Mauritius, Indian Ocean

The pearl of the Indian Ocean, a cross-roads of civilizations influenced by Asia, Africa and Europe, with the east coast of Africa 1100 miles to the west, India 2500 miles to the north and Australia 2500 miles to the east, right on the Tropic of Capricorn, south of the equator. It’s tropical landscape is a beautiful mix of jungle-covered mountains, waterfalls, sugar cane fields and white sand beaches. The islands colonial history and cosmopolitan lifestyle make this a great place to explore. Mauritius is almost totally encircled by one of the world’s finest coral reefs that provide a perfect breeding ground for many marine species. Sharks, rays, barracuda, tuna, turtles and kingfish are regular encounters. The island’s underwater volcanic landscape provides a wonderful variety of caves and caverns as well as steep coral walls and 19th century shipwrecks. Notable dives include the Cathedral, at 35m down a steep coral encrusted wall a small entrance opens out to a huge cavern with light shafts penetrating down from the surface. Another popular dive is the Sirius, a 19th centaury British frigate bursting with marine life although permission is required to dive this site.