Indian Ocean Islands Travel
Indian Ocean Islands Overview
The Indian Ocean boasts of being the third largest ocean in the world and is definitely one of the most sought after tourist attractions. It covers almost one-fifth of all the water present on the earth’s surface. It is the warmest ocean and houses few of the world’s most exotic and spectacular tropical islands. The Indian Ocean Islands offer a perfect balance between activity, diversity and exclusivity and its deep and azure water, ubiquitous sunshine, and local culture and attraction make this place an ideal heaven on earth. The period from December to April is considered the best for visiting most of the islands nested here.
Indian Ocean Islands Main Attractions
Mauritius, Maldives, Reunion, Comoros and Seychelles are few of the most popular and pristine islands found in the Indian Ocean. The sandy beaches that sparkle in the sun combine wonderfully with the blue crystalline lagoons in the Maldives while the swaying palms, the balmy nights, smiling people and the dazzling blue ocean are the exact representation of the Mauritius Island. Seychelles commonly referred to as the Paradise on Earth, is the island nation with its amazing beaches. Among the lesser known are the Reunion and the Comoros Islands. The Reunion is nothing but a naturalist paradise with its rugged mountains, gorges and scenic wonders while the Comoros is famous for its picture perfect beaches and turquoise waters.
The Maldives has 1,190 islands forming an archipelago with 24 major atolls. The Tranquil lagoons, the reef fish in coral gardens, palm tress, magnificent diving sites, exquisite resorts, palm-fringed beaches and luxurious boat cruises are the best attractions found here. Out of the 115 islands in Seychelles, the Praslin Island, The Mahe Island and the remote La Digue Island are the major tourist attractions. In case of Mauritius, all the four coasts are equally visited. The Reunion, or the more popularly known, Africa’s version of the Hawaii houses quite a few tourist destinations like Piton de la Fournaise or the active volcano, the spectacular craters namely Salazie, Cilaos and Mafate and the Saint Gilles Les Bains beach. In case of Comoros, the French island of Mayotte and the 'Scented Isle' – Anjouan are the most frequently visited places.
Indian Ocean Islands Activities
Almost all the Indian ocean islands offer luxurious and exotic boat cruises, along with other activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, quadbiking, waterskiing, game fishing, swimming or just strolling in the sandy and powdery beaches and not to forget catamaran cruises.
Indian Ocean Islands Accommodation & Dining
Accomodation in Indian Ocean islands range from air-conditioned A-frame cottages to beach front suites, from romantic villas with a beautiful view of the dazzling blue Indian Ocean to the most sophisticated hotels and resorts. Indian ocean islands offer a mix of chinese, French and Indian cuisines. They also offer a special Indian Ocean cuisine which features a rare tomato-based ‘rougaille’. Fresh harvest from the Indian ocean is also forms a favourite cuisine of the tourists.
Indian Ocean Islands Shopping & Nightlife
The Indian Ocean islands brim with nightlife. There are vivacious bars with live music, nightclubs and restaurants. In Mauritius the Grand Baie forms the centre of the nightlife. Similarly Seychelles has 4 discotheques – 2 in Prislin and 2 in Mahe. The Port Louis shopping centre in Mauritius along with the local market in Maldives and other islands offer a variety of shopping stuff to the visitors.
Getting To & Around Indian Ocean Islands
The Indian Ocean Islands can be reached by air and also by sea. There are flights between Réunion and Mauritius, the Seychelles, Comoros, and there are even direct flights to these places. Sea route is also a good option to reach these places. Seychelles, Mauritius, Reunion also have land routes by way of cabs and private buses. To travel in these places, renting a car is the best option though.
