Mauritius

What are the most recommended things to do in Mauritius?

  • Relax on the beaches of Grand Baie, Flic en Flac, and Belle Mare.
  • Snorkel or dive at Blue Bay Marine Park and Île aux Cerfs.
  • Explore Chamarel’s Seven Colored Earth and Chamarel Waterfall.
  • Visit Black River Gorges National Park for hiking and wildlife spotting.
  • Discover the capital, Port Louis, including the Central Market and Aapravasi Ghat.
  • Take a catamaran or boat tour to nearby islands like Île aux Benitiers.
  • Experience cultural sites such as Eureka House and Mahébourg Museum.
  • Enjoy water sports: kite surfing, parasailing, and deep-sea fishing.
  • Visit La Vanille Nature Park to see giant tortoises and crocodiles.

Introducing Mauritius

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.

Climate and best time to travel

Mauritius has a subtropical maritime climate;

The best tourist season is from June to November each year;

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

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


Most Popular FAQs for Mauritius

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

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.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

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.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

  • Most parks and attractions: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Best time to visit: May–December (dry season) for pleasant weather and fewer mosquitoes.
  • Peak season: December–January and July–August.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

  • Chamarel Seven Colored Earth: ~5–10 USD per person, payable onsite.
  • National parks: 5–15 USD per adult, purchased at park entrance.
  • Boat tours and catamaran trips: prices vary, often booked online or via tour operators.
  • Some museums charge 3–5 USD, payable onsite.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

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.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

7–10 days are recommended to experience beaches, national parks, cultural sites, and island excursions.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Grand Baie and northern beaches
  • Chamarel Seven Colored Earth and waterfall
  • Black River Gorges National Park
  • Île aux Cerfs and surrounding islands
  • Port Louis and Central Market
  • La Vanille Nature Park
  • Eureka House and Mahébourg Museum

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

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.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Le Morne Brabant for panoramic island views
  • Chamarel viewpoint over the Seven Colored Earth
  • Black River Gorges viewpoints
  • Île aux Cerfs coastline and beaches
  • Sunset spots along Flic en Flac and Grand Baie

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

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.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

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.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Peak tourist periods are December–January and July–August. The least crowded times are May–June and September–November.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

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.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Major beaches, museums, and resorts are accessible. Some hiking trails and natural parks may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash in Mauritian Rupees is needed for small purchases, markets, and some attractions. Hotels, larger restaurants, and tours usually accept cards and mobile payments.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

  • Grand Baie: seafood restaurants and international cuisine
  • Flic en Flac: beachside cafes and bars
  • Port Louis: local eateries and market food stalls
  • Île aux Cerfs: resort restaurants and picnic options

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, many restaurants in resorts and cities offer vegetarian and vegan meals; halal options are also available, especially in larger towns.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

  • Grand Baie: luxury resorts, boutique hotels, guesthouses
  • Flic en Flac: beachfront resorts and self-catering apartments
  • Chamarel: eco-lodges and boutique accommodations
  • Île aux Cerfs: day trips from mainland resorts, some on-island lodges

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Le Morne Brabant for hiking
  • Casela World of Adventures for safari and activities
  • Mahébourg waterfront and museum
  • Pamplemousses Botanical Garden near Port Louis

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

  • Handicrafts, wooden carvings, and textiles
  • Local spices, vanilla, and sugar products
  • Jewelry and shell or coral crafts
  • Local rum and tea products

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

  • Car rentals for island exploration
  • Taxi or private drivers for day trips
  • Domestic flights for Rodrigues Island
  • Boat transfers for nearby islands like Île aux Cerfs and Île aux Benitiers

Nearby Attractions