Mauritius

Indian Ocean

A jewel of the Indian Ocean, just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, Mauritius truly is heaven on earth.

Overview

Once the haunt of pirates, this tropical island paradise is now best known for its luxurious hotels, dazzling white beaches and sparkling turquoise lagoons.

However, there's much more to Mauritius that's just waiting to be discovered: rugged mountains, colonial towns, quaint fishing villages, abundant water sports, award-winning spas, Championship golf courses and gourmet cuisine. It's also a great place to travel with children; the amusement parks, wildlife encounters and museums provide hours of entertainment for both little and big kids.

The beauty and diversity of Mauritius is reflected in the warmth of its people and in the richness of the culture and heritage that binds them together. The Mauritian smile is genuine, natural and welcoming.

Highlights

Mauritius is about more than just beautiful beaches and sparkling lagoons. Explore the island and discover delicious local delicacies, exhilarating water sports and charming towns.

Retail therapy

Mauritius offers some amazing shopping experiences, from air conditioned shopping centres featuring duty free stores to outdoor markets and street traders selling hand-made crafts. Discover the sights, sounds and smells of vegetable, herb and spice markets in Port Louis, pick up a traditional Mauritian souvenir or try a spot of bartering at the Caudan craft market.

Local produce

Nestled in the hillside plantations of Chamarel, in the south west of Mauritius, and surrounded by acres of sugarcane plantations, the eco-friendly Rhumerie de Chamarel provides a behind the scenes look at the rum making process. Sugarcane plants are handpicked and fermented before being distilled into the unique Mauritian rum that can be sampled and purchased at the end of the tour.

Treasure islands

Enjoy a day of fun and adventure in Ile aux Cerfs, a picturesque island off the east coast of Mauritius that is famous for its excellent snorkelling conditions thanks to its crystal clear waters and colourful coral reef teeming with marine life. Spend the day on board a catamaran or visit one of the many water sports kiosks and try water skiing, parasailing or underwater sea-walking.

When to visit

The tropical climate makes it a perfect destination all year round. The summer months (October to April) are filled with long, hot days - perfect for lazing by the pool or swimming in the ocean. Winter (May to September) is sugar cane season and visitors can look out for the silver-hued flowers that bloom across the island. These months are slightly cooler and less humid, with the occasional passing shower, although the midday sun is still strong. This is the ideal time to explore the island's many hiking trails, while snorkelling enthusiasts should visit between December and March for the clearest waters.