Destinations in Mauritius

Mauritius is a shimmering gem in the Indian Ocean, situated off the southeast coast of Africa, that significantly outperforms its size. Although a Mauritius holiday typically includes sunny skies, sandy beaches, and the warm Indian Ocean (the water is rarely cooler than a balmy 23°C / 73°F!), this diverse island truly has something for everyone, whether you prefer a vibrant resort town with ample nightlife or a quiet nook where you can go hiking or birding.
The most straightforward method of determining where to visit in Mauritius is to divide the island into four sections and align your interests and expectations with the most desirable coastline and destinations. If you are seeking an action-packed, sight-seeing vacation, the northern and western beaches are generally livelier and offer a greater variety of amenities and tourist attractions. Conversely, the eastern and southern beaches are more tranquil and conducive to a leisurely vacation.
Certainly, Mauritius is compact enough that you can rent a vehicle for the day and transport yourself to another beach or to visit a specific landmark or tourist attraction. You will not be confined to a single location. Its coastal roads provide a delightful driving experience, and in addition to a bewildering array of beaches, the island boasts numerous points of interest, including charming towns, picturesque gardens, and nature sanctuaries in its verdant and mountainous interior.

If You Are In Search of Shopping and Dining – Grand Baie, North Coast

The northern region of Mauritius is brimming with bustling energy, featuring an array of intriguing shops, an exceptional selection of water activities, and the island’s sole resort town, Grand Baie. Grand Baie has transformed from a sleepy fishing village to a thriving tourist destination, yet it continues to maintain its friendly small-town atmosphere and a charming array of hotels, restaurants, and bars that adorn the picturesque, horseshoe-shaped harbor. The capital, Port Louis, is a mere 25km / 16mi away, and it is the ideal destination for a traditional “resort vacation.”Grand Baie is an exceptional location for perusing high-end labels, luxury mementos, jewelry, and clothing. After a day of purchasing, take a nap in order to attend the nightclubs, which begin operating after midnight.The beaches of La Cuvette and Grand Baie Public Beach are not suitable for swimming, and the waters surrounding Grand Baie are dotted with fishing boats. However, the peninsular of Pointe aux Canonniers, which is located a short drive away, is the beginning of an unbroken chain of sugar-white sand beaches that extends the entire length of the island’s west coast.The tranquil Rivière du Rempart region, located on the eastern side of Grand Baie, is home to a mere smattering of resorts. The north-east coast of Mauritius is becoming an increasingly popular destination for honeymooners and those seeking a romantic getaway due to its secluded coves, luxurious accommodations, and world-class spas. • The North Coast serves as the entry point to even smaller islets, such as the prosaically named Flat and Round Islands and the more evocative Gunners’ Quoin and Serpent Island.

For Exceptional Diving and Memorable Sunsets – Flic en Flac, West Coast

It is frequently asserted that the west coast of Mauritius is the finest, and we wholeheartedly concur. The island’s west coast boasts an unparalleled selection of beaches, from the pristine white sands of Trou aux Biches in the far north to the remote Le Morne Peninsula on the south-western tip. Le Morne boasts the most dramatic location on the island, with its extensive sand beach, reef-protected lagoon, and exceptional golf course situated at the base of a towering mountain.The Trou aux Biches coastline is a popular destination for families due to its clear water and safe swimming conditions. Additionally, the coral reef is a brief swim from the shore, making it an ideal location for snorkeling. At times, Trou aux Biches can become overcrowded; however, if this is the case, one can take a leisurely stroll along the coast to the nearby Pointe aux Piments, which is a serene stretch of sand, despite its occasional stony terrain.
• Flic-en-Flac is the most renowned and longest shoreline on the west coast, located south of Port Louis. The calm waters of Flic-en-Flac, which are protected from the south-east winds, are an ideal location for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and diving. The palm-lined shoreline is home to a variety of accommodations, shops, restaurants, and taverns.
• Mauritius’s largest and most intricately decorated Hindu temple, as well as undulating sugar-cane fields, are situated on the West Coast, which is characterized by casuarina trees that appear to resemble pine trees emerging from the white sub-tropical sand.

For a Stay at Luxurious Hotels with Beautiful Beaches in Belle Mare, East Coast

The eastern coastline of Mauritius has some of the island’s most luxurious hotels and is home to the incredibly stunning Belle Mare region. It is more exclusive and less developed than the west coast. Belle Mare is one of the most picturesque beaches in Mauritius, thanks to its combination of lush green vegetation, an emerald lagoon, and the softest powder-white sand. Despite the occasional rough sea, visitors can always take a refreshing plunge in the lagoon.The Post de Flacq Peninsula, located at the northern end of Belle Mare, is home to numerous prestigious resorts and is the location to visit in Mauritius for a variety of golf courses. Located to the south of the peninsula and a mere boat ride from Ile Aux Cerfs, Beau Camp is a tropical paradise that offers a wide range of water activities, including water skiing and parasailing. Conclude your day at Beau Camp with a seafood barbecue on the shore.In the summer (approximately November to April), the east coast is influenced by the wind, resulting in a pleasant sea breeze. Conversely, the winter (approximately May to October) can be somewhat boisterous. For further details, consult our “When to Go to Mauritius” section or consult one of our Africa Safari Experts regarding the optimal time to visit this region.

If You Desire Hiking Trails, Forests, and Waterfalls – Chamarel, interior

How to experience a different side of Mauritius: Although we are confident that your primary objective for visiting this sun-drenched island is to enjoy the sandy beaches and tropical sea, we would also strongly encourage you to spend a few days exploring the forested hills, which are interwoven with cool, clear streams and nature trails.
The Black River Gorges National Park is renowned for its extensive hiking and mountain biking trails, heavenly viewpoints, abundant tortoises, and exceptional birdlife, which includes pink pigeons and green parrots, two rare species that have been reintroduced to the wild after being on the brink of extinction. Visitors can also enjoy strolls through lush jungle-like vegetation and picturesque waterfalls. Abseiling from the Chamarel waterfall is not for the timid of heart; it descends approximately 95 meters (312 feet) with a spray that extends beyond half of the waterfall.
The ‘Seven Coloured Earth’, which is situated in the Chamarel region near the Black River Gorges, is another destination that is worth leaving the shore for. The sand dunes are surrealistically striped. The dunes are estimated to have been in existence for approximately seven million years and exhibit a range of colors, including the anticipated yellow and brown hues, as well as the unexpected black, scarlet, and purple hues.
And if you are in the northern region of the island, why not spend a few hours at the ‘Jardin des Pamplemousses’, a botanical garden that is adorned with gigantic water lilies and shaded trees? During your journey, make a pit stop at the local agricultural stalls to purchase sweet pineapples, sugar cane, and fresh coffee.

South Coast: Dramatic Scenery and High Cliffs

The south coast is more rugged than the rest of the island, and its towering mountains create a breathtakingly dramatic landscape. There are fewer swimming beaches in this area, which results in less development. Numerous locals maintain that the south coast of Mauritius still evokes the wild, gorgeous, and authentic nature of the majority of the island. This is the optimal destination for those seeking to enhance their coastal vacation with a touch of adventure and leave the beaten path.The Blue Bay Marine Park (Blue Baie) is located in the southern region of Mauritius and is home to a variety of coral reefs that provide some of the most exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities in the country. A minimum of 50 distinct coral species have been identified in this location, and at least 80% of them are still surviving. Additionally, Bel Ombre and Chemin Grenier, which are situated in close proximity, are both unspoiled sand stretches in a lush green environment. • The south coast of Mauritius is an ideal destination for individuals seeking to escape the crowds and experience genuine tranquility, as it is situated far from the relative hustle and bustle of Grand Baie and the popular west coast. In 1965, Ile Aigrettes was designated as a nature reserve and is the habitat of numerous endemic flora that are not found anywhere else. Get a sense of an authentic island trading location by visiting the lively Mahebourg Market.