How to Explore Mauritius: An Ultimate Travel Guide to a Dreamy Tropical Paradise!

Mauritius is literally heaven on earth, and it’s not difficult to see why. With palm-draped sandy shores hugged by a necklace of coral reefs, Mauritius is the very picture of a dreamy tropical paradise. But there’s so much more to it than just sunbathing with a cocktail in hand. Planning a trip to this paradise? You won’t regret your decision!

Best Time to Visit

Mauritius is blessed with a pretty mild climate, boasting an average temperature of a cosy 25 degrees Celsius. Though you can enjoy most activities throughout the year, the best times to visit are between April to June and September to December. If you visit during these months, you dodge the extremes of two main seasons: summer and winter.

Fancy a bit of deep-sea fishing or maybe diving? Then, summer, from October to April, is your time. Just keep an umbrella handy for the occasional heavy rain in February and March. Winter, on the other hand, is excellent for surfers and stargazers.

Accommodation

Mauritius, being the popular travel destination that it is, boasts a wide array of accommodation options. There are budget options as well as places like Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas.

When choosing your accommodation, consider a place located close to attractions in Mauritius. Also, make your booking as early as possible to avoid any last-minute disappointments, and keep a lookout for hotel deals and discounts.

Entry Essentials

One of the best things about visiting Mauritius is that everything is so much easier, which is true of the visa process as well. You don’t have to worry about a pre-arrival visa. Once you land, they’ll stamp your passport, giving you a 60-day stay. Just make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and has at least one blank page.

Getting Around

Whether you fancy driving yourself or prefer letting someone else do the driving, getting around Mauritius is easy. Rent a car, scooter, or even a bicycle if you're feeling sprightly. If you're renting, don't forget – Mauritians drive on the left.

But if navigating isn’t your cup of tea, taxis and public buses are everywhere, and they offer quite the experience. Want to see Mauritius from the skies? Get yourself a helicopter ride!

Your Activities List

Here are some of the must-do things in Mauritius:

Lounge about at a resort.

Wander around Port Louis, the capital city.

Bask on those incredible beaches.

Dive into clear waters for snorkelling or diving.

Go on an adventure in the Black River Gorges National Park.

Get your adrenaline fix with kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Experience the local Saga dance show.

Step back in time to the oldest botanical gardens in the southern hemisphere.

Delve into Mauritius’ rich Creole, Indian and colonial history.

Treat your taste buds to some scrumptious cuisine.

Local Currency

The local currency is the Mauritian rupee. Most tourists find that cash is primarily needed for tips and transactions with street vendors. However, many establishments, including restaurants and shops, accept credit cards. For those needing to exchange currencies, services are available at the airport and in most hotels. Alternatively, ATMs are scattered around.

Languages

On this stunning island, English and French are the main languages, making it easy to have a conversation with the locals. But what's even cooler is that most people speak Creole, which is similar to French. Thanks to the mix of people living in Mauritius, you'll also catch bits of Hindi, Bhojpuri, Tamil, and a few other languages.

History

Visit Mauritius and you're stepping right into a history book! From Dutch and French to British rule, this island in the Indian Ocean has seen it all. The colonial rule has left its mark, shaping its culture and vibes. Mauritius is now an independent nation, but you still see tokens of its colonial past.