There are only a few countries most travelers consider a full paradise. Mauritius is one of them. Here is all you need to know before traveling.
When you plan a trip to Mauritius, prepare to enter a world where time takes a leisurely stroll, beckoning you to succumb to its tranquil charm. This enchanting island offers a plethora of experiences that will leave you spellbound. From idyllic sun-kissed beaches that invite relaxation to exhilarating water sports that awaken your adventurous spirit, Mauritius presents a tapestry of moments that immerse you in pure wonder.
The symphony of nature’s beauty, coupled with the vibrant fabric of the island’s cultural heritage, etches an indelible impression on your soul, ensuring that you will forever be captivated by the magic of Mauritius.
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Understanding Mauritius
Mauritius, an idyllic gem in the Indian Ocean, unveils a sensory symphony. Its pristine shores are kissed by azure waters, while emerald mountains stand as guardians against the cerulean sky. Fragrant breezes carry the whispers of a vibrant cultural tapestry, where diverse influences intertwine.
Journey deeper, and you’ll encounter an underwater kaleidoscope. Coral reefs burst with life, beckoning adventurers to explore a hidden world. Verdant rainforests reveal cascading waterfalls, inviting weary souls to find solace in their tranquil embrace. Beyond the coastline, sugar cane fields and quaint villages narrate tales of a colonial past.
Culture weaves its spell, as the island’s harmonious blend of Indian, African, Chinese, and European heritage unfolds. In bustling markets, vibrant saris swirl, while the aroma of street food tantalizes. The rhythms of Sega music reverberate through the air, inviting you to sway to its beat. Savor the tantalizing fusion of spices, seafood, and tropical flavors that ignite the palate.
From experiencing authentic island flavours to dipping into the magical underwater world that sits just beyond dreamy bays of chalk-white sands, to enjoying beautiful botanical gardens in the sun – Mauritius has endless possibilities for everyone looking for a blissful island holiday.
In this guide, I want to help you start planning your trip to Mauritius and experience this destination like never before.
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Getting Around
Planning a trip to Mauritius is a breeze with various transportation options. The island boasts a well-connected road network, making self-driving a convenient choice. Renting a car or hiring a driver allows you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Car rental prices start at approximately 30 EUR per day. Alternatively, public buses and taxis are readily available, with bus fares starting at around 0.50 EUR per ride and taxi rates varying based on distance and negotiation. For island-hopping, consider taking catamaran cruises starting at €50 per person or domestic flights from 100 EUR onwards to explore neighboring islands and their unique charms.
Here is a list of some of the best car rental companies in Mauritius along with their website, email, and phone number:
Pingouin Car Rental
- Website:
www.pingouincarrental.com - Email:
info@pingouincarrental.com - Phone:
+230 263 8876
Island Car Rental
- Website: www.islandcar.mu
- Email: info@islandcar.mu
- Phone: +230 5255 3838
MauriGo Car Rental
- Website: www.maurigo-car-rental.com
- Email: info@maurigo-car-rental.com
- Phone: +230 5255 7777
First Car Rental Mauritius
- Website: www.firstcarrentalmauritius.com
- Email: info@firstcarrentalmauritius.com
- Phone: +230 5858 2888
Eurocar Mauritius
- Website: www.eurocar-mauritius.com
- Email: info@eurocar-mauritius.com
- Phone: +230 5961 0901
Please note that it’s always recommended to contact the car rental companies directly for the most up-to-date information regarding their services, availability, and prices.
Best Time to Go
Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit depends on your preferences and interests. The peak tourist season falls between May and December when the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach relaxation. The summer months from December to April bring higher temperatures and occasional rainfall, but also offer great opportunities for water sports and exploring the island’s lush landscapes.
Accommodation and Activities
Mauritius offers a wide range of accommodations catering to every preference and budget. From luxurious beachfront resorts to charming guesthouses and boutique hotels, there is an option for every traveler. Luxury resorts can range from 200 to 1000 EUR per night, while guesthouses and self-catering apartments offer more affordable options starting at approximately 40 EUR per night. Dining out ranges from budget-friendly street food stalls with meals starting at 3 EUR to fine dining experiences with prices ranging from 30 EUR to 100 EUR per person. Excursions and activities also come in various price ranges, with prices typically starting at 20 EUR for snorkeling or diving trips, and hiking tours priced around 40 EUR per person.
Prices
Understanding the cost of your trip to Mauritius is essential for effective budgeting. Accommodation prices vary depending on location, amenities, and season. Luxury resorts can be more expensive, while guesthouses and self-catering apartments offer more affordable options. Dining out ranges from budget-friendly street food stalls to fine dining experiences. Excursions and activities also come in various price ranges, with some being included in package deals. Researching and comparing prices in advance will help you make informed decisions and plan accordingly.
Here are the average prices for tours in Mauritius listed in Euros (EUR):
- Full-day Island Tour: Prices
range from €40 to €80 per person. - Catamaran Cruise: Prices range
from €50 to €120 per person. - Underwater Sea Walk: Prices
range from €50 to €80 per person. - Dolphin Watching Tour: Prices
range from €25 to €60 per person. - Casela Nature Park: Prices
range from €25 to €60 per person. - Chamarel Seven Colored Earths:
Prices range from €8 to €16 per person. - Ile aux Cerfs Island Tour:
Prices range from €35 to €70 per person. - Tamarin Falls and Black River
Gorges Tour: Prices range from €45 to €80 per person.
Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as the tour operator, season, and additional inclusions or activities.
INSIDER TIP: If you are flexible with time and itinerary, find your tour operators once you are in the island. You will get a better overview of what’s included and what not, while also getting the best prices and supporting directly the local community.
How long should you spend?
Although it’s not a particularly large island, Mauritius still has a lot to offer. And you won’t want to rush, so we’d recommend a visit of between 7 – 14 days to fully immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of the island. Two weeks should be enough time to enjoy a selection of its beautiful beaches and have some fun trying out a variety of watersports, with a few days spare to explore the historical capital and stunning national parks.
If you are restricted to a week, hiring a car is a great way to save time when travelling across the island to its main attractions. Here’s our guide to how long you should spend in the diverse island of Mauritius, with a few unique experiences to add to your itinerary.
Best things to do in the island
Ocean exploration
No visit to Mauritius would be complete without taking some time to explore the glistening turquoise waters surrounding Mauritius’s sandy beaches. Be sure to set at least a few days aside for a gentle exploration of the shores, where hammocks invite you to relax with a cool drink under palms and sunny skies. Pereybere Beach and Le Morne Beach are some of the best you won’t want to miss.
A great way to see the delights of the coast is to take a catamaran cruise across the ocean to the mesmerising Ile aux Cerfs. You’ll need at least a full day for the cruise, and some tours offer multi-day excursions, including hikes to waterfalls and snorkelling afternoons in the nearby lagoon. Other day trip options atop the ocean include trips on catamarans, private boats or paddle boards to get close to the magnificent array of marine life surrounding Mauritius.
For those looking for something truly magnificent, head to the uninhabited island of Ile aux Bénitiers to swim alongside pods of playful dolphins, or enjoy a day of whale watching if you happen to be visiting between the months of July and November. Again, you’ll need a full day set aside, so be sure to adjust the length of your stay accordingly if you want to do this.
Taste the freshness of island cuisine
It doesn’t get much better for food lovers than the delicious array of fresh, local produce that the Mauritius people transform into mouth-watering dishes. Inspired by a mix of Indian and European cuisine, there’s something for everyone.
Whichever way you design your itinerary, be sure to include one or two days for exploring the historical capital of Mauritius. Founded in 1735, the bustling Port Louis is the lively economic hub of the island, where you can enjoy vibrant markets, the National History Museum and breathtaking views atop the Citadelle. Keep in mind that it can take a few hours to explore each area, and you’ll want to stop often to sample the mouth-watering street food available at every turn.
For those looking to sample the produce of the long-standing sugarcane farms on the island, head to Château de Labourdonnais for an afternoon of rum tasting. Be sure to book in advance, as these experiences can be popular. With only two major roads, Mauritius’ travel network is mainly narrow, twisting roads that connect the mountains to the coast through rural villages and busy towns. Because of this, it can take a surprisingly long time to travel from one side of the island to the other, so be sure to allow for ample travel time when deciding where to visit and how long to spend here.
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Inland adventures
If you can peel yourself away from the beach, there’s much beauty to be found inland on Mauritius. Set aside a day of your holiday to visit the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, which is the oldest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and renowned for its large pond filled with giant water lilies.
Or you could take a tour of the land of seven colours at Chamarel in the south west, and hike to the beautiful Tamarind Falls to cool off while you are there. For thrill-seekers, there’s quad biking at the Bel Ambre Nature Reserve. Those looking to brush up on the island’s history can spend hours enjoying the magnificent relics at the Blue Penny Museum of Art and History. And for nature lovers, be sure to head to Casela Nature Park for a safari where you can see lions, giraffes, camels and rhinos enjoying the tropical weather.
Choosing which activities to fill your stay with can be hard, but if you find yourself trying to cram it all in, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Mauritius for two weeks or longer. A good idea is to plan for beach or relaxation days in between your hikes and more energy consuming experiences, so that you don’t become too exhausted to enjoy yourself. The island of Mauritius has so much to offer, with a long and diverse history and beautiful scenery making this a wonderful place to visit no matter how long you stay.
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