Diving Mauritius and Rodrigues

Geography

Mauritius is situated in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2400 kilometres off the South East Coast of Africa. The island, which is of volcanic origin has a central plateau which is about 400 metres above sea level, is situated just above the Tropic of Capricorn, in the south of Indian Ocean, with 57° 35 East longitude and 19° 68 and 20° 15 South latitude.

There are mountains scattered throughout the island, tropical forests and plants and other features that add to the natural beauty of the island. There are more than 90 miles of white sandy beaches and the transparent lagoons are protected from the open sea by the world's third largest coral reef which almost surrounds the entire island.

Brief History

The first Europeans to have visited Mauritius were the Portuguese at the beginning of the sixteenth century (most probably in 1510). Then followed the Dutch who settled on the island in 1598 and named it Mauritius after Prince Maurice of Nassau. Among other things, the Dutch introduced sugar cane and the Java deer before leaving in 1710 to go to their new discovery: The Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. About five years later, in 1715, the French occupied the island, renaming it "Isle de France".

Climate

The temperature ranges are:

• Summer (November to April): 27° C (80° F) on the Coast to 23° C (73° F) on the Central Plateau.

• Winter (May to October): 21° C (70° F) on the Coast to 17° C (63° F) on the Central Plateau.

• Hours of Daylight approx. from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter.

• July is the Coolest Month 22° C (71° F).

• February is the Warmest Month 33° C (106° F).

• Heavy rainfalls likely between January and March.