We have been to Mauritius 3 times, the last being in May this year and have logged more than 60 dives there . We dived on the west coast off Flic and Flac first and then moved onto the north coast at Grand Baie. This was way better diving and we returned there for our next dives. There is also diving off the East and a little in the South. We have, however, met up with groups that came from their resorts there to dive in the North dspite a car trip of more than an hour.
Diving starts at about MR1200 (Mauritian Rupees) about Euro30 with own kit. We have negotiated to about Euro25 for 20 dives a trip. 5 star resorts will however smoke you if you are not careful! We dive with an independant operator (not resort linked) Wojtec Diving in Grand Baie. Wojtec is a Pole who speaks French but little English but his staff comunicate very adequately in English. We like his dive style, until you're out of air or bottom time, whichever comes last
. He mostly does two tank dives to minimise travel time leaving you with some time for other pursuits. There are, however, many dive operators in the area. Be a little careful as we have been told of operators who arbitrarily restrict bottom time but we have not personally experienced it.
As to the diving I would not rate it as world class mainly due to rather poor coral. This seems to be caused by the hard volcanic rock not providing good purchase, damage from the occasional cyclone, polution from sugar cane farming and historical damage. There are now protected areas where anchoring and fishing is prohibited and coral seems to be improving though my experience is too limited for an educated opinion.
The viz tends to be very good always in excess of 20m and mostly more than 30m. Fish life is good to great and there are many different morays, if thats your thing. The dive operators are not very clued up in showing macro items but if you ask they have a good idea where to find things. There are many shallow dives to choose from but deeper dives often offer stupendous topography and walls.
A group will also be able to set their preferences such as to the farther islands of Coin de Mire and Islot Gabriel, further daily dives and night dives.
We have found the operators very willing to please.
There is good snorkeling around the island with the best in Blue Bay in the South East.
Accommodation ranges from 5 star resorts to self catering flats. Car hire is readily available but take a small car as roads are narrow and vehicles stop at any time to drop of passengers. Taxis are plentiful and cheap and drivers have always spoken good English. Weather is best from September to May as more rain falls thereafter but we have found it warm and of little consequence. Cyclone season is summer, December to March but is not an annual occurrence Please note this paragraph is from memory so please check
