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Mauritius: Other Recreational Activities
Introduction
Apart from sea surfing, water sports and land sports, Mauritius also presents a wealth of other recreational activities to hold down all the varied interests of its diverse portfolio of visitors.
Among the most popular other recreational activities, Shopping activities, Nightclubs Sports, and hunting are predominant attraction among visitors.
Shopping and Nightclubs
While Mauritius has long and serene beaches at its shore, its urban life is buzzing with shoppers and revelers that add a festive color to the mood of island. Evenings are especially resplendent in the capital city of Port Luis where people from different countries can be seen enjoying their time out.
The typical western culture of nightclubs and discos has also penetrated Mauritius. Tourists, especially youngsters, find the nightclubs particularly a place to be at and can be seen frequently enjoying their time here.
Sports
Soccer is the most popular sport in Mauritius. The country does not sponsor a professional team, but there are many amateur teams. Games at the George V stadium in Curepipe attract thousands of fans. Most towns and villages have a soccer club, and children play soccer whenever they can. Several towns also have basketball and volleyball clubs.
Horse racing is another popular spectator sport. The Mauritian Turf Club was founded in 1812. It is the oldest turf club in the southern hemisphere and the second oldest in the world. Races are held from May to November at the Champ de Mars, a former military training ground in Port Louis. The biggest race is held in August, and thousands of Mauritians come to watch and place bets on their favourites.
Many of the island's sports facilities have been created for tourists and visitors. Tennis courts and golf courses have been built near hotels, and resorts offer surfing, windsurfing, yacht cruises and deep-sea fishing for marlin, sailfish and tuna. Scuba diving, snorkelling and undersea walking allow visitors to enjoy the beauties of the coral reefs surrounding the island. Mauritius also offers opportunities for hiking and trekking in the mountains.
Hunting
Wealthy Mauritians enjoy hunting at the Domaine du Chasseur near Mahebourg. The Javanese deer that were introduced by the Dutch have proliferated and need to be culled from time to time. Hunters stand on raised observation posts called miradors to shoot their prey.