With turquoise lagoons, a mountainous interior and a coral reef that encircles most of the island, the best way to see Mauritius is from the air. Here’s five amazing airborne activities to experience while you’re here…

Tandem skydiving

Skydiving in tandem with a fully qualified instructor allows you to experience the thrill of a freefall with minimal training. In what must be the most spectacular way to see Mauritius, you’ll take a scenic flight up to 10,000 feet before the door opens wide and the adrenalin kicks in. As you exit the plane, you’ll experience a full minute of freefall at 200km per hour, before your instructor opens the canopy, allowing you to take in the awesome views of our coastline, lagoons, coral reef and deep green mountains as you gently glide to the ground. Visit SkyDive Mauritius for more information.

Microlight scenic flight

Based out of the same operational facilities as the Skydiving company above, Island Wings Mauritius offer microlight flights over Roches Noires lagoon, north to Amber Island and back down to Mon Loisir over the Piton sugarcane fields. Longer flights also take in the beautiful beach of Belle Mare, the lagoons of Poste Lafayette, or the coastline of Grand Gaube, Cape Malheureux and Grand Baie. Alternatively, and depending on weather conditions and Air Traffic regulations, you can arrange a trip of your own design.

Seaplane flight tour

With space for just one passenger at a time, a scenic flight in a private seaplane offers an intimate opportunity to experience a water take-off and landing, as well as the chance to experience panoramic views of Mauritius from above. Two tours of 30 and 60 minutes are available, or you can even opt for a full day’s seaplane tour with lunch and several stops along the way. Visit Mauritius Attractions for more information.

Helicopter tour and heli-golf

Air Mauritius’ very own helicopter sightseeing tours are a premium way to experience the beauty of Mauritius from above. You can choose from a one-hour sightseeing tour, or combine this with a two-hour stop for lunch at a restaurant or hotel which has a helipad. If you’re a golfer, you may also want to take advantage of our heli-golf tours. You can fly to some of the island’s most beautiful courses and be on the green within minutes.

Parasailing

Parasailing offers visitors a gull’s eye view of the shimmering lagoons and white sandy beaches of Mauritius. The activity involves being towed behind a boat while securely attached to a specially designed parachute, and normally lasts between 5 and 12 minutes. More powerful boats can sometimes accommodate two or three people in the air at the same time, and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous you can opt to be lowered into the sea for a brief refreshing dip before being raised up again. Parasailing trips can be enjoyed at various locations around the island, including Grand Bay, Belle Mare and Ile aux Cerfs island. Visit Mauritius Attractions for more details.

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Take to the air with Air Mauritius - visit our website to check availability and book your flight.

Photos: Skydive Mauritius, Island Wings Mauritius