I visited The Little Mermaid's Kingdom (Underwater Walk (Mauritius))

Member Name: diamond_sparkles

Product:	Underwater Walk (Mauritius)
Date:	15/07/09 (101 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great fish, one-of-a-lifetime experience!

Disadvantages: None!!!

During my memorable vacation in Mauritius, my friends suggested Underwater Walk which I was not too keen on at first. But I must admit that when we met and discussed with the group monitor, I felt somewhat reassured about the whole experience and even started looking forward to it. I was having so much aqua fun in Mauritius that Underwater Walk was a bonus to it all! Moreover, Mauritius is internationally reputed for its wonderful, wonderful coral formation and rare fish and other aquatic animals. We paid the £16 fee and set off at Black River (West Coast of the Island). Armed with underwater equipment which included waterproof cameras, we successfully completed our beginner's course in the hotel's swimming pool, and headed out for the vast ocean. Pushing all thoughts of "Open Water" out of my mind, I followed the instructions and just climbed into the speedboat which would take us towards the large boat which awaited in the middle of deep, dark open sea.


I was a bundle of nerves as the instructors carefully re-explained the various hand signs and emergency underwater signing. Finally, it was time to go into the water and I was eyeing the huge helmet and other equipment with apprehension. When I got into the water, my first reaction was to panic and try and get back onto the boat but one of the instructors kindly took my hand and led me through the first minutes underwater. Today I have these two photographs of myself during that experience: One of me looking all wide-eyed and scared and the second one with a huge grin on my face. It was simply awesome! Once you get past the fear and nervousness, it is an incredibly rich experience. The Indian Ocean is really full of treasures and rare corals and extremely beautiful, extremely colorful fish. I have even managed to cuddle on large and sweet looking fish for a picture!


The instructors gathered us around in a circle (yes, while we were standing on the seabed wearing our bizarre masks!) and started to hand us pieces of soggy bread which we in turn fed the friendly fish. I think they must be quite used to visits from humans because they started gobbling the food at once- with no hesitation whatsoever. I have to admit that I was seriously considering giving up eating fish when I was down there with these adorable creatures!

Don't ask me how long the walk lasted- I have absolutely no clue! All I can say is that you never notice time pass by underwater. It was literally something out of a dream, as if you've been transported to Ariel's underwater kingdom! If I had to describe this experience in one word, it would simply be "Magic".

Thanks for reading!

Summary: This is the most memorable walk ever!