Loving the Ocean is a Verb

A beauty under threat 

Let’s start with the facts. While it’s a dream holiday backdrop, the ocean is also a vital life force:

• It produces 50% of the oxygen we breathe 
• It regulates the climate and seasons 
• It’s a primary protein source for 3 billion people 
• It shelters 80% of the planet’s biodiversity 

Its capacity to sustain life is immense – but not limitless. And we’ve already pushed those limits.

Mauritius beneath the surface

Mauritius is no exception. Its lagoons cover 243km², protected by 150km of coral reefs that host nearly 200 species – about a quarter of all known coral species. Along with mangroves and seagrass meadows, these ecosystems filter water, prevent erosion, and buffer storms.

Did you know? Though they cover only a small fraction of the ocean, Mauritius’ coral reefs host approximately 25% of the world’s marine species.

This delicate balance is easily disrupted – by sunscreen that isn’t reef-safe, a boat propeller, a seashell picked for a souvenir, or litter left on the sand. Add the effects of climate change, and the result is bleached coral, disappearing fish, acidifying lagoons, and rising sea temperatures.

But there’s good news: you don’t need to be a marine biologist to make a difference.

How to be a guest of the Ocean 

It starts by rethinking habits. Here are:

10 simple habits for ocean-friendly travellers

• Bring a reusable water bottle 🥤
  Simple, convenient and avoids single-use plastic.
  
• Choose mineral sunscreen 😎
  Chemical filters harm corals, whereas mineral sunscreens protect both your skin and the reef.
  
• Don’t touch the coral 🪸
  They’re living animals, not rocks. It takes years for them to grow… and just seconds to cause damage. Watch out for those flipper kicks.
• Leave shells, sand and coral where they belong 🐚
  They provide homes for marine life – removing them disrupts the ecosystem.
• Watch marine life without interfering 🐬
  Turtles don’t eat bread, fish don’t snack on chips and dolphins need peace.
• Pick up your litter (and litter from other people) ♻️
  A small gesture with a big impact, each item removed is one less hazard for our ocean life
• Choose non-motorised activities 🚣
  Paddleboarding, sailing, snorkelling – explore the ocean quietly and protect it.
  
• Save fresh water 💙
  Precious on an island. Quick showers and turning off taps go a long way.
• Learn and be amazed 🌞
  The more you know, the more you care. Let your curiosity guide you.
• Support local conservation efforts 📍
  Book trips with trained guides, visit marine centres and help those protecting what you came to enjoy.

These simple actions last longer than any tan.

What do Attitude Hotels do? 

Here are a few of our own actions:

• We removed single-use plastic from the guest experience – instead, we replaced it with alternatives like bulk shops, refillable bottles and water stations

• Reef-safe mineral sunscreen is available for our guests

• No motorised lagoon activities preserve calm and protect ecosystems

• Blue net bags are available for guests to collect litter while out snorkelling

• We created a marked snorkelling trail to help you discover marine life without causing damage

• The Citizen Science programme allows you to support our marine research

• Guided kayak excursions through the mangroves

At the heart of it all: the Marine Discovery Centre at Lagoon Attitude. Created in 2010, it’s a unique space dedicated to exploring and protecting Mauritius’ coastal and marine environment. A research hub and educational centre for scientists, guests, locals, and school children – it raises awareness of the island’s ecosystems and promotes respect for the Indian Ocean.

World Oceans Day on 8 June is the perfect time to ask a simple, sandy-toed question:
“What can I do, in my own way, to keep this just as beautiful tomorrow?”

The key: Stay curious, resist apathy and remember – every small gesture counts.