritians of Hindu and Christian faith lived harmoniously.

NATURE AND ADVENTURE
L’ETOILE, a sanctuary of exclusive trips into the greenwood of Mauritius, where Nature has been protected in a wonderful fashion. Indigenous forests, lush valleys, crystalline sources and rivers stretch towards distant mountains, with the Indian seas as a backdrop, in a ballet of changing light and shade, as the hours go by.
To admire the birds, deer and other animals that roam amidst these vast expanses of land, a gamut of possibilities is offered to the visitors: an ARCHERY COURSE, HIKING, MOUNTAIN BIKES, HORSE BACK EXCURSIONS and motorized circuits by QUAD. 

SAILING CRUISE ON BOARD THE HISTORICAL SCHOONER
ISLA MAURITIA
The “Isla Mauritia” built in 1852, is truly a magnificent example of the world’s nautical history.  It is the last vessel of it’s category in the world which is still active.  On board of this old sailing boat which sets sail along the North West coast toward “carpenters bay” while you experience the ages of old romance, sheer excitement of traditional sailing in a friendly, jolly and relaxed atmosphere. It will ideally complete your stay in Mauritius. Arrival at “carpenters bay” swimming can be done; sun bathing is also possible on the beach. Equipments are provided on board.
Lunch is served in a picnic style, beef curry, fish curry with two salads, together with white and red wine, soft drinks and beers followed by ice cream as dessert. The Isla Mauritia sets sail back to Grand Bay at 14h35. While having sight seeing, enjoyed coffee and cake. Fresh beer, soft drinks and rum- coke are also served on the way back. Arrival in Grand Bay, slow disembarkation at the Yacht Charters jetty with live Sega animation and sailors’ song