Are you planning to visit Mayotte? So here is a selection of the best things to do on this beautiful little island of the Indian Ocean!
Located in the Indian Ocean and in the Mozambique Canal, Mayotte is part of the Comoros archipelago . This small corner of French land, lost between Africa and its neighbour Madagascar , belongs to France since 1848 and is now an overseas French department. Mayotte is a small island densely populated. It has more than 250,000 inhabitants for only 376 km2! It is called the "Hippocampe Island" because of its original form that reminds of this iconic animal, but also the island of perfumes, thanks to its intoxicating plantations of ylang-ylang!
Visiting Mayotte will plunge you into a unique, amazing and unknown world. Her lagoon, to whom she owes her second nickname ("The Lagoon Island") is one of the most beautiful in the world... Rich, unique in its kind, it hosts a gigantic double coral barrier, the largest in the world (fortunately for the intrepid traveller, this little corner of paradise is away from the tourist routes).
If you're wondering what to do in Mayotte during your stay, discover our list of 8 essential things to visit in these amazing and unknown islands.
1. Diving or snorkeling
Photo credit: Screenshot Youtube
Visit Mayotte without diving or walking with palm and tuba its magnificent lagoon is absolutely impossible! The closed lagoon of Mayotte is probably the most beautiful thing on the island. Protected by a double coral barrier, the coasts of the island are home to many species of fish and multicolored and incredible corals.
For snorkeling, we recommend you to prefer the south, beautiful spots are located around the Sazilé peninsula, south of Bouéni, but also in the west, off the beaches of Sohoa or Mliha. In these places, the first coral reef is closest to the volcanic coast and cut from Mayotte. So if you ask that to do in Mayotte, the answer is simple: you must do a diving baptism or take some excursions, or put on a mask and tuba!
2. A boat ride
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Stefano Ember
A stay in Mayotte is the opportunity to experience an experience at sea! So, rent a boat you will explore the wonders of the island in another way.
With family or friends, a seaside outing is the perfect idea to discover the islands and paradise beaches that characterize the beauty of Mayotte. Are you wondering what are the most beautiful beaches on the island? White or black sand, at your choice! Discover them later.
3. The white sand beaches
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Frédéric Ducarme
Like any paradise island, Mayotte has beautiful white sandy beaches where you can relax and enjoy a fierce moment. The most beautiful are those of the islets of Mtsanga Tshoholé or Banderele in the South, and Mtzamboro and Choose North. Breathtaking landscape and azure waters await you!
On the island of Grande Terre, we recommend the beautiful beach of Sakouli one of the few black sand beaches in the world!
4. Mount Choungui
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Frédéric Ducarme
If you ask that to do in Mayotte, one of the essential things on your list should be to climb the Mont Choungui . This mountain is one of the highest peaks on the island of Grande-Terre, with its 594 meters high. Mayotte is a volcanic island, offering a unique and fabulous landscape.
From its summit, a magnificent panorama will open to you. You can admire the unloaded coasts of the island and the surrounding mangrove: a magnificent emerald and green gradient! For these reasons, it is one of the most popular hikes and mountains of travellers.
5. The island of Saziley
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Frédéric Ducarme
South of Mayotte is this small island of white sand, only 453 meters long. It is located less than 2 km from the Point Saziley . Surrounded by this sandy strip, there is a magnificent marine park. This is home to rare species, such as the Dugongs, which you can admire during a diving or snorkeling session!
6. Island of Petite Terre and Lake Dziani
Photo credit: Flickr – David Stanley
Connected to Grande Terre by the city Dzaoudzi, Little Earth welcomes many natural wonders and breathtaking scenery, which you must admire urgently during your stay! The Lake Dziani especially deserves your interest. This lake is in the crater of a former volcano extinct for millennia. If its water is greenish and deodorant, the path you will take will offer you a superb view of the Mayotte lagoon and the large broad.
On the island of Petite Terre, in addition to the beautiful walks, we invite you to relax on the beautiful beaches of Moya or Dadni . From Petite-Terre, you can also embark on beautiful underwater adventures!
7. The Botanical Garden of Coconi
Photo credit: Flickr – Forest and Kim Starr
The Botanical garden of Coconi is a must if you plan to visit Mayotte! This magnificent place is located in the heart of an old agricultural estate dating from the colonial era. Managed by the General Council, it houses endemic species on more than 2 hectares.
You can discover and taste the perfumes of many orchids and other beautiful plants from Mayotte, whether it be the small colorful flowers of the island or the very famous ylang-ylang!
8. See also in Mayotte
Photo credit: Flickr – Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
If you are still wondering what to do in Mayotte, here are more attractions to visit and activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Discover local life in cities Dzaouzi or Mamoudzou , enjoy your fast to taste the gastronomy mahoraise! - Walking along Combani trails : It is in this part of the island that there are many plantations of ylang-ylang, which will charm you with their unique fragrance. - Practice veil along the unloaded coasts, a great way to visit Mayotte from a new angle.
How do I get to Mayotte?
To visit Mayotte, you will have to fly: from Paris for example, count between 15h and 24h of flight with stopover (more or less depending on the company/volume chosen). Your entry point on the Moorish lands will be Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi airport, located on the island of Petite Terre. Whatever your departure city and for a flight at the best price, you can consult our partner's website Ulysses .
Where to stay in Mayotte?
If you want to visit Mayotte, know that you won't miss housing options despite the few tourists! On the contrary, you will enjoy more authenticity. Only one question remains: in which city would you like to stay during your stay ? Rooms, apartments and villas await you on site Airbnb while that Compare hotels hosts him, the best rates.
Now you know what to do in Mayotte during your amazing and enchanting stay in this little paradise unknown to the Indian Ocean!
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