The shores of Mauritius are located some 500 miles off the east coast of Madagascar, just north of the Tropic of Capricorn at latitude 20 degrees south and longitude 57 degrees, 35 minutes east.
The island's 200 mile coastline is virtually encircled by one of the world's largest unbroken coral reef systems.

It is part of the African continent, rising from the sea in a series of volcanic eruptions over 8 million years ago.
It is also the best known of the Mascarene Islands, first described by Arab traders a millennium ago, and named for the Portuguese explorer Pedro Mascarenhas in 1513.
The Portuguese used this largest, uninhabited island for reprovisioning, but it was claimed and named by the Dutch for Prince Maurice of Nassau, son of William of Orange.

Its major cities are the capital Port Louis (pop.146,000), Beau Bassin and Rose Hill (98,000), Vacoas-Phoenix (96,000), Curepipe (78,000), and Quatre Bornes (75,000).
Mauritius' history has been one of colonization, of waves of population and of a pastiche of cultures overlaid and intermixed blended with beauty, beaches and la bonne vie.

Amazingly, there are over 900 species of plants on Mauritius and almost 1/3 of these occur only on Mauritius.
Since the cultivation of the sugar cane and the introduction of non-native species, less than 1% of the original forest remains intact.
The best place to see the pre-colonized Mauritius plant-life is at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens at Pamplemousses (North Mauritius).
Government programs and nurseries are attempting to regrow and repropigate the rare native plants.

Tall, slim casuarinas define the best beaches. They look like, but are not, pine trees, grow well in sand and make useful wind breaks.
Eucalyptus was also widely planted and you'll also see many huge Indian banyan trees and the striking, crimson-flowering flamboyant.
One native tree you'll almost need a guide to show you is the tambalacoque or "Dodo tree"as it was thought that the extinct bird did the propagation it may well have as the tree itself is close to extinction.
Anthurium, the red-petaled glossy flower is grown over vast acres and sold for export, but you'll see many fine examples in all the best hotels and public places.

There are no animals on Mauritius dangerous to people.
animals dangerous to other animals is another story.
Mauritius was the last home of the dodo, wiped out in the 17th century by mankind's introduction of dogs, pigs and rats.
Other unique but extinct species the island gave rise to include the black, flightless parrot and the giant Mauritian tortoise's losing their habitats to sugar cane production.
However, much wonderful bird life still makes Mauritius its home.
The Mauritius kestrel (once the world's rarest bird) and the world's rarest parakeet, the echo parakeet, have both benefited from captive breeding and reintroduction programs.

The very rare pink pigeon isn't faring quite as well with planned reproduction, falling prey to monkeys, rats and to islanders casserole dishes.
Many of the native songbirds,the Mauritius cuckoo-shrike, Mauritius black bulbul, the Mascarene paradise flycatcher, Mauritius fody and Mauritius olive white-eye are also threatened.

Introduced songbirds who've thrived include the Madagascar fody, the Indian mynah and the most common island bird, the red-whiskered bulbul.
Nesting around the small surrounding islands are boobies, sooty terns, noddies and petrel. Both the red and white-tailed tropic bird can be spotted.

Marine life fared a lot better (sugar cane won't grow under water) and you'll find a similar rich diversity here that populates all of the Indian Ocean off-shore realms.
Fourteen species of whales and dolphins plus both the hawksbill and the green turtles are populous.

The game fish population includes the most sought-after trophy fish marlin, sailfish, wahoo, yellow fin tuna and shark, and it's a big business.

Reef and coral protection is the goal of both the Mauritius Marine Conservation Society and the Mauritius Underwater Group and their recommended "Code of Conduct" for proper marine resource utilization (do not take or break living corals, do not purchase shells, corals, etc, from a vendor, do not litter beaches and recognize hotels who have contributed to good beach management) has been widely publicized.

The Mauritius climate is surprisingly varied.
The coast is generally around 8 degrees F warmer than the Central Plateau and it' s quite possible for it to rain in one locale and not in the other, even though physical distance is not great.
Summer, from January through April, can be hot and humid with daytime temps averaging in the high 80's.
Summer is cyclone season and while direct hits are rarities Mauritius can experience days of squally rain. There are no distinct monsoons and rain is possible on any day of the year.
The wind blows either from the north or from the regular trade winds blowing from the southeast.
The winter season lasts from July to September, and is completely and perfectly pleasant.
Daytime temperatures range to the high 70's, falling to high 50's at night, with less rain and humidity.

Light and lightweight clothing work best under the strong Mauritian sun, with casual shorts/shirts/tees or polos being fine during the day.
Smart casual works in most of the upscale hotels for nighttime dinner, and if you can't resist bringing a little cocktail dress you won't feel out of place wearing it.
Due to the intensity of the sun, be sure to have sun block, lip block, sunglasses and a hat, and sturdy walking shoes if you have the desire to do any trekking.
A light rain wrap is a good idea for the winter season as it can rain at any time. Also a good idea is to bring waterproof protection for your camera equipment.
At night it cools down on the coast, but can get downright cold (sometimes to freezing temperatures) in winter on the plateau.
As always, travel light and soft luggage is travel smart.

As in so many places, do not photograph airports, police or anything that looks like it could be military in nature.
Often photography is prohibited at mosques and temples; if in doubt, ask. Also ask permission before photographing any individual, women especially.
Nude bathing is forbidden on Mauritius and beachwear should be confined to the beach or the yacht. Skimpy or too revealing clothing may invite jeers or unwanted attention.
If visiting a mosque or temple please observe the conventions: remove your shoes, women should bring a head covering, dress modestly and don't touch the statuary or decorations. In other words, exercise good common sense.
And if you can manage a few words in French, go right ahead?and watch the smiles you'll get

Watersports
: Beaches, lagoons and inlets around the coast offer plenty of opportunity for safe swimming.
Diving in Mauritius doesn't compare with other Indian Ocean sites (Seychelles or Maldives) but there is a well-known site, the "Cathedral" off Flic en Flac on the island's west coast.
Other sites include Whale Rock and Roche Zozo, an underwater rock pinnacle (accessible by boat only in summer).
Another popular site is the submerged crater near Ile Ronde, accessible from the north from Grand Baie, among others.
Many of the snorkeling spots are close to the beach, although the best spots are just off rocky shorelines.
Please do remember that spear fishing or the collection of shells and corals is strictly prohibited.

Fishing
Record blue marlin catches have been landed during the October to April prime season, and besides marlin, sailfish, barracuda, wahoo, tuna and shark are common.
One of the best fishing spots is just off Le Morne where the seabed plunges almost 2,300 feet and the currents pull in the feeder fish to attract the huge trophy animals.

Golf
This is becoming increasingly popular on Mauritius, with an annual Golf Open held in December.
Golf courses offering 18 holes are at Belle Mare Plage in the northeast and the Paradis Brabant Hotel in the southwest.
Smaller rounds can be played at St Geran Hotel, Trou aux Biches, La Pirogue, Sugar Beach and Maritim which offer nine holes.

Other
There are many opportunities for trekking in the interior of the island.
Many of the best walks are in the Réserve Forrestière Macchabés and Rivière Noire National Park.
Rodrigues Island also has some lovely hiking country, with coastal and mountain walks, notably to the island's highest points, Mount Limon and Mount Malartic.

7 Day Itinerary

Day 1 :
At your arrival at the airport , the captain and his crew will be there to meet you and take you on board.

Day 2 :
After a leisurely breakfast, set sail to Flat Island
A halt at La Palissade, to discover one of the best diving sites of the island.
Lunch on board and relax on the beach.
In the afternoon, move on to Ilot Gabriel, and anchor for the night.
the mooring there is excellent.
BBQ dinner under the stars and overnight at anchor.

Day 3 :
Enjoy the wonderful swimmings conditions, and glorious clear water for snorkeling among thousands colourful fishes.
A short run by tender, will take you to Flat Island. Follow the footpath to the light house for a picnic lunch
From up there, you will have a breathtaking view of the lagoon and its nearby surrounding islands.
In the afternoon, set sail towards Gunner's Coin Island and proceeds to Grand Bay .
Have dinner in one of the many restaurants of the bay and watch the village comes alive in the evening.

Day 4 :
After breakfast, visit the north of the island and its places of interests including the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden.
Lunch and shopping at the Sunset Boulevard.
In the afternoon, sail towards Port-Louis, the capital city
You will dock at the Caudan Waterfront Marina which is only minutes away from the buzzling city centre.

Day 5:
Morning visit of the Port-Louis market and after lunch, cruise to Rivière Noire .
Halt at Tamarin Bay for a swim with the dolphins.
In the afternoon, watch the sun set while you cruise in Rivière Noire Bay and anchor for the night.

Day 6 :
After breakfast, depart for the excursion of your choice: discover the south of the island, visit a tea factory and enjoy a typical mauritian lunch in a old colonial house at Saint-Aubin.
Or for the more sporty ones, a day cannyoneering in the Black River Gorges.

Day 7 :
Early departure for a half day sailing trip, on your way back.