Destinations
Mauritius
Lush and lovely Mauritius is characterised by its volcanic landscape. Its ring of reef makes for safe swimming and good diving, while in the deep beyond there are top fishing opportunities.
Hiker, honeymooner or parent, you’ll find a holiday here for you in Mauritius.
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General Information
Mauritius has a diversity of landscape you may not expect from the Indian Ocean. Yes, Mauritius it has the white sand beaches and warm waters of your holiday dreams, but backed by volcanic peaks, sugar plantations and a central plateau. Its culture is also mixed, a legacy of British and French rule and Indian and Chinese immigration.
In common with the rest of the region, when you’re not on the beach, there’s a great time to be had on and under the water.
Mauritius’ diving sites are characterised by volcanic rock formations. Some top spots are off Flic en Flac, Grand Baie and Blue Bay. The reefs can also be accessed by snorkellers from most resorts.
Even non-swimmers can experience the underwater life in a glass bottomed boat or submarine or at the island’s modern aquarium.
Le Morne, Grand Baie and Blue Bay are good for windsurfing and sailing while Le Morne and Tamarin are popular with surfers. Ile aux Cerfs, a day trip away, is also a watersports favourite. In deeper waters, Mauritius offers world class fishing.
For family water fun on land, ride the chutes at Le Waterpark & Leisure Village
at Belle Mare.
If you prefer your sport drier, you might want to spend your holiday at one of the hotels with its own golf course. There are also two championship courses at Belle Mare.
Mauritius is great for hiking. Several trails cross the Black River Gorges National Park in the highlands to the south west. The forest here is a good place to spot birds, including the pink pigeon which once nearly went the same way as the island’s famous dodo.
Another good hike, if you’re fit enough, is up Lion Mountain (named for its shape) which sits above Vieux Grand Port. There are great views of the coast from here.
Chances are, any posters you’ve seen of Mauritius feature giant water lilies. You can see these famous pads and much more at the extensive botanical gardens at Pamplemousses.
A modern attraction, L’ Aventure du Sucre, is housed nearby in an old sugar mill.
The museum has interactive displays about the industry and kids will love the sugar tasting session.
Mauritius is a duty-free island so no doubt you’ll want to hit the shops at least once during your stay. For a visual treat, visit the central market in the capital, Port Louis which has colourful displays of fruit and veg as well as tourist souvenirs. The city also has some interesting temples and mosques.
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Best Time To Visit
Mauritius has a sub-tropical climate. December to April is hot and wet with temperatures averaging 23˚-30˚C and the possibility of cyclones, particularly in January and February. May to November is more comfortable, being generally warm and dry and less humid with coastal temperatures 18˚-25˚C.
The West and North coasts of Mauritius are usually driest and warmest. The South and South East are most exposed to the trade winds which are strongest in July and August.
October to April is best for deep sea fishing, June to August for surfing and December to March for diving.
Insider Tips
Look out for local religious festivals, especially if you are visiting Mauritius at the beginning of the year. Fire walking, body piercing and sword swallowing are among the more dramatic Hindu and Tamil rituals.
Certain species of deep sea fish are more common in certain months so check in advance if you have your eye on a particular prize.
Intricate model ships are a handicraft speciality of Mauritius. Larger ones may not be permissible as hand luggage, so buy them with sturdy packaging or pay for them to be freighted.
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Map
5 Reasons to Visit
Family-friendly: With just four hours time difference from the UK, no great extremes of temperature, safe, sheltered swimming, and a good variety of resorts, Mauritius is as good a bet for families as honeymooners.
Deep sea fishing: Mauritius has some of the best deep sea fishing in the world. From most hotels you can take a boat out to fish for huge blue or black marlin, yellow tuna, barracuda and even sharks.
Weddings: There’s a great choice of romantic hotels on Mauritius, each offering wedding packages. Beautiful beaches, and an attractive landscape complete the winning combination.
Top hotels: Some of the world’s most luxurious hotels are on Mauritius. You might even spot the odd A-list celebrity.
Duty free shopping: You’ll find duty free shops across the island, particularly selling jewellery and watches. Mauritius is also a good place to buy cheap textiles, including famous brand clothing.
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