Indian Ocean Islands

Inaccessible, specialized and generally popular

Let's start by taking a list of all archipelagos and individual islands in the Indian Ocean and working on it using the elimination method. For example, the British territory in the Indian Ocean (Diego Garcia Atoll, Chagos Archipelago) is excluded: you are unlikely to be able to fly here unless you are a member of the US or British army. The islands of Basa da India, Europa, Juan de Nova and Glorioso are of strategic importance, although the area is comparable to not the largest apartments. Controlled by France. Disputed by Madagascar. Don't get in, and there's no reason to.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Ashmore and Cartier Islands - all these so-called Australian outer territories are not mass tourism destinations. Tourism in the Cocos Islands is just beginning (so, in order to dine at a local restaurant, you need to apply at lunchtime - how else will the chef know how many people to cook for?). Christmas Island is famous for the seasonal migration of red crabs - apart from observing these creatures, there is nothing to do on the island. An ordinary tourist simply has no chance of getting to the other islands listed above. The French Southern and Antarctic territories already by their name hint at what can be expected there - an icy desert. French polar explorers and individual tourists come here during expensive Antarctic eco-cruises.

In Sri Lanka, a bloody conflict between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam recently ended. For security reasons, you should not go to the territory controlled by the Tigers, although, incidentally, tourists did not particularly go there before.

Madagascar is popular among lovers wildlife, which sometimes call the island Lemuria - in honor of the animals that live in abundance on this island. Beach holidays on the island are also very good. Some islands are of interest only to divers, and people indifferent to the underwater world will find it difficult to occupy themselves in the surface world. This is, for example, french island Mayotte (Maore). On the independent Comoros Islands, which are part of the same archipelago, diving is also in first place, but you can still see flying foxes, lemurs (not as many and not as easy as in Madagascar), sea turtles, and humpback whales.

Reunion is highly praised by lovers of wildlife and diving, but they warn that it is better not to consider the island as a separate destination, but to combine it with a visit to Madagascar. A fairly common practice is to combine the Comoros and Madagascar into one route. Of the islands of the Indian Ocean, which are the territory of India, Lakshadweep is a purely diving destination, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can also offer beach holidays. The high season for diving on the Indian islands lasts from mid-November to May.

Wildlife and diving (high quality, high prices, poor infrastructure, best season lasts from February to March) - the main thing for which they go to the Yemeni island of Socotra.

Bahrain (high season from November to March, it is preferable to avoid travel during the holy month of Ramadan) is a beach destination without an abundance of attractions.

Tanzanian archipelago Zanzibar, former Islands spices - fantastic beaches, diving, not the most impressive ruins and a few colonial-style buildings. And also monkeys (red colobus monkeys) and, of course, spices.

Located almost at the opposite end of the ocean, Thai Phuket is similar to Pattaya in its Europeanization, but boasts not the worst diving.

Seychelles and Maldives have a lot in common. Both countries have long mastered the role of tourism powers operating in approximately the same sector: beach tourism plus a large list of related tourism services plus diving - all this in the price category from average and above, sometimes much higher.

The Maldives has approximately 1,200 islands, of which about 200 are inhabited, including about 70 allocated for tourists (no one lives on these islands except service personnel). That's the policy country authorities aimed at preventing possible cultural conflict. At the same time, tourists are taken on excursions to folk villages, and in the capital of the archipelago, Male, two worlds - local and tourist - freely intersect.

There are 115 islands in the Seychelles archipelago. Best beaches- Beau Vallon and several other beaches on the island of Mahe. The beach at the Silver Spring on the island of La Digue, published in tourist literature, is beautiful, but unsuitable for swimming.

In Zanzibar, Comoros, Mauritius (this island was described in some detail in the last issue of the Guide - see "Money" dated June 8), the Maldives, Seychelles and Phuket, sea fishing is common.

Have a snack and drink

It is logical that in island countries seafood traditionally occupies an important place in the cuisine.

So, the most popular dish in the Seychelles is poisson-ek-diri - fish with rice, sorry for their French.

In the Maldives, almost all food, except seafood, is imported, but there are no problems with good cuisine in hotel restaurants.

Zanzibar is one of the most interesting places in Africa from a culinary point of view, local kitchen- a kind of hybrid of European, Indian and Arabic.

In Madagascar, it seems that they are fed up with fish; the favorite dishes of the local population are meat, including pork, which is absent on many other islands of the Indian Ocean. Vanilla is very popular as a seasoning for various dishes.

Comoros cannot boast of great culinary achievements. In Phuket, as you might guess, Thai cuisine is well represented - both adapted for foreigners and close to natural, and there are also restaurants offering dishes from almost any cuisine of the world.

The islands of the Indian Ocean vary greatly in their attitudes towards alcoholic beverages. In the Maldives, the import of alcoholic beverages into the country, including beer, is prohibited (they are confiscated right at the airport), although in tourist bars and restaurants all this can be bought, only at an inflated price (from $3 for a can of beer). By the way, there are no non-tourist bars. Local residents do not drink alcohol, and even Indians usually work as bartenders in hotels. During Ramadan, foreigners are not allowed to drink alcohol outside hotels to avoid offending the local population.

In the Seychelles, alcohol legislation is much more liberal. Here they drink local Seybrew beer, as well as local drinks made from fermented juice of young coconut and sugar cane. Foreign alcohol too, of course.

In the Comoros, beer and wine are sold to foreigners by foreigners - Hindu and Chinese traders. The goods are sold in opaque black bags so as not to offend the indigenous population. There are no restrictions on alcoholic drinks in Phuket. Popular alcoholic drinks in Madagascar include local Three Horses Beer, coconut liqueur and homemade rum. In Muslim Zanzibar, alcohol is prohibited in many hotels and restaurants, although this does not depend on the price category of the hotel.

In Bahrain, the sale of alcohol is limited primarily to hotel restaurants, and the national parliament recently discussed the possibility of a complete ban on alcohol in the country.

And about the weather

The high season in the Maldives is from December to April, when the northeast monsoon brings dry and hot weather. The closer to April, the higher the air temperature, as well as hotel prices (but the most expensive period is the Christmas and New Year holidays). Southwest monsoon, dominant during the rest of the year year, - time cloudy and stormy weather, which, however, is good for surfers. Divers can come to the Maldives all year round; you can simply dive on the east coast of any atoll during the dry season, and on the west coast during the rainy season. Those wishing to come during the month of Ramadan should come to terms with the fact that institutions, shops, and restaurants may be closed or have shortened working hours.

On the island of Phuket, the high season is also the time of the northeast monsoon (December-March). During this period, the island is not hot and dry. April-May is a hot season, precipitation at this time is unpredictable: maybe there will be, maybe not. The rest of the time the rainy season lasts: hot, humid and wet - it is not surprising that the island is in low season.

The weather in Madagascar depends on both the season and the region of the country. Madagascar has two seasons and five climatic zones. On the high plateau in the center of the island it is never very hot, and in July the temperature at night can drop almost to zero; in January-March it rains heavily. In the west of the island it is almost always hot, especially in March, April and December, while in January-March it is also wet. The northwest is hot and humid most of the year. In the east, the coldest months are August-September ( average temperature+15°С), from November to April it rains, while from January to March cyclones occur, sometimes of terrible force. In the south it is almost always hot and dry. The tourist high season in Madagascar does not depend on the weather, but depends on European clients and falls on the Christmas and New Year holidays, as well as July-August.

The season with guaranteed good weather in the Seychelles is March-April and October-November. At this time, most often it is not hot and windless. From December to February, and especially in January, short heavy rains occur periodically. In May-September strong wind makes staying on many beaches of the archipelago uncomfortable. Prices reach their peak during the Christmas and New Year holidays summer holidays in Europe.

The worst time to visit Zanzibar is during the long rainy season (April-May) and the short rainy season (November-December). Moreover, in any of the rainy seasons it does not rain every day; in the dry season it also rains.

In the Comoros (including Mayotte) it rains from October to April, starting in December - very heavy. The islands are warm all year round, with the center of the islands usually cooler than the coast.

Visas

Russian citizens do not require visas to visit the Seychelles and Maldives for a period not exceeding 30 days.

A visa to Madagascar can be obtained at the embassy of this country in Moscow, but it is easier, although more expensive (equivalent to $118), to apply for a tourist visa for up to 90 days upon arrival at the airport.

When traveling to the Comoros Islands, a visa can also be obtained upon arrival (equivalent to $18 for up to 5 days and $36 for up to 15 days).

To visit Mayotte and Reunion, as well as the French Southern and Antarctic territories, Russians need a special visa for French overseas territories(DOM/TOM), the design of which requires additional time and hassle.

For flights from mainland India to Andaman Islands an additional visa is not required, but permission to visit the territory is required, which, from the point of view of a tourist, is not much different from a visa on arrival.

The island of Phuket, like the rest of Thailand, is visa-free for Russians for up to 30 days.

At the border with Tanzania (including if entry from another country to the island of Zanzibar) you can apply for a visa for up to 90 days (visa fee - $50, free for children included in the parent's passport).

Mauritius. A visa valid for 60 days is issued upon arrival at the airport free of charge.

Visa to Bahrain is available for everyone possible ways: in person at the consulate, via the Internet and at the airport of arrival. In this case, the consular fee will be equivalent to $13 at the airport, $18 on the Internet and $26 at the consulate.

And of course, one of the main factors influencing decision-making, is the price. The fact that most of the island states listed above do not impose visa barriers on visitors makes it possible, when considering a trip, to view special offers from airlines, hotels and travel agencies.

Sun all year round, unique nature, quiet hotels, hidden in bays with turquoise water and on paradise islands with snow-white sand - an idyllic picture that we are used to seeing on advertising brochures. All this is becoming a reality for tourists coming to Indian Ocean resorts

The Indian Ocean Islands are an all-season destination for luxury holidays. All you have to do is decide what you like best: relaxation and contemplation, active sports, the opportunity to touch antiquities or watch the most unusual creatures on Earth.

MAURITIUS

Tropical Mauritius was once a favorite haven of pirates, and now the island attracts thousands of tourists every year with its luxurious hotels and snow-white beaches, surrounded by mountains of volcanic origin. This place is suitable not only for heat-loving couch potatoes, but also for curious travelers who want to get acquainted with the amazing colonial architecture of the region, Indian temples and botanical gardens. Here you can also spot rare birds, walk through the park with lions or swim with dolphins, or you can even test your strength by doing extreme sports - wind and kite surfing are very popular on the island.

Mauritius is located just 20 degrees south of the equator, so the temperature here does not drop below +25° C. Most tourists go here on vacation when the cold weather sets in in the Northern Hemisphere, so peak tourist season on the island the period is considered to be from October to April. However, at this time of year it is quite hot and humid and sometimes rainy. The best time to holiday in Mauritius is the local winter, which begins in the Southern Hemisphere in May.

Important: When we have summer, it is best to choose resorts on the northern and western coasts of Mauritius. Holidays on the East Coast will be more enjoyable when winter approaches the Northern Hemisphere.

Mauritius is very small, only 45x65 square meters. km, however, due to the unique landscape, the weather here is very changeable. You are unlikely to be able to quickly get around this small island, and all because it is riddled with narrow and winding roads on which it is simply impossible to accelerate. In addition, when planning excursions, it is worth remembering that left-hand traffic has remained on the island since the British colonial era. Therefore, it is better for tourists to use taxi services or organized transfers.

The tourist center of Mauritius is the resort town of Grand Bay in the northeast of the island, where most hotels and entertainment venues are concentrated. The West Coast is the most expensive and prestigious: those who come here are accustomed to relaxing in the most luxurious hotels and want to sunbathe on the most beautiful beaches with white sand. The south is considered the greenest, wildest and most interesting part of the island.

Where to stay

The pearl of Mauritius is Paradis & Golf Club on the Le Morne Peninsula. This hotel is considered one of the best in the south west coast. It is especially memorable for guests due to the breathtaking views from the rooms of the picturesque beach and lagoon.

Paradis Resort is suitable for both amateurs have a relaxing holiday(here they have several restaurants, a spa center of a famous cosmetic brand, the largest fitness center in Mauritius, their own international golf course and golf academy), and for those who prefer leisure and is engaged aquatic species sports On the beach, hotel guests can use any equipment for free, including snorkel masks and windsurfing equipment. A separate fee will be asked only for the services of a personal instructor. By the way, this very hotel hosts the Kite Jam Festival, which every year brings together professionals and amateurs of wind and kitesurfing from all over the world. The festival includes amateur competitions, master classes from world champions and the best athletes on the planet, as well as surfing and kiteboarding schools.

Time zone: there is no time difference between Mauritius and Moscow. So it doesn’t matter how long your vacation is - you won’t remember what jet lag is after returning home.

Visa: Visa for up to 60 days is issued upon arrival. To do this, at customs you must provide a passport valid for at least 6 months after the end of your stay in the country, a return ticket, a hotel reservation, a completed entry form and pay a fee of $17.

How to get there: the best option is to fly with Air France to Paris with a connecting flight airlines Air Mauritius. Travel time including connections is about 16 hours. The price of a round-trip ticket is from 49 thousand rubles.

MADAGASCAR

Madagascar – largest island Indian Ocean, one of the poorest countries in the world, but at the same time one of the most safe countries Africa. Such nature as in Madagascar cannot be found anywhere else. The flora and fauna of the island are rich in absolutely endemic plants and animals that cannot be found in other parts of the planet.

Baobab trees grow everywhere in Madagascar. In some areas, impressive rows of giant trees line up, in the crowns of which the African sun pancake beautifully “gets stuck” during sunset, giving tourists the opportunity to take photographs of amazing beauty.

Here you can see 70 species of lemurs and chameleons and even watch humpback whales. The best time to see whale migration is from June to September, but they appear in east coast waters year-round.

There is also a unique stone forest, covering an area of ​​more than 150 thousand hectares and representing sharp karst spiers, the approximate age of which is a million years. Stone Forest consists of intricate labyrinths through which excursions are organized for tourists.

As a rule, travelers go to Madagascar to see the jungle, wild animals, take part in safari or walk along adapted and safe tourist routes, which are complemented by several days of relaxation on the coast. The most popular recreation areas for foreign tourists are the resorts of the Anakao Peninsula and the beaches of the tiny island near Madagascar - Nosy Be.

The north of the country is very fond of divers all over the world, including those from Russia. Extended coastline with unique underwater plants and animals gives them a completely new diving experience.

The climate of Madagascar is very diverse: on the coast it is tropical, in the interior it is closer to subtropical, and in the south it is dry (arid), with high air temperatures experiencing large daily fluctuations and with negligible amounts of precipitation. The island has two seasons. The hot and humid season - the Madagascan summer - lasts from November to April, the air temperature in these months is +25 + 27 ° C, the cooler dry season is established from May to October (+20 + 24 ° C).

Where to stay

One of the best hotels the popular resort island of Nosy Be – Ravintsara Wellness Hotel. “Fantastic vacation”, “royal vacation”, “heaven on earth” - these are the reviews from tourists that Ravintsara received for its beautiful and spacious bungalows on the beach, green gardens around, excellent service and exquisite cuisine. The hotel also offers entertainment for every taste: boat trips, ATV rides. The cost of accommodation is from 300 dollars per day.

Time zone: Madagascar time is one hour behind Moscow.

Visa: a tourist visa for up to 90 days can be issued upon arrival. To do this, you must provide a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return air ticket.

How to get there: get to largest airport Madagascar Antananarivo from Moscow can be reached via Paris (Air France). Flight time is 14 hours excluding connections. Ticket price – from 50 thousand rubles.

SEYCHELLES

Seychelles- an archipelago of magical beauty, 115 islands, many of which are uninhabited, scattered in the waters of the Indian Ocean off the coast East Africa. Breathtakingly secluded beaches, unique nature and climate make the islands perhaps the most idyllic tourist destination in the world.

Seychelles is one of the few resort areas, where you can simply pick up and fly away at any time of the year without worrying about seasonal weather changes. The climate here is quite stable throughout the year, the average air temperature on the islands is +26+30º C. During the peak season (December–January), precipitation on the islands becomes more frequent, which subsides only by mid-March, but it cannot be called abundant and essentially they do not interfere with tourists' recreation.

The warmest and calmest weather occurs in April–May and October–November. During this period on the islands ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling and diving: water temperatures reach +29º C and visibility often exceeds 30 meters.

The period from October to April is the best time for fishing lovers, and from April to October is the season for observing exotic birds. It is during these months that they reproduce, nurse their offspring and migrate to other regions. From May to September, fans of surfing and windsurfing flock to the Seychelles.

The main island of the archipelago, on which the international airport is located, is about. Mahe. Those who fly to the Seychelles in search of peace and secluded relaxation are unlikely to appreciate the bustle of Mahe, but it’s worth staying here if only to study the colonial architecture of the capital of the Seychelles, the city of Victoria, or visit the botanical garden, which contains dozens of tropical species plants. The surrounding area of ​​Mahe Island has great opportunities for deep-sea diving: here you can not only swim with magnificent tropical fish, but also walk through the habitats of reef and big-nosed sharks, stingrays, sea urchins, and sea turtles.

Each island of the archipelago has its own atmosphere, and if you don’t want the noise of Mahe at all, then you can go to the small islands, where complete peace and quiet reigns.

Where to stay

One of best hotels Mahe - Banyan Tree Seychelles, located on the picturesque southwestern coast of the island. Banyan Tree has 60 villas, each with its own swimming pool.

This resort is located in quiet place, away from anything that might disturb you during your vacation. This sometimes makes guests think that they are on desert island, where someone invisible provides round-the-clock comfort. There are no entertainment venues or significant places nearby tourist places, so it is chosen by those who are going to enjoy a vacation away from civilization. The cost of renting a villa is from $1,200 per day.

Time zone: in the Seychelles, the time coincides with Moscow.

Visa: Russian citizens arriving in the Seychelles for a period not exceeding 30 days do not require a visa. It is placed at the border when entering the country.

How to get there: you can fly from Moscow to the Seychelles by plane Emirates airlines with a transfer at your home airport (Dubai). Travel time including connections is 12.5 hours. Ticket price – from 30 thousand rubles.

MALDIVES

The Maldives is made up of about 20 groups of atolls, but only half of the islands that make up them are open to tourists. If you are planning to visit Republic of Maldives first time and are looking for some general recommendations on choosing a resort, then you need to remember the main thing: each of Maldivian resorts is located on its own island, the sizes of the islands vary from 2.5 km to 150 m (from coast to coast). This means that all resort facilities (restaurants, bars, sports facilities, etc.) will be the only entertainment during your stay in the Maldives. Therefore, their infrastructure needs to be carefully studied in advance, so as not to fall into deep despondency on your long-awaited vacation. In general, there are offers for tourists for every taste: from affordable bungalows adjacent to diving equipment rental points, to secluded luxury villas on stilts in the sea, from the terrace of which you can hang your feet and admire the colorful fish swimming in the water.

The Maldives archipelago is located almost on the equator, the climate here is tropical, the temperature is stable all year round (about +28+30º C). The hottest season on the islands occurs in our winter: from December to April the islands are dry, and the air temperature reaches its highest levels.

Most of the activities in the Maldives are centered around water activities. Snorkeling and diving are very popular - vacationers have the opportunity to see the most beautiful Coral reefs and get acquainted with 700 species of exotic fish living in the Indian Ocean. Surfers (both advanced and beginners) also enjoy coming here to spend an invigorating holiday cutting through the waves on a board. Those who like a more relaxing holiday may be interested in fishing in open water.

Where to stay

One of the most famous Maldivian resorts, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, is located on the large and very picturesque Addu Atoll, on Villingili Island. Shangri-La offers accommodation in fully equipped traditional style villas. Guests can choose a house in the garden, on the shore or on stilts directly over the water. Vacationers have access to several restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, kids club, a beauty salon and spa center that offers various facial and body care programs, scrubs, wraps, as well as massage and stone therapy. The territory has tennis and badminton courts, a small golf course, as well as everything you need for snorkeling, diving, windsurfing and fishing.

To the resort from international airport Tourists are transported to Male by plane or speedboat.

Time zone: time in the Maldives is one hour ahead of Moscow.

Visa: Russian citizens do not need to apply for a visa in advance if the tourist flies into the country for a period of no more than 30 days. It is placed at the border upon entry into the country, for which you will need a valid passport and a dated return ticket.

How to get there: international flights arrive at Hulule Airport, which is located next to the capital island of Male. Flights to the Maldives are regularly carried out by Emirates airlines (via Dubai), Singapore Airlines(via Singapore), Qatar (via Doha). Travel time depends on the length of the connection at the carrier's home airport.

In the winter season, Aeroflot opens a direct flight to Male. Travel time is about 9 hours. The cost of the flight is from 49 thousand rubles.

O. CEYLON

The island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) is a real corner of eternal celebration. The number of significant events celebrated here is more than 160 per year! Add to this colorful beaches, misty mountains, tea plantations and luxury hotels - and you get truly unforgettable vacation in the kingdom of nature on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

The developed tourism infrastructure in Sri Lanka provides vacationers with excellent opportunities for recreation for every taste: from “doing nothing” on the beaches and self-care in local spas to observing wildlife, practicing extreme sports and pilgrimages to ancient cities.

The climate in Sri Lanka is equatorial. It is warm and humid all year round, with the rainy season occurring in summer. The average annual air temperature on the island is +28º C, the water temperature in the Indian Ocean reaches +26º C.

The largest city island state– noisy, crazy Columbo. Tourists come here to get acquainted with the main attractions: admire the colonial buildings, mosques, churches, Buddhist and Hindu temples, see the presidential residence (or the Queen's House), visit National Museum and an art gallery. There is also a wonderful zoo in Colombo, where tourists try to go to the elephant show.

The beaches of the island are very popular among tourists. Moreover, Sri Lanka is gaining more and more popularity among those who love active species water sports. Surfers managed to fall in love with Arugam Bay, a place 314 km from Colombo, on southeast coast Ceylon, which was included in the honorary list of the ten best surf beaches in the world. Arugam Bay is popular among beginners, and for experienced athletes, the point of attraction has become the west coast, where you can catch impressive waves. The town of Negombo on the west coast of Sri Lanka has become a hangout for kitesurfers who come here for the winds from May to the end of September.

Thanks to the varied topography of the island, Ceylon has excellent conditions for rafting, the now fashionable hiking and mountain biking.

Wildlife lovers come to Sri Lanka to watch the whales and dolphins that appear in the waters near the town of Mirissa. At certain times of the year, sea turtles can also be seen coming ashore to lay eggs.

Where to stay

Most famous resort For beach holiday in Sri Lanka - the town of Bentota and its surroundings. This is where the largest number of hotels are located, offering accommodation for every taste. However, the hotels are located at a considerable distance from each other, so tourists can enjoy a relaxing holiday.

A beautiful secluded hotel in Benote - Saman Villas, which is located on a small rocky hill, right on the ocean. It is quiet and cozy here, the number of rooms (and especially the bathroom... open air) pleases travelers who do not skimp on positive reviews. Tourists also note the excellent cuisine in the hotel restaurant and praise the treatments at the local spa. The cost of living is about 300 dollars per day.

The small village of Hikkaduwa is popular among divers and surfers, who are known to be not too fussy, so there are mainly inexpensive hotels and apartments here.

You can snorkel and swim in the calm waters, which are protected from the waves by a coral ridge, at the Trincomalee resort, located on the east coast of the country.

Time zone: time in Sri Lanka is 1.5 hours ahead of Moscow.

Visa: Russian citizens do not need to apply for a visa in advance. It is placed at the airport upon arrival.

How to get there: flights to Colombo are carried out Etihad Airlines(with a transfer in Abu Dhabi), Emirates (with a transfer in Dubai), as well as Aeroflot. Travel time is about 10 hours. The cost of a round-trip ticket is from 25 thousand rubles.

Indian Ocean - the warmest ocean on our planet. Occupying a fifth of the Earth's surface, Indian is not the most... big ocean, but at the same time has a rich flora and fauna, as well as a lot of other advantages.

Indian Ocean

Indian Ocean occupies 20% of the entire globe. This ocean is characterized by rich and diverse natural life.
shows vast territories and a large number of interesting islands for researchers and tourists. If you don't yet know where it is located Indian Ocean map will tell you.

Indian Ocean Current Map

The underwater world of the Indian Ocean

Rich and varied underwater world of the Indian Ocean. In it you can find both very small aquatic inhabitants and large and dangerous representatives of the aquatic world.

Since ancient times, man has been trying to subjugate the ocean and its inhabitants. In all ages on the inhabitants underwater world There was a hunt going on in the Indian Ocean.

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There are even those that can cause trouble for a person. For example, these are sea anemones that live in almost all the seas and oceans of our planet. Sea anemones can be found not only in the depths, but also in the shallow waters of the Indian Ocean. They almost always feel hungry, so they sit hidden with their tentacles widely spaced. Predatory representatives of this species are poisonous. Their shot can hit small organisms and also cause burns in people. They live in the waters of the Indian Ocean sea ​​urchins, seals, the most exotic species of fish. Vegetable world varied, which makes diving truly exciting.

Fishes in the Indian Ocean

January 23rd, 2012

In this post, I decided to make a general overview of the islands of the Indian Ocean. All the main islands in one place.
We will talk about Madagascar, Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives and Sri Lanka. And a lot of photos.

The history of Madagascar goes back a couple of hundred million years and begins from the moment when the island broke away from the African continent. The island does not have typical African fauna. With the exception of bats, which are able to cross the water obstacle between the island and the continent, there is not a single species of mammal that could be seen in any other place. As the fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar is home to an amazing diversity of animals and plants, eighty percent of which are unique, including birds.

Madagascar's vast rainforests, like El Dorado, attract scientists and researchers from all over the world. Even large tropical forests South America unable to compete with the enormous biological diversity of flora that creates a unique habitat for some refugees from the time of the dinosaurs, such as chameleons. 40 different species of which, together with fifty species of lemurs, are home to wonderful tree species such as thorny forest and baobabs.

The stunning uniqueness of this island makes it considered the eighth continent. Madagascar's diverse peoples, its unexplored coral reefs, and its many other attractions provide a constant stream of visitors seeking to explore the off-the-beaten paths of the vast national parks, among rare and endangered species, friendly locals and spectacular marine life with lunar tracks on the ocean surface.

Seychelles

After a long struggle over the islands between France and Great Britain, ending in 1814, independence came in 1976. The first democratically elected president took office in 1993.

455 square kilometers of the Republic of Seychelles, divided into 23 administrative districts, lie in the Indian Ocean, 1600 kilometers from Africa and northeast of Madagascar. Surrounded by other islands: Mauritius and Reunion in the south, Comoros in the southwest and the Maldives in the northeast.

Eighty thousand inhabitants of the Islands are of French, African, Arab, Indian and Chinese origin. The native language of the vast majority of the population is Creole, but French and English are also widely spoken.

The islands include 115 islands in the archipelago, 33 of which are inhabited. The most populated is the group of granite islands around Mahe, on which the capital, Victoria, is located. The smaller outer part of the islands is coral atolls, including the world's largest listed atoll, Aldabra world heritage UNESCO and home to hundreds of thousands of turtles.

The islands have a subtropical maritime climate, with an average annual temperature of 29 degrees Celsius and big amount rains in March and November. The cool season of the southeast monsoon occurs from late May to September, while the northwest monsoon brings warmth from March to May. Because the most of The islands lie outside the cyclone belt and severe storms are rare.

The main direction of recreation on the islands is beach, with visits to natural attractions and diving in unique coral underwater landscapes.

Like the Seychelles, Mauritius is one of Africa's richest countries and a successful multicultural society, where the friendly coexistence of peoples and religions is expressed in croissants for breakfast and curries for lunch, as well as colorful Indian temples adjacent to French colonial mansions.

Despite the fact that the small island of Mauritius can be completely covered in less than a day, it has a wonderful reputation as a resort where the highest service and value for money is combined with high popularity.

Mauritius hotels rightfully occupy high places in the ratings, and marvelous sandy beaches and lush tropical nature provide a full range of beach holidays, from diving and snorkeling to fishing for big fish.

The season consists of two periods from October to January and from April to May, the best time is December and May; in July-August the temperature drops and the season of strong winds begins. Temperatures in late summer are moderate.

The Maldives is synonymous with luxury, romance and tropical serenity. Scattered specks of low coral islands in the Indian Ocean; a paradise for lovers of diving and sunbathing.

Twenty-six natural atolls and a thousand islands, with perfect white sandy beaches in lagoons washed by turquoise water with bath temperature. Tourism here began to develop relatively recently - since the 70s, but at the moment it is the most important industry in the Maldives. The main offer on the market is concentrated in the luxury segment, which means the Maldives is home to some of the best hotels in the world.

So now is the time good time to visit this country, which is in a frenzy of development. New resorts, boutiques of the world's leading brands and wonderful environmentally friendly hotels open here every month. This resort isn't cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but if you're looking for adventure with breathtaking natural views and absolute beauty that will stay with you long after your wonderful tan has faded, then it's worth it.

The island's ocean coast, lined with delicate golden sandy beaches, is now recovering from the devastating tsunami in 2004. Taking a closer look, we will find artificial reservoirs built around by the first rulers of Singapore ancient city Anuradhapura. In this land of hills, clouds often limit a traveler's view from exploring waterfalls and tea plantations.

In the northwest, a web of natural earthen bridges almost connects fragile Sri Lanka with modern giant India. Two and a half decades civil war extend this bridge to Tamil Nadu, both geographically and culturally.

Regardless of national and cultural affiliation: Senegalese, Tamil or Muslim local residents will be very friendly and hospitable to you. And they will proudly present you with their criminally underrated cuisine, National parks wildlife and especially their national cricket teams.

The climate on the island is tropical, with summer season monsoon, during which 95 percent of the rainfall will occur annual precipitation. Therefore, during the winter months, from November to April, the weather is quite dry and, in general, this is the best season for travelers.

Hit by war and the effects of the global financial crisis, the Sri Lankan population spent the next few years working hard to rebuild its tourism infrastructure. And at the moment, Sri Lanka is a fusion ancient history, culture and modern scenery of a developed tourism business.

A noteworthy feature of Sri Lanka is diving not only among the exotic inhabitants of the deep sea, but also visiting grottoes, underwater rocks and sunken ships.

That's all. Thank you for reading us.

I made a little plan for the reports. Read soon:
- Trip to Sri Lanka. Personal experience.
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They are located in the Atlantic Ocean. Indian Ocean is one of the areas ancient civilizations. Another large ridge in the Indian Ocean is the East Indian Ridge. There are relatively few seas in the Indian Ocean - the Red, Andaman, Timor, Arafura, etc. There are also few islands.

The Indian Ocean is the third largest body of water in the world, and a number of spectacular tropical islands located in its warm waters will not leave travelers indifferent. Bali is the island of a thousand temples and one of the smallest islands in the Malay archipelago. It is located between the Malaysian peninsula and the island New Guinea. The island is unlike anything else and it seems that you are somewhere on another planet.

Indian Ocean Islands

Many of these tropical atolls and islands are simply stunning, with swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches and deep blue lagoons. The islands of the Indian Ocean and the state of Mauritius are his Botanical Garden, this is one of its main and most visited attractions. Since the islands are scattered throughout the ocean, their climate is different: from monsoon (northern part) to moderate cyclone.

Geological structure of the bottom and the most important features of the relief.

The islands themselves can have no more than 100 km2 in area. The origin of the local islands is continental, volcanic and coral. The border with the Atlantic Ocean runs along the 20° meridian of eastern longitude; from the Quiet - along the 146°55′ meridian of eastern longitude. The most northern point The Indian Ocean is located at approximately 30°N latitude in the Persian Gulf.

Bottom sediments and minerals.

Since the 16th century, the name Oceanus Indicus (Latin Oceanus Indicus) - Indian Ocean, introduced by the Roman scientist Pliny the Elder back in the 1st century, has been established. In Early Jurassic times, the ancient supercontinent Gondwana began to break apart. As a result, Africa with Arabia, Hindustan and Antarctica with Australia were formed. The process ended at the turn of the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods (140-130 million years ago), and the young depression of the modern Indian Ocean began to form.

Physiographic zones.

In the Late Cretaceous, the split of the single Australian-Antarctic continent began. The Indo-Australian segment occupies half the area of ​​the Indian Ocean. The Indus Cone extends far into the Arabian Basin.

The Antarctic segment is limited by the West Indian and Central Indian ridges, and from the south by the shores of Antarctica. Under the influence of tectonic and glaciological factors, the Antarctic shelf has been deepened. The wide continental slope is cut through by large and wide canyons, through which supercooled waters flow from the shelf into the abyssal depressions. The continental foot of Antarctica is distinguished by a wide and significant (up to 1.5 km) thickness of loose sediments.

At the bottom of the Indian Ocean, ferromanganese nodules have become widespread, confined mainly to areas of deposition of red clays and radiolarian oozes. The southern tropics are dominated by the southeast trade wind, which in winter does not extend north of 10°N. w. The average annual temperature reaches 25 °C. In the zone 40-45°S. In winter, they can also occur in the southern tropical zone. Most often, hurricanes occur in the western part of the ocean (up to 8 times a year), in the areas of Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands.

In the northern part of the ocean there is a seasonal change in currents caused by the monsoon circulation. In winter, the Northeast monsoon current is established, starting in the Bay of Bengal. South of 10° N. w. this current turns into the Western Current, crossing the ocean from the Nicobar Islands to the coast of East Africa.

In the southern hemisphere, currents are constant, without seasonal fluctuations. Driven by trade winds, the Southern Trade Wind Current crosses the ocean from east to west towards Madagascar.

Near Madagascar, the Southern Trade Wind Current branches, giving rise to the Equatorial Countercurrent, the Mozambique and Madagascar Currents. The southern part of this current goes to Atlantic Ocean, and part flows into the Western winds. Local gyres operate in the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Great Australian Bay, and in the Antarctic waters.

In Arctic waters in winter, salinity increases slightly due to salinization of waters during the process of ice formation. From the surface to the bottom of the ocean, salinity decreases. Below 3.5-4 thousand m, bottom water masses are common, forming from Antarctic supercooled and dense salty waters Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Economic activity human activity in the Indian Ocean has led to the pollution of its waters and a reduction in biodiversity.

The Mauritius dodo, destroyed by 1651 on the island of Mauritius, became a symbol of extinction and extinction of species. A great danger in the ocean is water pollution with oil and oil products (the main pollutants), some heavy metals and waste from the nuclear industry. The routes of oil tankers transporting oil from the Persian Gulf countries lie across the ocean.

In ancient times, vessels such as junks and catamarans were used by people to sail under the monsoons from India to East Africa and back. The Egyptians, 3500 BC, conducted brisk maritime trade with the countries of the Arabian Peninsula, India and East Africa.

Organic world.

Byzantine merchants in the 4th-6th centuries penetrated into India in the east, and into Ethiopia and Arabia in the south. Beginning in the 7th century, Arab sailors began intensive exploration of the Indian Ocean. They perfectly studied the coast of East Africa, Western and Eastern India, the islands of Socotra, Java and Ceylon, visited the Laccadive and Maldives, the islands of Sulawesi, Timor and others. At the end of the 13th century, the Venetian traveler Marco Polo, on his way back from China, passed through the Indian Ocean from the Strait of Malacca to the Strait of Hormuz, visiting Sumatra, India, and Ceylon.

In the equatorial zone of the Indian Ocean, the surface water temperature is about 28 °C all year round in both the western and eastern parts ocean. The Indian Ocean contains a system of mid-ocean ridges that form the basis of the orographic framework of the Indian Ocean floor. Under the influence of the Asian continent, a monsoon climate is established in the northern part of the Indian Ocean with frequent cyclones moving towards the coasts.