Mauritius Travel Guide: Regions, Islets and Seasons

Mauritius is an island country in the Indian Ocean, east of Africa. It lies around 800 km east of Madagascar and is part of the Mascarene Islands. It also has offshore islets and outlying territories such as Rodrigues Island.

The island covers 2,030 square kilometres. The tourism authority divides it into six regions: the north, Port Louis, the centre, the east, the west and the south.

Places to visit in Mauritius

Port Louis

Port Louis is the capital, in the northwest of the island. Its Central Market is where locals shop, and Chinatown sits close by. Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the 1,640 m2 site where almost half a million indentured labourers arrived from India between 1834 and 1920.

Grand Baie and the north

Grand Baie has beach clubs, bars and over 50 restaurants. From the north you can arrange a boat or catamaran trip to the northern islands, including Ilot Gabriel and Coin de Mire. Inland, Château de Labourdonnais is a mansion converted into a museum.

The south

The tourism authority describes the south as having a wild, rugged coastline with fishing villages and tea plantations. Blue Bay Marine Park is known for clear water, and Ile aux Aigrettes is a small islet nature reserve visited on guided tours. The sacred lake of Ganga Talao is an important Hindu site.

The east and Ile aux Cerfs

The east has long white sand beaches and wide lagoons. You can catch a boat or catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs, which has a regular boat shuttle, to spend the day on the beach or play golf. Belle Mare beach is one of the longest stretches of sand on the island.

Le Morne and the west

Le Morne Brabant is a mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO explains that escaped slaves formed small settlements in its caves and on the summit. Nearby, Black River Gorges National Park is the biggest national park in Mauritius, with over 50 km of trails.

Getting to Mauritius

Mauritius is an island, so you need to catch a flight to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport or arrive by cruise ship, which docks in Port Louis.

The tourism authority says there are direct flights from Europe, South Africa, the UAE, Malaysia, India and Australia.

Getting around

The tourism authority lists organised excursions, car rental, public transport, taxis and boat trips. Organised excursions can be half-day or full-day tours, and a private guide with a local driver is also possible. Taxis can be arranged through your accommodation, and ride-booking apps such as Yugo are available.

To reach offshore islands, you can hire water taxis or join private or group boat trips. The east to west coast spans approximately 45 km, and the north to south is approximately 61 km.

When to go to Mauritius

Winter (May to October)

The tourism authority gives average daytime coastal temperatures between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius in winter.

Summer (November to April)

The authority describes a balmy climate throughout the year and calls Mauritius a year-round destination.

What to book ahead

• Boat trips to islets: use a company with an official tourism licence, as the tourism authority advises for excursions and private tours.
• Dolphin and whale watching: follow the skipper's instructions and the rules for watching wildlife, as the authority asks.
• Ile aux Cerfs: a regular boat shuttle runs there, but check departure points and times for your date.
• Guided day trips run on fixed days; check dates before fixing your route.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the Passport and Immigration Office website before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Passport and Immigration Office, Mauritius.

Frequently asked questions

Which airport do I fly into for Mauritius?

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, according to the tourism authority. Cruise ships dock at Port Louis.

How big is Mauritius?

The island covers 2,030 square kilometres. The tourism authority gives about 45 km from east to west coast and about 61 km from north to south.

When are the seasons in Mauritius?

The island has winter from May to October and summer from November to April, with a mild climate throughout the year.

Do I need a visa for Mauritius?

It depends on your nationality, and the rules change. Check the Passport and Immigration Office website before you book.

Which Mauritian sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

Two: Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis and the Le Morne Cultural Landscape in the southwest.