Anchored in its regional environment, the island has undergone African, Eastern, Indian, European and Malagasy influences.

Mahorese gastronomy
Rich and varied flavors
Satisfying your taste buds in Mayotte is not complicated, you still have to know where and especially what to eat. Obviously, the mama brochetti experience (women who make kebabs) is often a recommended step. But if you are not a fan of meat skewers or chicken wings (grilled mabawa), there are many solutions available to you.

The dishes that are often served in restaurants are mataba or feliki mhogo (cassava leaves crushed and cooked in coconut milk) or romazava (meat or fish broth accompanied by mafana brèdes). These are served with white rice and for those who like dishes spiced with pepper, commonly called poutou.

The pilao (with beef or chicken) is also a must. But to think outside the box, you can ask to taste traditional dishes that

are usually made on special occasions. This is particularly the case of trovi ya nadzi (bananas with coconut, topped with meat or fish), mtsolola (stew of bananas, breadfruit and cassava, with fish or meat), mhogo wa piki (dried cassava balls cooked in coconut milk) or ubu wa ndrimu (lemony rice soup with seafood). These rich dishes are largely satiating.

In fact, there are few Mahorais desserts. Among these are in particular Toubtoub (cassava dumplings dried in coconut) or fenyenyetsi (rice cake cooked in coconut milk). But nothing beats the succulent seasonal fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, papayas (also excellent in salty salads when they are green), cinnamon apples or even guavas.

Immersion in the history of Mayotte
From the 13th century, the island came under the influence of clans from the Swahili and South Arabian coast. Then in the 16th century, Shirazian migrants established sultanates on the island. A large division will reign over the Comoros archipelago. The era of the “battling sultans” arrived, followed by the Malagasy invasions.

Adriantsouli, former King Sakalavian converted to Islam, who proclaimed himself sultant of the island, cedes the latter to France on April 25, 1841.

The Art of Bandrélé Salt
Go and meet the “mama shingo”… They will explain each step of the production of this totally natural salt with a unique taste: the picking up, directly on the soil of the silt, loaded with salt after the seafood, the making of the mounds. of silt using a coconut cut in half, the filtration which consists of putting the silt in basins found clogged with a bag of rice which serves as a filter and to sprinkle it with water of sea ​​to obtain a heated liquid in large rectangular tanks, regularly stirred.

A liquid which will therefore evaporate little by little and will only leave in the tank a salt of an astonishing whiteness! This will then be packaged in small bags offered for sale in the pretty museum house, managed by the ANPCBA association. You will also find, on clear and precise panels, the detailed explanation of this whole process.

The M’sindzano
By rubbing a piece of sandalwood on a coral stone, the dark grain of this ‘mask table’ turns the wood into powder.

The women add a few drops of water to it and then apply the creamy white paste obtained on the face, either in the form of a mask or by drawing ornamental patterns which repeat themselves.

This traditional makeup provides a natural screen against the sun and erases impurities from the skin. Giving women an exotic charm, msindzano, which can be prepared with other powders such as saffron or turmeric, is a natural scent of seduction.

Kibushi and Shimaoré languages
In addition to French, two languages ​​are spoken in Mayotte: shimaoré (chimaoré) and kibushi.
Shimaoré, a language of Swahili origin, is spoken by the majority of the population. Kibushi is of Malagasy origin, especially from northwestern Madagascar. These two languages ​​interfere and therefore have certain words in common. Shimaoré and kibushi are mainly oral languages, but recently, work is underway to fix them. What writings, what letters used? So many questions that the Shimé association is working to resolve.

The Mahorese languages ​​have Arabic influences linked in particular to the strong influence of the practice of Islam and the attendance of Koranic schools. But at the present time, it is French that influences its languages, to such an extent that we speak of the process of “creolization” especially among the new generation.The phenomenon is even more important in children under five, most of whom speak only French. The kibushiphones villages are spread geographically from the south and north west of Mayotte as well as in certain districts of Mamoudzou and Pamandzi.
The shimaore remains however dominant on the whole island.

Traditional outfits
The traditional Mahoraises outfit is the salouva, made up of three pieces: the salouva itself, a large strip of fabric sewn and tied at the chest, a t-shirt often close to the body also called a “body”, and a kishali, shawl covering the hair or placed on the shoulder.

There are several types of salouva, worn depending on the occasion: embroidery salouva, which can be very expensive, is preferred for important ceremonies. While megalin and nambawane are more common.

With the mixing of population, the outfits evolve and the young generation tends to get rid of the salouva and only casually wear a shawl on their hair or shoulders. The chiromani from Anjouan,
made of a single piece of fabric, in which the woman drapes herself, is also very common and many brides prefer the Indian sari.

M’sinzano (paste made from sandalwood) is very common for sun protection. It can be worn as a full face mask or as delicate decorations to highlight the fine features of the face. For men, if daily attire remains in Western fashion, the kandzu (embroidered boubou) can be worn for all religious occasions, and in particular with the djoho (velvet coat embroidered with gold thread) at weddings.

The kofia – small hat – is also worn very commonly, on a daily basis.

The island of Mayotte and its influences
Anchored in its regional environment, the island has undergone African, Eastern, Indian, European and Malagasy influences.

Mayotte is at the center of the Mozambique Channel; by virtue of its history, the majority of the population is of muslim faith, by its political choices, it is french. Most traditions thus combine Muslim customs and ancestral animist practices, such as rumbus ceremonies, where spirits (jinn or trumba in kibushi) are invoked through fundis, often through alcohol and against a background of very rhythmic music. The fabrication of gris-gris and its consequences – positive or negative – is still widely practiced.

On the contrary, the month of Ramadan and religious festivals such as Eid el Fitr, Eid el Kebir and Maoulida are sacred. Mayotte is the perfect example that Islam and the Republic are totally compatible. July 14, a national holiday, is an opportunity for the population to greet the symbols of the Republic during the annual parade. Similarly, religious notables are systematically associated with national commemorative ceremonies.

The population lives in harmony on a small territory where Mahorais, Indians, Africans, Malagasy and metropolitan people live together. The mixtures and interbreeding occur naturally and the practice of languages ​​is a perfect example of influences: Shimaoré, a language from Swahili, has integrated terms from French, Arabic, and even from English and French. ‘Italian.

The cohabitation of shimaoré and kibushi is a good illustration of the close links that exist between Madagascar and Mayotte. If Western influence is omnipresent, several local sociologists and linguists are carrying out identity research and seeking to establish the bases of “mahority”, between religion, traditions and ethnic mixing.

Mayotte, a tolerant Islam omnipresent in everyday life
In Mayotte, the Muslim religion is present in all aspects of life.
The first traces of the Islamization of the island of Mayotte date back to the 9th century AD and today the majority of the island’s population practice it. Thus, before sunrise (between 4.30 a.m. and 5 a.m.), men go to mosques (most homes are within a 10-minute walk of a place of worship) to perform the first of five prayers that punctuate the day. Children go to madrassas (Koranic schools), before or after secular republican school to receive religious education.

In Mayotte, Islam is not just a religious practice, it is a way of life.
All events, large and small, are accompanied by religious practices. One invocation is never too much to win the favor of Allah, whether you are going on a trip, inaugurating your home, organizing a wedding, taking a professional competition or simply leaving your home. for the day.

So don’t be surprised to hear the Mahorais punctuate their sentences with the expression “Inch’Allah” or its Mahorese equivalent “Neka mungu a vendze” (God willing)!

To play with the evil eye, some children wear around their neck a “hirizi”, a talisman in which are locked verses from the Koran and many houses have above their front door folded sheets of paper on which there are prayers of protection.

But as Mayotte is a land of mixed race, Islam in Mayotte coexists perfectly with other religious practices. It even happens to mix with some of them. This is particularly the case with certain disenchantment ceremonies such as the “roumbou”, of Malagasy origin or the “ziara” (places of commemoration of ancestors, a practice of animist origin).

This pervasive dimension of Islam is further exacerbated during the holy month of Ramadan.
Everything is organized so that believers can live this festive month as well as possible. Shops and administrations are shifting their closing hours to give families time to prepare foutari (fast breaking meal) . Secular activities such as concerts or beach walks are put on hold and the manifestation of faith is materialized by the resumption of aloud the verses of the Koran during the night prayer of “tarawihi”.

A culture rich in tradition
In Mayotte, the Muslim religion is present in all aspects of life. The first traces of the Islamization of the island date back to the 9th century AD and today the majority of the island’s population practice it.

Thus, before sunrise (between 4.30 a.m. and 5 a.m.), men go to mosques (most homes are within a 10-minute walk of a place of worship) to perform the first of five prayers that punctuate the day.

Children go to madrassas (Koranic schools), before or after secular republican school to receive religious education. In Mayotte, Islam is not just a religious practice, it is a way of life. All events, large and small, are accompanied by religious practices.

One invocation is never too much to win the favor of Allah, whether you are going on a trip, inaugurating your home, organizing a
wedding, taking a professional competition or simply leaving your home. for the day. So don’t be surprised to hear the Mahorais punctuate their sentences with the expression “Inch’Allah” or its Mahorese equivalent “Neka mungu a vendze” (God willing)!

To play with the evil eye, some children wear around their neck a “hirizi”, a talisman in which are locked verses from the Koran and many houses have above their front door folded sheets of paper on which there are prayers of protection.

But as Mayotte is a land of mixed race, Islam in Mayotte coexists perfectly with other religious practices. It even happens to mix with some of them. This is particularly the case with certain disenchantment ceremonies such as the “roumbou”, of Malagasy origin or the “ziara” (places of commemoration of ancestors, a practice of animist origin).

This pervasive dimension of Islam is further exacerbated during the holy month of Ramadan. Everything is organized so that believers can live this festive month as well as possible. Shops and administrations are shifting their closing hours to give families time to prepare foutari (fast breaking meal).

Secular activities such as concerts or beach walks are put on hold and the manifestation of faith is materialized by the resumption of aloud verses from the Koran during the night prayer of the “tarawihi”.

By putting down your suitcases in Mayotte, a change of scenery is guaranteed. Indeed, between the tropical climate, the omnipresent nature and the culture at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean, you can forget all your landmarks and let yourself be carried away by the charms of Hippocampus Island.

In the shade of baobabs, refuge of lemurs and jinns
In the heart of the Saziley Marine and Land Park (2,800 ha), and in the extreme south-east of the island, discover a pleasant, often shaded path.

From the village of M’tsamoudou, the path crosses an African savanna landscape. Baobabs, symbols of the coastal dry forest, emerge on either side of the bushy vegetation. Mayotte has two species, a unique phenomenon overseas: the African baobab with white flowers and the Madagascan baobab with red flowers, the latter species being rarer.

The lemurs, adorable lemurs signaling their presence with little cries, find refuge in these trees which seem to raise their roots in an unusual way towards the sky. The legend says that the baobabs would shelter the spirits of the ancestors (jinn). After a black pebble beach, you will tread the clear sands of the magnificent M’tsanga Saziley beach and swim to the coral reefs in the company of the turtles. In the distance will sparkle the astonishing “white sand island”.

Protected endemic species
Mayotte has a very rich fauna, some species of which are endemic to the island. Their fragile subsistence in an increasingly urbanized environment has led to the protection of these unique species that can only be found on these 375 km2 of land in the Indian Ocean.

The lemur, emblematic animal of Mayotte
The lemur (Lemur fulvus mayottensis), a species endemic to Mayotte, is an animal protected by the Washington convention.

Playful and mischievous, the lemur, although wild, can be sociable when you have bananas to offer. Their food consists of fruits, berries, nuts, leaves and sometimes insects and eggs. Active day and night, lemurs prefer a long rest around noon. During your walks in the forest, keep your eyes open because it is not uncommon to observe them in the middle of nature. It is estimated that there are currently 2,000 makis in Mayotte.

The Drongo de Mayotte, an endangered forest bird…
The Drongo de Mayotte is an endemic bird whose species is characteristic of the Mahorese forests. Considered to be very rare and threatened by deforestation raging in Mayotte in recent decades, this little-known bird was then classified as “critically endangered”. The drongos live in pairs, the male and the female are identical and produce powerful and rhythmic sounds. You can observe them in all the forest areas of the island except the dry forests of Saziley and the massif of Choungui.

The Souïmanga, bird close to man…
The Mayotte Souïmanga lives in pairs and often takes up residence in shrub beds that are often found in gardens such as bougainvillea, hibiscus or even multiplying palm trees. It is therefore possible to observe them all over the island because the Souïmanga has adapted well to contact with humans and it does not hesitate to nest in town. The oval ball shaped nest is constructed with intertwined dry grasses and spider web threads. These birds, which live in pairs all year round, have a very elaborate breeding strategy that allows the species to survive.

Hikes for all levels
What could be more beautiful and exotic than a dip in the tropical forest. In addition to its lagoon, Mayotte has a very rich forest. More than a hundred kilometers of marked hiking trails, allowing you to discover the island from the inside.

In Petite-Terre, the dziani mtiti
The Dziani Lake Crater Tour Trail is very easily accessible. As a family, from grandparents to grandchildren, everyone will enjoy a quiet ride with unparalleled views over the north of Mayotte. Mamoudzou facing this lake, the walker is both in the forest, but with a view of the urbanized capital.

North: the Dziani Bolé trail
This breathtaking path starts from Bouyouni and is appreciated for its authenticity. The walker will discover on his way a padza, the hill reservoir of Dzoumogné. It will also have a view of the port of Mayotte, one of the island’s economic centers. Then continuing north, it will cross Mtsahara and Mtsamboro with a view of the northern islets and even if the weather is clear, over Anjouan.

Center: The Chiconi-Mtsangamouji trail
This route allows you to cross the mangrove, a veritable aquatic forest, protecting the lagoon where the visible roots serve as filters for the lagoon. But above all, this path allows you to follow in the footsteps of history. A real plunge into the not so distant past where the Bambao company produced copra in Combani. A look back at colonization and the workers involved… with the remains of the Soulou sugar factory. It is also a shaded path which allows refreshing breaks in the rivers, and rich in perfume because it is strewn with giant cinnamon trees and ylang-ylang stems.

From Mtsamoudou to Dapani via Saziley, the landscape is splendid, with baobabs, pebble beaches or sands of all shades.

The hiking trails are not very long and are done in about three hours. Children of around ten can participate in this moment full of authenticity. With these trails of the GR, it is another tourism, greener that is practiced.

Coconi Botanical Garden
Discover the Coconi Botanical Garden, in the center of the island, and its plants from Mayotte.
In the center of Mayotte, Coconi is part of Ouangani, the only one of the 17 municipalities of the island without a coastal frontage. On an old agricultural estate dating from colonial times, the Coconi pleasure garden, managed by the General Council, lists magnificent orchids and presents, in a tropical, soothing setting of more than two hectares, a concentrate of plant species endemic to Mayotte.

Coconi botanical park, half an hour from Mamoudzou by car.
Duration of the visit: around 30min.
Child-friendly outings.

The scent island of Ylang
The bewitching scent of ylang-ylang, this delicate yellow star-shaped flower with six long petals will accompany each of your escapades on the trails of Mayotte.

Flowering takes place several times a year. The trees are recognizable by their gray bark and their tortured ramifications because they are topped off to remain at picking height.

Ylang-ylang is so intoxicating that it has seduced the most famous perfumers. You will meet several producers of ylang-ylang essence, distilling the flowers of their plantations in beautiful stills, particularly in the center of the island, around Combani. A visit to be privileged: the ecomuseum of vanilla and ylang-ylang.

Ylang Ylang Distillery Mayotte The distillation of fresh ylang ylang flower is done with water in stills which extract an essential oil in several fractions. Distillation lasts 12 to 20 hours, with the best fractions collected in the first two hours. The distiller adds more flowers as it is heated, approximately every 3 hours. The product of the different distillations is distinguished according to the density of the essence: Extra S, Extra, First, Second and Third. The Extra superior and Extra normal fractions as well as the First are intended for luxury perfumery, the Second and Third being intended for cosmetics, soaps and detergents. It takes about 100 kg of flowers to make 2 kg of gasoline.

The red desert of the padzas
This beautiful geological site is located in the south of the island: the red of the soil, the green of the surrounding vegetation, the blue of the lagoon make up a magnificent picture.

You access it by the lower part of the padza from the road. A few steps at the bottom of a gorge of red earth, dominated by steep walls whose crests stand out against the blue sky. A small staircase of stones wedged by an iron net allows you to climb in a few minutes to the platform. Up there, the view of the lagoon is exceptional. The color contrasts, so beautiful the good weather is part of the game, is striking.

hiking info:
Duration: 20min
Difficulty: very low
Advice: hold the hands of the children to climb the stairs and on the platform

The padzas
The padzas are the result of uncontrolled erosion. The bare ground is almost completely sterile and will silt up the lagoon with each new rain. The causes of this erosion are both human and natural: tropical showers, burns, deforestation, zebus and stray animals … The Department of Agriculture and Forestry began, in 1980, a rehabilitation section of the “padzas” with , in particular, tree plantations, including Acacia mangium.

Karihani lake
Lake Karihani, or ‘dziani Karihani’ in shimaoré, is the only natural freshwater lake in Mayotte. Often covered with water lilies and other aquatic plants, it attracts many birds all year round.

Refuge for egrets, herons and moorhens, the lake extends over several hectares during the rainy season (or ‘kashkazi’).

On the shores of the lake, grow cinnamon trees and passionflowers, a tropical climbing plant that gives passion fruit with a tangy flavor.

Cries of birds, water lilies, variety of green tones: the tour of Lake Karihani, near the village of Tsingoni, is a quiet and exotic stroll. In the gaps in the vegetation, you can contemplate a small beach and, in height, the village of Tsingoni. The path is on the right when coming from Tsingoni, about 1km from the college. Calm and serenity guaranteed.

Mont Choungui: A 360 ° panorama
Mount Choungui dominates the south of the island: its perfect and abrupt cone, 594 meters high, can be seen from both Petite-Terre and Sada. Its ascent, possible during the dry season, is one of the ‘must’ of the island.

The approach walk, from the village of Choungui, is easy. But part of the climb is very steep, requiring you to grab hold of the roots and logs.

At the top, a platform (hold children’s hands well) allows you to picnic in front of an astonishing panorama: lagoon as far as the eye can see, reef barrier hemmed in white, islets of Bambo and Bamdrélé, white islet, and colored reefs emerald, advances of Saziley, N’Gouja and Bouéni, the villages of Chirongui, Kani-Kéli, Poroani, the islet of Sada and even Petite-Terre!

Hiking Info:
Duration: 2 hours, including 20 minutes spent at the top
Difficulty: important
Advice: Not recommended for children under 12 years old. Provide appropriate supervision.

Around Lake Dziani, the emerald gem of Petite-Terre
The Dziani (lake in Shimahorais) Dzaha is an emerald green crater lake, located north of Petite-Terre. On the Badamiers road, the path climbs gently towards the path which encircles the lake. Take it in a clockwise direction. You will admire the Dzaoudzi rock, a former fortified capital, its marina, Grande-Terre and the turquoise waters of the large reef to the northeast.

From the faré magnificently overhanging the beaches of Moya, you can either go down towards them or complete the tour of the lake.

Hiking Info:
Duration: 1h30
Difficulty: easy (the path going around the lake is flat, but there is no shade)
Advice: do not go down towards the lake and hold the hands of children because the path is sometimes narrow.

The steps
Papaya, mangoes, passion fruits, bananas, pineapples, cassava, breadfruit.…
The colorful stalls run by women with nonchalant postures are where we find the largest variety of fruits and vegetables.

The new Mamoudzou market near the barge and the Tourism Committee offers a wide choice, while also exhibiting spices, clothing, fabrics and crafts. The Coconi farmers’ market, which is quite successful and brings together many artisans, opens the first Saturday of each month.

The lagoon: a nursery (whales, turtles, dolphins …)
With its 1100 km2 and the richness of its biodiversity, the lagoon of Mayotte is the first overseas to be declared a Marine Natural Park since 2010 and thus having become the second in France.

In addition to its 195 km reef barrier, the lagoon of Mahora also has an internal coral barrier.

The turquoise waters of the lagoon of Mayotte represent an exceptional biodiversity terrain in which a good number of emblematic species of marine fauna are listed:
– 760 different fish species
– 22 species of marine mammals or 1/4 of the world’s diversity
– Humpback whales, dolphins, dugongs
– 2 types of sea turtles: the hawksbill turtle and green turtle which are present all year round.

The lagoon’s potential is enhanced by the ideal conditions for the expansion of mammals (seagrass, warm waters, coral reefs, etc.) which constitute a refuge for them. Its biodiversity is accentuated by that contained in the fish nursery, namely the mangrove which covers an area of ​​7.3 km2.

Throughout the year you can observe sea turtles and attend the dolphin ballet. From July to November, the waters of the lagoon in Mahora become a real nursery for the humpback whales which move with their young as the days go by.

The S-shaped pass: flagship site of the Mayotte lagoon, constitutes a true marine nature reserve of great diversity and exceptional beauty. It represents the privileged site of diving enthusiasts and image hunters par excellence.

Thanks to the efforts of the Mayotte Marine Natural Park, this threatened biodiversity is prone to better preservation, with new measures put in place such as: the Anchorage Plan, the Marine Mammal Approach Charter or the awareness of tourist operators. but also to the Biodiversity Plan of the IUCN of Mayotte.

Beaches for all tastes
You can of course take advantage by going out to sea. For lovers of white sand, the detour to the islets of Mtsanga Tshohole (or islet of white sand) and Bandrélé in the South, Mtzamboro and Choizil in the North is worth it. stroke. With the reward, breathtaking landscapes and a swim in crystal clear waters.

But for those who prefer to bathe while having a foothold, Mayotte has multiple and magnificent beaches. The most popular are Ngouja (commune of Kani-Kéli), Musicale Plage, Sakouli (black sand beaches in the commune of Bandrélé), Moya (Petite Terre) or even Tanaraki (commune of Mtsangamouji).

In addition, almost all the towns on the island are located by the sea. Therefore, if you want to combine a city atmosphere with that of the beach, the Faré beach in Petite Terre is the ideal place. For a more relaxed and family atmosphere, Mbouini and Mbouanatsa seem ideal. But there are unspoiled beaches that are just as pleasant, and to get there, it will take a little effort. In Papani in Petite Terre, you will first have to go through Lake Dziani if ​​the tide is high. Otherwise, a good twenty minutes walk is necessary from Moya beach. It is the same in Sohoa in the center of the island, where the large beach and its facilities hide another, quieter, hidden from view, wilder.Other hidden treasures of this kind are visible at Mtsanga Fanu (in the village of Mtsangadoua in the North), at the beach of the Phare (between Hamouro and Sakouli in the municipality of Bandrélé), the beach of Saziley (municipality of Bandrélé) or the prefect’s beach (municipality of Mtzamboro). The characteristic of the beaches of Mahorais is that apart from the islets, these are bordered by many trees including majestic baobabs in the South. Therefore, the parasol is not essential!Therefore, the parasol is not essential!Therefore, the parasol is not essential!

The marine natural park
FIRST OVERSEAS NATURAL MARINE PARK
France, the second maritime nation by its surface area, is particularly aware of the richness and the fragility of this little-known heritage that is the seabed.

This is why an ambitious maritime policy is at work through the Marine Natural Parks.
Their objectives: to know and protect the marine environment while allowing the reasoned development of human activities.
A sizeable challenge when you know that Mayotte has a maritime cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in customs.

Varied traditional fishing, the use of corals and shells, are all practices that must be preserved while respecting the unique biodiversity that the lagoon shelters.

One of the largest and richest French marine areas
It was in Mayotte, in 2010, that the very first overseas marine natural park was created, with a surface area of ​​68,400 km2. That of Glorieuses, two years later, added its 43,500 km2 to this area of ​​protection of aquatic flora and fauna, making it one of the largest French marine protected areas (110,000 km2).

Considered a global hotspot for biodiversity with its mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs and reef beds, not to mention its 1,300 km2 of lagoon closed by a double barrier, “a very rare phenomenon since there are only ten in the world. »Specifies the Marine Natural Park of Mayotte in its book: ‘Discovering Marine Natural Parks’.

The essential barge
Once out of the airport, a real change of scenery awaits foreign tourists.
The visitor thus has a choice: the barge, reserved for pedestrians and two-wheelers, or the amphidrome, for pedestrians and vehicles.

Once on board, you will realize the beauty of the island you have come to visit. While a stream of fresh air will caress you, the sound of the engine will rock you throughout the crossing which will take you to Mamoudzou, the capital, in 15 minutes. “Volé volé” (slowly, gently) the barges operate their back and forth between Grande Terre and Petite Terre.

Lagoon happiness
The double coral reef which surrounds the 101st department is a unique asset. The 12 passes which allow access from the ocean to the lagoon are distributed all around the island, thus offering exceptional spots for divers.

The beauty of “La Passe en S” – which alone has 13 diving spots – is recognized throughout the world, and it is not uncommon to observe majestic manta rays and hawksbill turtles. . Reef fish abound and the corals are beautiful. The lucky ones will be able to observe gray or white tip sharks, but contrary to their reputation, they are quite averse to public outings!

The main asset of the Mahorese lagoon is to offer its wonders to divers of all levels. The less adventurous can thus set off to attack the “potatoes” of multicolored corals, which can be observed in Saziley, just a few meters from the beach. For that you just need to equip yourself with fins, mask and snorkel, and let’s go for long minutes of wonder. The lagoon’s underwater fauna includes more than 800 species of fish, some of which are endangered.

Diving clubs are numerous and offer services for all levels, from simple baptisms to night dives.

The boat pass to the south of the island offers three dive sites with drop offs of up to 90 meters. Lovers of pelagic fish and sharks will find their happiness here, with species such as groupers, groupers and barracudas, but also hammerhead, whale and tiger sharks.