A vast expanse of blue at the centre of the world map, the Indian Ocean touches the shores of over 30 countries from the southern tip of Africa to Australia. This equatorial seascape is completely cut off from the Arctic and enjoys balmy conditions all year round, enticing travellers for a few blissful days of diving, surfing and sunset cruises. The third largest ocean on Earth, its waters are also home to a bevy of beautiful islands and archipelagos, including the Maldives, Mauritius, Reunion Island and the Seychelles. Now, get to know these paradisical islands in our Indian Ocean guide… passports at the ready!
Reunion Island
Reunion Island is a speck of emerald fringed by 17 miles of pristine beaches, from golden stretches to coves of black, volcanic sand. The gin-clear waters are perfect for snorkelling, kayaking and swimming in the shallows and there’s also fantastic dolphin-spotting throughout the year. While its shoreline offers plenty of fun, Reunion Island itself is an adventure waiting to happen and the jungle-enveloped, mountainous interiors are the real drawcard. A collection of (mostly extinct) volcanoes, the rugged landscape is begging to be explored, whether it’s hiking through the forests in search of the many rushing waterfalls, canyoning from one to another, exploring ancient lava tunnels, or taking in the views on a heli flip. Of course, you could always trek to the smoldering summit of Piton de la Fournaise, aka the ‘Pit of the Furnace’, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. As with most Indian Ocean isles, Reunion has a fascinating and poignant history, reflected in its architecture, markets and cuisine – don’t skip their tasty Creole dishes. Whether you’re hiking to remote villages and volcanic calderas or picnicking beside a waterfall, Reunion Island is a dream.
The Seychelles
The poster child of island escapes with its ivory beaches, coral reefs and gorgeous resorts, the Seychelles archipelago is thousands of miles from ‘land.’ This collection of over 115 islands is a unique micro-continent, which became isolated millions of years ago producing many endemic flora and fauna, like the famous Aldabra Giant Tortoise. Each island has its own brand of magic, beginning with the largest, Mahe Island, a hotspot for diving, paragliding and watersports. It’s just a stone’s throw from the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, where you might swim with Hawksbill turtles, snorkel the colourful coral reefs and visit the tiny isles. Then there’s Praslin, a haven of sugary beaches guarded by granite boulders and the lush Vallee de Mai, home to all six endemic palm species including the Coco de Mer, which produces the amusing ‘Love Nut’ – the largest and heaviest seed in the world. Praslin is a fantastic base from which to island hop; head to La Digue and uncover history on a bicycle ride, or explore the untouched shores of the Outer Islands. You may find yourself at a barefoot, eco-lodge on Bird Island or the beaches of the Aldabra Atoll where around 4,000 green sea turtles nest each year and giant tortoises wander along the sand.
Mauritius
The Indian Ocean’s original island getaway, every inch of Mauritius says ‘paradise.’ If you’re seeking a sun-drenched beach to lay your head and sip on cocktails, there are plenty of resorts to take care of that. But there’s also no end to the off-shore activities either. Enjoy an A to Z of watersports, including parasailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking through birdlife-filled mangroves. Mauritius also boasts some of Africa’s finest diving and snorkeling, where spotting shoals of vivid reef fish, sea turtles and over 200 types of coral is normal. Beginners should head for the south coast, which enjoys up to 50 metres of visibility and for amazing shipwreck excursions, visit the northeastern coast. Jump on a speedboat for a morning of whale watching (spot humpbacks between July and November) or slip into the water, where a pod of spinner or bottlenose dolphin may join you for a swim. Back on land, there are fantastic golf courses, sugar cane-lined pathways to cycle down, and horseback rides in the surf. And if you still need a little convincing… How about private picnics on a sandbank, spa treatments and dinners on a private beach?
The Maldives
The northernmost archipelago in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are a collection of around 1,200 coral and white-sand islets that blend seamlessly into the water. Each occupying its own island, the resorts take luxury to a new level: think personal butlers, cinemas on the beach and over-the-water villas where you can simply slip into the water for a snorkel at any time of day or night. Many have their own house reef, but it’s also possible to dive some of the most beautiful reefs in the world in other areas. With waters that hold some 1,100 species of marine life, you could see anything from Hawksbill turtles and manta rays to whale sharks. Throughout the year, bioluminescent plankton has been known to light up the shores in a spectacular display of nature. There’s no shortage of watersports either, including kiteboarding, kayaking and surfing – the Maldives’ consistent swells make it one of the safest places to learn. And how about a picnic on an uninhabited isle or sunset dhoni cruise? We wouldn’t blame you for wanting to spend all day at your chosen resort, however – those idyllic beaches and overwater hammocks make it hard to tear yourself away. The moment you bid farewell to the Maldives, you’ll want to start booking a return trip.
