Snorkelers get their money's worth on the paradisiacal island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean: The breathtaking underwater world attracts turtles, dolphins, a seemingly endless variety of colorful fish and lukewarm, crystal-clear water like in a bathtub. During my trip to Mauritius, I was very positively surprised by the underwater world in the island's lagoons. But what can you discover while snorkeling in Mauritius and what do you have to pay attention to in the water? Where is there any danger when snorkeling? In my article I have put together the most important information for you so that you can enjoy the water fun in the Indian Ocean to the fullest. An experience report.

For me, snorkeling in Mauritius was truly addictive. Every day during my trip I was in the water for a few hours and looked at the beautiful underwater world in the island's crystal-clear lagoons. At the snorkeling and Diving There is one sight that I still haven't gotten enough of, even after years: swimming with sea turtles. Do you also like turtles and would love to swim with them for hours?

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Observe marine animals in their natural environment

Then snorkeling in Mauritius is the right place for you to observe marine life in their natural environment. The large sea turtles are truly fascinating and, above all, graceful animals, if you can see them in their natural environment. Most of the time they graze relaxed on the seabed and are hardly disturbed. Occasionally they rise from the bottom and paddle their flipper-like legs to the surface to gasp for air.

Turtles everywhere while snorkeling and diving

A fascinating sight and a journey of discovery full of surprises as you dive through the underwater world Indian Ocean floating - or while snorkeling in Mauritius. There are so many turtles around the island that you have enough time to observe them in detail in the water. In many places you practically only need to go into the water with a diving mask and you are relatively certain to see a turtle during a snorkeling tour.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment?

When I was in Mauritius, I had my snorkeling equipment with me and was so amazed by the underwater world right in front of the beach that I could hardly get out of the water. I had encounters with colorful fish and several turtles. What a wonderful experience that certainly enhanced my vacation on the tropical island.

My experience has been that you only have to snorkel for a few minutes in Mauritius to immediately have exceptionally beautiful encounters. I have never seen so many turtles at once as off the coast of the island.

Sascha Tegtmeyer

In this snorkeling experience report I would like to tell you about my experiences snorkeling in the lagoons of Mauritius and inspire you to do the same as me and jump into the water with diving goggles and fins on your next vacation on the dream island.

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Lots of colorful fish and turtles – my experiences snorkeling in Mauritius

My snorkeling experiences in Mauritius were truly unique. I always see snorkeling as a complement to diving when I'm on Destination visited and spent more time in the water than almost anywhere else. I was a few days Diving in Mauritius and was able to visit some fantastic diving sites and have wonderful underwater experiences with wrecks and sea creatures. However, you need quite a lot Equipment and preparation. It just takes a lot of time.

Snorkeling makes the underwater world easily accessible

Things are different when snorkeling. You take a diving mask, snorkel and fins with you to the beach - and if you feel like it, jump into the water. It's quick and sometimes you can see so many sea creatures. This led me to spending a few hours every day splashing around in the water in Mauritius, looking for turtles and colorful fish.

After a few minutes saw lots of sea creatures

My experience has been that you only have to snorkel for a few minutes in Mauritius to immediately have exceptionally beautiful encounters. I have never seen so many turtles at once as in the island's lagoons. If you like these animals, you have a good chance of seeing them in Mauritius. Looking back, I can no longer count how many turtles I saw on my snorkeling trips. In any case, there must have been significantly more than a dozen.

But it gets even better: you can also snorkel with dolphins in Mauritius. This is really crazy and a crazy experience that I have never experienced in this form before. I've snorkeled with dolphins before, but I've never experienced anything like I did in Mauritius before. We took the boat from Trou aux Biches all the way to the south and went snorkeling with the dolphins in Tamarin Bay. The Swim with dolphins in Mauritius is a little more difficult.

Difficult to snorkel with dolphins

On the one hand, there are an incredible number of dolphins around Mauritius. At least it feels like a lot more than in Southeast Asia or in Red Sea. But snorkeling with them in Tamarin Bay is an incredibly stressful affair. In Tamarin there are dozens of snorkelers in the water with the marine mammals, and all the boats in between - that's stressful for the animals and for the snorkelers. If you want to snorkel or dive with dolphins in Mauritius, you should contact one of the diving schools and ask about a sustainable experience with the animals.

Find a hotel with a house reef

Now that I've gotten you excited about trying snorkeling in Mauritius, you might now want to know the best place to jump into the water. I’m about to introduce you to the most important snorkeling spots in Mauritius.

But two things in advance: My experience is that in Mauritius you can see so many marine animals in the lagoon in front of your hotel that your preferred snorkeling area is right in front of your hotel. And secondly, you can contact a diving school nearby. When they plan their diving trips, they can take you to suitable spots for snorkeling. There, while the divers are in the water, you can observe the beauty of the reefs on the surface - and maybe see dolphins and turtles too.

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Snorkeling in Mauritius - which coast is the best?

In my article Mauritius – which coast is the best? I have already tried to explain which coast of the dream island is best for whom. But which coast is the best for snorkeling? I have a very simple answer to this question: you can snorkel anywhere in Mauritius. You should just follow my tips that I have put together for you further down in the article.

So if you have booked the south or the east coast, you don't have to worry. You will definitely find the right snorkeling spot in the area. However, my experience with snorkeling in Mauritius was on the west coast - and I can tell you: it is really beautiful and the likelihood that you will have uniquely beautiful experiences with turtles and maybe even dolphins is very high.

Snorkeling on the west coast of Mauritius - great spots for beginners and advanced

Hidden along the west coast of Mauritius is an underwater kingdom that attracts diving and snorkeling enthusiasts from all over the world. This region is home to some of the island's best snorkeling spots, offering an experience like no other.

Trou aux Biches

In front of Trou aux Biches there is a huge protected lagoon where you can go snorkeling. This was my favorite spot because the lagoon was right in front of us Hotel. And I can tell you: it was simply beautiful. Because all you had to do, so to speak, was jump into the water and you would immediately have thousands of small fish in front of your nose and almost no snorkeling trip without a turtle. So on each of our beach days I spent several hours in the water. However, if there are waves in the lagoon, the water can be a bit cloudy.

Tamarin Lagoon

If you dive into the crystal clear water of the Tamarin Lagoon, you will feel like you are in a tropical aquarium. And not only that: a group of dolphins lives in the lagoon, which you can watch while snorkeling. However, the animals stay relatively far out, so you have to do this fascinating encounter with a tour operator.

That's also the downside, because it's a stressful affair: lots of boats gather around the dolphins and dozens of snorkelers want to be in the water with the animals. That's why I would only partially recommend a visit to the dolphins of Tamarin. It's better to snorkel in the lagoon on your own and enjoy the colorful fish and turtles.

La Preneuse

La Preneuse is located on the west coast of Mauritius, about 15 kilometers south of Port Louis, the capital. The bay is surrounded by a reef that protects it from the waves and guarantees calm and clear waters. This makes them ideal for snorkelers, who can discover a fascinating world here.

The Bay of La Preneuse is a true paradise for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and diversity of the sea. There are countless species of fish in all shapes and colors that cavort among the corals. You can also see larger animals such as turtles, rays or even sharks. The bay is an important habitat for many endangered sea creatures who find protection and food here.

Snorkeling on the East Coast - Exotic species and turquoise waters

Snorkelers exploring the east coast of Mauritius can observe diverse marine biodiversity. The waters of this coastal region are home to various species of fish, both smaller and larger, providing a representative insight into the region's marine fauna. In addition, the coral reefs found along the east coast are of particular interest. They not only serve as attractive sights for divers and snorkelers, but also as an important habitat for many marine organisms.

Beautiful Mare

If you're visiting the east coast of Mauritius, be sure to check out the Belle Mare Lagoon. This place is a paradise for divers and snorkelers who want to explore the fascinating underwater world. The lagoon is surrounded by a coral reef, which serves as a natural protection from the waves. Here you can observe an incredible variety of fish species that shine in all the colors of the rainbow. You'll see parrotfish, snappers, angelfish, moray eels, barracuda and many other species hiding in the corals or passing in large schools.

Trou d'Eau Douce

If you're looking for a fantastic snorkeling experience on the east coast of Mauritius, be sure to visit Trou d'Eau Douce Bay. This picturesque spot offers you the opportunity to swim in crystal clear waters and admire a variety of colorful fish and corals. The bay is protected by a reef, providing a calm and safe environment. You can snorkel here both from the beach and from a boat, depending on how adventurous you are.

Snorkeling in the South - encounters with whale sharks and dolphins

Snorkeling in the south of Mauritius offers you a variety of impressive underwater experiences. This region is particularly known for its diverse marine fauna, and there are numerous places where you can experience the beauty of the underwater world up close.

Blue Bay Marine Park

Do you love the sea and want to discover the fascinating underwater world? Then snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park is just right for you. Blue Bay Marine Park is a nature reserve on the southeast coast of Mauritius known for its diverse and colorful marine fauna. Here you can admire over 50 different types of corals and more than 200 species of fish, including parrotfish, surgeonfish, pufferfish, moray eels and even turtles.

Bay of Gris Gris

Gris Gris is a beach on the island's wild southern coast, where you can admire the mighty waves of the Indian Ocean and the rugged basalt cliffs. Here you will find a rich variety of corals, fish and other sea creatures that will take you to another world. Snorkeling in Gris Gris is an experience for all the senses.

You feel the cool water on your skin, hear the sound of the waves and see the bright colors of the underwater world. You can let yourself drift and enjoy the beauty of nature. You might even see a dolphin or a turtle, which are often seen here.

Buy snorkeling equipment for the Mauritius vacation

Tips for snorkeling in Mauritius

In principle, snorkeling in Mauritius is very simple: you put on your snorkeling equipment on the beach, jump into the water and come out again after 30 minutes and you are guaranteed to have seen something that amazed you. To make your snorkeling experience in Mauritius unforgettable, you should consider a few things. Here are a few Snorkeling Tips, so you can fully enjoy the beauty of the underwater world. To ensure your adventure is both safe and memorable, it's important to be well prepared. Let's delve deep into the different aspects of snorkeling on this gorgeous island:

1. Planning: Each region of Mauritius has its own charm and snorkeling secrets.
   • Diverse snorkeling spots: Mauritius has a variety of different snorkeling locations. Although it may be tempting to focus on the closest spots, skipping distant spots like Tamarin Bay could mean you miss some highlights. Sometimes the best place isn't the closest.
   • Research: Find out the best times and conditions for each location in advance. Some spots may be less than ideal during certain times of the year due to seaweed or jellyfish.
2. Equipment: Your equipment can make the difference between an enjoyable snorkeling experience and a disappointing one.
   • diving mask: The importance of a high quality, well-fitting mask cannot be overemphasized. It should not fog up and should fit snugly without pinching. Ideally, the right snorkel will be included. Otherwise you can buy a high-quality snorkel separately. A full face mask is also an option.
   • fins: Invest in lightweight fins that are still effective. They make swimming easier and reduce fatigue.
   • protective clothing: A UV protection shirt or wetsuit protects not only from the sun, but also from unexpected contact with corals or sea creatures.
3. Environmental Protection: The seas around Mauritius are not only beautiful, but also fragile.
   • corals: These amazing organisms are sensitive. Simply touching them can damage or even kill them.
   • marine life: Chasing or touching marine animals disrupts their natural behavior and can be dangerous for both them and you.
   • rubbish: If you see trash, take it with you and do your part to protect the oceans.
4. On-site security: Mauritius' weather and sea can be unpredictable.
   • currents: Even if the water appears calm, there can be strong currents underneath. Be especially careful when snorkeling in unfamiliar locations.
   • Rescue equipment: A life buoy or life jacket can be life-saving in an emergency.
5. Preparation: As with any sport, preparation is key.
   • Beginner courses: If you're new to snorkeling, consider taking an introductory course to learn the basics.
   • exercise: Start in shallow water to familiarize yourself with your equipment before venturing into deeper waters.
6. Boat awareness: Mauritius is a busy place when it comes to water sports.
   • visibility: Make sure you are visible to boats, especially in busy areas. A snorkel flag or life buoy can be useful here.

When is the best time to go snorkeling in Mauritius?

When is that actually? best timeto snorkel in Mauritius? The answer depends on which coast you prefer and what is important to you. In general, the water temperature in Mauritius is pleasantly warm all year round and is between 23°C and 28°C. The air temperature varies between 18°C ​​and 32°C, depending on the season and region.

The island has two main seasons: summer from November to April and winter from May to October. Summer is hotter, wetter and rainier, but also sunnier than winter. Winter is cooler, drier and windier, but also cloudier than summer.

Snorkeling in Mauritius Experience report - just dive into the underwater paradise

My detailed conclusion

I'm a diver - and I particularly enjoyed diving in Mauritius. But that's exactly why I appreciate snorkeling. You simply grab your mask, snorkel and fins and jump into the water. You don't have to spend hours preparing. Simply put it on and off you go. Mauritius is one of the beautiful tropical snorkeling spots that I can only recommend - as you could hopefully see from my Snorkel Mauritius experience report.

I want to get you excited about snorkeling in Mauritius

With my article I would like to inspire and motivate you to explore the underwater world on your vacation. If you spend an even more beautiful vacation on the dream island because you saw a turtle while snorkeling, the purpose of this post has been completely fulfilled.

True snorkeling paradise in the Indian Ocean

Because Mauritius is undoubtedly a true snorkeling paradise that inspires everyone with its fascinating underwater world. All around the island there is crystal clear water, colorful coral reefs and an incredible variety of sea creatures to discover. Whether on the west or east coast or in the south of the island - there are fascinating spots for snorkeling everywhere.

Have you already been snorkeling in Mauritius or are you planning your first tour on the island? Which places do you prefer and what have you experienced? Share your experiences in the comments.