Brightsun’s Guide to Visiting Mauritius

Mauritius is a sought-after travel hotspot in the Indian Ocean boasting plenty of blissful beaches, natural settings, water adventures, and cultural sites. Read our guide on holidays to Mauritius.

Best Things to do in Mauritius

Discover the Beaches & Islands

Mauritius has many paradise hotspots worth exploring.  Île aux Cerfs is one to note, offering a pristine island setting, crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and thrilling water sports. Flic en Flac Beach, one of the finest beaches in Mauritius, is the best for sunsets and swimming, and Le Morne Beach is a superb kitesurfing spot.

Enjoy the Nature & Outdoor Adventures

Mauritius is an outdoor haven and the opportunities for adventure here are abundant. Visit the Black River Gorges National Park for hiking, waterfalls, and spotting wildlife; discover the unique Chamarel Seven Colored Earth - a geological formation with colourful sand dunes; experience zip-lining, quad biking, and walking with lions at the Casela Nature Parks, and hike to the top of Le Morne Brabant for breath-taking vistas.

Immerse in Culture & Sightseeing

A special element of this island in the Indian Ocean is that you have the choice of relaxation but also plenty of exploring, with some really special sites worth visiting including the Grand Bassin –  a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site with a peaceful lake and temples, Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius home to the bustling Central Market, and the UNESCO listed Aapravasi Ghat.

Enjoy the Food!

Mauritius is no doubt a foodie’s paradise, with plenty of exotic local cuisine to sample and savour. Favourites include dholl puri – soft flatbread with chickpeas and chutney, grilled fresh seafood like octopus and prawns prepared with Creole spices, and Mauritian cari - a chicken or fish curry cooked with a masala sauce and served with roti. Port Louis is the perfect place to sample delicious Mauritian street food. Other enriching experiences to enjoy local flavours in Mauritius include tea tasting at the Bois Chéri Tea Plantation and rum tasting at the Rhumerie de Chamarel.

Experience Incredible Water Activities

The Indian Ocean is the perfect setting for some fun-filled activities in the water. You could go dolphin watching in Tamarin Bay, take part in scuba diving at Belle Mare to discover coral reefs and marine life, experience walking on the seabed in Grand Baie, and take a relaxing catamaran cruise to Île aux Bénitiers.

Where to Stay in Mauritius

Grand Baie, North Mauritius – Best for Nightlife & Beaches

Those who want more of a lively atmosphere will love Grand Baie village, which is home to plenty of bars, restaurants, and shopping spots. The beaches here are beautiful, especially Mont Choisy and La Cuvette, and are ideal for watersports and catamaran trips. This is a touristy spot of Mauritius and is likely to be busy.

Flic en Flac, West Mauritius – Best for Sunsets & Diving

Flic en Flac offers long sandy beaches with stunning sunsets and amazing diving and snorkelling spots, and the region is close to Casela Nature Park which offers more outdoor adventure activities.  This is a popular place to stay in Mauritius, so it can get busy during peak seasons.

Belle Mare, East Mauritius – Best for Luxury & Tranquility

Belle Mare is home to some of the most idyllic white sandy beaches which are peaceful and less crowded than the likes of Flic en Flac and Grand Baie. Nightlife options are fewer here, so if you’re looking for somewhere to stay and simply unwind, Belle Mare is the spot for you with plenty of luxury resorts to choose from, as well as fine golf courses.

Le Morne, Southwest Mauritius – Best for Scenic Views & Surfing

The dramatic mountain backdrop of Le Morne Brabant takes centre stage in Le Morne. This region of Mauritius is more secluded with fewer leisure attractions, but plenty of incredible nature to admire. Watersports and kitesurfing can be enjoyed in Le Morne.

Black River & Tamarin, West Mauritius – Best for Nature & Dolphins

If the beaches aren’t a main priority for you in Mauritius and you’re more of an explorer, then it’s worth considering staying in the charming village of Black River or Tamarin, both of which are great for dolphin watching and close to the hiking trails in Black River Gorges. There’s a laid-back vibe to this region of Mauritius, with a wide choice of luxury and mid-range accommodation options.

Mahebourg, South Mauritius – Best for Culture & Local Experience

The small, charming town of Mahebourg offers a cultural take on Mauritius and allows you to get an authentic feel of daily Mauritian life. There are local markets to browse, historic sites to admire, affordable accommodation, and easy access to nearby islands.

Travel Must-knows

Mauritius Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR).

Language: English and French are widely spoken.
Voltage: 230V (UK-style three-pin plugs).
Safety: generally safe, but it’s recommended to avoid deserted areas at night.

Entry Requirements - no visa is required for most travellers; do check the country’s local government authority page for the latest updates.

Best Time to Visit Mauritius

What is Mauritius weather like throughout the year? The island nation has a tropical maritime climate with two main seasons: summer between November and April which is hot and humid, and winter between May and October which is cooler and drier. The best time to visit Mauritius is between May and December, as the weather is more comfortable and enjoyable. We recommend that you avoid visiting between January and March, as these are the wettest months with occasional disruptive cyclones.

Travel to Mauritius this year with the help of Brightsun Travel. Check out our exclusive Mauritius holidays or call us for a bespoke quote on 0208 819 0531.