| Mauritius lies in the Indian Ocean just north of the | | | | range from 28 degrees centigrade in the summer |
| Tropic Of Capricorn and about 500 miles (800 kms) | | | | down to 21 degrees in the colder months. |
| to the east of Madagascar. Volcanic in origin, its | | | | It is estimated that approximately 430 difference |
| landscape is both awesome and beautiful at the | | | | species of fish inhabite the waters surrounding |
| same time. The surrounding waters are also | | | | Mauritius, which are coupled with approximately 200 |
| awe-inspiring and contain a wealth of different | | | | different species of coral, making Mauritius a haven |
| species of coral, which makes diving in Mauritius a | | | | for divers looking for a wide range of coral and |
| memorable underwater experience. Mauritius is | | | | marine life. Diving in Mauritius tends to be |
| dominated by three peaks, of which the tallest, Piton | | | | concentrated along the warmer west coast, |
| de la Riviere Noire reaches over 828 metres. | | | | particularly at the northern and southern tips of the |
| Ownership of Mauritius has changed hands over the | | | | island. |
| centuries. It was first discovered by the Portuguese | | | | The East coast of Mauritius is exposed to the |
| at the beginning of the 16th century, and was then | | | | battering of the trade winds. Strong currents exist on |
| handed over to the Dutch who in turn handed it to | | | | this side of the island, and while there is still some |
| the French for the following three hundred years. It | | | | good diving to be had here, it would be advisable to |
| passed into British hands in 1810, and finally gained | | | | seek advice on the individual dive sites from local |
| independence in 1910. | | | | diving centres. At the north of the island, the current |
| The climate of Mauritius is predominantly sub-tropical, | | | | tends to deliver some of the more interesting |
| but temperatures vary throughout the year. | | | | pelagics to Mauritius, and sightings of Tuna, Wahoo |
| Temperatures range from 77 to 86 degrees F | | | | and Marlin are not uncommon. However, more often |
| throughout the year, so it is possible to visit Mauritius | | | | spotted species include eagle rays and the multitude |
| all year round, however, the rainy season runs from | | | | of turtles that inhabit the waters surrounding |
| January to March and cyclones are possible from | | | | Mauritius. |
| November to February. The central plateau on | | | | For those who love to go wreck diving, there are an |
| Mauritius tends to experience higher average | | | | estimated 220 wrecks in the waters surrounding |
| temperatures than the coastal areas and can | | | | Mauritius, ensuring that even the most experienced |
| experience as much as double the amount of annual | | | | divers will find plenty to occupy their time while in |
| rainfall. | | | | Mauritius. As is the way with the most islands with a |
| The prevailing trade winds tend to keep the east | | | | more developed tourist industry, the majority of dive |
| side of the island cooler, a fact that was noted by | | | | operators here are very professional, allowing people |
| the local islanders who predominantly settled on the | | | | with all levels of experience to enjoy scuba diving in |
| west coast of the island. The water temperature can | | | | Mauritius. |