Mauritius Travel Guide

Mauritius is best known for its white-sand beaches and warm, clear waters. But there’s much more to this Indian Ocean island. Venture inland to discover volcanic landscapes and endemic wildlife, or head into the capital, Port Louis, for a taste of Mauritian history, culture and cuisine. Plus, out on the water, there’s everything from snorkelling and scuba diving to kayaking and sailing, so you can make your trip as active or relaxed as you like.

In this Mauritius travel guide, we’ll help you make the most of your time on the island, which includes finding its rare wildlife, understanding the climate and deciding when to go. We’ll also cover the practicalities, such as direct flights from the UK and visa requirements. With our specialist knowledge of Mauritius, we can tailor your holiday around what matters most to you, recommending the right hotels, experiences and combinations to match your interests.

Topics discussed in this Mauritius travel guide:

– Things to Do in Mauritius
– Where to Stay in Mauritius
– Best Time to Visit Mauritius
– Mauritius Within a Multi-Destination Trip
– Essential Travel Information

Things to Do in Mauritius

Beaches

Atop your list of things to do in Mauritius will likely be to unwind on a white sandy beach.

To the west, you have Flic en Flac, Le Morne and Tamarin. If you’re seeking snorkelling and scuba diving to search for the island’s multichromatic spread of tropical reef fish, Flic en Flac is your best bet. Whereas with Le Morne, there are good opportunities for surfing and kitesurfing, especially between June and October when the southeast trade winds provide better waves. For a more authentic, back-to-basics feel that’s further away from the crowds, choose Tamarin.

On the east coast, there’s Belle Mare – Mauritius’ longest beach at eight kilometres – and Ile aux Cerfs – located on an offshore island, near mangroves.

Up in the north, the most well-known spots are Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy. Nautical ventures are possible from Grand Baie, such as a catamaran cruise to Gabriel Island for some much-needed rest and relaxation. You can enjoy a nice, long walk in the shade of casuarinas along Trou aux Biches before some snorkelling to seek out the local sea turtles. Mont Choisy offers white sands for you to sink into, as well as windsurfing and Hobie Cat sailing.

Down on the south coast, Le Morne peninsula is situated at the foot of the UNESCO-listed Le Morne Brabant, while the underwater world of Blue Bay is teeming with tropical marine life.

Speak with one of our Travel Specialists to tailor your Mauritius beach holiday.

Nature and Wildlife

The natural ecosystem of Mauritius envelops you in vivid greens, deep blues and pure whites.

Take a walk through the island’s last remaining native tropical forest, Black River Gorges National Park, and discover guided trails home to rare endemic birds. These include the pink pigeon, Mauritius kestrel and echo parakeet – all species which have narrowly evaded extinction.

For a closer look at conservation work, head offshore to Ile aux Aigrettes, managed with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. Here, you’ll encounter giant tortoises while learning about one of the world’s greatest species-recovery stories. The Mauritius kestrel was once down to four birds but has now recovered to a viable population, which you can keep an eye out for.

There’s plenty of marine life, too, from colourful reef fish to dolphins off the west coast. Discover how to experience this with our Mauritius wildlife holidays, or combine your stay with a safari elsewhere in Africa, starting with our best safari and beach combination trips for inspiration.

Culture, History and Sightseeing

Explore the multicultural character of Mauritius. Starting in the capital, Port Louis, you can browse the colourful stalls of Central Market before exploring Caudan Waterfront and learning about indentured labour at the historic Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site to add to your list is Le Morne Brabant, a place of deep historical significance that rises dramatically from the southwest coast. Elsewhere, at Trou aux Cerfs, look across the town of Curepipe from the rim of an extinct volcanic crater. Similarly, there’s Grand Bassin – an important Hindu pilgrimage site also set inside a volcanic crater.

Cultural diversity is further evident with the Hindu temples, Chinese pagodas, mosques and churches often found within relatively short distances. If your visit coincides with one of the island’s festivals, you may witness the celebrations for Maha Shivaratree, Diwali or Cavadee. Plus, around Chamarel, you can observe the naturally-formed Seven Coloured Earths, walk to the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius and learn more about local rum production.

Food and Drink

Creole, Indian, Chinese and French influences fuse to create one of the most nuanced food cultures in the Indian Ocean. Rice is a staple in Mauritian cuisine, while fish and seafood feature heavily, and everything from fresh mangoes to creamy coconuts is readily available.

For an easy introduction, sample dholl puri – a thin flatbread filled with split peas – or snack on gateaux piment and chilli cakes. You may also come across mine frites, and fried noodles with vegetables, egg or meat. Dishes such as fish vindaye, octopus curry and grilled prawns are popular among seafood lovers, with recipes varying between restaurants and regions.

Rum is another important part of the island’s culinary culture. At Chamarel and Rhumerie de Chamarel, you can learn about the production process and taste locally made rums. There’s also the refreshing Ti’ punch, which is traditionally made with rum, lime and sugar.

Watersports and Activities

Delve into the warm waters, sheltered lagoons and fringed reefs scattered throughout the coasts. The large assortment of watersports you can get stuck into are some of the best things to do in Mauritius, especially if you prefer being in the water rather than on the sands.

Snorkelling is one of the easiest ways to encounter the island’s marine life, with electric blue, loud yellow and deep orange reef fish alongside coral and turtles in suitable shallow-water sites. For a deeper look, scuba diving unlocks a wider range of reefs, wrecks, drop-offs and other underwater habitats for you to explore. See our snorkelling in Mauritius and scuba diving in Mauritius travel guides for more information on how to plan them into your tailor-made holiday.

The southwest is particularly popular for kitesurfing, with Le Morne benefiting from the island’s 300 days of wind a year as well as the favourable trade winds between June and October. Elsewhere, you can take a casual catamaran cruise along the coast, stopping in intervals to swim and snorkel in the clear waters. Additionally, soak up the absorbing views of hidden waterfalls and the never-ending sapphire blues which disappear into the horizon from the deck.

You don’t need to be an experienced sailor or diver, either. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and glass-bottom boat trips are also available as gentler ways to experience the lagoons and coastline, making it easy to find an activity that suits your interests and experience level.

Where to Stay in Mauritius

From coast to coast, there’s a range of accommodation options in Mauritius. These include boutique hotels, like 20 Degrés Sud, and large resorts, such as Constance Belle Mare Plage.

The west is where you can expect reliable watersports conditions. Thanks to its offshore barrier reef, the waters are calm enough for a rush of exhilaration when windsurfing and a flurry of magic while snorkelling with sea turtles. To top it all off, the sunsets are the island’s most vivid.

Northern Mauritius is livelier. Head to Grand Baie for a mix of open-air eateries and bustling local markets selling all sorts of homemade trinkets. Port Louis, on the other hand, provides an insight into French colonial architecture, a multitude of cultures and the historic Fort Adelaide.

The east is home to long, sandy shores and is more resort-focused. It’s a great choice for Mauritius honeymoons, located a world away from the busy regions with fewer crowds and inland green forests to look forward to. As dusk falls, enjoy a romantic meal under the stars.

Southern Mauritius has a rugged landscape. You’ll have fewer hotels to pick from, but also one of the last substantial refuges for Mauritius’ endemic birdlife – Black River Gorges National Park. Ancient native trees, rare palms and regenerating forest cloak steep ravines and volcanic ridges.

For more information, discover our list of places to go in Mauritius; plus, speak with one of our Travel Specialists to discuss your holiday and receive advice on which area best suits you.

Best Time to Visit Mauritius

Boasting a warm, sub-tropical climate and sea temperatures around 23°C, Mauritius can be enjoyed year-round. That said, there are two seasons – austral winter and austral summer.

The austral winter spans between May and October, and is generally drier with pleasantly warm daytime temperatures of around 20—25°C. This is the most popular time to visit for hiking the walking trails of Black River Gorges National Park, where you’ll discover endangered fauna and flora as well as the naturally impressive Alexandra waterfalls. It’s also a good period for marine life watching, including memorable encounters with humpback whales and dolphins.

Taking place from November to April, the austral summer brings hotter, more humid weather, with average temperatures around 28—30°C. The warmer seas make this a particularly good time for swimming, snorkelling and other watersports, although there’s a greater chance of heavy showers. January and February are usually the wettest months and carry some risk of passing cyclones, so we recommend postponing your travel plans for later on in the calendar.

If you’re looking for the best value, travel outside of the busier Christmas/New Year period.

Mauritius Within a Multi-Destination Trip

Mauritius is easily combinable with other countries in the Indian Ocean and Africa, making it a natural addition to a longer trip. One of the most popular options is to finish a safari with some time on the beach. From Johannesburg, South Africa, the flight to Mauritius takes around four hours, while Nairobi, Kenya, is also four hours away. Madagascar is closer, with flights taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. After early starts and wildlife-filled days, Mauritius is a welcome change of pace, where you can unwind by the Indian Ocean. See our Kenya Safari & Mauritius Escape sample tour or Madagascar and Mauritius Made Easy suggested route for inspiration.

You can also explore more of the Mascarene Islands. Mauritius is 40 minutes by air from Reunion, while Rodrigues is roughly 90 minutes away, making island hopping surprisingly straightforward. Each one adds its own element of nature and character – Mauritius with its white sandy beaches, Reunion providing the volcanic cirques, and Rodrigues with a glimpse into what Mauritius may have looked like 50-70 years ago. For ideas on how to connect all three into one seamless experience, discover our Rodrigues, Mauritius & Reunion tailored itinerary, or speak to our travel experts about personalising a multi-destination trip around your specific interests.

Essential Travel Information

Flights: Air Mauritius direct from Heathrow (4–5× weekly), British Airways via Gatwick (3× weekly) ~12 hours. Overnight outbound, daytime return. Air France via Paris, Emirates via Dubai.

Visa: Not required for British citizens.

Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Cards are widely accepted. Good exchange rates for GBP.

Language: English is widely spoken. French and Creole are the main local languages.

Health: No vaccinations or malaria tablets are required.

Safety: Very safe destination. Normal precautions regarding petty theft.

Driving: Left-hand side. Car hire is available – recommended for a day or two of exploring.

Time zone: GMT+4.

Water: Safe to drink from the tap.

Tipping: Not compulsory but customary and appreciated.

Plan Your Mauritius Holiday with Rainbow

We hope this Mauritius travel guide helps with planning your holiday. When you’re ready to start putting it together, speak with one of our Africa Travel Specialists. Every itinerary we create is tailor-made around you, from how you travel and where you stay to the experiences you’d like to include. Your holiday is also ABTA and ATOL protected, so you can book with confidence.