Table of Contents
Introduction
The island nation of Mauritius is a tropical paradise tucked away in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of Africa. With pristine beaches, lush rainforests, incredible diving spots, luxury resorts, and a fascinating blend of cultures, Mauritius has something for every type of traveler. Join me as I take you on a journey across this island gem to experience its beauty and adventure firsthand. From exploring bustling Port Louis to hiking through the Black River Gorges National Park, you’ll soon discover why Mauritius is considered one of the top island destinations in the world.
Getting There
Most visitors arrive in Mauritius by flying directly to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, located on the southeast side of the island. Numerous major airlines offer nonstop flights to Mauritius from cities across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. It’s easy to find a direct flight to paradise!
Once I landed at the airport, I breezed through customs and immigration before grabbing a taxi to take me to my hotel. The airport is less than an hour’s drive from most major destinations on the island. With palm trees swaying in the warm ocean breeze, I could already feel myself sinking into the easygoing tropical vibe.
Exploring Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital and largest city in Mauritius. As the cultural melting pot of the island, it offers a peek into the blend of Mauritian, African, Indian, Chinese, and European influences. I started my first day exploring the bustling Central Market, taking in the sights and sounds of locals shopping for fresh produce, spices, and the catch of the day.
The Blue Penny Museum provided fascinating insight into Mauritius’ history as a strategic trade port connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. The Caudan Waterfront, meanwhile, is a lively area along the harbor showcasing local artisans. When the sun set, I strolled downtown to discover the city’s diverse culinary scene and check out the happening clubs and bars.
Top Beaches
What’s a trip to a tropical island without some time relaxing on the beach? Mauritius boasts some of the world’s most beautiful white and golden sand beaches, surrounded by calm, crystalline lagoons in every shade of blue.
Flic en Flac and Trou aux Biches on the west coast are popular for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying spectacular sunsets. Grand Baie up north offers lively watersports and nightlife. I found my own slice of paradise at La Cuvette in the south, known for its stunning mix of granite rock formations, palm trees, and deserted stretches of powdery sand. Every beach reveals another side of the island’s aquatic treasures.
Hiking in Black River Gorges National Park
For a change of pace from the beach, I headed inland to explore the rainforests and mountains of Black River Gorges National Park. Crisscrossing hiking trails lead past tumbling waterfalls, tranquil lakes, and endemic wildlife like the Mauritius kestrel and pink pigeon.
I took my time hiking to the cliffside lookout over Black River Gorges, soaking in breathtaking views of forests and farmland stretching to the glittering coastline. Keep an eye out for mischievous monkeys and exotic birds along the trails! The fresh mountain air was rejuvenating.
Diving and Snorkeling
Mauritius’ pristine lagoons and barrier reefs create an underwater playground for divers and snorkelers. Experienced divers flock to dive sites off the northern islands to explore coral reefs, shipwrecks, and caves.
As a snorkeler, I had days of fun floating over colorful schools of fish and sea turtles at Blue Bay Marine Park. The visibility at Sites like Flic-en-Flac makes it easy to spot giant groupers, eagle rays, and tropical fish by the thousands without even getting your hair wet! The snorkeling was better than I could have imagined.
Luxury Resorts
After all that adventure, I was ready to treat myself to a stay at one of Mauritius’ luxurious beachside resorts. These five-star oases offer indulgent spas, epic swimming pools, restaurants serving global cuisines, and rooms fit for royalty.
I lived my best island life at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort, with its exclusive offshore island only accessible by private boat. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves and waking up to a breathtaking ocean view out my private balcony made it tempting to never leave the resort! But I’m glad I continued exploring the island’s natural and cultural wonders.
Mauritian Cuisine
The island’s diversity is deliciously reflected in Mauritian cuisine. I savored Indian-influenced curries, fluffy dholl puri flatbread, fresh seafood grillades, noodles and dumplings from the Chinese population, and casseroles using African and European techniques. Don’t leave the island without trying local favorites like spicy mine frites, fruit bat curry, and sugary gateaux piments treats!
For fine dining, I loved sampling Mauritian food with a contemporary twist at trendy restaurants in Grand Baie. But some of my favorite meals came from local street vendors and markets serving authentic, home-cooked dishes overflowing with flavor.
Shopping Opportunities
Between exploring attractions, I made time to shop for keepsakes of my trip. Local handicrafts like embroidered fabrics, straw bags, and decorative model sailboats reflect traditions passed down through generations.
At the shopping centers and malls in Port Louis, I browsed international brands and found deals on jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs. Don’t forget to bargain at markets and street stalls – negotiating is part of the fun! My suitcase was stuffed with gifts and mementos by the time I left.
Nightlife and Entertainment
When the sun goes down, Mauritius heats up with lively nightlife. Grand Baie is known for its scene of open-air clubs and bars pumping out music late into the night. For a more relaxed vibe, I grabbed a cocktail at a seaside lounge and admired the starry sky over the water.
A highlight was watching a local sega dance performance. This folk music style pairs rhythmic drumming with swaying hips and colorful costumes. The fast-paced dances are a treat to watch and be invited to join! For a dose of Vegas in Mauritius, I tried my luck at the island’s glamorous casinos.
Conclusion
From world-class beaches and snorkeling to rainforest hikes, luxury resorts, and colorful local culture, my journey through Mauritius exceeded all expectations. The island offers endless adventures, history, and natural beauty to discover at your own pace. Don’t miss a chance to explore this tropical jewel! I know I’ll be back soon to continue uncovering its hidden gems and most treasured spots. Mauritius stole my heart.
5 FAQs about Mauritius
What is the best time of year to visit Mauritius?
The best time is May to December during the drier winter months. Avoid cyclone season from December to April.
Do I need any vaccinations before traveling to Mauritius?
No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if coming from an endemic area. Malaria meds are recommended.
What are the top 3 beaches in Mauritius?
The top beaches are Flic en Flac for water sports, Trou aux Biches for swimming and snorkeling, and Grand Baie for its lively atmosphere.
What is there to do in Mauritius besides going to the beach?
Top activities include hiking in Black River Gorges National Park, shopping and cultural sites in Port Louis, diving/snorkeling on the reefs, and exploring lush botanical gardens.
What food is Mauritius famous for?
Signature Mauritian dishes include dholl puri, mine frites, fruit bat curry, gateaux piments pastries, and fresh grilled seafood. The cuisine reflects African, Indian, Chinese, and European influences.