When you think of Mauritius, the first things that come to mind are usually crystal-clear lagoons, white sandy beaches, and lush green mountains. But hidden just off the northern coast of the island is something truly unique — an actual submarine experience offered by Blue Safari Submarine in Trou aux Biches. It’s one of the only places in the world where tourists can ride in a real submarine, not just a semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat.

We booked this tour out of curiosity, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of our trip.

What Makes This Unique

Blue Safari operates real, pressurized submarines that can take you as deep as 35 metres (115 feet) under the ocean. The model we went in was the BS 1100, a compact vessel that can carry just 10 people per dive. Because of this small size, the experience feels intimate and a bit like being on a private mission under the sea.

The company has been operating in Mauritius for over 20 years and is the only one in the Indian Ocean offering this kind of certified submarine experience

We arrived at the Blue Safari office in Trou aux Biches, which is around 15–20 minutes from Grand Baie. The area is quiet and surrounded by trees, with the ocean visible just beyond the property.

The office has a small waiting area and a gift shop. The staff gave us a safety briefing and explained the schedule. The team was friendly and multilingual — they spoke both French and English fluently.

While waiting for our time slot, we relaxed at a small beachfront café located next to the Blue Safari office. The café has outdoor seating under the shade of coconut trees, and it overlooks the calm Trou aux Biches bay.

They serve basic snacks, sandwiches, chips, soft drinks, and coffee. If you’re hungry before or after your dive, this is a convenient spot to grab a bite. It’s not fancy, but it does the job — and the view makes up for the simplicity. The cafĂ© is also useful for families or companions who are not going on the submarine ride but want a place to wait comfortably.

When it’s your turn, the team takes you on a 5-minute speedboat ride into the open sea, where a floating barge is anchored. This barge acts as the launch and recovery platform for the submarine.

Here, the submarine docks and the transfer happens. There’s also a small toilet available on the barge, which is the only one you can access before the dive — because there are no toilets inside the submarine. Make sure to use it if needed!

We entered the submarine through a circular hatch on the deck. Once inside, we were seated in a compact cabin with large porthole windows on both sides. Each seat faces a window, so everyone gets a good view.

The pilot and guide sit at the front and explain what you’ll see during the 45-minute dive. The submarine is pressurized, air-conditioned, and safe even for kids above 2 years. They monitor everything carefully and explain safety protocols clearly.

As the submarine descended, the light dimmed and the water turned a deeper shade of blue. While the visibility wasn’t perfect — probably due to slight disturbances in the sea — we were still able to see quite a lot:

  • Coral reefs scattered across the seabed
  • A variety of tropical fish including angelfish, butterflyfish, and some striped species
  • A sunken shipwreck, which was placed there intentionally as an artificial reef
  • Strange underwater rock formations that made the dive feel like exploring another planet

The guide kept giving us updates on the depth, marine life, and what to look out for. The submarine’s windows allow for panoramic underwater views, and you can take as many photos as you want — though the glass may cause slight reflection depending on light.

Important Tips Before You Go

  • Book Early: Slots are limited due to the small size of the submarine.
  • Check Weather Conditions: The dive is weather-dependent. If the sea is too rough, they’ll cancel the trip.
  • Use the Toilet Before Boarding: There are no restrooms inside the submarine. Only one is available on the floating barge.
  • Don’t Expect Perfect Visibility: Depending on currents and sea conditions, the water may not always be crystal clear.
  • Not for the Claustrophobic: While it’s perfectly safe, the space is tight and fully enclosed. There are no open windows or emergency exits you can access yourself.
  • Photography: Bring a good phone or small camera. DSLR might feel bulky inside.

Pricing (as of July 2025)

  • Adults: MUR 5,500 (Approx. â‚ą10,000 or $120)
  • Children (2–12 years): MUR 3,300
  • Infants (under 2): Not allowed

Prices include the full submarine dive, boat transfers, and insurance. You can book via their official site or through most hotel travel desks.

This isn’t your usual underwater trip. It’s a real submarine ride, with the pressure and depth to show you marine life and even a shipwreck in their natural environment. While the visibility can vary and the submarine isn’t spacious, the overall experience is still rare and worth doing.

We especially appreciated the organized schedule, the calm café before the ride, and the feeling of being part of something a little adventurous without needing diving skills.