What to see, what to do Mayotte?

In Mayotte, as on the islands in general, we live with the sun, so early! As the vast majority of the population is Muslim, working life (and therefore the opening of stores, administrations and offices) follows the rhythm of the prayers. Before dawn, people are busy preparing breakfast, which will not be eaten until after the first prayer at sunrise (between 4 and 6 a.m., depending on the month). Employees generally leave work around 3 or 4pm, or 5pm at the latest. So don't forget to do your shopping during the day, and make sure you have your lunch as early as 11 a.m. so you don't end up in front of empty stalls.

There are very few tourists in Mayotte, but it's essential to book your accommodation and activities well in advance, as mainlanders living in the archipelago are very keen on these activities, especially the sea outings, which sell out every weekend. Kayaks and paddles for hire are also in short supply, so always call a few days in advance if you're planning an excursion. Finally, the rule of thumb for any activity is to call back the day before to make sure it's still on and confirm you're coming.

Expect to pay between €60 and €80 for a day at sea. This may seem like a high budget, but it often includes pastries and coffee in the morning, lunch and punch at midday, and many hours of sailing, as trips start at 8am and finish around 4-5pm. It would be a shame to miss out on such activities, so if you're on a tight budget, plan to cut back on food and transport. Guided tours or workshops to discover the local culture cost around €20 for 1 or 2 hours. Fortunately, two activities are still free: hiking and swimming on the magnificent coral reefs.

Religious festivals in Mayotte are great occasions for sharing and conviviality, and travelers are easily invited to attend, whatever their origin or personal religion. The months of July and August are also the time of major weddings (manzaraka), when traditional ceremonies can be observed. Mahorais living in mainland France and Reunion often return for the occasion, which combines festivities and reunions. Entire villages come together for days (and evenings) of festivities. Other cultural festivals showcase local know-how and traditions, and provide an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with the Mahorais.

As everywhere else, guided tours are a great way to discover the island's fauna, flora and history, as well as the local way of life. Naturalists are the key players on the island when it comes to land and sea hiking. If you're interested in the island's flora, and in particular the cultivation of ylang-ylang, don't miss a visit to Combani, the heart of the island. Last but not least, a number of associations offer you the chance to learn how to apply a beauty mask, or to try your hand at Mahoran cuisine - moments of sharing and happiness guaranteed.

Cigarette legislation is the same as in mainland France, but you won't see many locals smoking in the public sphere.

With visitors flocking to the sandy islets, a number of local fishermen have taken advantage of the opportunity and are now offering trips out to sea on their boats for half the official price. It's friendly, authentic and inexpensive for sure, but some tourists have been disappointed when the fishermen forget to come back for them at the scheduled time, and some islets disappear at high tide. To avoid this kind of surprise, only ride with the fishermen you've been recommended to, or ask them to stay with you.

Try it out for yourself: a Sunday picnic with the locals. While for us metropolitans, picnicking is a romantic activity that takes place on a few occasions when summer returns, in the islands of the Indian Ocean, picnicking is a veritable art of living. All year round, on Saturdays and Sundays, families gather in large numbers on the seashore to share real food cooked with care on the spot. Music is always present, and the meal goes on until nightfall. Taking part in a picnic is your chance to enjoy a privileged moment with the locals, and to try out the delicious cuisine of the island.