Things To Do
in Mauritius
Mauritius is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean known for turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and powder-white beaches. Its culture is a vibrant mix of Indian, African, Chinese and European influences reflected in food, music and festivals. The interior offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and evergreen hills that contrast the coastal resorts.
Friendly communities, good infrastructure for tourism and year-round warm weather make it an accessible tropical escape.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport and transfer to your beachfront resort. Unwind with a refreshing welcome drink as you admire the turquoise lagoon. Spend a leisurely hour strolling along the golden sands and dipping your toes into the warm Indian Ocean.
Savor a light Creole lunch under swaying palm trees. Lounge by the infinity pool or relax in a shaded cabana while reading a good book. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa massage that incorporates local aromatics and tropical oils.
Head to a seaside restaurant for fresh seafood grilled to perfection. Enjoy panoramic sunset views paired with a chilled Mauritian rum cocktail. Take a moonlit walk along the shoreline before turning in for the night.
Visit Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses and marvel at the giant water lilies. Stroll through lanes lined with endemic palms and spice trees while learning about medicinal plants. Capture photos of the garden’s famous talipot and baobab trees.
Drive to Port Louis for a bustling market lunch sampling dholl puri and gateau piment. Explore the Central Market’s vibrant stalls selling tropical fruits, local crafts, and spices. Visit the Blue Penny Museum to discover Mauritius’s maritime history and famous postage stamps.
Dine at a waterfront eatery in Caudan Waterfront, savoring Creole and Indian fusion dishes. Watch street performers entertain the evening crowd as boats drift by. Return to your hotel and enjoy a nightcap on your private balcony.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $3-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-150 |
| 🏖️Boat trip/snorkeling excursion | $30-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning beaches, clear lagoons and excellent snorkeling/diving.
- Rich multicultural food and festivals with friendly locals.
- Good tourism infrastructure and a wide range of outdoor activities.
- Generally safe with year-round warm weather.
- Can be relatively expensive compared with some regional destinations.
- Cyclone risk in peak summer months (Jan–Mar).
- Public transport is slow and island exploration often requires a car or tours.
- Nightlife is concentrated in a few towns; many areas are quiet after dark.
- "Bonzur / Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning (Creole/French)
- "Mersi" - Thank you (Creole)
- "Koman ou été?" - How are you? (Creole)
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please (French)
- "Kot toalèt?" - Where is the toilet? (Creole)
Places to Visit in Mauritius
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic UNESCO-listed basalt peak on the southwest tip with dramatic cliffs and panoramic views over the lagoon — spectacular at sunrise and sunset.
Unique multicolored sand dunes and nearby waterfall provide striking natural contrasts for photos.
Turquoise shallows, sandy islets and boat scenes ideal for aerial shots and long-exposure water photos.
Clear shallow waters and palm-fringed beaches great for sunrise shots and lifestyle photography.
Vibrant street photography opportunities with colorful stalls, local characters and busy harbor scenes.
Dense forest, misty valleys and sweeping landscapes perfect for nature and wildlife photography.
Food in Mauritius
Mauritius Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thin flatbread stuffed with yellow split peas, served with chutneys and curry; widely available from street vendors and market stalls.
Must-Try!
A tomato-based Creole stew often served with fish, chicken or sausage; try it at local eateries or family-run restaurants.
A tangy, mustarded pickled fish dish reflecting Creole-Portuguese influences; common in seaside restaurants.
Fragrant, mildly spiced rice dish with meat or vegetables — distinctly local variations are available in many restaurants and during festivals.
Little spicy split-pea fritters, perfect as a snack or with tea; sold at markets and street stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market offering fresh seafood, spices, dholl puri, gateaux piment and local sweets — ideal for tasting street food and buying spices.
One of the largest open-air markets on the island; good for fruits, street bites and local handicrafts.
Evening stalls and food trucks serving grilled seafood, samosas and local snacks near the waterfront.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly 'bonjour' or a smile goes a long way. Handshakes are common; in more traditional settings, modesty and respectful language are appreciated.
Remove shoes and dress modestly when entering temples, mosques or churches. Be respectful of prayer times and religious customs.
Beachwear is fine on the sand; away from the beach, dress smart-casual. Avoid overly revealing clothing when visiting villages or religious sites.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially at markets and in rural communities; avoid photographing sensitive government or military sites.
Haggling is common at markets and for souvenirs but should be done politely and with a smile.
Safety
Tipping in Mauritius
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; many restaurants include a service charge (check the bill). For good service, 5–10% is common; small tips for drivers, porters and guides are customary.
Mauritian rupee (MUR) is the local currency. Cash is widely used for markets and small vendors; credit/debit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and shops. ATMs are common in towns but carry some cash when traveling to remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid and best for beach activities; cyclone risk peaks between January and March — monitor forecasts and travel advisories.
Warming seas tapering humidity; good time for outdoor activities with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures.
Cooler, drier and breezy — excellent for hiking, water sports like kitesurfing and exploring inland areas.
Warming trend with pleasant humidity and good visibility for diving and snorkeling; shoulder-season offers good deals.
Mauritius at Night
Hiking in Mauritius
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A steep UNESCO-listed peninsula with challenging trails and rewarding panoramic views of the lagoon; historically and culturally significant.
Extensive network of trails through native forests, viewpoints and waterfalls with opportunities to see local flora and birdlife.
A distinctive granite peak near the center of the island; the hike involves some scrambling and offers dramatic summit views.
A series of waterfalls and pools accessed via trails; a popular day hike with swimming spots and scenic landscapes.
A relatively accessible climb near Port Louis with sweeping views over the capital and surrounding plains.
Airports
How to reach Mauritius by plane.
Main international gateway near Plaine Magnien (southeast). Serves Europe, Asia and Africa; about 45–60 minutes to major resort areas by car.
Small regional airport on Rodrigues Island with flights from Mauritius — useful for visiting the outer island of Rodrigues.
Nearby international airport on Réunion (French territory); short regional flights connect to Mauritius and offer alternative routing.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest group, descendants of Indian laborers and migrants; Hindu festivals and cuisine strongly influence national culture.
Culturally influential group associated with Creole language, music (sega) and cuisine.
Chinese-origin community historically involved in commerce and cuisine; you'll find Chinese-Mauritian restaurants and businesses.
Smaller community linked to colonial history, with influence in agriculture, business and some cultural institutions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular team sport, played widely with local leagues and strong grassroots interest.
Popular in schools and clubs, with active local competitions and community following.
World-class conditions in spots like Le Morne and the western lagoons make water sports very popular year-round.
Played recreationally with a following among communities with South Asian heritage.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are plentiful thanks to Indian influences — curries, dholl puri without meat and vegetable biryanis are easy to find.
Vegan choices exist but can require asking (many curries use ghee or fish sauce); larger restaurants and tourist areas are more accommodating.
Halal meat is widely available and many restaurants can accommodate halal requests; check signage or ask staff.
Naturally gluten-free options include rice dishes, seafood and many curries, but watch out for breaded items and dholl puri which contains wheat.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mauritius.