Mauritius Holidays

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OVERVIEW

Mauritius is often the first place that comes to mind when picturing a tropical paradise getaway. Sitting in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and close to Reunion, this small island nation has built its reputation on white-sand beaches and blue lagoons.

Warm weather and genuinely welcoming locals only add to the appeal, with scenery that manages to captivate even the well-travelled — pristine beaches, sparkling seas, and turquoise lagoons that live up to the postcards.

Beyond the natural beauty, Mauritius packs in a proper range of activities for families, friends, and couples alike. Divers will find some of the island's best spots up north near Grand Baie or around Le Morne, with depths reaching 30 metres — exciting diving for pretty much every skill level.

There's considerably more to Mauritius than swimming and scuba diving. Trek through lush landscapes, work through the local cuisine, and explore the island's rich history and cultural sites. Whether you're after a peaceful retreat or a properly adventure-packed holiday, this tropical paradise tends to deliver.
With its striking landscapes, the east coast of Mauritius makes for a genuinely great spot for horseback riding — a unique addition to any Mauritius trip.

At a glance          Must-Do things          Must-See places         Must-Try food          Must-Pack          Other things to know          Mauritius special deals

Our Mauritius Travel Expert Says:
"Mauritius offers stunning beaches, breathtaking landscapes, a vibrant cultural heritage, and a genuinely warm population. Just a few of the reasons this island stays with me. Let me help you plan the right trip to this paradise."

Mauritius at a glance

Currency

Mauritian Rupee (MUR)

Language

English, French, Creole

Capital City

Port Louis

Winter Average

22°C

Summer Average

27°C

Time Zone

GMT+4

5 Must-Do things

in Mauritius

Between stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear ocean, and towering mountains, Mauritius has no shortage of ways to fill a day.
Mahebourg's local culture
Mahebourg, named after French governor Mahé de Labourdonnais, is a genuinely charming fishing village. Wander its streets to discover traditional Mauritian dishes and get a proper feel for local life. Don't miss the lively village market on Mondays, ideal for fresh produce and unique souvenirs.
Blue Bay Scuba Diving
On Mauritius's southeastern coast, Blue Bay is known for its pristine white sand, turquoise water, and intricately patterned coral reefs. It's a popular spot for scuba diving, snorkelling, and glass-bottom boat tours, with dive safaris to nearby islands delivering a genuinely unforgettable underwater experience.
Hiking in the Black River Gorges National Park
Discover the natural beauty of Mauritius at Black River Gorges National Park. This vast reserve suits trekkers, nature lovers, and birdwatchers equally well. Set in the cooler central highlands, it features striking waterfalls, panoramic views, and genuinely scenic hiking trails.
Visit the Central Market in Port Louis
The beaches of Mauritius are mesmerising, but a trip to the Central Market in Port Louis is well worth the detour too. Packed with fresh fruit, vegetables, and local produce, it offers a properly vivid glimpse into daily life on the island — highly recommended for any visitor.
Ile aux Cerf by catamaran
Set sail on a catamaran along the east coast of Mauritius for a tropical cruise built around sunshine, cocktails, good food, and plenty of relaxation. This is easily one of the highlights of a Mauritius trip.

Must-See places

in Mauritius

Tucked into the southernmost part of Africa, Mauritius is a genuine traveller's paradise, packed with attractions. Get ready to explore breathtaking landscapes, magical spots, and abundant marine life, all waiting to be discovered on this enchanting island.
Port Louis
Founded in 1736, Port Louis is the vibrant capital of Mauritius, set along the western Indian Ocean and sheltered by a deepwater port and a ring of mountains. A genuine blend of tradition and modernity, the city stands out as a cultural, musical, historical, and architectural gem — its rich heritage adding real charm to the whole place.
Le Morne Brabant
Le Morne Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds real significance in Mauritius's history. Once a refuge for escaped slaves, this iconic peak offers breathtaking views of the island's western and southern coasts — a must for anyone after both natural beauty and historical depth.
Grand Baie

In the northwestern part of Mauritius, Grand Baie is a trendy town known for its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and genuinely great shopping. Whether you're after a lively stay or a quieter one, it covers both. For a more peaceful beach day, head to La Cuvette for space, calm, and private swimming spots.
Isle aux Aigrettes (Egret Island)
Set in Mahebourg Bay, Isle aux Aigrettes is a unique coralline limestone island. Known as the dodo's final resting place, it's now a sanctuary for the last remaining patches of dry coastal forest that once covered much of Mauritius. A visit here genuinely feels like stepping back in time, as National Geographic has noted.
Francois Leguat Park
Meet the remarkable giant tortoises of François Leguat Park, where you can get properly close to these ancient creatures and learn about their fascinating history. Home to tortoises of every age, the park offers a genuinely one-of-a-kind experience for anyone after a deeper connection with Mauritius's natural heritage.

Must-Try food

in Mauritius

Mauritius is often called a "melting pot of flavours," thanks to a genuinely diverse and vibrant culinary scene. Over generations, these influences have blended into the island's signature Creole cuisine. With so much on offer, sampling the local food is close to essential during any visit.
Mauritian Curry
Mauritian curries are a staple of the island's cooking, typically served with a side of spicy tomato sauce, fluffy basmati rice, and roti. Feeling adventurous? Try the spicy Creole curry or the local favourite, octopus curry, for a proper twist on the traditional dish.
A popular dish across Mauritius, the local curry can be made with chicken, fish, or even octopus — a genuinely flavourful, exciting meal to enjoy during your stay.
Seafood
Baked, grilled, fried, or sautéed — the seafood in Mauritius is genuinely excellent. From native capitaine fish to calamari and lobster, seafood takes a starring role in Mauritian cuisine, turning up in curries, stews, and Chinese or Indian-inspired dishes alike.
During your stay, you'll notice the seafood here is sustainably sourced, so you can properly indulge, knowing conservation is genuinely a priority on the island.
Mauritian Chili Fritters (Gateaux Piment)
Gateaux piment, a popular street food throughout Mauritius, starts with split peas soaked overnight. They're then boiled, mashed, and mixed with cumin, coriander, and chilli before being deep-fried until crisp. These hot, crunchy fritters are genuinely worth seeking out.
If you're a fan of falafel, don't skip the Mauritian dhal fritters during your trip. Known as gateaux piments, these fried lentil balls carry the bold flavour of spring onion, coriander, and green chilli — a genuinely good spicy snack.

Must-Pack

for Mauritius

When packing for Mauritius, don't overthink it — the beauty of this destination is that you genuinely won't need much.
Holiday packages and Vacation Special Deals with Quintrip, South African Travel Agency based in Johannesburg.

Adapter Plug

Bring a universal adapter to keep your devices charged, and double-check it's compatible with the outlets used in Mauritius.


Reef-Friendly Sunscreen & Insect Repellent

Prevent sunburn and help preserve the coral reefs with SPF 30 or higher. Pack plenty of insect repellent too.


Swimsuit

Mauritius is built for relaxing on stunning beaches with turquoise water. Whether you're swimming, diving, or simply lounging in the sun, a swimsuit is genuinely essential for this tropical paradise.


Sunglasses

The strong Mauritian sun makes sunglasses essential for protecting your eyes throughout your stay.


Backpack

A small backpack works well for carrying your daytime essentials as you explore the island.


Comfortable Walking Shoes

Planning to explore the island properly? Bring a pair of genuinely comfortable walking shoes.

Other things to know about Mauritius before you go

Depending on your nationality, a visa may be required to enter Mauritius. Check in advance, and make sure your passport is valid for 3-6 months beyond your travel dates to avoid any issues.

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Take a look at our selection of Mauritius holiday packages

Holiday Packages Mauritius

Places to visit in Mauritius

Why would you go on holidays in Mauritius?

Mauritius, with its stunning beaches and crystal-clear lagoons, offers a genuinely wide range of water sports and activities, from snorkelling to swimming alongside marine life and exploring the ocean floor.

There are countless ways to spend a perfect day here. The south offers polished resorts and stylish golf courses, the north is home to vast sugarcane fields and picturesque beaches, and east to west, the coastline is lined with beautiful sand and lush vegetation. Renting a car lets you explore every corner of the island at your own pace — a relaxing beach session and a wellness treatment in the morning, new adventures in the afternoon.

Trou aux Biches Beach is known for its powdery white sand and turquoise water — a genuinely breathtaking spot. Whether you stroll the fine sand, swim in the crystal-clear water, or relax beneath swaying coconut palms, the day tends to feel complete. This idyllic stretch in the north of Mauritius runs for three kilometres and makes for a proper retreat.

What can you actually do in Mauritius? Plenty. Dive into the waters of Grand Baie for spectacular scuba diving, enjoy a beachside lunch at Mont Choisy, or take part in a range of activities along the west coast. Families can try big-game fishing in Black River, windsurfing at Flic en Flac, and hiking at Le Morne Brabant during summer. The southern coast, including the well-known "weeping rock" at Souillac, is full of essential stops, while Mahebourg brings history through its Naval Museum, Monday market, and the stunning Blue Bay Beach.

The beaches of Mauritius never stop being impressive. From Flic en Flac, a beautiful, serene stretch away from the crowds, to the countless others scattered across the island, Mauritius is a genuine beach lover's paradise in the Indian Ocean.

For luxury and relaxation, the east coast makes an ideal base. The peaceful atmosphere here suits water sports just as well as simply unwinding.

Trou d'Eau Douce is a charming fishing village with turquoise water, coconut trees, and white sand. Once a fishing community, it's since grown into a coastal resort town offering glass-bottom boat excursions and other nautical outings — a genuinely popular spot for excursions and gatherings.

Discover the fascinating history of sugarcane cultivation here. Nearly the entire island is covered in sugarcane, which has shaped the economy for centuries — beyond sugar and rum, it's also used to generate energy from bagasse, the fibrous plant remains. Visit L'Aventure du Sucre, a former sugar mill turned museum, for a proper glimpse into the island's history and its sugarcane industry, alongside the many rum distilleries scattered across the island.

For thrill-seekers, Mauritius offers exciting zip-line experiences in Chazal and the striking Valley of Colors in Chamarel. For something further off the beaten path, head to Grand Bassin, a serene, sacred lake home to a towering Shiva statue overlooking the water — genuinely striking.

Pamplemousses Garden in the island's northwest is another essential visit. Wander its green walkways as the scent of nutmeg, clove, and laurel fills the air — an unforgettable stop on any Mauritius trip.

Once you land, build in a little rest before diving into the adventure. Buses offer a genuinely convenient way to get around the island, with taxis and car rentals as easy alternatives.

Mauritius is also home to remarkable wildlife, including the reptiles and unique species found in the Mascarene Reserve. Visit an insectarium to see millions of butterflies and insects at various life stages, or spot crocodiles and Japanese carp in the park. Afterwards, don't skip dholl puri, a beloved Mauritian street food — a savoury delicacy that works any time of day and rounds off any Mauritius trip properly.