One of the best experiences in the world! (Catamaran Experience (Mauritius))

Member Name: diamond_sparkles

Product:	Catamaran Experience (Mauritius)
Date:	15/07/09 (51 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap with great food and adventure!

Disadvantages: NONE

You have to know that one of the reasons I was eager to explore Mauritius is because along with being a shop alcoholic, I also happen to be completely addicted to the sea. There is nothing which will ever equal the sensation of being surrounded by open water during my catamaran cruises/ mini shipboard cruises in Mauritius. The first cruise I went to was a mini cruise around the North of the Island upon the M/S Mauritius Pride. That was when I fell in love with cruises and open water. It was an amazing experience- my very first experience at being surrounded by open water. We went back to dock at 4pm in the afternoon, and I have to admit that I felt a painful tug at my heart while leaving the ship. Which was why, to cheer me up, my friends organized another cruise for me, but this time, it would be quite different on a catamaran!


Did I mention that I do like the sensation of open water, but ONLY when I am safety aboard a huge ship like the M/S Mauritius Pride? I was apprehensive when we all decided to go on a catamaran cruise around the west coast of Mauritius; the coast which is reputed for both sharks (fortunately very rare) and dolphins. I've never been on a catamaran before but pictures of it did not really wash my fears away: a small square thingy with a few strands of rope preventing us from being projected into the water. My sense of adventure won, though, and in the end, I was glad that I went. The catamaran cruise, was even more memorable than my first cruise. If I enjoyed the sensation of open water upon the Mauritius Pride, then this one exceeded expectations!

We boarded at 9 at Black River. The weather was fantastic, lots of sun which was glittering off a turquoise sea...well, you get the picture! In fact, the catamaran trip gave me a marvellous opportunity to work on my tan, something which I was not able to do within the shelter of the M/S Mauritius Pride. The program for the day was thus: Sail towards a dolphin spot for some dolphin watching, snorkel and swim in high sea, a delicious barbecued lunch (of garlic bread, pasta salad and various barbecued meat, chicken and sausages) on board, and finally, the highlight of the day: Sail towards a magnificent coral rock formation in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Called "La Roche Corail" by locals, it is most definitely a sight to see! I enjoyed climbing on the rock and diving off it. It was certainly something out of a movie! The rock is found in front of another islet called 'Ile aux Benitiers'. We climbed into a smaller boat which was being tugged along by the catamaran and sailed towards the little island. I was astonished to see that despite the fact that no one lived on this island, there were some hawkers loitering around the white sand! After a chat with one of the hawkers (who was selling cinnamon and vanilla sticks), I learned that many of them boat from Mauritius to Ile aux Benitiers early morning, sell their stuff to tourists and then leave late afternoon. I also learned that they were the one who built some fantastic wooden shelters on the beach to protect both tourists and locals from the sometimes scorching sun. I have to say that all Mauritians are extremely friendly and polite. I really enjoyed chatting to these sellers, as well as some of the Mauritians on the catamaran trip. I also have to mention, that we did see quite a few dolphins that day! They are so amazingly fast that I was not able to get pictures, but I was quite disappointed by their lack of domesticity; I was expecting Flipper but instead got poor scared dolphins who kept jumping away from the approaching catamarans. I have to admit that at one point I felt extremely sorry for them! Lots of boats kept closing in on the poor dolphins and it were quite obvious how scared they were! Luckily though, they were fast and swift enough to cleverly give us the slip!

My favorite part of this trip was when it suddenly started to rain and rain and rain, and everyone rushed to the safety of the cabin, while I remained alone on deck. It was an extremely peaceful sensation: Despite being soaked to the skin, I remained standing on the slippery deck, watching the angry drops fall on the sea, and feeling the whipping wind on my face. For all the nature lovers out there, this is one experience that you cannot miss! Unfortunately, and Fortunately (for most of the group) , the rain stopped as quickly as it arrived. I guess that's why we call it a tropical island! At £24 for the whole day- food, drinks, snorkeling gear included, I personally believe that it was worth every penny!

I would describe it was a romantic, exhilarating and liberating experience. Liberating because nothing on earth can, according to me, equal to the sensation of being surrounded by open sea. I must give snaps to the Indian Ocean for the wonderful, amazing, out-of-this world, sometimes turquoise, sometimes deep blue water.

If you ever visit this wonderful island, I would highly advice you to go on at least one catamaran cruise in Mauritius! Completely worth it!

Summary: Once upon a time, there was the blue Indian Ocean and white beaches or Mauritius...