This is where water crashes over the reef. This is a fascinating feature that allows the island to offer calm, lagoon-like beaches to sunbathers. The reef is partially responsible for the lack of historically documented shark attacks on Maurtiius. According to locals, none have ever taken place. But what's ironic about this is that the nearest island neighbor, Reunion (just a bit to the west), has had so many shark attacks that they've had to close their beaches to swimming entirely! It is regarded as one of the worst locations in the entire world for shark attacks, yet Mauritius has never had one.
The year-round, warm-to-hot temperatures enable people living on the island to survive with housing that is not as insulated as what may be required elsewhere. Some people live in small homes without adequate windows and walls. In cold areas, this could be a threat to their lives, but luckily, here in Mauritius, temperatures never get dangerously cold. It does get very hot, but with open windows and inexpensive fans, one can learn to live quite comfortably. Air conditioning is not a necessity, and it is not common for islanders to use it even if it's available.
The ability to use the ocean as a resource marks one of the greatest benefits of living in an island environment. Many locals make a living by fishing each morning and selling their fish at markets. Others are able to support their families by taking tourists out on the water in boats. Still others work on boats to provide safety to beachgoers, to bring goods and food to the island or to take items away as exports.
