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Submarine Tour in Mauritius: Price, Reviews and Essential Tips

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By on Mauritius

Mauritius Submarine Adventure: A Journey to the Ocean’s Depths

Are you looking for an extraordinary experience during your stay in Mauritius?

How about a submarine tour in the Indian Ocean?

Among the must-do activities in Mauritius, it’s surely one of the most unusual.

I was lucky enough to try it out, and I’m telling you all about it in this article!

Onboard Blue Safari’s submersible, I was able to explore the Mauritian seabed at a depth of over 30 meters, comfortably seated in a cabin with exceptional visibility.

I saw hundreds of colorful fish, large and small, sea anemones, corals, and even marine turtles just a few meters away. It was as if I was swimming alongside them, without leaving the comfort of the submarine!

It was honestly an incredible experience and a magical way to explore the underwater world without getting wet.

It’s an activity I highly recommend if you want to have a different and unforgettable experience during your holiday in Mauritius.

So how does a submarine tour in Mauritius work? Where does it take place, how much does it cost, and what can you expect?

I’ll explain everything here!

Submarine tour in Mauritius: My experience

There are few places in the world where just about anyone can board a real submarine for a guided tour more than 30 meters below the sea.

But in Mauritius, it’s possible!

This is the kind of unique outing that Blue Safari offers at Trou-aux-Biches, in the north of the island, giving you an extraordinary chance to explore the Indian Ocean aboard a modern submarine.

Comfortably nestled inside their submersible, you’ll dive into a fascinating world, up close with the marine flora and fauna, during a 40-minute dive.

I had the opportunity to have this world-unique experience at the end of the year 2024, and it’s a moment I won’t soon forget.

Let’s face it, it’s not every day that you get to dive in a submarine!

Here’s what happened:

Our dive was scheduled for 1 p.m. and we were to meet at the Blue Safari office at 12:30 p.m. for a short briefing and then to head to the submarine and get settled in.

Blue Safari Mauritius
Arrival at Blue Safari – Submarine Excursion in Mauritius

We were warmly welcomed with a small iced tea, then briefed on the excursion before heading to the beach a few meters away, where the boat was waiting for us.

We were a small group of 10 people, including 3 young children (the submarine can accommodate a maximum of 10 passengers, plus the pilot).

Once on board, we set off for a short 10-minute crossing of the lagoon to join Betty. The Betty is an old trawler converted by Blue Safari into a floating base for the submarine. It serves as the mother ship for submersion departures.

Blue Safari jetty
The jetty – Departure to the submarine – Mauritius
submarine departure Mauritius
Setting off on the adventure!
Arrival on the Betty - Blue Safari
Arrival on the Betty – Blue Safari

Having boarded the Betty, we were ready to embark on the submarine. The guide opened the round hatch on the roof of the submersible, revealing a small, tight opening. It was quite the experience to squeeze through and descend the narrow metal ladder into the confined space of the vessel.

From there, we were already beneath the surface of the sea and could feel the adventure beginning!

The submarine has 10 seats, 5 on each side, each equipped with a large porthole. The space is tiny but comfortable. In front of the pilot, a large “windshield” provides a panoramic view of the ocean.

Our guide-pilot put everyone at ease with his humorous and kind safety instructions, then he started the submarine and we were off for a 40-minute excursion in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

The gradual descent was smooth, reaching a maximum depth of 35 meters.

My Advice

For those who wonder if you feel the pressure on board, well not at all!

My husband, who often gets ear pain on planes during landing and takeoff, was a bit apprehensive about the pressure effects in the submarine, but he felt nothing at all.

The submarine is designed to maintain constant pressure, making the descent and ascent almost imperceptible.

Submarine Mauritius
Settling in the submarine

Once underwater, with fish and corals in view, I can tell you everything else fades away. You’re immersed in another world, one that is calm and mesmerizing.

The tour starts on a sandy plain and gradually approaches rocky formations. That’s where the underwater creatures become more plentiful. You can even have fun identifying the different species of fish using the booklet provided.

Visibility is excellent through the porthole, with a slight shrinking effect making the fish appear a little smaller than they actually are.

My Advice

Another amusing aspect of this submarine dive is the change in colors! The guide explained that at a certain depth, some colors cease to exist because sunlight no longer reaches those levels.

For example, pink turns to purple and red becomes brown. I saw it for myself: my fuchsia pink T-shirt on the surface had turned completely violet in the depths! It was so surprising that I spent a while staring at it in disbelief. A real scientific curiosity experienced firsthand 😀

After about ten minutes of admiring the rocks, corals, and fish of all colors, we arrived at an incredible site: a shipwreck!

It’s the wreck of the Star Hope, a 17th-century Japanese trawler that sank in the 1990s.

My Advice

The Star Hope was deliberately sunk at this location in the 1990s to create an artificial reef, aiming to provide new habitats for marine animals in response to the erosion of natural coral reefs.

Today, this wreck is not only a true underwater haven but also an essential diving site in Mauritius.

epave star hope
Arriving at the Star Hope Wreck

Here again, we silently admire the graceful ballet of fish entering and exiting the sunken ship. It’s magical!

And we even had the luck of seeing a stunning marine turtle! She was elegantly perched on a rocky outcrop near the wreck.

After a few minutes, she began to move and then started to swim gracefully towards the surface. It was too beautiful for words, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

My Advice

Especially since turtles are quite rare in this area towards the end of the year (we did the excursion in December).

You have a better chance of seeing them around mid-year, during the southern winter (between May and September), and especially in the late afternoon, according to our guides.

We then passed close to a very populated area, bustling with sea anemones and clownfish (the kids were amazed to see Nemo in real life :D).

And then, after about 30 minutes of the tour, the submarine turned back. It was time to return to base! Ten minutes later, we resurfaced.

Honestly, I didn’t even notice the 40 minutes pass by, it was a timeless moment.

My Advice

If you’re looking for other activity ideas in the north of Mauritius, I invite you to read my complete article here: What to do in Grand Bay and its surroundings?

sous marin maurice hublot
Submarine diving in Mauritius with Blue Safari

At the end of the excursion, a little surprise awaited us: we were presented with a certificate, attesting to our dive at 35 meters depth aboard the submarine.

A nice way to keep a record of this unique experience, and a real treasure for the children, who will no doubt proudly show it off to their friends!

If you too are dreaming of exploring the Mauritian seabed in an unusual way, don’t miss this unique experience during your stay in Mauritius! Book your submarine excursion in Mauritius now by clicking the button below:

I book my submarine dive in Mauritius now! I want to explore the Indian Ocean by submarine in Mauritius

Blue Safari Submarine Mauritius: My review

As I told you, I really loved this experience and it left an unforgettable memory.

I think this activity is particularly suited for:

  • those who cannot or do not want to scuba dive, but who are still fascinated by the underwater world and want to see it with their own eyes – That’s me! ^^
  • children – To give them a magical moment under the water, in complete safety
  • lovers of unusual activities – It’s a unique opportunity to indulge in an extraordinary submarine voyage!

Note that the excursion is accessible to children and even babies.

However, this excursion is not recommended if:

  • you suffer from heart problems
  • you are prone to claustrophobia
  • you are taller than 2 meters (because the confined space inside the submarine will not allow you to be comfortable).

For me, I’m not very comfortable in the water and scuba diving is not my thing. However, I love snorkeling, but that means I have to stay on the surface without being able to explore the depths.

So, the idea of the submarine in Mauritius immediately appealed to me. I was going to be able to meet the sea bed at more than 30m deep, while being comfortably seated and able to breathe normally. What a dream! 😄

Blue Safari submarine
Blue Safari Submarine – Mauritius

To be honest, before starting, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Would the visibility be good through the portholes? Would the space be comfortable, or could it feel claustrophobic?

In the end, I was amazed. The visibility is outstanding: thanks to the large front windows and individual portholes, you see everything as if you were right there. And although the submarine is small, it remains comfortable.

It’s possible to take photos through the portholes and the results are pretty cool, even if colors and details might be slightly subdued by the glass.

That said, if I may offer a tip, it would be to put your phone away during the dive to truly enjoy the experience without missing a bit. The memories etched in your mind will be far more precious and vivid than any photo 🙂

My Advice

Quick tip: during the dive, I pressed my face against the porthole and cupped my hands around my eyes to block out the window frame. And just like that, I felt as if I were completely submerged with the fish. Magical!

Over the 40-minute dive (which goes by way too fast!), I observed fish of all sizes, stunning corals, a turtle (🤩), and fascinating rock formations. It felt like being in another world.

The only downside: it’s over too quickly! The 40 minutes fly by as you forget about everything else down there.

I am sure that experienced divers experience these moments with even more intensity, without the barrier of the submarine. But honestly, for people like me who aren’t completely comfortable in the water, this is a great alternative and it’s truly worth it.

Cherry on top: the submarine excursion in Mauritius is environmentally friendly. With its electric battery and gentle movements, the submarine does not disturb marine life. The fish, used to this quiet vehicle, continue their ballet as if nothing was happening.

My Advice

Looking for other unforgettable activities in Mauritius?

Here’s my top 5 thrilling experiences not to be missed during your trip to Mauritius:

(Click on the orange links for details and to book your spots)

1. Catamaran cruise to the Northern islets – A day at sea in paradise with stops at several islands

2. Seaplane flight over the underwater waterfall – A breathtaking once-in-a-lifetime experience!

3. All-day cruise to Île aux Cerfs (with onboard barbecue) – Sail through the stunning Eastern lagoon, snorkel, and explore Île aux Cerfs

4. Private Southwest tour – Discover Chamarel, Black River Gorges, Grand Bassin and more with a passionate local guide

5. Guided hike to Morne Brabant at sunrise – The must-do hike in Mauritius with an exceptional view from the summit!

BONUS – My personal favorite: Kayaking adventure on Amber Island – An off-the-beaten-path adventure in the heart of a mangrove forest!

sous marin maurice
Diving in a Submarine in Mauritius – A Unique and Unusual Activity in the World!

I also think it’s great that this activity allows you to admire all the marine creatures in their natural habitat, without disturbing them. It feels more ethical and authentic than watching them in aquariums where they’re captive and deprived of their freedom.

In short, whether you’re a novice diver, curious, or simply looking for a unique activity in Mauritius, I can only recommend this incredible experience.

I book my submarine dive in Mauritius now! I want to explore the Indian Ocean by submarine in Mauritius

Mauritius Submarine Tour: Price and Reservation

So, does a submarine excursion in Mauritius sound tempting to you?

Here’s what you need to know:

  • the dive lasts 40 minutes, but count on a full 2-hour excursion including the round-trip boat ride, briefing, and setup
  • the activity is open to all ages, even babies less than a year old
  • the only restrictions apply to individuals with heart conditions and claustrophobia

Regarding the rates:

  • Adult rate: 126€
  • Child rate (3-11 years): 78€
  • Baby rate (0-2 years): 38€

My Advice

It’s also possible to sign up for an accompanying person package if you don’t want to participate in the dive. This lets you accompany your loved ones to the submarine and wait for them comfortably on the Betty. You get to enjoy the boat ride and the cocktail shared upon return.

It’s a budget for sure, but I assure you, the experience is well worth the cost! If you can, I highly recommend treating yourself to this gift during your stay. It would be a shame to miss out on this unusual and unique experience in the world.

You can book your submarine dive in Mauritius directly by clicking here.

Reserving your submarine excursion in Mauritius through the Manawa platform ensures you get the same price as booking directly with Blue Safari while saving time. The payment is 100% secure, and once the reservation is made, you receive all the activity details (date, time, things to bring) by email and SMS.

Blue Safari will then contact you directly to provide practical information.

You should book your spots as early as possible because it’s a highly sought-after activity and unique on the island, with only a few slots per day, so the spots go fast!

Book your submarine dive in Mauritius without delay by clicking the button below:

I book my submarine dive in Mauritius now! I want to explore the Indian Ocean by submarine in Mauritius

Practical Information for Experiencing the Submarine in Mauritius

On the day, make sure to wear a comfortable outfit that you’re comfortable sitting in for an extended period.

You’ll be told this when you make your reservation, but be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts. This gives you time to get settled, enjoy your welcome drink, and receive the safety briefing before going to the boat.

Finally, be aware that the dive may be postponed in case of bad weather. In such an event, you will be notified by email and SMS.

So here’s what you should prepare for your submarine excursion in Mauritius:

  • a comfortable outfit
  • arrive 15 minutes early
  • a smartphone or camera if you wish to capture images during the dive

Oh, and one last interesting thing to know: the oxygen circulated inside the submarine is medical oxygen, not compressed air as in diving tanks. This means there are no issues with flying in the hours before or after your submarine dive in Mauritius!

So you can easily plan this excursion as soon as you arrive, to start your trip in Mauritius beautifully, or at the end to finish it with flair 🙂

I book my submarine dive in Mauritius now! I want to explore the Indian Ocean by submarine in Mauritius

Travel Insurance for Mauritius: My Advice

My Advice

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

That’s why it’s essential to get travel insurance with good medical coverage before you leave.

To ensure 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.

The best itineraries for your trip

Places to Visit

Activities

Organize your stay

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submarine tour mauritius
Blue Safari 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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