Open Catamaran Regatta: Fill & Download for Free

These are some of the top places you could visit in Mauritius:EastÎle aux Cerfs IslandÎle aux Cerfs Island, known in English as the deer island is an island near the east coast of Mauritius in the Flacq district. Ile Aux Cerfs is famous for its sandy beaches, beautiful lagoon and big selection of activities and facilities. In Ile Aux Cerfs you are sure to have a day of relaxation and fun on one of the picture-postcard beaches, and to enjoy a swim and snorkeling in the lagoon. This paradise island of Mauritius constitutes of around 100 hectares of land. Nowadays there are no more deers on the island, but you will find there some of the worlds beautiful beaches and as such it is one of the must place to visit and see in Mauritius.Ile aux AigrettesIle aux Aigrettes is a tiny coral island (25 hectares) just off the coast of the town of Mahebourg.The island has been declared a nature conservation site and today is being preserved by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. Owing to the remarkable work accomplished by the Mauritius Wildlife Fund, the island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species. A few of the world’s rarest birds, including the kestrel, can be seen there. You can also discover the extremely rare Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise.Some of the plants found in Ile aux Aigrettes grow nowhere else in the world and they form the last remnant of a coastal forest that once surrounded much of Mauritius. Eighteen Mauritian plant species which grow on the island are classified as endangered or very rare.photo credit: Natacha SmithFlacq MarketFlacq is one of the most important villages in Mauritius. This meeting point for inhabitants of the East Mauritius, boasts the country’s largest open air market. The extremely colorful market attracts a large number of people.MahebourgMahébourg is one of the main fishing villages on the island. Built on the magnificent Grand Port Bay it was founded in. The main attraction of the city is the Monday markets which are one of the biggest and best on the island and can be found right next to the main bus station, and the Mahebourg waterfront area.The Mahebourg WaterfrontAfter a detour via Mahebourg’s market, which stands opposite the bus station, take a little walk along the beautiful waterfront. While you lose yourself into the sea’s various shades of blue and the mountain scenery in the distance, take a minute to snap some stunning keepsake pictures and stop by the memorial of the only sea battle that Napoleon won against the British navy.Rault’s Biscuit FactoryThis family factory is totally worth a visit. The guided tour offers an interesting insight into the history of the business and manufacturing of traditional cassava biscuits. Biscuit tasting with delicious Mauritian tea awaits visitors at the end of the tour. Also on exhibition is an old pump that was invented by the Montgolfier brothers.La Vallée de FerneyHow about you move away from the coastline and go further inland? Go on a wonderful excursion with a guide in La Vallée de Ferney, where you will discover Mauritius’ endemic wildlife as well as splendid viewpoints. The excursion ends with a typically Mauritian lunch in the valley’s restaurant. A real blast of fresh air!Sailing regattaIf you are lucky or have been well informed, you might attend a pirogue regatta in the lagoon of Mahebourg. This flagship event has existed for about a hundred years and still attracts a great number of spectators. The colourful pirogues’ sails add to the already stunning landscape and create the perfect occasion to capture great pictures!National History Museum -MahebourgThis museum contains some fascinating artefacts, including early maps of the island and paintings of Mauritius' original fauna – including, of course, the dodo. There are also a few dodo bones in a glass case, along with those of other disappeared species such as the red rail and Rodrigues solitaire. One real curio is an engraving of Dutch gentlemen riding in pairs on the back of a giant tortoise, a species that also went the way of the dodo.The colonial mansion housing this museum used to belong to the Robillard family and played an important part in the island's history. It was here in 1810 that the injured commanders of the French and English fleets were taken for treatment after the Battle of Vieux Grand Port (the only naval battle in which the French got the upper hand over their British foes). The story of the victory is retold in the museum, along with salvaged items – cannons, grapeshot and the all-important wine bottles – from the British frigate Magicienne, which sank in the battle.The bell and a cache of Spanish coins from the wreck of the St Géran are also on display. The ship's demise in 1744, off the northeast coast of Mauritius, inspired the famous love story Paul et Virginie by Bernardin de St-Pierre.Recent additions to the museum include a retrofitted train carriage out the back and a replica of Napoleon's boat used in the infamous battle defeating the English.Blue Bay Marine ParkBlue Bay Marine Park is also located in this idyllic area. If you like diving, all you have to do is go to Blue Bay public beach, and you will find boats to take you to the marine park. There, you will discover a great variety of fish species and coral patches. If you feel brave and fit enough, you can swim from the public beach to the marine park.2. SouthCrocodile & Giant Tortoises Park (Parc crocodile la vanille ile maurice)The park is home to various species of animals, reptiles and plants. The park is set in a beautiful rain forested valley with natural freshwater springs, full of prawns and fish. As part of your visit to the Crocodile & Giant Tortoises Park, the park’s guides will guide you through some unforgettable walks, and you will stroll through luxuriant greenery where banana trees, palm trees and giant bamboos provide shade for the crocodiles and the giant tortoises. During your stay in the crocodile park you can also experience a firsthand unique encounter with the giant tortoises and turtles, and get a rare chance to feed, pet and play with them.Also thousands of Nile crocodiles are found in the park and you can watch them in maximum safety.The Crocodile & Giant Tortoises Park also offers a mini zoo of Mauritian fauna where you can find most of the Mauritian mammals and reptiles including skinks, phelsumas (geckos), giant tortoises, turtles, bats, deer, mongooses, monkeys, wild boars, as well as domestic livestock such as goats, fat-tailed sheep and donkeys.A must see is the park’s rare collection of butterflies and other brightly-colored insects (with about 23 000 species), which is one of the most fascinating in the world.Gris – GrisThe village of Gris-Gris is found at the Southern tip of Mauritius. The appeal of Gris Gris lies in it scenery, the high cliffs here drop abruptly to the sea and the bracing winds of the Indian Ocean blow all year round. Gris-Gris is well known for its sea cliff and this is definitely a sight worth seeing. This part of the island is not surrounded by coral reefs and this is why thick waves crash directly on the cliffs. At the southern end of Gris-Gris you will have a great viewpoint on the cliffs and will see the squashing of waves against the flanks of the cliffs.Bois ChériVisit of Bois Chéri, the biggest tea producer in Mauritius. It is also the first tea plantation in Mauritius dates back to 1892. As part of the visit of the Bois Cheri, you will enjoy a guided tour with a local guide leading you through the factory and the tea plantation, offering you to discover the history, stories and tales of Bois Chéri and the importance of tea productions in Mauritius.Saint Aubin HouseThe Saint Aubin house was built in 1819. It has been home to several managers of the sugar estate, before being renovated in the 90's in order to preserve a part of the Mauritian heritage. Today one may still see the beams and ship poles used in its original construction.Grand Bassin (also known as Ganga Talao)Grand Bassin is a lake situated 6km South East of Mare aux Vacoas in a secluded mountain area in the district of Savanne, deep in the heart of Mauritius. It is about 1800 feet (550m) above sea level. Grand Bassin with its Hindu temple is a holy lake for Mauritians of Hindu faith. The lake rests in the crater of an extinct volcano. It is said that the water inside the lake communicates with the waters of the holy Ganges of India. The Hindus of Mauritius declared the Grand Bassin as a Holy lake. The Hindu community performs there a pilgrimage every year on the Maha Sivaratri (Shiva’s Great Night), on this day they honor the Lord Shiva. Beside the lake there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and other Gods including Hanuman, Lakshmi, and others.Mangal Mahadev – Shiva StatueBeside Grand Bassin you will also get to see the statue of Lord Shiva. The statue is of 108 feet (33 meters) and is the highest known statue in Mauritius (and one of the 50 highest statues in the world). The sight of the Mangal Mahadev statue is quite impressive as it is a beautiful crafted very big statue.Durga Maa - Durga Maa StatueThe largest statue in the world of Durga is in Mauritius. Under construction since 2011, this jewel of Indian art and architecture will be unveiled to the general public that day. The statue of Durga Maa is erected a few meters from that of Mangal Mahadev, a height of 108 feet, holy figure of Hinduism.3. WestCasela ParkThe Casela World of Adventures park is a real animal's sanctuary and a leisure park offering variety of activities. The park is located besides the Rempart Mountain on the South-West of Mauritius offering magnificent views of the countryside rolling down the west coast of Mauritius.Martello Tower at La PreneuseThe Martello Tower at La Preneuse was built by the British between 1810 and 1846 to protect them against their sworn enemy, the French navy. Since being restored in 1999, the tower is now accessible for guided tours.If you have some time to spare, take a dip in the sea at La Preneuse. The scenery is dominated by the beautiful Black River mountain range and the unmistakeable shape of the Le Morne mountain that towers over the transparent lagoon below.Black River Gorges National ParkOne of the main “green” attractions is the Black River Gorges National Park which extends over 16,680 acres and provides a haven to highly endangered native plants and animals. It plays home to around 311 species of native and endemic flowering plants and nine species of birds that can only be found in Mauritius.You can walk along a number of dedicated trails inside the gorges itself and can even hike up to the plateau. Make sure you wear the right shoes and clothing if you want to attempt a hike, and take your own food and drinks and other supplies along with you, as there are no shops or medical support within the park.Albion and Pointe aux SablesAlbion is more of a residential area than a tourist spot but it has a public beach worth visiting, and if you take a walk along the coast towards Club Med, you can have a lovely swim in the shade of the trees which border the shore. Albion is also known for its lighthouse.Not far, at Pointe aux Sables, you’ll find “Montagne Zako” (Monkey Mount) where you can try a 20-metre-high cliff dive into the sea. Check the water below and the wave movement carefully before making the jump! It is definitely worth the detour. Adrenaline rush guaranteed!Flic en FlacIf you want to relax on the beach, catch a tan and meet some friendly locals, Flic en Flac is the place to be. With its white beaches fringed with Casuarina trees, it is a popular location for weekend beach activities such as swimming and snorkelling, and also has a wide range of bungalows for rent. When you’re done soaking up the sun there are a number of restaurants to choose from, and a lively nightlife.When the moon is full, the starry sky is clear and the rain ‘walks’ over the ocean far on the horizon, you can see a tiny white moon-rainbow over the sea.Tamarin and Black RiverTamarin and Black River were once simple villages inhabited by locals and fishermen, but today they are quite different. Although it has been transformed by many luxury villas, shopping centres and restaurants, Tamarin Bay remains a popular surfing spot, with a long left-hand reef break and 10-foot swells.Part of the cultural landscape, the salt pans of Tamarin are a unique place to visit. Due to the dry conditions of the area, Tamarin is the ideal place for salt making. Simply stop your car on the side of the road and take a look!The bay of Black River is teaming with deep-sea fishing boats, skippered by professional fishermen who have given their lives to the sea. Try your hand at fishing and see if you’re lucky enough to catch some marlin or tuna.One EyeThe One Eye surf spot at Le Morne is world renowned, with its fast left tube that makes the shape of an eye before breaking on the shallow reef. On one side of the mountain of Le Morne, which has seven faces, you will see a huge hole crossing the cliff that looks like an eye in a Rasta profile. Some say that this is how the surf spot got its name. Interestingly, the owner of the area around Le Morne has only one eye, so we can safely say that the spot is well named!Piton de la Rivière Noire and ChamarelThe Piton de la Rivière Noire is part of the mountain range circling the National Park. In the highlands, Chamarel village is known for its seven-coloured earth, its charming restaurants and its rum factory, where you can learn everything about distillation and even do some rum tasting. The viewpoints over the ocean and the West coast are breathtaking, especially at sunset!In winter, when the sky tends to be clearer, you can see the grey silhouette of the high mountains of Reunion Island far in the distance.Image: Piton de la Rivière NoireImage: ChamarelLe MorneThe mountain of Le Morne is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a commemorative landmark of the harsh slavery period in Mauritius.Protected by the mountain’s isolated wooded and almost inaccessible cliffs, the escaped slaves formed small settlements in the caves and on the summit of Le Morne. The traditions associated with the maroons have made Le Morne a symbol of the slaves’ fight for freedom, their suffering and their sacrifice, all of which have relevance to the countries from which the slaves came – the African mainland, Madagascar, India and South-East Asia.4. The NorthLes Vergers of Labourdonnais at MapouClose to Grand Bay, discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees and colourful fragrant flowers.After a walk among the anthuriums, bougainvillea and hibiscus, taste jams and freshly squeezed fruit juice made from fruit grown in the orchard. Those living in Mauritius buy plants and flowers for their gardens and homes at Labourdonnais.Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical GardenThe Pamplemousses garden is known by botanists from around the world for the large collection of indigenous and exotic plants that grow there, including the giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies and the numerous species of palm trees.The talipot or coryphe parasol is of particular interest: the legend says that it flourishes only once every fifty-seventy years then dies.Leave the busyness of the towns behind you… Whether you want to go for a gentle stroll or a brisk walk, you can relax and breathe in the fresh, unpolluted air.Beaches: Pereybere, Grand Bay, Mont Choisy, etcThe north of the island has plenty of beaches, each one more beautiful than the next. The most popular ones among Mauritians and tourists are Trou aux Biches, shaded by casuarinas, and the long curvy beach of Mont Choisy which continues from Pointe aux Canonniers to Grand Bay and to the divine Pereybere public beach.For the more adventurous or those in search of peace and quiet, take a walk over the stones, to the left or right of Pereybere’s public beach and discover the private beaches of Casita and Bain Boeuf with their clear blue waters and exquisite views.If the horizon is clear, you can appreciate the sunset from any point along the coast. Try to catch a glimpse of the “green rays” especially in the winter months when as the sun’s path is more northerly and the atmosphere more able to separate the colours.Excursions to the isletsThe Northern isletsThe small group of islands in the north of Mauritius has become the favourite stopover for boats and divers. Whether by catamaran to enjoy a long trip before lounging on the islands or by speedboat, these trips to the northern islands are worth the detour.From snorkeling in the crystal waters of Gunner's Coin, whose cliff holes nest seabirds, to swimming and picnics around Flat Island and Gabriel Island. You will not regret taking a trip here.Round Island is a unique nature reserve whose access is prohibited (unless having a special permit) in order to protect its endemic plants and reptiles as well as the indigenous species introduced there.Central MauritiusFour towns, namely Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, Vacoas and Curepipe, make up the heart of the island.Rose Hill’s busy high street is swarming with shoppers during the day and is worth a visit if you’re ready to brave the crowds and look for some great bargains. There are many shops to browse and local restaurants to choose from.Quatre Bornes is a cosmopolitan town, where you will be able to barter for great deals at its famous market. The shops on the main road are also a good place to go bargain hunting!The town of Vacoas is best known for the Gymkhana Golf Club, the oldest golf course in the southern hemisphere. Locals run and walk around the outdoor track for exercise and play football in the grounds.Finally, Curepipe, where you’ll experience the coolest temperatures in Mauritius, has retained its charm and is home to two of the island’s treasures: Trou aux Cerfs, the crater of a dormant volcano, and the Botanical Garden with its rare plant species.Trou aux CerfsThe most famous dormant volcano in Mauritius. From there, you have a fantastic 360° view of the high plateau of the Island of Mauritius.Curepipe Botanical GardenThe Botanical Garden in Curepipe were created in 1870 and are the second largest botanical garden in Mauritius. The garden is home to some rare trees and other indigenous plants. You’ll find locals fishing in the river that runs through the gardens and there is a lake surrounded by Nandia palms.A walkway runs through the gardens where you’ll find families and children playing and running, and couples walking hand-in-hand. The gardens are where the famous Mauritian writer and painter Malcolm de Chazal saw an azalea flower “looking at him” and so began his famous writings, which he later published in his book “Sens plastique” in 1947.Balfour GardenA garden and playground in the quiet suburbs of Beau Bassin, a sister town to Rose Hill, is where locals come to exercise, children play and couples and families picnic. Take a walk, through the pretty, tranquil gardens and appreciate the fresh air and quiet setting. Beautiful views of a waterfall, the Grand River North West flowing towards Port Louis, and the stunning Moka Mountain range in the background add to the charm of these gardens.Climbing the Moka Mountain RangeLooking like a ‘thumbs up’, at 811 metres Le Pouce mountain is the third highest mountain in Mauritius and forms part of the Moka Mountain Range. Close to Le Pouce is the 820 metres high Pieter Both with its distinctive stone ball that appears to balance right on the top. You can hike up these mountains from both Saint Pierre and Port Louis, but always check on the weather conditions beforehand and plan accordingly, or if you prefer to be accompanied by a guide, book through an adventure company. From the top, you are able to see most of the island, so it goes without saying that the view is incredible!Port Louis, Capital City of MauritiusPort Louis, the cosmopolitan capital city of Mauritius was founded in 1735 by the French governor and pioneer Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais. Located on the Northwest Coast, Port Louis is the administrative and business capital of the island.Sites to seeFort AdelaideLocated on a hill overlooking the city and harbour, the Citadel of Port Louis (Fort Adelaide) is a fort that was built between 1834 and 1840 to guard the city against riots during the abolition of slavery. Today local and international concerts and artistic shows are performed there and it is definitely worth a visit for the stunning views from this vantage point.Aapravasi GhatClassified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Apravasi Ghat (Immigration Depot in Hindi), honours the thousands of indentured labourers who arrived from India after the abolition of slavery and who finally settled on the island. This is the place where the immigrants first landed.The Caudan WaterfrontThe Caudan Waterfront is a must for those looking for the top designer brands at bargain prices. At this bustling, lively seafront you will find numerous restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines. Take a visit to the artisanal shops and only library in Caudan and browse through the contents of the shelves. You are likely to find a treasure of Mauritian art and literature.Well, you can never have enough of Mauritius. Pick what interests you the most.