Mauritius Vacation

Set on Mauritius’ wilder, less developed southern coastline, Bel Ombre is the perfect destination for nature-loving travelers who prefer unspoiled beauty to shops, restaurants, and bars.

The beaches here are some of the most picturesque on the island, and the backdrop of Le Morne Brabant lends a touch of drama to an idyllic peninsula.

Attractions and activities around Bel Ombre are wonderfully varied, so there is something for everyone. The activities range from surfing, horse riding, hiking, tea tours, and an animal park, with loads to keep kids of all ages entertained.

Highlights

To the west of Bel Ombre, the Le Morne Peninsula is where you’ll find the most photogenic and least developed stretch of coast on the entire island, with luxury resorts spread out over idyllic stretches of white sand under Le Morne Brabant, a looming green mountain.

You’ll find your mecca if you’re into water sports: this is one of the best areas in Mauritius for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Apart from the resorts, there are a few operators in the area where you can rent equipment and take some lessons.

Beginners should make a beeline to the Kite Lagoon, on the western side of the peninsula, which is a great place to start with calm, flat water. Le Morne is also home to One Eye, the top surf spot on the island – it’s only for experienced surfers, though (beginners should stick to Kite Lagoon).

For incredible views over the southern coastline, hike up to the top of the 556m (1824ft) high Le Morne Brabant, which takes a few hours.

Along the way, you’ll pass through the indigenous forest and see the Mauritian national flower (boucle d’oreille) – the only place on the island where you can find the blooms.

Le Morne Brabant is not just about panoramas, though. The mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important cultural place for Mauritians.

According to a legend, in the early 19th century, escaped slaves hid out in the mountain’s caves only to leap to their deaths when they saw a police expedition (which had come to tell them that slavery had been abolished) approach the mountain.

One of the best ways of exploring Mauritius’ wild southern coastline is by going on a horseriding safari, which will take you over postcard-perfect beaches and through patches of beautiful forest.

A short drive from Bel Ombre, you’ll find the start of La Route du Thé, a road trip route connecting three of Mauritius’ last colonial estates: Domaine des Aubineaux (near the town of Curepipe), the Bois Chéri tea estate, and St Aubin.

A factory tour of Bois Chéri takes you into the world of Mauritian tea. The highlights include getting to sample the fragrant brews and eating lunch in the superb restaurant, which offers scenic views over the emerald-green plantation and dishes incorporating tea, from chicken with green tea to tea sorbet.

St Aubin is also about food, drink, and history. The two-centuries-old sugar estate is home to a vanilla plantation and an artisanal rum distillery where you can see how sugar is turned into the spirit.

After the tour, the rum tasting is a must, as is lunch in the atmospheric restaurant inside the old mansion. Try the specialty of chicken cooked with vanilla from the estate.

La Vanille Nature Park, half an hour from Bel Ombre, is a wonderful attraction for families, with lots to keep children entertained.

The giant tortoises (part of a conservation breeding program) are the star attraction, and for an extra fee, kids can feed them themselves.

There’s plenty more to see and do, including their collection of more than 20,000 insects, feeding times at the Nile crocodile farm, meeting Oscar the iguana, the museum dedicated to extinct Mauritian wildlife, pony rides, and doing a feeding at the nursery for baby tortoises.

Practical Advice

It’s best to hire a car if you’re staying in Bel Ombre and want to explore the southern coastline, as many places are not connected by bus routes. If you don’t want to rent a car, you can also charter taxis by the day.

You need to be pretty fit to hike right to the top of Le Morne Brabant. If you don’t think you’re up to the 500m (1640ft) climb, there’s a halfway viewing point with beautiful views.

You don’t have to hike with a guide, but the last part of the hike is challenging and potentially dangerous, especially for inexperienced hikers. Going with a guide will be the safest option, and you’ll get to learn about the plants and birds you see along the way.

Bel Ombre is perfect for couples looking for a romantic beach holiday. There’s plenty to do at the resorts to fill relaxing days, but if you want to get out and explore the coastline, Bel Ombre is wild and beautiful, perfect for nature lovers who like to escape the crowds.

Adventure travelers who love water sports will enjoy Bel Ombre because of the kitesurfing, windsurfing, and surfing opportunities.

Curepipe, Mauritius’ second biggest town, lies inland just south of the island’s center and is a great day trip destination if you want a break from the beach.

Beautiful colonial architecture lends the town a lot of charm, while its attractions are varied, from peaceful botanical gardens to a colonial mansion-turned museum.

The town is also known for its shops. If you’re looking for something special to take home, this is the place to come for pashminas, jewelry, jade, antique porcelain, silk, carpets, and model ships.

Just outside of town, there’s lots of nature to explore, including a volcanic crater with the best views of the island, an indigenous forest reserve with scenic walking trails, and a challenging waterfall hike.

Highlights

One kilometer outside of town, the Trou aux Cerfs is a 100m (328ft) deep dormant volcanic crater (one of the oldest on the island) that makes for a great walking spot.

Paths lead down into the forested crater and up the summit, which is easily reachable and offers fantastic views. You can see the entire island from some points, and on clear days, you can see as far as the neighboring island of Reunion.

History buffs shouldn’t miss a visit to the beautiful Domaine des Aubineaux, a colonial mansion built in 1872, where you can find out about colonial Mauritian family life in the 19th century and the history of tea on the island.

Stroll in the lush garden, filled with camphor trees and indigenous exotic plants, and don’t forget to have tea and scones in the house’s old billiards room.

If you’re looking for a quiet time in nature with hardly any other people around, make a trip to Monvert Nature Park, which conserves 73 hectares of rehabilitated indigenous forest.

Visit the nursery to see endangered indigenous plant species before heading out on one of the walking trails that lead through the beautiful forest up to a viewing platform.

The 19th-century Curepipe Botanic Gardens are a serene attraction with far fewer tourists than the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens.

Explore two hectares of exotic and indigenous plants, including the national plant of the island, the Mauritius Trochetia, and the world’s rarest palm tree, the last remaining specimen of its species. There’s also a playground for kids.

Tamarind or Tamarin Falls is one of the island’s most spectacular waterfalls and is only a short drive out of Curepipe. Also known as the Seven Cascades, the seven waterfalls tumble down a lush forested canyon full of birds.

It’s a beautiful hiking destination. Take half a day to hike up four of the waterfalls, stopping to swim in the river on the way, or a full day trip to hike to the top of the seventh waterfall, a challenging but rewarding walk.

You can also go canyoning, jumping, and abseiling down the cascading falls.

Practical Advice

Due to its altitude of 550m (1804ft) above sea level, Curepipe has cooler weather in the hot summer months than the rest of the island destinations, so it’s an excellent place to visit if you want a break from the heat. It gets a lot of rain so pack a waterproof jacket.

Curepipe is well connected by bus to other towns on the island, so you can easily visit the town if you don’t have your own rental car. However, if you’d like to see some of the attractions near the town you’ll need to get taxis.

If you’d like to hike to Tamarind Falls, you should only do it with a guide, as the trails are not easy to follow on your own.

You can either book a guided tour through your hotel or an operator or hire a local guide in the village of Henrietta, close by to the waterfalls.

The hike can get pretty challenging in parts, so it’s best to do it if you’re fairly fit. If you’re going on a guided trip, the minimum age is usually 12. For canyoning, the minimum age is 10.

Families on holiday looking for a quieter side to the island and a break from beach activities will enjoy a day trip to Curepipe.

The botanical gardens are small but peaceful, and walks along the volcanic crater are easy, while the Montvert Nature Park offers a serene escape into nature.

If you have kids older than 12, a hike up the Tamarind Falls and swimming in the waterfalls is a real highlight of the area.

Solo travelers in Mauritius will enjoy browsing Curepipe’s shops and the historical Domaine des Aubineaux, while adventure travelers should definitely have hiking and canyoning Tamarind Falls on their must-do list.

After Grand Baie, Flic en Flac is the most popular tourist area for a holiday in Mauritius. The once small fishing area on the west of the island has developed into a hub of resorts, hotels, rental apartments, restaurants, bars, clubs, and souvenir shops.

The beach itself is one of the best on the island – a long 8km (5mi) stretch of white sand where you can laze away days, have picnics under the shade of the casuarina trees, try out some street food, or take advantage of the array of water sports on offer, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing.

A short drive to the south, beautiful Tamarin beach is one of the few places in Mauritius not protected by coral reefs, which makes it a renowned surfing spot.

Highlights

The west coast of Mauritius offers some of the best scuba diving on the island, with some fantastic wreck, reef, and drift sites just offshore from Flic en Flac and nearby Tamarin.

Suitable for beginner divers, La Cathédrale is one of the most popular sites in Mauritius for its stone arches, caverns, and caves where you can see a host of tropical fish species, while there’s also a cluster of other dive sites close by.

Water sports are the main activity on offer at Flic en Flac, and with such a huge choice, there’s something for everyone during their holiday in Mauritius. Kids will love banana boating and paddle boating, while teenagers can try parasailing, water skiing, and jet skiing.

Then there’s deep-sea fishing for tuna and marlin, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. Further down the coast, Tamarin has one of the best surf spots on the island (the best conditions are May to September), where you can take lessons at the local surf school.

A 10-minute drive from the center of Flic en Flac, Casela World of Adventures is one of the most popular attractions on the island. The 250-hectare nature park offers more activities than you could fit into a full day.

There are safari drives, Segway tours, camel rides, mud karting, and much more. There’s also a lot for kids to do, like be a zookeeper for a day, ride a pony, fish for tilapia, feed giant tortoises and lorikeet birds, or visit the petting farm.

A 10-minute drive from the center of Flic en Flac, Casela World of Adventures is one of the most popular attractions on the island. The 250-hectare nature park offers more activities than you could fit into a full day.

There are safari drives, Segway tours, camel rides, mud karting, and much more. There’s also a lot for kids to do, like be a zookeeper for a day, ride a pony, fish for tilapia, feed giant tortoises and lorikeet birds, or visit the petting farm.

Practical Advice

If you’re not staying at a resort offering diving, then be sure to pick a dive operator with a good reputation (ask your hotel for advice or go with reviews). Some resorts also offer scuba diving lessons to non-guests.

If you don’t have a rental car, Flic en Flac is well connected by public buses to the capital of Port Louis (about half an hour’s drive away) and Curepipe and Quatre Bornes. The airport is an hour’s drive away.

Flic en Flac is ideal for family holidays. The beaches of western Mauritius are best for kids, as they are calm and sheltered. There are also plenty of child-friendly resorts, other lodging options in Flic en Flac, and a wealth of activities for children of all ages.

Flic en Flac has a great choice of luxury hotels and resorts that are perfect for couples and honeymooners. These private villas usually come with their own swimming pools, butler service, couples’ spa treatments, and special pampering extras such as private dinners for two.

While it’s not off the beaten track, Flic en Flac is a good choice for adventure travelers who want to spend their days diving, surfing, snorkeling, and doing other exciting water sports.

On the island’s northern end, busy and buzzing Grand Baie is the center of tourism in Mauritius. This is where all the action happens. The seaside town is packed with bars, nightclubs, restaurants, shops, and expansive resorts.

Ocean activities are the focus here, with an array of water sports and experiences to suit everyone during their holiday in Mauritius.
Grand Baie is also a great jumping-off point for exploring the islands north of the coast on day trips by catamaran or boat.

If you’d like to be close to Grand Baie without staying in the thick of things, nearby Pointe aux Cannoniers is a quieter alternative.

Highlights

While Grand Baie’s main beach sees a lot of boat traffic and isn’t ideal for swimming, there are plenty of beautiful beaches a few kilometers away north and south of town.

La Cuvette, for example, is an excellent beach with lots of shade and great street food options. The next beach is Péreybère, a good snorkeling spot in the north.

Mont Choisy, which is popular with locals on weekends, can be found on the south side of Grand Baie. Lastly, Trou aux Biches, a two-kilometer stretch of perfect sand, is rated one of the best beaches on the island.

There’s a massive variety of water sports and ocean adventures on offer in and around Grand Baie, with more than enough options to fill your entire beach holiday in Mauritius.

Take your pick from water skiing, yachting, deep-sea fishing trips, windsurfing, catamaran cruises, and sailing trips. The town is also an excellent place to organize underwater activities as there are some fantastic scuba dive sites just off the coast of Grand Baie.

For something totally different, there’s the Solar Undersea Walk – the next best thing to scuba diving – where you walk underwater for nearly half an hour in a diver’s helmet.

It’s an excellent option for kids who can’t yet dive, as the minimum age limit is seven – just be sure to book a day ahead during the busy months.

For children above the age of 16, there’s the underwater scooter, a motorized form of diving that doesn’t require any diving experience.

One way to see the underwater life of the ocean without getting wet is on a semi-submarine. You’ll be submerged under the ocean to see the marine life of the reefs.

Exploring Mauritius’ offshore islands and islets is a great activity on the north coast, and it’s a fantastic activity for both families and solo travelers.

Boat and catamaran trips take you on half or full-day excursions to visit Île Plate, which has a lovely beach to explore, Coin de Mire, a nature reserve with rare species, and Île Gabriel, where you can go snorkeling.

A bit further afield are Île Ronde and Île aux Serpents, which you can’t land on but can sail and snorkel around. Grand Baie has the best food scene on the island, and it’s an ideal place to go on a food safari to explore the island’s flavors and cuisines.

Restaurants offer everything from Mauritian Creole and seafood to Chinese, Indian and Italian food. At the same time, street vendors sell delicious (and cheap) snacks such as gateaux piments (fried chili bites), fresh coconuts, spicy curries, and sliced tropical fruit.

Practical Advice

If you’re staying in a self-catering apartment or house, head to Grand Baie’s beach everyday at 4 PM to buy the catch of the day from local fishermen and cook up a fish feast at home.

Grand Baie is a great year-round destination, as the wind here is generally offshore, and the beaches in the area are sheltered from the wind – especially during the winter months of June to August.

If you’re not renting a car on your Mauritius holiday, then Grand Baie is an excellent place to base yourself, as there’s plenty on offer in the town in terms of restaurants and activities, and it’s well connected by buses to the rest of the island.

Grand Baie will appeal to almost all types of travelers. It’s great for families, with loads of child-friendly activities and family hotels. It also suits solo travelers looking to meet people and be part of a buzz.

Solo travelers will enjoy the lively dining and drinking scene, and adventure seekers have loads of exciting water sports and other outdoor adventures right on their doorstep.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere and a less developed beachfront, Grand Baie is not going to be your ideal pick of destination in Mauritius. Instead, choose a resort or hotel on the east coast or southern coastline.

Lying inland in the mountains of the southwest of the island is Grand Bassin or Ganga Talao, a crater lake sacred to Hindus who believe it was formed when Shiva spilled drops of water from the Ganges River in India.

The largest natural lake in Mauritius, Grand Bassin, is surrounded by candy-colored statues of gods and Hindu temples.

During Maha Shivaratri, which takes place at the end of February or beginning of March each year, half a million Hindus make a pilgrimage to the lake, the holiest site on the island.

If you travel to Mauritius during this time, don’t miss this spectacular festival, which is one of the biggest Hindu celebrations outside of India.

Grand Bassin is close to many natural attractions and exciting places to visit, including the wildest place on the island, Black River Gorges National Park.

Highlights

Grand Bassin is definitely worth exploring for a few hours. Take a stroll around the pretty lake and up to the top of the peak for spectacular views, and take time to see the statues and temple.

It’s a good idea to go with a guide who can give you a background on all the gods depicted on the statues.

Black River Gorges National Park, the largest reserve on the island, is a world of rolling hills and dense emerald-green rainforests that extends over 6000 hectares and conserves more than 300 species of native and endemic flowering plants and bird species unique to Mauritius.

Hiking is the best way to explore this last corner of island rainforest, and there are 50km (31mi) of trails you can walk on your own or with a guide.

Animals to look out for include the Mauritian Flying Fox and the island’s endangered birds: Mauritius Kestrel, Pink Pigeon, Mauritius Parakeet, Mauritius Olive White-eye, Mauritius Bulbul, Mauritius Cuckoo-Shrike, Mauritius Fody, and the Mauritius Grey White-eye.

A short drive from Grand Bassin, the mountain village of Chamarel is a delightful place to visit and makes for a great alternative to coastal tourist towns.

A big highlight of Chamarel is its dining scene, especially its tables d’hôtes – small, family-run restaurants serving authentic Mauritian cuisine.

On top of a towering hill overlooking the ocean far below, Le Chamarel Restaurant has one of the best panoramas on the whole island: a great view to go with delicious Mauritian eats such as gateau piments (the Mauritian version of falafel), fish curry and octopus vindaille (a flavorful curry).

A short distance from the waterfall, the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths (Terres de 7 Couleurs) are worth a stop for the famous multi-colored sands – a natural phenomenon of dunes in beautiful shades of blues, purples, and reds.

With a playground and some giant tortoises to see, it’s a great family attraction. Right next to the Seven Coloured Earths is the newly opened Ebony Forest. This fifty-hectare conservation area protects a pocket of indigenous forest and one of the last stands of original ebony trees.

Explore the beautiful forest on safari jeep tours or guided walks, or take your own walk along marked trails and on raised walkways that take you into the canopy.

Look out for fruit bats, the Mauritius Bulbul, and the Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher along the way. For the best views, hike up to the top of Pitot Canot.

Mauritian artisanal rum making is a recent trend, and now there are several artisanal distilleries on the island producing some excellent rums.

If you only have time to visit one distillery on your trip, it should be Rhumerie de Chamarel, which has won multiple awards for its rums.

Take an interesting tour of the distillery and then do a tasting of the oak-matured and fruit-infused rums before having lunch at the excellent restaurant, L’Alchimiste, where dishes (such as indulgently rich chocolate pudding) come laced with rum.

Practical Advice

Be conscious that Grand Bassin is a holy site for Hindus. Always be respectful in the temples by wearing modest clothing and removing your shoes before entering.

There are two entrances to Black River Gorges National Park, and at each, there’s a visitor center where you can ask about trails and pick up maps. If you want to head off the main hiking trails in Black River Gorges National Park, hiring a guide is a good idea.

The main trails take between three and four hours. If you’re a botany buff, plan your trip between September and January, when it’s the flowering season in Black River Gorges National Park.

Because of its proximity to natural attractions such as Black River Gorges National Park, Grand Bassin is great for adventure travelers who would like to experience Mauritius’ wilder side by hiking, abseiling, and canyoning in the region’s waterfalls, forests, and rivers.

Family-friendly holiday activities are also plentiful in the area around Grand Bassin. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll find lots to do, from seeing the tortoises at the Seven Coloured Earths and the interactive displays at the Curious Corner of Chamarel to guided walks in Black River Gorges National Park and the canopy walkways in the Ebony Forest.

At the northern end of Mauritius, just to the east of Grand Baie, Grand Gaube is a lovely little fishing village with a good beach, rocky bays, and a few upscale resorts – the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for beach time without the crowds.

Resorts offer an extensive selection of water sport activities such as scuba diving, kite surfing, boat and catamaran cruises, and deep-sea fishing, while the offshore islands of Coin Mire, Île Ambre, Île Plate, and Île Ronde – home to a wildlife sanctuary – can be explored by kayak and boat.

The nearby village of Cap Malheureux is also worth a visit for its stunning views of the islands, lovely swimming beach, and photogenic church.

Highlights

Grand Gaube is a good base for exploring the beautiful islands off Mauritius’ north coast. The closest, Île Ambre, can be reached by kayak on a guided trip where you’ll paddle amongst mangroves in the island’s calm lagoon and have a picnic lunch on the beach.

The rugged Coin de Mire – or Gunner’s Quoin – which lies eight kilometers (five miles) north of Cap Malheureux, is a sanctuary for birds and indigenous trees.

While you can’t walk on the island, you can cruise to the island on a catamaran, snorkel off the rocks, and dive in crystal-clear water.

Île Plate has a picturesque white sand beach, an old lighthouse, and many indigenous plants, and you can visit on a catamaran trip or boat cruise that includes snorkeling and a picnic lunch.

You can’t set foot on Île Ronde, but you can cruise around the protected island to spot rare birds.

There are some fantastic scuba diving sites near Grand Gaube: three at Cap Malheureux and six around Coin de Mire island ranked as one of the best dive spots in Mauritius.

Further offshore, you can also explore the underwater world on the reefs around Île Plate, Île Ronde, and Île aux Serpents. The lagoons around the islands are also perfect for snorkeling.

Just to the west of Grand Gaube, Cap Malheureux is an enchanting spot. A lovely bay offers dramatic views of the jutting peak of Coin de Mire, a pretty village, and the photogenic church of La Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, one of the oldest churches on the island.

To get a taste of local life, browse the bustling Goodlands market, where Mauritians shop for fresh produce, saris, and other clothes, and tuck into delicious street food such as spicy samosas and coconut fritters.

A short drive inland brings you to Château de Labourdonnais, where history meets gourmet cuisine on a manicured estate.

Explore the elegant 18th-century plantation mansion for a glimpse into colonial life on the island, and then have a meal at the La Table du Château, one of the best restaurants on the island for Franco-Mauritian food.

Tuck into dishes such as pan-fried dorado on steamed local vegetables, prawns with palm heart salad, spicy mango dip, and crème brûlée made with Tahitian vanilla grown on the estate.

Don’t miss a tasting of the Château’s delicious flavored rums, which are infused with fruits from their orchards.

Practical Advice

Even if you’re staying in an all-inclusive resort in Grand Gaube, it’s worth leaving the resort’s confines to eat out in some of the restaurants in the village.

Try Linda’s Place, where you can sample home-cooked Mauritian food such as fried fish with saffron rice and pickles and chicken curry.

Grand Gaube is good for couples looking for a low-key romantic break in luxury resorts and who prefer a quieter pace than the hustle and bustle of Grand Baie.

With its easy access to dive sites and great snorkeling spots, Grand Gaube is great for underwater adventurers during a holiday in Mauritius.

A sleepy colonial city on the southwest coast with a pretty waterfront, Mahébourg hasn’t seen large-scale tourist development, so it retains lots of authentic charm.

It’s a great place to get a taste of real Mauritian life, see fishermen heading out on their wooden boats, and shop at lively local markets alongside an interesting museum, local eateries, and street food stalls, where you can chat with vendors while sipping on fresh coconuts and snacking on gato merveille (fried crispy dough served with tomato chutney).

Mahébourg is the jumping-off point for boat excursions to nearby islands, while just outside of the city, Pointe D’Esny and Blue Bay are two of the most attractive beaches in southern Mauritius.

Both offer wildlife attractions. Offshore from Pointe D’Esny is an island nature reserve that is a must-do for those who want to get a glimpse into what wild Mauritius would have looked like before humans arrived, and the coral reef in front of Blue Bay is the top snorkeling spot on the island.

Mainly home to small guesthouses and no grand resorts, Mahébourg is best for low-key travelers looking for budget-friendly lodging away from the crowds.

Highlights

The top activity in Mahébourg is a boat trip to explore the idyllic islands that lie just offshore – the perennially popular Île aux Cerfs to the north, as well as Île aux Aigrettes, Île aux Vacoas, Île aux au Phare and Île aux de la Passe.

The boat trips take half or a whole day and include stops for swimming, snorkeling, and a barbecue lunch.

Visit the Monday Market for an authentic Mauritian shopping experience and tasty, fresh street food. Try the unofficial national dish of dholl puri (flatbreads topped with curried split peas and chutney), gateaux piments (fried chili bites), and samosas filled with spicy potatoes.

Learn about Mauritius’ fascinating past at the National History Museum, which houses artifacts rescued from old shipwrecks and a mixture of interesting treasures, from pirate swords to centuries-old maps.

Just south of the city center, Pointe D’Esny is a picturesque sugary-white kilometer of sand flanked by calm turquoise water.

If you want peace and quiet, it’s a good place for beach lazing, but nature lovers should definitely not miss doing a tour of the offshore Île aux Aigrettes, an island nature reserve that protects endangered indigenous species such as pink pigeons and Aldabra giant tortoises, as well as Mauritian fruit bats – the only native mammal on the island.

Pointe D’Esny leads onto Blue Bay, where you can experience the best snorkeling in the protected Blue Bay Marine Reserve, home to the island’s largest coral reef.

Just a few meters from the beach, you’ll be able to spot up to 72 species of tropical fish, including surgeonfish, parrotfish, clownfish, trumpetfish, and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles too.

You can also sail on a glass-bottomed boat to explore the reserve and the islet of Deux Cocos, which lies within the park.

Practical Advice

With many beachfront properties closing off access to the beautiful Pointe d’Esny beach, finding the way to the sand can be tricky if you’re not staying in a hotel or resort. A public path heads to the beach from the road – look for it in the middle of Pointe d’Esny.

If you go snorkeling in Blue Bay, remember to wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral reefs from further damage. You don’t need to do a boat trip to go snorkeling in the reserve – you can enter from the shore.

The best spot to get into the water is at the western edge of the public beach.

With family-friendly boat trips and incredible snorkeling in Blue Bay, Mahébourg is an excellent destination for kids and family holidays.

Mahébourg is ideal for travelers on a budget, with many affordable lodging options like small family-run guesthouses. It’s a good base for solo travelers who prefer a quiet ambiance over a buzzing nightlife.

Region Explained

Mauritius’ capital city of Port Louis is the best place to explore the island’s cultural diversity and see a very different side of Mauritius, far removed from the idyllic beachfront resorts.

The city encapsulates the island’s melting pot of cultures – Indian, African, French, Chinese, and British – with bustling markets, a historic Chinatown (where the Mauritian-Chinese street food is excellent), and fascinating museums that tell the stories behind the island’s checkered history.

Just outside of town, the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular attractions on the island for its more than 600 species of plants and the famous giant water lilies.

Highlights

The Central Market is a fantastic foodie experience. Browse the stalls to see the best of the island’s fresh produce, from jewel-like chilies, shiny aubergines, glowing pommes d’amour (small tomatoes), and bundles of aromatic herbs.

Stop for refreshments at the food hall, where you can snack on dholl puris (delicious flatbreads wrapped around curried split peas) and sip on tangy tamarind juice or alouda (a sweet milky drink).

The UNESCO site of Aapravasi Ghat is a fascinating historical visit (we recommend booking in advance for a guided tour), where you can learn about the island’s colonial history and the immigration of Indian indentured laborers to Mauritius.

The Blue Penny Museum is a must for history buffs who want to learn about the story of Port Louis and see two of the rarest stamps in the world: the famous Mauritian 19th-century penny stamps.

Take time out from exploring the busy city to stroll through the tranquil Jardins de la Compagnie, an 18th-century garden full of towering banyan trees, statues, fountains and benches.

A short drive from the city centre, the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens is a must for travelers who love plants and botany. The lush, beautiful gardens are filled with 650 indigenous and exotic species of plants and trees including baobabs and spice trees.

The highlights are the 85 different kinds of palm trees and a pond of giant water lilies. If you want to get the most out of your visit, hiring a guide to learn about the garden’s fascinating flora is a good idea.

Practical Advice

The Central Market gets very busy – try to get there before 10 AM to avoid the crowds. While the Jardins de la Compagnie is safe to visit during the day, it’s best not to walk there at night.

Solo travelers will find plenty to explore on their own in Port Louis, while the city also offers child-friendly attractions such as the botanical gardens. Foodies will love Chinatown’s street stalls and the Central Market’s fresh produce.

Mauritius’ resorts, many of which are in the mid-range price range, provide excellent all-inclusive packages that include accommodation, meals, and activities during your Mauritius vacation.

An affordable alternative to a resort stay is renting a self-catering house or apartment near the beach for your affordable Mauritius holiday.

Mauritius is all about activities, and the cost of these can add up, especially if you’re traveling as a family. However, there are many things to do that don’t cost very much, such as:

• Hiking Black River Gorges National Park and Le Morne Brabant
• Snorkeling and exploring the underwater world of Mauritius
• Visiting tea plantations and artisanal rum distilleries
• Walking around lush botanical gardens on the island

Renting a car or scooter in Mauritius is not expensive, and it’s the best way of getting around the island (and better value than taking private taxis).
There are plenty of attractions to visit if you have your own transportation, such as the island’s many public beaches and bustling food markets, which will not cost you much on your affordable Mauritius vacation.

To get discounts on hotel rates and flights, travel during the low season of May to September, which has slightly cooler temperatures than in summer but more sunshine and daytime temperatures in the 20°C/68°F range.

The best tip for budget travel in Mauritius is to travel during the off-peak season (May to September) to get discounted rates on flights and accommodation.

The best accommodation option for a budget-conscious trip in Mauritius is a self-catering apartment (Flic en Flac has the best selection) if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, or a house if you’re a family or group of friends.

Shop for fresh produce at village markets and the catch of the day from fishermen on the beach.

In terms of transport, hiring a rental car can be cost-effective if you’re traveling in a group. At the same time, solo travelers in Mauritius can take advantage of public buses to get around the island on a budget.

There are many attractions in Mauritius and things to do that are either free or cost very little such as hiking to the top of Le Morne Brabant.
Public beaches are free, and there are plenty of budget-conscious refreshments to eat and drink, from fresh coconuts to cut-up pineapple.

Buy yourself a snorkel and pair of goggles and pay nothing to explore the island’s underwater life.

Travelers are really spoiled for choice on their luxury Mauritius holiday. The island has a wealth of superb high-end resorts scattered across its northern, southern, western, and eastern coasts.

These luxury properties in Mauritius are what island dreams are made of: expansive gardens full of trees and tropical plants, beautiful rooms, spacious suites, and exclusive villas with private gardens and swimming pools.

Picture idyllic resort-only beaches, gourmet food in several on-site restaurants, beach bars, wonderful spas, 24-hour butler services, and more activities than you could fit into one trip.

Along with that, there are all the water sports you can think of, yoga, massage, and Creole cooking lessons and some memorable, authentic experiences such as a sunrise sail with a local fisherman or a home-cooked meal in a family home.

Most people choose to stay at one luxury resort on their luxury holiday to Mauritius, and many resorts offer packages that include everything.

But if you want to explore the island rather than spend your whole holiday on the resort grounds, some lovely boutique hotels are more geared toward travelers who’ll be eating out and doing activities in other parts of the island.

Mauritius is one of the most popular destinations in southern Africa for romantic holidays and honeymoons, and it’s easy to see why.
There’s not much that can top a tropical beach holiday for couples wanting a romantic break. Mauritius’ exquisite beaches and islets offer the perfect combination of sugary white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear calm seas for endless hours of swimming and snorkeling on your Mauritius Honeymoon.

The island’s vast number of luxury resorts are particularly geared up for honeymooners and couples looking for romance. Some resorts are adults-only, and many have suites and villas designed with privacy in mind (think private terraces, gardens, and infinity pools).

Many properties offer special couples or Mauritius honeymooners packages, including special touches and pampering such as sparkling wine, in-room spa treatments, round-the-clock butler service, and romantic candlelit dinners for two.

Adventurous couples are spoiled for choice on their Mauritius honeymoon, with endless outdoor activities to pick from.

Activities such as hiking and canyoning in Black River Gorges National Park, scuba diving at fantastic sites all over the island, windsurfing and kite surfing lessons, catamaran trips to offshore islands, and multi-day kayaking trips to uninhabited islets where you camp on the beach at night.

Each side of the island has a different character, but all have resorts and hotels where couples can find an idyllic place to stay. If you love the buzz of nightlife and restaurants, stay in Grand Baie on the northern end of the island or Flic en Flac on the west coast.

For a quieter ambiance, pick the east coast, and head to southern Mauritius for the wildest, least developed stretch of coast.

Mauritius is an ideal family holiday destination and is great for kids of any age. Mauritius island offers great value for money on family holidays, with the choice of all-inclusive resorts and self-catering apartments and houses.

Many resorts and hotels are child-friendly, offering children’s swimming pools and play areas, kids’ clubs, programs packed with fun activities, and services such as babysitting.

Whatever part of the island you’re in, you’re never far from a family-friendly activity.

There’s snorkeling, diving, water skiing, paddle boating, kayaking, kite surfing, animal parks where kids can feed giant tortoises, and amazing natural attractions such as Black River Gorges National Park and Tamarind Falls, where you can hike in beautiful forests, go abseiling and canyoning and swim in rivers.

While there are child-friendly resorts in Mauritius on each side of the island, the island’s western coast is particularly popular for family holidays in Mauritius because of the sheltered, calm ocean.

Look out for special deals at resorts for families, where they offer discounted rates for kids under 12.

While Mauritius is known as a romantic destination for honeymooners and a great family holiday destination, the island is also perfect for solo travelers.

Mauritius is safe, easy to travel around, and offers many activities you could do on your own, with a guide or instructor, or join up with a group to do.

Highlights in Mauritius include; scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking in Black River Gorges National Park, abseiling, canyoning and island kayaking, horse riding, and stand-up paddle boarding.

For a buzz and the chance to meet other travelers, pick a popular seaside town such as Grand Baie or Flic en Flac, where you’ll find tons of options for accommodation, lots of restaurants, and great nightlife options.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, stay on the southern end of the island, which has the least developed coastline and good access to incredible natural attractions, such as Black River Gorges National Park.

This paradise on Earth is the kind of tropical island fantasies are made of: white sandy beaches shaded by palm trees, crystal-clear ocean, year-round sunshine, lush forests, volcanic mountain backdrops, and some of Africa’s best beach resorts.

Lying off the coast of East Africa, a holiday in Mauritius has something to offer everyone, from couples looking for romantic experiences, to families in search of outdoor activities for kids, and adventure seekers who want to have an active, exciting holiday.

Mauritius has more than 300km (186mi) of coastline, and much of it is covered in picture-perfect beaches. However, there’s far more to the island than just sun loungers and sand.

There are snorkeling and scuba diving spots all over the island where you can explore two-century-old shipwrecks, beautiful caves and caverns, hundreds of coral species, and more than 400 marine animals such as deep-sea fish, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales.

Mauritius also has more water sports than you can shake a water ski at, including water skiing, kite surfing, kayaking, and offshore islets.

The island’s interior boasts beautiful landscapes and is packed with things to do, giving you plenty of reason to explore Mauritius beyond the beach.

The most popular part of Mauritius island is the northern coast around the town of Grand Baie, which is a tourist hub for hotels, resorts, restaurants, shops, and bars.

The island’s west coast, with its magnificent beaches, calm ocean, and languid sunsets, is most popular with families, while the east coast has some of the top luxury resorts and best beaches.

The southern coastline is the least developed on the island, with a wild beauty that will appeal to nature lovers.

What Makes Mauritius Unique?

While Mauritius has some of Africa’s best beaches, the island has far more to offer beyond its beautiful stretches of sand. The sheer diversity of experiences makes Mauritius island a spectacular choice.

In terms of ocean activities, your days will be filled with everything from stand-up paddle boarding and surfing to scuba diving and yachting.

The island’s lush interior offers unlimited opportunities to explore nature.

Walk around a volcano crater, go canyoning in magnificent gorges, abseil down waterfalls, hike in a national park to observe birds in indigenous forest reserves, feed giant tortoises, and horse ride among the forests.

And though Mauritius isn’t known for its wildlife, the island has several species that have been saved from extinction, making a visit to one of its animal sanctuaries a fascinating and unique experience.

Unlike other East African island nations such as Seychelles, Mauritius is a great value-for-money destination.

Mauritius island is also home to many budget-friendly lodging options, from self-catering apartments to small family-run guesthouses, while the luxury resorts offer some surprisingly affordable packages.

And if you’re not on a budget, the best resorts on Mauritius island are truly world-class.

Think stylish and spacious villas, exclusive private beaches, manicured grounds, superb spas, award-winning golf courses, and Michelin-quality food at multiple restaurants.

Mauritius boasts the best gourmet cuisine out of all the Indian Ocean islands. Its food is a mixture of the island’s rich cultural influences, and the vast array of excellent restaurants spanning Mauritian and international fare will delight foodies.

Resorts offer plenty of fine dining experiences, while excellent restaurants are tucked away in some of the most beautiful corners of the island, from hilltops to the gardens of old colonial mansions.

A particular highlight is the tables d’hôtes (small family-run eateries) which are great for trying authentic Mauritian cuisine.

Even the cheap eats in Mauritius are delicious: the street food sold in markets and on the side of the beach is something to write home about.

Mauritius is a unique mix of French, British, Indian, Chinese, and Creole people and has a fascinating history spanning centuries.

Throughout the year, there are festivals celebrating the religions and cultural traditions of the island’s myriad inhabitants, while excellent museums and historical houses preserve stories from the past.

Mauritius is surrounded by coral reefs which teem with more than 400 marine species, including pinner and bottlenose dolphins, a variety of shark species (although these rarely venture beyond the reefs and into the lagoon around the island that people swim in), sperm and humpback whales, colorful tropical fish and deep-sea fish such as tuna and marlin.

On land, the fruit bat is Mauritius’ only native mammal, while the island is home to several introduced species.

While Mauritian giant tortoises have gone extinct, giant tortoises from Seychelles have been introduced to the island, and there are several places where you can see them (and feed them).

More than 100 species of birds have been recorded on Mauritius, including seven endemic species: the Mauritius grey white-eye, Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon, olive white eye, Mauritian fody, Mauritius parakeet, and Mascarene paradise flycatcher.

The best place to see endemic Mauritian species (some of which were saved from the brink of extinction) is Île aux Aigrettes, a small island reserve that is being returned to its pre-human state and protects birds such as pink pigeons and Mauritian fodies, as well as Mauritian fruit bats, two Mauritian native reptiles (day geckos and Telfair’s skink), giant Aldabran tortoises from

Seychelles and a stand of old ebony trees. The lush forests of Black River Gorges National Park, in the southwest of the island, are also a great place to go bird spotting.

In terms of plants, Mauritius has remarkable biodiversity for its size, with nearly 1000 species, around 300 of which are endemic.

While the island has lost nearly all of its trees, Black River Gorges National Park protects the largest tract of native forest on the island. There are also other reserves where you can find native species, as well as projects that are rehabilitating forest areas.

The national park and the smaller reserves are the best places to immerse yourself in Mauritian plant life. At the same time, the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens is an excellent place to learn about rare and endangered species.

Mauritius offers something for everyone, people return again and again for different kinds of holidays: as romantic couples and adventure seekers and as families looking for child-friendly ocean fun.

With the diversity of attractions and experiences that a Mauritius holiday offers, you wouldn’t be able to fit them all into one trip, and you’ll be planning the next holiday before you leave.

Foodie travelers could spend their entire holiday exploring the island’s gastronomic delights and never have time to go snorkeling. Surfers may be in the ocean every day and miss out on exploring the island’s beautiful natural attractions in the interior.

The island varies a lot from coast to coast, from the northern end, which buzzes with nightlife and restaurants, to the wild south coast, which is largely undeveloped and boasts extraordinary natural beauty.

It definitely makes sense to return to Mauritius on repeated trips and stay on each of the four coasts to fully experience all sides of the island.