Kayaking through the mangroves

A great way to discover the mangrove forests is by kayak. It is an ecological and colourful adventure for you and your family or friends, exploring the secrets of the lagoon, the small channels and the hidden bays of the north-east coast of Mauritius.

Yemaya Adventures, founded in 2000 by Patrick Haberland, offers guided sea kayak trips to Ile d’Ambre, a protected national park of 137 hectares just off the north-east coast. No kayaking experience is needed. The 3-hour trip starts with a safety briefing, and then you paddle your sit-on-top kayak, slaloming between the moored traditional pirogues, to the island some 300 metres away.

Paddling through the heart of the mangroves of Ile d’Ambre, you escape into a world of peace and tranquillity, away from everyday stress, and learn about this amazing plant. There is a chance to stop for a short swim or snorkel, and then the guides show you the way to the other side of the island, where you take a short walk to the ruins and learn about the 300-year history of this once inhabited islet. Refreshments are served at the kiosk.

The trip is suitable for beginners to intermediate paddlers. Bring water, a mask and snorkel, sea shoes, sunscreen (a reef-safe one is recommended) and a cap; if you don’t have a mask, sea shoes or a rain jacket, Yemaya can lend you one. Life jackets for children are provided, and children must be at least 5 years old.

The trip costs EUR 50 per adult and EUR 35 per child (age 5 to 12). Payment is made online in advance, and the meeting point is sent to you after payment. Yemaya also offers a full moon trip (7 pm to 9 pm) and customised sea kayaking expeditions for experienced paddlers, for example to Gunners’ Quoin, Albion or around Mauritius.

Yemaya Adventures
Butte à L’Herbe, Calodyne
Phone / WhatsApp: +230 5254 3205 (1 pm to 6 pm)
E-mail: reservations@yemayaadventures.com
Website: yemayaadventures.com