Excursions & Cruises

Ilôt Gabriel Cap Malheureux

Isla Mauritia

Undersea Walk (Discovery) Blue Safari Big Game Fishing

Grand Baie (Catamaran:

Restaurant Rêve d’R Croisières Australes)

(Sport Killer Fishing)

Goodlands Historic Marine St Julien

L'Aventure du Sucre Pamplemousses

Port Louis

Links Golf (Belle Mare)

(La Citadelle, The Caudan Waterfront, Blue Penny Museum, & Crown Lodge)

Undersea Walk (Aquaventure)

Eureka Trou d'Eau Douce

SummerTimes & SIXT head office Flic en Flac

The Mauritius Glass Gallery / Hands of Fame Adamas L'étoile Trou aux Cerfs

( Adrien’s Dream)

Casela Yemen Tamarina Golf Big Game Fishing Hooker Black River

Curepipe

(Catamaran: Oceane, Speed Boat: Libertalia)

Ile aux Cerfs (Golf)

Le Domaine Anse Jonchée

(Voiliers de l'Océan, Beauté de Chine, Galerie des Iles & Private Collection) Les Aubineaux

La Valley de Ferney Domaine Les Copains 7 Vallées Black River National Park D’Abords Grand Bassin Biscuiterie Rault Ile Aux Aigrettes Le Morne View Point Varangue Sur Morne Pointe Jerôme Mahebourg (Catamaran: Croisières Turquoises) Rhumerie de Chamarel Bois Chéri Ile aux Bénitiers Airport Parc Aventure Le Shandrani Le Paradis Chamarel (Catamaran: Croisières Australes) (Catamaran: Aquarelle, Harris Wilson 1)

Valriche

THE EXCURSION ROUTES Tropical Spices

Charm and Flavours

Colourful South

Journey into the Past

Souvenirs, Souvenirs...

Islets Escapade

Exotic North

Ferney Valley

On the Way to Les Mariannes

Souvenir of Mahebourg

Ile des deux Cocos Le St Aubin Vanille réserve des Mascareignes

St Felix Les Cerfs Volants Bel Air Estate

Contents Charm & Flavours

4- 5

Island Souvenir

26

Colourful South

6- 7

Island Retreat

27

Exotic North

8- 9

Wonders of the Deep Sea…

28

Tropical Spices

10 - 11

Safari in Submarine or Subscooters

29

Aquarelle

12 - 13

Walk on the Bottom of the Sea

30

Simply Sailing

14 - 15

Adventurous Mauritius

31

Croisières Australes

16 - 17

Casela Yemen Nature Escapade

32

Islets Escapade

18 - 19

Between Sky and Nature

33

Adrien’s Dream

20 - 21

A la Carte

34-35

Discover the Island with SIXT Rent a car

36-37

Limousine Premium and Private Services

38

On the way to Les Mariannes 22 Souvenir of Mahébourg

23

Ferney Valley

24

Journey into the Past

25

Ecotourism

Beachwear and towel

Sportswear and walking shoes

Suncream and hat

Passport for duty free shopping

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Charm & Flavours (Full day Tea Route, La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes and Bel Air Estate). This day is devoted to exploring two samples of Mauritian heritage. The Tea Route starts with Les Aubineaux, one of the few remaining typical colonial houses of the Central Plateau. Built in 1872, the house boasts authentic period furniture, paintings and photographs of Curepipe in the past. Drive through tea-fields to the village of Bois-Chéri for a guided tour of the factory. Discover the thousand and one secrets of the Tea museum, a real trip through the history of that beverage. Then stop at the chalet for a tea-tasting session. From there you can enjoy a panoramic view of the South of the island. In the South of the estate, is Le St-Aubin, a plantation house built in 1819. Visit the vanilla house, the rum distillery and the greenhouse where anthuriums intermingle with vanilla pods. Enjoy lunch in a creole diningroom prepared from products of the estate. The second stop is in the wild South; the Domaine de Bel Air nestled in the valley of a little stream named Gros Ruisseau. To the North is La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes, a farm harbouring Nile crocodiles, geckos, monkeys, giant Aldabra tortoises, bred in the wild and an insectarium of more than 20,000 species. Board the original Mauritian train, which takes you on a memorable ride through Paradise Valley across the luxuriant tropical vegetation. Admire the sea crashing and foaming onto lava-block cliffs from La Baleine Viewpoint. Refreshments in this idyllic spot will conclude your day on a perfect note. Excursion includes lunch at Saint-Aubin, and entrance fees to Les Aubineaux, Bois Chéri, La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes, Bel Air Estate but excludes drinks at lunch time. Departure from all hotels.

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Colourful South

(Full day to Curepipe, Grand-Bassin, Plaine-Champagne and Chamarel) This excursion is an insight into a different taste of Mauritian scenery. From Curepipe, a road leads up gently to Trou-aux-Cerfs, an extinct volcanic crater full of dense vegetation. From there, enjoy a panoramic view over the island and its mountain ranges. Proceed then to Voiliers de l’Océan to see expert craftsmen working on models of genuine 18th century sailing vessels. You can purchase miniature replicas on display and have your purchases neatly packed for your journey home. The drive South takes you to “Ganga Talao”, the Ganges reincarnate and pilgrimage place for Hindus. The trip continues through the forest reserve of Plaine-Champagne, with a photo stop at a viewpoint over the spectacular Black River Gorges. Further on, amidst Chinese guava groves, Varangue-sur-Morne welcomes you for a typical Mauritian lunch. Originally a gamekeeper’s lodge, the restaurant perched like a silver butterfly over a carpet of greenery offers a breathtaking view over the South and West coastlines. Down the fertile valley, a road, lined with sugar cane fields and pineapple plantations, leads to Rhumerie de Chamarel. A guided visit of this authentic distillery is followed by rum-tasting and a stop in the exclusive souvenir shop. The tour continues to the magnificent waterfall and the unique seven-coloured earths of Chamarel. The unusual mounds of undulating land stretching in contrasting rainbow-coloured layers of earth are believed to be of volcanic origin. On the return journey, stop at a viewpoint that dominates Morne Mountain, Benitiers Island and the West coast Excursion includes entrance fees and lunch at Chamarel without drinks. Departure from all hotels.

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Exotic North

(Full day - Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, Cap Malheureux & Port-Louis) You cannot miss the visit of Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens created by famous botanist Pierre Poivre in 1767 on the estate of French Governor Mahé de Labourdonnais. His Chateau de Mon Plaisir built in 1735, still exists. The garden is famous for its 500 rare world plant species – giant Victoria Regina water lilies, 80 palm varieties, including the talipot, flowering once every 60 years before dying; spices – nutmeg and clove – introduced by Poivre. The samadhi (funeral shrine) of the Father of the Nation, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, is located in the garden that has been renamed after him. Drive north to Cap-Malheureux via Grand Bay. Stop near the village church known for its red roof and splendid view on Gunner’s Quoin. Then proceed for lunch at Restaurant Le Reve d’R famous for its traditional and gastronomical cuisine. The day ends in Port-Louis. Visit the Blue Penny Museum, which displays the famous Post Office stamps, issued in 1847, and a collection of documents, prints and paintings on the island’s history. Its boutique offers souvenirs and reproductions from the museum collection. Take advantage of the shopping opportunities in Caudan Waterfront with its numerous boutiques which display beautiful collections of local designers and famous brands. Its craft market is an open bazaar, impregnated by exotic scents of spices, souvenirs and basketry… The recent extension, Dias Pier, named after a famous Portuguese explorer, houses shops, cafés and bars. You can also walk to the covered market of Port-Louis for a glimpse of its colourful cross-section of Mauritian life. Departure from all hotels. Entrance fee for the botanical gardens is not included. Excursion includes lunch but excludes drinks.

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Tropical Spices

(Half day Pamplemousses Gardens/Port-Louis).

The Botanical Gardens in Pamplemousses, created by French naturalist Pierre Poivre in 1767, is well-known for its 500 rare plant species – the giant Victoria Regina water lilies and 80 varieties of palm trees, including the talipot, that flowers once every 60 years before dying. The garden, which houses the samadhi (funeral shrine) of the Father of the Nation, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, has been renamed after him. You then move to the capital, Port-Louis, founded in 1735 by Mahé de Labourdonnais. A photo stop at La Citadelle, old fortress built in 1834, gives a panoramic view of Champ de Mars, second oldest race-course in the world, and the city’s skyline squeezed between the harbour and the mountain range. On the way to Place d’Armes, you will see the Saint Louis Cathedral, the Supreme Court, the Municipal Theatre (1822) and Government House (1735). Visit Caudan Waterfront, a modern precinct facing the harbour. Its 170 boutiques display beautiful collections of local designers and famous brands. Its Craft market is an open bazaar, impregnated by exotic scents of spices, souvenirs and basketry… Since 2007, an extension, Dias Pier, named after a famous Portuguese explorer, offers a wide range of shops and a variety of restaurants. It is also possible to visit the colourful covered market with its fascinating cross-section of Mauritian life. Entrance fee for botanical gardens not included. Departure from all hotels.

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Aquarelle (Full day catamaran on the West coast) As a highlight of your holiday, treat yourself to a dream cruise across the magnificent lagoon of the West coast on board Catamaran Aquarelle. The discovery begins at Black River with the gentle billowing of the sails and the tranquil lapping of the waves leading you to Ile aux Bénitiers. Relax and enjoy the coastline as you glide past casuarinalined beaches, the majestic Tamarin Bay, paradise of surfers and haven for dolphins, which are often seen playing and swimming beside the boat. Experience the transparency and various shades of green and blue of the lagoon as well as the unusual shape of the coral sand island-Ile aux Bénitiers. The approach to the awe-inspiring Morne mountain from the distance is simply breathtaking. This rock, which seems to spring out of the sea, is said to have been the refuge of slaves fleeing from their masters. As a monument of the slavery period, the Morne Brabant site has been inscribed in the Unesco World Heritage List since 2008. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling before and after a barbecue lunch served on board. Excursion includes Lunch and drinks. Embarkation at Black River Yacht Club Departure from all hotels.

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Simply Sailing (Full day Catamaran cruise on the East coast with a stop at “Ile-aux-Cerfs”) Explore Mauritius differently by spending a whole day between sky and sea. Drive to Trou-D’eauDouce where you board the Oceane catamaran to sail along the picturesque East Coast, the longest and largest lagoon of the island. The catamaran sails inside the sheltered lagoon, where you can marvel at the shades of blue and green in the crystal clear waters. As you go further south, the mountains come down steeply to meet the sea and provide the richest coastal scenery of the island. Relax in the sun after the long journey across the ocean. This coast also has a very rich historical past and witnessed several skirmishes between the English and the French in the 18th century. Several islets near the barrier reef appear on the horizon. This coast is also the spot where the Dutch settlers landed. There is time for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing before a barbecue lunch is prepared and served on board by the experienced crew. After lunch, head for the heavenly setting of Ile-aux-Cerfs famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Let the afternoon sea breeze carry you back to Trou-D’eau-Douce to board your coach to the hotel. Excursion includes lunch with drinks on board. Embarkation at Four-a-Chaux Trou-d’eau-Douce. Departure from all hotels.

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Croisieres Australes Passion of the Ocean

(Full day cruise in the North with a swimming stop at in the lagoon of Ilot Gabriel) Board the spacious catamaran Le Pacha for an unforgettable cruise beyond the coral reef. Relax in the immensity of the Indian Ocean, with an occasional flying fish at your side. Explore the unspoilt shells and magnificent corals of Ilot Gabriel lagoon before a barbecue lunch on board. If you want an exhilarating experience, ask for Harris Wilson, the genuine 18 m racing catamaran, redesigned for cruising (with a supplement). Note: In case of low tide, the itinerary may change. Instead of Ilot Gabriel, the skipper will go to Coin de Mire, Balaclava or Baie-du-Tombeau. Excursion includes lunch and drinks. Embarkation at Sunset Boulevard in Grand-Bay. Departure from all hotels.

Full day cruise on the East coast with a stop at Ile-aux-Cerfs Leave on one of the Shandrani (Goddess of the Moon in Hindi) catamarans for a cruise to the heavenly setting of Ile-aux-Cerfs. Glide along a translucent lagoon and admire the South East coast where the mountains plunge in the ocean. Cross the historical scene of the battle of Vieux-Grand-Port between the French and the English, past the islets and the reinforcements. Enjoy a barbecue lunch on board. After lunch, time is available on Ile-aux-Cerfs for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing. Excursion includes lunch and drinks. Embarkation at hotel jetty. Departure from Le Shandrani hotel only.

Full day cruise on the West coast Explore the magnificent lagoon of the West coast on board of the Harris Wilson 1 racing catamaran with the gentle billowing of the sails and the tranquil lapping of the waves. Experience the transparency and changing hues of the lagoon under the sun. Discover the majestic Tamarin Bay, paradise for surfers and haven for dolphins. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling before a barbecue lunch served on board. Excursion includes lunch, drinks and transfer (from the west coast and Bel Ombre located hotels). Embarkation at Morne Angler's Club, Black River.

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Islets Escapade

(Full day Ile aux Aigrettes & Ile des deux Cocos) Drive to Pointe Jérôme on the south-east coast to board the boat to the 25-hectare nature reserve of Ile-aux-Aigrettes, set in the turquoise waters of the bay. Discover protected fauna and flora unique to Mauritius. Managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), the islet harbours indigenous plants and coastal ebony forests, once the Dodo's home. This conservation programme ensures the survival of rare species, the Pink Pigeon, the colourful day gecko and the giant Aldabra tortoise in total freedom. If you are lucky, you may see the rare Oeniella Aphrodite orchid in full bloom. Then proceed through the Blue Bay National Marine Park to the blissful Ile des Deux Cocos, with its pearl-white beaches and translucent water. After refreshments, visit the enchanting Follies built over 100 years ago by British Governor Sir Hesketh Bell. Its blend of British and Moorish architecture and Creole style interior combine contemporary comfort to the elegance of by-gone days. A Moorish courtyard harbours a tiled fountain and orange trees. This tour down memory lane is followed by a snorkelling or glass bottom trip in the transparent waters of the marine park. Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch made of a mix of culinary styles, washed down by beer, wine, local rum and soft drinks to the sounds of acoustic guitars and velvet singers' voices. After lunch, explore the island at leisure or just laze in the shade of a casuarina tree, watching the sun-sparkled ocean in the afternoon breeze. Coach and boat transfers as well as snorkelling excursions, lunch and drinks are included. No snorkelling equipment available on the island except for the snorkelling trip. Departure from all hotels. SummerTimes is supporting MWF on Ile aux Aigrettes by a donation for every participant joining this excursion.

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“Adrien’s Dream” Cruise (Full day Speed Boat to Ile aux Bénitiers)

The highlight of your holiday could be a dream trip along the South West coastline on one of our fibreglass speedboats Adrien’s Dream. This exciting cruise starts from Flic-en-Flac as you sail across the turquoise blue lagoon with the magnificent mountain range as backdrop on the coast. Follow the coast to Tamarin Bay, the well-known dolphin watching  place. If you are lucky, you could see a few playing around. Continue then to wonderful spots like Crystal Rock and Fond Blanc where you can plunge and snorkel in transparent waters with colourful corals at arm’s reach. The trip continues to Ile-aux-Bénitiers for a barbecue lunch (crispy fish, chicken, sausages). Lobster and/or seafood can also be served with a supplement. You then have free time for swimming, snorkelling, sun bathing, etc. before sailing back to Flic-en-Flac. Excursion includes lunch, drinks and transfer (from Flic-en-Flac to located hotels) Note: This cruise is available without lunch on half day and is ideal for small groups/ families. Embarkation at Flic-en-Flac’s fish-landing station.

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On the way to Les Mariannes (Full day via Goodlands, Brisée-Verdière, St-Julien, Eureka to Les Mariannes) Meet locals from remote villages and share their experiences of traditional small businesses. The tour starts with the colourful Goodlands open market for some souvenir shopping. From there, continue to Poudre d’Or for a photo stop at the monument of the Saint-Géran shipwreck. In Brisée Verdière, Jaiwantee introduces her small basketry shop, made from Pandanus leaves. Further on in St Julien, Selva presents his vanilla orchid greenhouse before offering you his “Vanilla Alouda” (a vanilla-flavoured milky drink). Leave for lunch at Maison Eureka in Moka, where Minta, who has lived and worked there since she was fourteen, shares her memories of the house and the family. On the way back through Les Mariannes, Deepak, a pineapple planter, shares his experience and peels a fresh pineapple, for you to taste the Mauritian way with salt and chilli. The last stop is in Pereybère where photographer Diane Henry explains her unique technique and shows her pictures that can be purchased. Lunch and entrance fees included but excludes drinks at lunch time. Departure only from North Coast hotels.

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Souvenir of Mahebourg (Full day excursion to discover Mahébourg) This tour in and around Mahébourg gives you the opportunity of meeting local artisans and have a go at their crafts. Anne welcomes you at her basketry workshop in PlaineMagnien where you can make your own souvenir. The next stop is at the tourist village of Mahébourg where Lilette leads you through the process of paper maché and helps you paint your own paper maché souvenir. You can then visit the tourist village and/or the naval museum followed by the historical Notre Dame des Anges Church. During the walk down from the church to the waterfront for lunch at Les Copains d’Abord restaurant, you can have a look at a few typical local shops. The last stop is at Biscuiterie Rault, a traditional factory of cassava (manioc) biscuits. See the making of the biscuits which you will pack and take home. Lunch and entry fees are included but exclude drinks at lunch time. Departure from all hotels.

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Ferney Valley the surviving forest (Full day Ferney Valley and Mahébourg local market) The Valley is a natural reserve inside one of the last indigenous forests in Mauritius. It has been saved from destruction by a very determined group of ecologists who challenged a governmental project to build a motorway linking the airport to the east coast that would go right through the forest. The project is supported by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation whose aim is to ensure the forest of Ferney returns to its natural and pristine state of 400 years ago. The two-hour walk through the valley is accessible to people of all ages and will give you a real taste of nature in a unique site with gorgeous views on a mixed landscape. After the walk, a typical Creole lunch will be served in the hunting lodge. After lunch, you will proceed to the coastal village of Mahébourg with a stop on the historical waterfront and the market, before returning to your hotel. Excursions includes entrance fees and lunch but excludes drink. Departure for all hotels.

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Journey Into The Past (Half-day with visits to Glass Gallery, Eureka & L’Aventure du Sucre) For more than ten years, the Mauritius Glass Gallery has through its ‘Hands of Fame’, assembled an extraordinary collection of glass hand-castings of personalities who have visited the island... You can have your own hand cast in 100% recycled glass. This recycling conscious world combines with art, craft and charity in beautiful objects available in the souvenir boutique. The next stop is Eureka, a Creole house in a magnificent garden nestled between the Moka Range and a Ravine with dense vegetation and sweet fragrances. Step into the 109-door house built in 1830 and filled with antique furniture and rare objects. After refreshments, enjoy the drive through Les Mariannes below Pieter Both Peak to L’Aventure du sucre. In the authentic site of Beau-Plan sugar factory, episodes of the great Mauritian epic unfold through images, colours and sounds: sugar trade routes, history of settlers from East and West, sugar technologies and know-how. The Village-Boutik offers the opportunity to sample special sugars and Mauritian rum and buy exclusive gifts and souvenirs. Excursion includes entrance at L’Aventure du Sucre Departure from all hotels.

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Island Souvenir

(Half day Shopping in Floréal and Curepipe) Curepipe is a shoppers’ paradise with goods at duty-free prices. The first visit is in Floréal at Adamas Diamond and Jewellery Duty Free Boutique and Diamond Cutting Factory. The shop sells diamonds, semi precious and precious jewellery along with 18-carat gold jewellery pieces renowned for their colour, carat, clarity and cut, and available in both modern and traditional designs. It also displays a large collection of Italian, French, Swiss and American pieces. Adamas is the official representative of Mont Blanc line products. On the way to Curepipe, stop at a colonial house built in 1888, which now houses Private Collection of Cottage Industries Exposition. It displays a wealth of duty free collectibles and art objects: Cashmere shawls, fine silk, wool, cotton, rugs and carpets, gold and silver jewellery and perfumes. Then proceed to the commercial centre in the midst of the town. On the ground floor, Beautés de Chine offers a wide choice of souvenirs, including decorative arts, exquisite embroidered linen, tablecloths and silk garments. Galerie des Iles, a department store on the first floor has a wide range of counters where you will find exclusive local designer clothing, side by side with local handicrafts, knick-knacks, souvenirs. Departure from all hotels

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Island Retreat (Full day on Ile-aux-Cerfs) Ile-aux-Cerfs is a real open-air retreat off the fishing village of Trou-D’eau-Douce on the East coast. You will be driven from your hotel to Pointe-Maurice and transferred within minutes by shuttle boat to the island. There are no deer (cerfs) remaining on this island of 79 hectares, covered with casuarinas, coconut trees and flower bushes. As you step off the boat, you are greeted by white sandy beaches for sunbathing and translucent turquoise waters for swimming and snorkelling. With a supplement you can hire water skis, pedal-boats, sailboards and laser dinghies to practise your favourite water sports at the boathouse. There is a bar and lunch will be provided at Paul & Virginie, restaurant. Board the shuttle back to the mainland in the afternoon to catch your coach. Excursion includes boat transfer to the island and lunch but excludes drinks, water sports & snorkelling equipments. Departure from all hotels.

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Wonders of the Deep Sea Big game fishing as a sport is practised throughout the year. The big predators feed about a mile from the shoreline where the bottom falls to 2,000 feet (70 ms). Mauritius holds several world records in fishing - one of them being blue marlins of 1,430 lbs and 1,355 lbs. Whether a beginner or an expert, you can enjoy the thrill of catching a black or blue marlin, a skipjack or yellow-fin tuna, a sailfish, a dorado etc. under the guidance of experienced skippers. The modern boats designed for deep-sea fishing and competitions are well equipped with ship-to-shore communication, tackle and all amenities. Minimum hire time is 6 hours and a boat can be shared by up to three anglers. Transfers to & from Fishing Centres and picnic lunch can be organised upon request. Boats operate from North, West and East coast.

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Safari in Submarine or Subscooter The Submarine Experience the most spectacular way of diving, on board of a real submarine while discovering the magic of the marine and coral life at 35 metres deep under the sea during 45 minutes! A fabulous experience, open to everyone from 3 to 77 years old.

The Subscooter The most original underwater excursion!  Enjoy the fun of driving yourself or as a couple, your own submarine by 3 metres depth, accompanied by our divers.  No need to be a swimmer to experience it! Transfer to & from hotel is not included but can be organised upon request.

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Discovery

Walk on the Bottom of the Sea FUN & ECO FRIENDLY A great opportunity for non-divers to discover the magic of the under water world - inspect the corals and meet the fish of our tropical lagoon face to face - simply by walking on the seabed. The helmet diving takes place on the sandy bottom of the lagoon at an average 3-metre depth. It operates from a platform moored inside the lagoon. You can wear glasses or contact lenses since your head remains dry. Before being escorted by wellexperienced monitors, you are equipped with a specially designed diving helmet receiving compressed air. Helmet diving can be organised every day throughout the year (weather permitting). The undersea part lasts 20-25 minutes and you must allow 90 minutes from pick-up to return. Operators: Discovery in Trou aux Biches Aquaventure at Belle Mare Transfer to & from hotel is not included but can be organised upon request.

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Adventurous Mauritius

Beyond the Beaten Tracks If you feel like a special day deep into the heart of Mauritian nature, a variety of excursions with trained and experienced guides can be organised on request. Trekking: through woods and forests, lakes and rivers, mountains and waterfalls… discover the green heart of the island, blend into the landscape… See… touch… breathe… hear… and feel the best of our endemic flora and fauna in natural parks concerned with the conservation of the environment. Mountain Biking: Ride up and down, hands taut on your handlebars and face in the wind, through forests and nearby lakes and enjoy the fun and excitement of the off-road experience. Canyonning: For the most adventurous, gear up and abseil down under the water of a waterfall. Feel its force, its beauty and have the treat of your life… Rock Climbing: Go to the conquest of cliffs and mountains with gravity as your sole opponent and get high… Kayaking: Paddle up river mouths amongst mangroves and sea birds; meet a couple of dolphins; visit neighbouring islets and snorkel around their coral reefs… Transfer to & from the hotel is not included but can be organised upon request.

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Casela Yemen Nature Escapade For some fun and excitement in the heart of nature, Casela Nature and Leisure Park offers a great alternative to a day on the beach: walking, trekking and admiring unusual fauna amidst endemic and exotic countryside. Enjoy the exquisite and varied cuisine of the rustic restaurant with a splendid view of the West Coast. l Flora and fauna of Casela: Ninety aviaries with 1,500 colourful birds, including the famous Pink Pigeon a few mammals, a mini-farm set among abundant tropical flora. Don’t miss the fun of catching “tilapia” in the fish ponds and the pleasure of feeding the animals at the petting farm l

Rando Fun: A day full of surprises with trekking, crossing of rivers on Nepalese bridges, swimming under the waterfalls, zip line with arrival in the water, canyon crossing and double zip line of 160 m.

l Quad biking: Leave the beaten track for a discovery outing in the exclusivity of the Yemen Reserve amongst zebras, African antelopes, deer etc…. 90cc quads are now available for children from 10-15.

Photo safari: Drive through the wild nature of Yemen reserve, the home of Java deer herds. Catch a glance of Africa with the zebras and African antelopes in the savannah.

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l Walk with the lions: enjoy this very special experience and unique opportunity of coming in close contact with unleashed lions. This one-hour walk with expert guides is, however, reserved to adults. Children can observe the lions from observation platforms Transfer to & from the hotel is not included but can be organised upon request. Lunch and drinks at the rustic Restaurant not included

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Between Sky and Nature (Full day at Domaine de L’Etoile, the green heart of Mauritius) See the real lush green Mauritius at its best at Domaine de L’Etoile, a peaceful reserve for exclusive trips into indigenous forests, valleys, crystalline sources, with rivers, mountains and the ocean as backdrop. Rare birds, Bats and deer roam this vast domain; you can choose how you wish to discover this natural area of beauty. l Mountain biking/Hiking: Five circuits offering different durations, give you an opportunity to see and really appreciate the tropical fauna close at hand. l Archery: This magnificent circuit dotted with 20 artificial 3D animal targets is a unique feature and offers a thrilling experience in exceptional natural beauty.

Quad Nature Trails: Get off the beaten track and discover this beautiful, place with its amazing scenery. The guide introduces you to spectacular surroundings as well as endemic flora and fauna. Lunch is served at Domaine de L’Etoile lodge on the bank of Grand River South East. l

l Horse riding: has been introduced; to offer another way of exploring the Domaine. Sturdy and well trained horses carry you safely along spectacular routes. Riders - whether novice or experienced - are accompanied by an experienced guide. Different packages cater for different needs and requests - including an outing with a stop for a delicious meal at a restaurant on the scenic banks of Grand River South East. Transfer to & from the hotels is not included but can be organised upon request.

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A la Carte The East Coast on board of Libertalia

Discover the beauty of the South East Coast Lagoon on the comfortable speed boat Libertalia. Departure from Trou d’eau douce. Direction the south of the island to discover the Natural Marine Park of Blue Bay. Discover the splendors of the undersea world while snorkeling. Thereafter stop next to Ile aux Aigrettes to admire one of the most beautiful sceneries of Mauritius. Green mountain ranges, turquoise sea and white beaches while enjoying an aperitif. Lunch will be served on board. After lunch, enjoy the warm sun while relaxing on a secluded beach and another swim for those who wish.Return to Trou d’eau douce at approximately 15h30

A Bird’s Eye View of the Island

A breathtaking way to discover the most beautiful landscapes and unreachable areas of the island from above. The helicopter will fly you over the endless sugar cane fields; the unusually carved mountain ranges, rivers, waterfalls and valleys; the white beaches, the transparent lagoon, the coral reefs and the islets off the coast; as well as the towns and historical buildings.

Croisieres Turquoises - (Full day catamaran cruise on the South-East coast)

An unforgettable day to discover the magical south-east coast. Sail in the safety of the lagoon from “Pointe Jérôme” to heavenly Ile aux Cerfs through Mahébourg Bay whilst admiring the picturesque mountains in the background. Snorkel and swim before visiting the Grande Rivière Sud Est waterfall. Enjoy drinks and a barbecue lunch on board. Step off on Ile aux Cerfs to swim and sunbathe before sailing back.

Excursions includes lunch and drinks. Departure from Pointe Jérôme – near Le Preskil Beach Resort. Departure from Blue lagoon & Le Preskil hotels only.

Hunting - Domaine des 7 Vallees

Interested in hunting, enjoy a memorable encounter with hundreds of wild deer and boars which were introduced from Java during the 17th century by the Dutch. On these 1,000 hectares of one of the last pristine zones in the central part of Mauritius, hunting is the speciality of the Domaine des 7 Vallées and is practised with rifles or bows and arrows from watch towers or hideouts. Mobile beats can be organised on request with experienced guides to follow the trails of the game that could become your trophy of a lifetime, but a successful stalking remains the ultimate reward for any hunter. Arms and ammunition are provided by Domaine des 7 Vallées and trophies can be shipped to any destination.

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A Golfing Experience

Whether you consider golf as gentle recreation or a serious pursuit, you must not miss the opportunity to play on some the most spectacular and challenging courses to be found anywhere: Le Touessrok Golf Course: 18-hole, par 72, championship golf course designed by Bernhard Langer. Belle Mare Plage Golf Hotel & Resort “Links”, championship golf course, designed by Peter Aliss and Rodney Wright, this par 71 finishes with its signature hole the 18th. Tamarina Golf Estate, Tamarin: The latest 18-hole, par 72, championship golf course, designed by Rodney Wright.

The Crown Lodge

For horseracing fans or for an exhilarating experience combining history, tradition and glamour, a day at Champ-de-Mars (on Saturdays or sometimes Sundays from May to November) is a must. Watch the eight races from a box on the VIP balcony in front of finish post, where you are entertained by a horseracing specialist and enjoy betting facilities. Opportunity to meet local horse trainers, jockeys and racing stewards. Free drinks and canapés. Dress code: smart casual. You can win the jackpot that could pay back your stay in Mauritius.

Anthurium flowers - to further holiday taste

Should you wish to prolong your colourful holidays or take back a gift for family or friends, SummerTimes can arrange for you to order from a wide choice of anthuriums in different colours, the traditional packed box of anthuriums or the ready-to-offer display carton; as well as a combination of tropical flowers in season - ginger, strelizia and heliconia. Ask your SummerTimes representative for arrangements to place and pay for your order and collect it at the airport before departure.

Isla Mauritia - (Full day cruise on board Isla Mauritia)

This historic two-mast schooner follows from Grand-Bay to Balaclava the path of 16th century Portuguese seafarers. Built in 1852, it is 8m wide, 32m long and carries 75 pax. This floating museum has sailed between Europe and the Caribbean and featured in films. Crewmembers provide live entertainment and you can swim and snorkel in idyllic Carpenter’s Bay before a picnic lunch ashore. Refreshments on the way back with Sega dance and sailors’ songs. Excursion excludes transfers but includes all food and drinks. Departure from all hotels

Valriche

This secluded domain bordering the Black River Gorges National Park hides treasures of natural heritage: the ruins of a traditional factory chimney, a vast expanse of plains with roaming stags, an impressive waterfall in the midst of a rich forest filled with numerous birds and animals. Discover this peaceful and refreshing retreat as well as the spectacular view during a 3-hour guided tour on a doubleseater quad or in a 4WD with some gentle walking, or through a 2-hour morning trekking. Le Chateau colonial house, a gastronomic restaurant in the Domaine de Bel Ombre serves lunch for both morning and afternoon activities of Valriche.

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Discover the Island with: Sixt Rent a Car Sixt rent a car is here to help you explore the island under your own steam. As an exclusive franchisee, we have service locations at the airport, hotels, our head office at Quatre – Bornes and SummerTimes Voyages office at Port Louis waterfront, where our representatives will guide you in your choice. From our fleet of some 50 cars that range from Hyundai - i 10, Getz and Accent to chauffeur-driven Mercedes E280, E320 CDI you will find the vehicle to suit your needs. Most vehicles feature Radio CD, power steering, central locking, air conditioning, electric windows and air bags. They are all covered by a fully comprehensive insurance policy. Drivers must be over 21 and have held a valid driving licence for at least one year. Driving is on the left and vehicles coming from the right have right of way. Mauritian roads are tarred, rather well sign-posted and most tourist sites are accessible. With a map, you should have no problem finding your way around and planning your own itineraries to discover the four corners of the island at your own pace. Do not miss this opportunity for an a la carte self-drive experience

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Limousine Premium & Private Services Enjoy the comfort of a limousine or one of our executive car and let our Chauffeur show you the most beautiful places of our Island. Individual Tailor made itineraries are proposed for an unforgettable day.

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