Mauritius will enchant you, will uplift your soul, making you feel that you belong to the chosen few. Every visitor enjoys personal attention. Every encounter is an opportunity to discover a friendly face. Behind each smile lies the promise of a unique holiday. The contrast of a multitude of colours and tastes, the island, set in its turquoise sea, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Mauritius, a melting pot where past and present are smoothly blended together, offers an essential beauty that will compel to return to its shores time and time again. May your stay with us remain engraved in your memory forever.
Mauritius is situated in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2400 kilometres off the South East Coast of Africa. The island, which is of volcanic origin, covers an area of 1,865 square kilometres or 720 square miles. Coral reefs surround most of the coast except the south.
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PLACES TO GO
# Coast of Mauritius
Mauritius is a paradise for deep sea fishing. Species include the blue or black marlin, all types of sharks, yellow tuna, the Bonitos, the ‘emperor’, the ‘pélerin’, the ‘bécune’ or the barracuda. Huge fishes like the Blue Marlin roam our seas and hunt around the island from November to April, and very often until May. The ocean is 70 metres deep one kilometre away from the coast. Mauritius holds several world fishing records (IGFA), including that of the mako shark of 1115 pounds, the blue shark of 400 pounds, a bonito of 41.5 pounds, a white tuna of 224 pounds and a ‘bécune’ of 125 pounds. African records (GFUA) mention a yellow tuna of 212 pounds and a white tuna of 224 pounds. Other specimens recently caught include blue marlins of 1430 and 1355 pounds. Fishing boats can be hired from almost all hotels. The most prestigious deep sea fishing competition is the Marlin World Cup which is hosted in December by La Pirogue Hotel.
# Grand Bay
Grand Bay was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom. A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Bay also happens to be the area where Mauritians head for when they want a fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars and discos). Recently renovated, La Cuvette beach is well worth a visit.
# Balaclava Ruins
A few metres away from Baie aux Tortues, which 17th century sailors named after the many tortoises in the area, can be found the ruins of the old Balaclava estate. Visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down by Mahé de Labourdonnais.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay is situated near the mid-section of California’s coastline. The bay not only has a shallow shelf by the shore, it also has an enormous and deep submarine canyon. These extremes in habitats permit a large variety of marine creatures to dwell there.
By taking a whale watching tour, you may be able to see some of the marine life listed below which varies depending on the time of the year that you go.
Marine Life of Monterey Bay:
Whales – There are Blue, Gray, Minke, Fin, Humpback, Beaked and Sperm Whales.
Dolphins and Porpoises – There are the Common, Bottlenose, Pacific White-sided, Risso’s, Orca (Killer Whale) and Northern Right Whale Dolphins. Also, the Dall’s and Harbor Porpoises.
Pinnipeds – There are the Stellar and California Sea Lions. Also, the Northern Fur, Pacific Harbor and Northern Elephant Seals.
Sea Otters – Southern Sea Otter
Sea Turtles – Leatherback Sea Turtle
Sea Birds – There are Pelicans, Loons, Terns, Black-footed Albatross and Gulls.
There are several tour companies operating in the bay. Besides price, check with each one to see what their particular whale watching tour offers. Ask what time or times of day they go out. Which type and size of vessel will you be on? Does it have indoor and outdoor seating and heated cabins? Are there ample life jackets? Does it have a live or taped narrated tour? Will there be a marine biologist or naturalist on board to identify animals and answer questions? Can you bring snacks and beverages or are there some available on the boat? Inquire about the length of the trip because tours can range anywhere from two to four hours. Find out about their cancellation policy. Will they cancel for poor weather conditions or under booked tours?
To insure that your outing in Monterey Bay is a pleasant and comfortable trip it is important to do a little preparation. Before your excursion, it is a good idea to purchase your tickets. This way you can book the day and time that you want and not have to worry about getting there and the trip being sold out. Also be certain to arrive at least a half of an hour before departure so you will have enough time to check in.
Since out on the ocean it can be breezy and chilly no matter what time of the year, be sure to put on warm garments in several layers. It is recommended that you dress in long pants and wear flat closed-toed shoes with rubber soles. A wind and waterproof jacket or light raincoat, hat and gloves for the outermost layer is best should it start to rain. If it gets hot later on, you can always remove a layer. For additional weather protection, remember to bring your sunscreen lotion, lip balm, seasick medication and sunglasses. You may also wish to bring a camera, video camera or binoculars for extra enjoyment.
While there is no guarantee that you will see any whales, the captain and crew with all their experience and knowledge, will do their best to find them. Should your boat be lucky enough to locate a whale, please realize that you are not allowed to attempt to touch it or any other animal. This is for the animal’s safety as well as yours. Whether or not you see a whale, you surely will view some of the wonderful marine life that makes their home in the bay or just visits at certain seasons of the year. So make plans for an unforgettable day out at sea and have a whale of a time in Monterey Bay!
A must see is also the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is one of the largest and most admired aquariums in the world. There are always new reasons to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium with special events, exciting exhibits, new animals and activities the Aquarium holds 35,000 plants and animals representing 623 species.
SHOPS
HOTELS
PLACES TO GO
# Monterey Bay Aquarium
Experience the wonders of the ocean at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Rated the nation’s No. 1 aquarium in the Zagat Survey U.S. Family Travel Guide, the Aquarium will put you closer to sea life than ever before. Our Ocean’s Edge galleries will amaze you with the three-story living kelp forest, above and below the surface views of playful sea otters, and a walk-through wave crash experience.
The Outer Bay galleries put your nose-to-nose with giant tunas, sea turtles and sharks and mesmerize you with huge displays of living jellies.
# The State Theatre
The State Theatre is another of the places to visit in Monterey CA if you fancy seeng out an old fashioned style theatre. You can enjoy a fun and relaxing evening out in the oldest movie place in Monterey and soak in the theatre’s old school feel.
# Pacific Grove Art Center
Pacific Grove Art Center is located in the nearby town of Pacific Grove; around 20 minutes walk from Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The Pacific Grove Art Center is another of the places to visit in Monterey CA for free, and features regular changing exhibits and three permanent art galleries.
By taking a whale watching tour, you may be able to see some of the marine life listed below which varies depending on the time of the year that you go.
Marine Life of Monterey Bay:
Whales – There are Blue, Gray, Minke, Fin, Humpback, Beaked and Sperm Whales.
Dolphins and Porpoises – There are the Common, Bottlenose, Pacific White-sided, Risso’s, Orca (Killer Whale) and Northern Right Whale Dolphins. Also, the Dall’s and Harbor Porpoises.
Pinnipeds – There are the Stellar and California Sea Lions. Also, the Northern Fur, Pacific Harbor and Northern Elephant Seals.
Sea Otters – Southern Sea Otter
Sea Turtles – Leatherback Sea Turtle
Sea Birds – There are Pelicans, Loons, Terns, Black-footed Albatross and Gulls.
There are several tour companies operating in the bay. Besides price, check with each one to see what their particular whale watching tour offers. Ask what time or times of day they go out. Which type and size of vessel will you be on? Does it have indoor and outdoor seating and heated cabins? Are there ample life jackets? Does it have a live or taped narrated tour? Will there be a marine biologist or naturalist on board to identify animals and answer questions? Can you bring snacks and beverages or are there some available on the boat? Inquire about the length of the trip because tours can range anywhere from two to four hours. Find out about their cancellation policy. Will they cancel for poor weather conditions or under booked tours?
To insure that your outing in Monterey Bay is a pleasant and comfortable trip it is important to do a little preparation. Before your excursion, it is a good idea to purchase your tickets. This way you can book the day and time that you want and not have to worry about getting there and the trip being sold out. Also be certain to arrive at least a half of an hour before departure so you will have enough time to check in.
Since out on the ocean it can be breezy and chilly no matter what time of the year, be sure to put on warm garments in several layers. It is recommended that you dress in long pants and wear flat closed-toed shoes with rubber soles. A wind and waterproof jacket or light raincoat, hat and gloves for the outermost layer is best should it start to rain. If it gets hot later on, you can always remove a layer. For additional weather protection, remember to bring your sunscreen lotion, lip balm, seasick medication and sunglasses. You may also wish to bring a camera, video camera or binoculars for extra enjoyment.
While there is no guarantee that you will see any whales, the captain and crew with all their experience and knowledge, will do their best to find them. Should your boat be lucky enough to locate a whale, please realize that you are not allowed to attempt to touch it or any other animal. This is for the animal’s safety as well as yours. Whether or not you see a whale, you surely will view some of the wonderful marine life that makes their home in the bay or just visits at certain seasons of the year. So make plans for an unforgettable day out at sea and have a whale of a time in Monterey Bay!
A must see is also the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is one of the largest and most admired aquariums in the world. There are always new reasons to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium with special events, exciting exhibits, new animals and activities the Aquarium holds 35,000 plants and animals representing 623 species.
SHOPS
HOTELS
PLACES TO GO
# Monterey Bay Aquarium
Experience the wonders of the ocean at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Rated the nation’s No. 1 aquarium in the Zagat Survey U.S. Family Travel Guide, the Aquarium will put you closer to sea life than ever before. Our Ocean’s Edge galleries will amaze you with the three-story living kelp forest, above and below the surface views of playful sea otters, and a walk-through wave crash experience.
The Outer Bay galleries put your nose-to-nose with giant tunas, sea turtles and sharks and mesmerize you with huge displays of living jellies.
# The State Theatre
The State Theatre is another of the places to visit in Monterey CA if you fancy seeng out an old fashioned style theatre. You can enjoy a fun and relaxing evening out in the oldest movie place in Monterey and soak in the theatre’s old school feel.
# Pacific Grove Art Center
Pacific Grove Art Center is located in the nearby town of Pacific Grove; around 20 minutes walk from Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The Pacific Grove Art Center is another of the places to visit in Monterey CA for free, and features regular changing exhibits and three permanent art galleries.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Cayman Island
Located just south of Miami, the Cayman Islands are made up of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. It is the perfect villa vacation island getaway with long stretches of white sand and crystal clear water. Almost guaranteed sunshine and virtually crime-free, the Cayman Islands are truly unique. This British overseas territory is a unique blend of British, West Indian, and American cultures. The Cayman Islands are well-known for the legendary walls, colorful reefs, and wrecks that inhabit the translucent water, making this one of the best scuba diving locations in the Caribbean.
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