Mauritius

Crystal lagoons, palm fringed beaches and an interior opening up to visitors

Long visited for its beaches, visitors to Mauritius are now straying from the coast to visit the island’s rich cultural and geographical sights.  Mauritius is a fantastic place to fly and flop.  There are luxury, adults only, and family friendly hotels on the island.  But if you are a more active traveller Mauritius has plenty to offer.  Even more so when combined with nearby La Reunion, Rodrigues or South Africa which is a direct five hour flight away.  Highlights of Mauritius include:

  • Crystal lagoons and palm fringed beaches.
  • Kite surfing off the south west coast.
  • Watching wild dolphins in Tamarin Bay.
  • Hiking to the top of Le Morne or through the Black River Gorges National Park.
  • Botanical gardens.
  • Big game fishing.
  • Golf. 
  • Twin centres with La Reunion, Madagascar, Rodrigues and South Africa.

Walking in Mauritius

Walking in Mauritius is pretty low key compared to some other destinations and if all you want to do on holiday is walk, Mauritius may not be the right destination. But if you would like to pair some walking with time on the beach, it is a perfect place to do this. The main centre for walking on the island is in Black River Gorges National Park in the south west of the island although there are also walking opportunities in other parts of the island. There is a lovely boutique hotel on the fringes of the national park where lots of keen walkers choose to stay. Without compromising on comfort and style the hotel has fantastic food and provides easy access to the walking trails in the park. You can even walk from the door of the hotel itself. The trails are well marked so it is possible to do many routes without a guide although it is always possible to organise one. The trails include anything from short rambles to day hikes. It is also possible to climb the iconic Le Morne, a cuboid rock on a peninsula in the south. This has to be done with a licensed guide.

Key Facts about Mauritius

Mauritian Photo Gallery

Click on an image to launch the slideshow.

Ideas for a tip to Mauritius

Here are some ideas for trips to Mauritius all of which can be adapted for you and we are always happy to create a bespoke trip from scratch.

From £3590

per person in October

Active Mauritius

Spend two nights relaxing on the beach after your flight before driving to the fringes of the Black River Gorges National Park where you will stay for five nights. Here, in the beautiful interior, you will find some of the best walking. You will stay in a boutique hotel with great facilities and food. You will be able to walk on trails directly from the hotel or walk (with or without a guide) the many trails which thread through the national park. You will then transfer to a luxurious hotel on the quieter south coast of Mauritius for six nights. We can find the right hotel to suit you – whether it be a hotel with a championship golf course or a quieter more boutique option. Either way, you will have access to many fantastic watersports from your hotel.

From £3705 - £4205

Per person

Madagascar and Mauritius

For a relaxed beach holiday with a twist, you cannot beat this trip which combines lemur spotting in a beautiful rainforest in Madagascar with a beach break on the tropical island of Mauritius. In Madagascar, you stay in a remote lodge near the wildlife hotspot of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. This lush, verdant rainforest is home to numerous species of lemur, chameleon and bird and you will enjoy exploring a number of exciting trails with an English speaking private guide. In Mauritius, you will stay at a boutique hotel, where you can spend your days relaxing at the beach or by the pool. Excellent facilities mean you can enjoy a wide variety of sporting activities, as well as spa treatments and fantastic cuisine in the restaurant. The nearby Black River Gorges National Park is a lovely destination for some day walks if you tire of the myriad of watersports on offer at the hotel.

From £3150

Per person

Mauritius and Reunion combined

The ruggedly beautiful mountain scenery of La Reunion and the golden sand beaches of Mauritius are two dream destinations that can easily be combined to make a twin-centre Indian Ocean holiday. The flight between the two islands is just 45 minutes, making the transfer a relaxed affair. We provide you with a hire car as the roads are well-maintained, the scenery breathtaking and you can explore at your own pace. You stay in stylish boutique hotels on a B&B basis and there are hikes to suit all levels. A trip to the volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, is a must. Mauritius by contrast is all about the beach and you will stay in a hotel with just about every conceivable water sport on offer (many of which are included in the price) as well as horse riding at the on-site equestrian centre, golf and big game fishing. This is an ideal itinerary for those looking for a wide range of activities with the freedom to plan your own time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions that haven't been answered here? Send your questions to enquiries@shearwatertravel.co.uk and we'll try our best to help.

On arrival, your passport will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 60 days.  See FCDO advice on travelling to Mauritius

Ensure your vaccinations are up to date and consider Hep B and typhoid. Mauritius is malaria free but there are mosquitos so take repellent and always check for latest health updates here.

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