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As
the luxurious 4Oft catamaran slowly eased herself off the
dockside into the hot Mauritian morning sunshine, her engines
softly burbling, I laid back thinking 'this is how all diving
should be, no heavy equipment and gear to carry, as it was
all provided'. All that was required of Jan and myself was
to take our cameras on board.
A
little different from the usual club inflatable, carrying
it across shingle beaches clad in dry suits etc at Selsey
Bill.
Soon,
the light balmy wind gently filled the mainsail and we were
off for a day's diving in the warm Indian Ocean.
One
hours leisurely sail, whilst lying on the deck getting a tan,
brought us up to a huge sheer cliff on the west ride of the
island of 'Gunners Coin', situated at the north
west tip of Mauritius. We anchored in the lee of the island
and made ready our cameras. All we then had to do was slip
into our basic gear, sit on the deck mattress and adjust the
buckles of the equipment that had been gently lifted onto
our backs by a member of the crew.
Once
in the water, the visibility was in excess of 30 metres at
a temperature of 25°C, We could see the sheer rocks dropping
down below the surface gradually sloping off into the deep
ocean. The underwater terrain here is large boulders and crevices
with an abundance of fish life. In the crevices on the point
there are brilliantly coloured Sorgonians. One could choose
a range of depths, but at 20-24 metres you could take in the
whole seascape.
When,
too soon, the dive was over, we swam back between the hulls
of the catamaran, where our equipment was removed whilst we
hung on a line. We then swam to the stern and, once up the
ladder, a cold drink awaited us.
After
a leisurely lunch, taken on deck, the second dive was carried
out close inshore on one of the many reefs.
Another
day's diving took us to an area off Trois Beach on a flat
sandy bottom. Three wrecks have been sunk here to form artificial
reefs, Two of these were large barges sunk approximately six
years ago, providing a habitat for many species of fish, including
Lion Fish and the greatest number of eels we have ever seen.
Visibility here was in the region of 30 metres.
The
third wreck, a 50 metre Japanese trawler, was sunk in December
1987. This lies on its port side in 26 metres of water and
is in pristine condition. It was very interesting to see how
much growth was already forming on it and fish were starting
to make it their home.
The
Mauritian Underwater Group had this trawler sunk and you can
dive on it on the understanding that you leave it as you find
it. It is ideal for wreck photography.
Lunch
was taken at the Trois Beach Hotel resort and our second dive
was on Anchor Reef, where there were many encrusted anchors
and baby Lion Fish. Never having encountered Lion Fish so
small before we found that we could handle them with gloves,
making them ideal photographic subjects.
We
dived with Kevin Cock who runs Paradise Diving out of Grand
Bay and have no hesitation in recommending the dive concern
for its equipment, organisation, dive planning and friendliness
of everyone, which were all first class. Kevin is a three
star NAUI Instructor and his whole attitude and experience
reflects this, The cost of diving is approximately £13
per dive including all equipment, which is in excellent condition.
Paradise Diving can also arrange accommodation of your choice
ranging from 5-Star hotels to bungalows all situated in and
around Grand Bay. Their address is Paradise Diving (Pty) Ltd,
Route Royals, Grand Baie, Mauritius. Tel. 038 296.
Also
whilst in Mauritius we were able to dive with two well-known
Marine Archaeologists, Jean Michel and Jan Arnim, who have
mounted a superb exhibition depicting the loss of HMS Strius,
which foundered In a battle between the English and French
in 1810, and its subsequent discovery and excavation. The
wreck is well broken up but easily recognisable as a Man-of-War.
Huge timbers and cannon are everywhere. She lies on a sandy
sloping bank some 15 metres on the top and 29 metres at the
bottom.
If
you do visit this beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, try
and arrange a dive trip to see this relic of the battle, I
promise you will not be disappointed. |
