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Mauritius:
This Indian Ocean Island is an independent country with a rich history and a diversity of exotic cultures, lying nearly midway between the continents of Africa and Australasia. It offers a 160 kilometres-long shoreline, almost entirely protected by a coral reef. The tropical conditions make paddling a delight and the only way to see the real island and the real people is from a kayak. Mauritius has a good infrastructure with excellent hotels and restaurants offering traditional cuisine. Best of all, it has no malaria, a rarity in a tropical setting!
Mauritius is situated in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2400 kilometres off the South East Coast of Africa, and 800 km east of Madagascar. The island, which is of volcanic origin, covers an area of 1,865 square kilometres - 65 km long, and 48 km wide. Coral reefs surround most of the coast except the south. The island is surrounded by a blue lagoon.
The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22 degrees in winter and 34 degrees in summer. The sea temperature varies between 22 degrees and 27 degrees. In the central part of the island, the maximum daytime temperature varies from about 19 degrees in August to about 26 degrees in February. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South.
The tour of the island takes 4 days / stages of 25 km each:
- Day 1 - Riviere Noire - Bel Ombre
- Day 2 - Pointe d'Esny - Ile aux Cerfs
- Day 3 - Roches Noires - Grand Baie
- Day 4 - Grand Baie - Port Louis
The tour consists of paddling through channels, reefs and around remote islands off the mainland.
Paddlers will be required to cross large bays with exposure to ocean swells and currents. Distances covered vary between 20 and 30km per day. There will still be plenty of time to enjoy activities such as snorkelling, swimming, and sight-seeing. Throughout the whole tour the professional guides will direct the trip and keep you informed of the local cultures, historical sights and wildlife.
Each night of your expedition will be spent on one of the many selected picnic spots of the island. Pre-selected sites have been chosen, depending upon the route and weather. Some nights on the longer trips are spent on uninhabited islands with minimal comforts. Despite the wild and remote area of some of our stopovers, every emphasis has been placed on comfort and enjoyment.
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