
Like the Maldives, the Republic of Mauritius is a definite top-five destination for island honeymoons. This volcanic island nation offers everything you could want: ocean views, jungles, wildlife, extreme sports, cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. In short, once you visit, you'll truly understand paradise. Mauritius is an island nation in East Africa, located in the southwest Indian Ocean, approximately 800 kilometers from Madagascar and 2,200 kilometers from mainland Africa.
As a volcanic island nation surrounded by coral reefs, Mauritius boasts a diverse landscape, ranging from narrow coastal plains to a central mountainous plateau with numerous mountain ranges and isolated peaks. Comprising the island of Mauritius and other small archipelagos, Mauritius gained independence from the British on March 12, 1968, after experiencing colonial rule by the Netherlands, France, and Britain. The islands are also home to a significant Chinese population.
Mauritius has a subtropical maritime climate;
The best tourist season is from June to November each year;
Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens
Located between Grand Baie and Port Louis, Pamplemousses is one of the island's main attractions, offering tranquility and a rich variety of exotic flora. Pamplemousses offers a quintessentially Mauritian atmosphere, distinct from Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches. The Sir Chioussagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, a world-class botanical garden, is one of Mauritius's most popular attractions and is easily accessible from anywhere on the island.
Recommended 1-2 days of play
Port Louis
As the capital and largest city of Mauritius, Port Louis is a delight to explore, with its bustling streets, vibrant ethnic districts, and remarkably well-preserved colonial architecture. In Port Louis, you can go shopping in the central square. Admire the Adelaide Fort, built by the British in 1835, which overlooks Port Louis and offers a panoramic view of most of the city's buildings. Famous attractions include the Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis Market, Chinatown, the Old Theatre, the Army Barracks, and the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre.
Recommended 1-day tour
Greater Bay Area
Grand Baie, a small harbor town on the northwest coast of Mauritius, gets its name from the curved fjord it sits on in the north of the island. It's a major scenic spot and a haven in northern Mauritius. Surrounded by land on three sides, the azure waters here appear exceptionally tranquil, while the pristine white sandy beach alone draws countless visitors. No admission fee is required, and it's open 24/7.
Recommended 1-2 days of play
Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, was uninhabited until the 16th century when it was settled by the Dutch, followed by the French and British. Its history includes sugar plantation development, colonial trade, and diverse cultural influences from African, Indian, European, and Chinese immigrants. Today, Mauritius is known for its ecological diversity, tourism, and cultural heritage.
Mauritius is located east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Major entry is via Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport near Port Louis. Transportation options include taxis, car rentals, buses for intercity travel, and boats for island tours.
For popular activities like catamaran cruises, diving trips, and guided national park tours, booking 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended. General park entry usually does not require advance booking.
7–10 days are recommended to experience beaches, national parks, cultural sites, and island excursions.
Yes, guided tours are widely available in English and French. Some operators also provide tours in German and Italian, particularly for island excursions and national parks.
Day 1–2: Northern beaches and Grand Baie; Day 3: Port Louis and cultural sites; Day 4: Chamarel and Black River Gorges; Day 5: Île aux Cerfs and eastern coast; Day 6: La Vanille Nature Park and southern attractions; Day 7: Leisure day at the beach or water sports; optional Day 8–10: additional island excursions or hiking.
Night walks are available in some nature parks and eco-lodges. Special boat tours or sunset cruises are common along the coast. Cultural events may include traditional music and dance performances in certain hotels or towns.
Peak tourist periods are December–January and July–August. The least crowded times are May–June and September–November.
Most beaches, parks, and tourist sites have toilets, restaurants or snack shops, water points, and picnic areas. Shopping and souvenir stores are common in towns and resorts.
Major beaches, museums, and resorts are accessible. Some hiking trails and natural parks may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash in Mauritian Rupees is needed for small purchases, markets, and some attractions. Hotels, larger restaurants, and tours usually accept cards and mobile payments.
Yes, many restaurants in resorts and cities offer vegetarian and vegan meals; halal options are also available, especially in larger towns.