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sharks in mauritius

Sharks in Mauritius | What You Need to Know

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By on Mauritius

Sharks in Mauritius: What Are the Risks?

Aah, sharks in Mauritius: a topic that intrigues many travelers!

These majestic creatures, often misunderstood, are at the heart of numerous myths and misconceptions.

Many people wonder whether it is really dangerous to swim or dive in the Mauritian waters.

The truth is, while sharks are indeed present in Mauritius, the risk of an attack is extremely rare, and incidents involving swimmers are almost non-existent.

So, what do you really need to know about sharks in Mauritius? Which species can you encounter? And most importantly, what precautions should you take to enjoy the ocean with complete peace of mind?

I’ll tell you everything in this article!

Are There Sharks in Mauritius?

Yes, there are sharks in Mauritius, and even several different species.

But it’s important to know that they are mostly harmless and tend to stay quite far from the shores.

What Sharks Can You Find in Mauritius?

The main species that frequent the waters off the coast of Mauritius are:

  • the Blacktip Reef Shark:

This is the most common species in the waters of Mauritius, measuring about 1.5 meters, and recognizable by the dark tips on its fins. This shark lives in coral reefs and feeds on small fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. This shy shark is harmless to humans unless provoked, and incidents with swimmers are extremely rare.

Blacktip Reef Shark Mauritius
Blacktip Reef Shark, Mauritius
  • the White-tip Reef Shark:

Larger than the former (up to 3 meters long), the White-tip Reef Shark mainly lives around coral reefs and can dive to depths of 800 meters. It’s a top predator that feeds on fish, rays, and even smaller sharks, making it a formidable competitor. Though sometimes aggressive and approaching divers, interactions with humans remain rare. This species is classified as “near threatened” due to overfishing.

  • the Grey Reef Shark:

This shark usually measures less than 1.9 meters and can be found in shallow coral reefs around Mauritius, where it is nicknamed “Shark Mamzelle”. An agile predator, it mainly feeds on fish and cephalopods, and often lives in groups of 5 to 20 individuals near reef edges. Although it may display intimidatory behavior towards divers when threatened, interactions with humans are limited.

  • the Hammerhead Shark:

Recognizable by their hammer-shaped head, these sharks measure between 3 and 6 meters. They frequent the deep waters around Mauritius as well as coral reefs, where they hunt fish, rays, and crustaceans. They generally avoid interactions with humans. Their attacks are very rare and often due to curiosity rather than aggression.

Hammerhead Shark
Hammerhead Shark

In Mauritius, the majority of shark species encountered are therefore rather harmless.

However, there are also potentially dangerous sharks, such as the Bull Shark, present in Mauritius, known for frequenting the murky waters of lagoons, especially in estuaries and mangroves.

To date, no attacks by Bull Sharks have been reported on the island. However, several individuals have been captured and killed by Mauritian fishermen in recent years, raising concerns about their protection and habitat.

Bull Shark
Bull Shark

My Advice

Speaking of fish, if you’re drawn to the underwater world and want to discover the wonders of the lagoon and the Indian Ocean during your holiday in Mauritius, you should book a diving session!

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Mauritius is a true paradise for scuba diving. Its colorful fish and vibrant reefs are a must-see if you’re comfortable underwater.

With Sunset Diving, you can have your first dive at one of the most beautiful diving spots in the country. You’ll be in the hands of a super friendly team, in the utmost safety.

Book your diving introduction in Mauritius by clicking below:

I book my scuba diving initiation session in Mauritius now! I want to have my first dive in Mauritius
Mauritius Diving
Mauritius Diving

Sharks: Is it safe to swim in Mauritius?

If you’re wondering how many shark attacks there are in Mauritius each year, it’s important to know that no fatal shark attack has ever been reported in Mauritius for several decades.

Although the waters surrounding Mauritius are home to several species of sharks, these sea creatures do not pose a real danger to swimmers.

Firstly, because Mauritius has a significant advantage: almost its entire perimeter is protected by a coral barrier, which limits the access of sharks to coastal waters.

This is not the case on the neighboring island of La Réunion, where shark attacks are frequent, and many areas are forbidden or not advised for swimming due to safety concerns.

Sharks in Mauritius also pose no threat to us because most species present are afraid of humans and tend to avoid them.

Given all these facts, if you’re worried about the danger of swimming in Mauritius, the risk of a shark attack is extremely low.

My Advice

Why are there sharks in Reunion island but not in Mauritius?

Unlike Mauritius, the island of La Réunion is not surrounded by a protective coral barrier. It only exists along the West coast, and many natural passes allow sharks to approach the coastal waters (particularly on the East coast, where it is very dangerous to swim).

Moreover, unlike Mauritius, which sits on a continental shelf, La Réunion is surrounded by deep ocean waters located very close to the shore. Sharks swim very close to the beaches and find themselves right in the humans’ swimming zones.

Where to See Sharks in Mauritius?

As I mentioned earlier, most sharks that frequent Mauritian waters are peaceful species that avoid swimmers.

But if you wish to see them, be aware that sharks in Mauritius can be observed in their natural environment.

If you enjoy diving and want some thrilling adventure during your stay, you can try diving in the shark pit!

This extraordinary underwater site is located offshore of the North coast, between two islets (Round Island and Snake Island).

The diving center Sunset Diving, located in Grand Baie (one of the best on the island), offers this exceptional dive to experienced divers.

Accompanied by professional guides, you will dive into an impressive underwater pit frequented by reef sharks, locally known as “Requins Mam’zelle”.

But don’t worry: these sharks are not interested in divers. However, there are safety instructions to follow.

If you’re lucky, you will be able to observe the sharks up close, in their natural habitat, and experience truly intense moments.

So, are you ready to take on the challenge and dive among the sharks in Mauritius? One thing is certain, it’s an experience you will remember for a lifetime!

My Advice

The Shark Pit dive in Mauritius is reserved for advanced divers as it is quite physical and technical (with quite a few currents).

It is organized once a month departing from Grand Baie at the Sunset Diving center.

To find out the dates and book your spot, contact them on the following phone number: +230 263 75 08

Grey Reef Shark Mauritius
Grey Reef Shark – Mauritius

My Advice

Among the legendary marine animals one can see in Mauritius, there are also dolphins and whales (humpback whales and sperm whales)!

If you wish to have the chance to observe them during your stay on the island, here are two excursions that I highly recommend:

To learn more about these animals and the excursions available on the island, I invite you to read my 2 detailed guides:

dolphin mauritius
Dolphins in Mauritius

Swimming in Mauritius: What Precautions Should You Take?

Seeing sharks in Mauritius is not uncommon, but attacks on humans are extremely rare. While there is always a certain risk associated with open water swimming, the likelihood of encountering a shark and being attacked is really minimal on the island.

However, one can never be too careful, as we never know what could happen in the future, especially with the ongoing climate change, which is altering the habitats and behaviors of some species.

So, to take no risks and enjoy the Indian Ocean with peace of mind during your vacation in Mauritius, here are the main safety guidelines to follow:

  • Do not stray too far from the shore and avoid swimming out to open sea
  • Avoid also areas teeming with fish
  • Do not swim at dawn or after sunset (when sharks are likely to feed)
  • During diving or snorkeling, strictly follow the instructions given by your guides.

The Role of Sharks in the Marine Ecosystem of Mauritius

Sharks play a crucial role in the balance of the marine ecosystem in Mauritius. As top predators in the food chain, they help regulate the populations of many marine species, thus contributing to maintaining biodiversity.

These magnificent creatures cull sick or overabundant fish, allowing ecosystems to remain healthy and dynamic. Imagine, without sharks, some species might reproduce uncontrollably, potentially disrupting the entire marine environment.

The corals, so vital to marine life, depend on the presence of sharks to thrive.

Unfortunately, sharks are often seen only as a threat to humans, whereas in reality, attacks are very rare and their presence is essential for the health of our oceans.

In fact, it’s humans who pose a danger to sharks. Humans kill them in large numbers due to overfishing and destroy their habitats.

Case in point, in Mauritius, most of the existing species are considered endangered:

  • the grey reef shark is listed by the IUCN as a vulnerable species and “near-threatened” due to overfishing and habitat degradation
  • the same goes for the white-tip reef shark
  • the hammerhead shark is currently endangered
  • the bull shark is also seeing its population decrease due to fishing and habitat loss.

The situation is truly alarming for the marine environment as a whole, and particularly for sharks.

Changing our perception of sharks and protecting them means safeguarding our precious biodiversity and ensuring that the waters of Mauritius remain rich and alive.

Of course, it’s crucial to take precautions, but let’s not forget that the ocean belongs to its inhabitants first, before us.

Marine creatures deserve our respect, as they play a vital role in the balance of the planet. By adopting a respectful attitude towards these animals, we can better coexist with them and preserve the beauty and health of our seas.

That’s all for this guide on sharks in Mauritius, hoping it has reassured you and will help you enjoy a peaceful vacation while enjoying the ocean!

Travel Insurance for Mauritius: My Advice

My Advice

Many travelers wrongly assume that healthcare in Mauritius is affordable and that they don’t need travel insurance. But in reality, the public health system is fragile and even the simplest consultation in a private clinic can be very expensive!

This is why it’s essential to take out travel insurance with good medical coverage before you go.

For a safe trip, I recommend the following two insurance options (both include epidemic coverage – such as for COVID-19, which is very important!)

Signing up is very easy; you just need to click on the orange links below:

Book your trip and save!
🏨 Book your hotel
🚗 Rent a car
🗽 Book your tickets and guided tours
🏄 Book your sports activities
🚤 Rent a boat
🌍 Get your travel insurance
✈️ Book your flight

You’re traveling to Mauritius? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mauritius: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mauritius are listed there.

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sharks mauritius
Sharks in Mauritius
Anonymous

I've been living in Mauritius for ten years now, and I'm passionate about this jewel of the Indian Ocean. As I love exploring and writing, I have created this blog to give you all my best tips to organize your trip to Mauritius!

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