Mauritius

Imagine a volcanic island nation surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, is a paradise for sun, beach, water sport and cultural enthusiasts. Imagine a spectacular destination, home to around 700 plant species, rare birds such as the pink pigeon and kestrel as well as a myriad marine species that make scuba diving and snorkelling one of the country’s most renowned activities. Imagine all this and you have the vibrant island of Mauritius.  From a shopping and leisure mecca in Grand Baie to the Balaclava Ruins just a stone’s throw away from the Baie aux Tortues. Baie aux Tortues was named by 17th century sailors due to the many tortoises found in the area. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the country’s largest open-air market – the Flacq Market, or lounge on the most beautiful beach in Mauritius – the Ile aux Cerfs.  Mauritius has an adventure for all.

Things to do

Relax on our stunning beaches, hike through our national parks and stand on top of mountains overlooking sparkling lagoons. Our friendly locals want to welcome you to the island and our rich curries and sweet pastries are waiting to be tasted. Mauritius is so much more than its beaches, so immerse yourself in our culture, learn about our history and feel the rhythm of our island.

Activities

We know the best family activities in Mauritius to keep the kids entertained, from ziplining and parasailing to wildlife experiences and hikes.

Parasailing:  Older kids and teenagers will love the opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful beaches and aquamarine waters of Mauritius by parasailing. This adrenaline-fuelled activity involves being secured to a specially-designed parachute which is towed along by a speedboat, lifting the parascender into the air. Rising to around 60 metres, you’ll get an unforgettable perspective of Mauritius from above. This thrilling stunt can be undertaken with one or two people for an experience you and your children will never forget!

Casela Nature Park:  Home to over 1800 animals, this historic park is renowned throughout the island for its incredible range of activities for kids and grown-ups. Spanning over 350 hectares and divided into five unique zones, visitors can enjoy a safari-style experience and get up close to wildlife, including giraffes and camels. Thrill-seekers can go zip-lining, ride a summer luge, and even jump off a 45-metre platform into a canyon on a swing. Smaller kids will also enjoy the 4D cinema, mini-golf and rides for younger visitors.

Odysseo Oceanarium:  Finding Nemo fans will love Odysseo, an oceanarium located in the Mauritian capital of Port Louis. The experienced team’s emphasis on conservation and education does not economise on fun, however, and visitors can enjoy shark encounters, feed majestic stingrays and experience virtual marine life with 3D projections and cutting-edge tech. With 300 different species and 3500 specimens, there’s plenty to entertain, inform and inspire. Plus, a percentage of ticket sales are donated to conservation projects, meaning you’re also making a positive contribution.

Wakeboarding:  Time on the beach is always a winner for little ones and, if you have never tried wakeboarding, there is no better place to try it than the shallow, crystal clear lagoons of Mauritius. With roots in water-skiing, snowboarding and surfing, this is a great choice for boardsports, extreme sports and skateboard lovers. Riders stand on a wakeboard which is attached to and pulled along by a motorboat, with experienced riders attempting aerial tricks. Expect to fall off plenty – but that’s all part of the fun.

Hire e-bikes:  While the beaches of Mauritius are understandably a focal point for many visitors to the island, there’s an incredible interior and coastline to explore for those wishing to get off the beaten path. E-biking – or electrobikes – are an excellent way to do so, as they require minimal effort for maximum reward – win! Discover sleepy villages, sugar cane fields and spectacular views propelled by a little pedal power. While there are numerous e-bike touring outlets on Mauritius, not all cater to children, but DunienZîl do, and promise an “enriching, authentic and unique experience”. Sounds good to us.

La Valleé Des Couleurs Nature Park:  Adrenalin-junkies assemble! La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park boasts the longest zipline in the southern hemisphere, enabling you to fly over countless waterfalls, mountains, valleys, pools and ponds. This giant green amphitheatre is also home to the longest suspended bridge in the Indian Ocean, which hangs 80-100 metres above the forest canopy. Other activities include quad biking and buggy experiences, a mountain luge kart, plus plentiful trekking opportunities throughout the park. The landmark geological feature known as 23-coloured earth is also a unique and signature attraction worth exploring.

Ebony Forest:  Budding naturalists will enjoy a trip to the Ebony Forest, a major conservation project committed to reversing the impact of habitat degradation in Mauritius and creating a sanctuary for the island’s unique and rich flora and fauna. Visitors can plant a tree together, enjoy a private visit to the bird release aviaries to see rare species such as the Pink Pigeon and Echo Parakeet, and take a guided, or self-guided, tour on a 300m raised walkway through ancient forest, where you can soak up the sights, smells and sounds of this tropical wonderland.

Blue Safari Submarine:  For a highly unique and memorable experience, hop on board the Blue Submarine. The fleet of two submarines can dive to 35 metres where passengers can peer out at the colourful fish, coral, crab and stingray, while a knowledgeable pilot talks you through this magical underwater world; the craft can also take you to the wreck of the Star Hope, where marine-life have made their home. Of the two vessels, one holds a maximum of five passengers, while the other holds 10, meaning you can book this for exclusive use. An unforgettable trip to the deep!

La Vanille Nature Park:  Animal lovers, old and young, will love this conservation-led wildlife park, which is home to the largest colony of Aldabra giant tortoises in captivity in the world. Visitors can feed lemurs and get hands-on in the interactive farm, while youngsters can let off steam in the playground. Reflecting the tropical climate of the island, the park is also home to iguanas, monkeys, chameleons, freshwater turtles, deer, wild boar, and Mauritian bats.

La Vallée de Ferney:  Stretch your legs with a visit to La Vallée de Ferney, a forest and wildlife reserve situated in the Bambou Mountain range north of Mahébourg. A must-see site for Mauritian conservation, it comprises 200 hectares of native Mauritian forest. With ample opportunities for hiking, both guided and self-guided, visitors can reconnect with nature and appreciate an incredible variety of indigenous species, many of which are rare or threatened. And by visiting, you’re actively contributing to the maintenance and conservation of this special island.

Honeymoons in Mauritius:  Honeymoons in Mauritius are extra special and perfect for couples who want to combine beautiful beaches with adventure. You couldn’t ask for a more spectacular spot to toast to your new life together. From helicopter rides to horseback riding, we pick our top 10 things to do on a Mauritius honeymoon.

Getting Around

Discover the natural beauty of Mauritius with breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Witness a sunrise from atop of Le Morne Mountain, explore remote coral reefs, journey through rolling hills lined with exotic trees, and relax on powdery white sand beaches.  No matter your choice of transportation: taxi, public transport, rented car or scooter, or even bicycle – African Sky of Diamonds will make sure you get all around safely and in comfort. So let us be your trusted partner as you uncover the wonders that Mauritius has to offer.

Culture

With our unique itineraries, guests are invited to explore the rich history and culture of Mauritius through its five distinct ethnic categories – Franco-Mauritian, Sino-Mauritian, Indo-Mauritian, Afro-Mauritian and Creole-Mauritian.  Unlock your adventurous spirit and dive into the unique cultural heritage of Mauritius with African Sky of Diamonds Tours and Safaris.  Our experienced guides will lead you through luscious gardens, fragrant spice plantations, and local markets bursting with spices and flavors. Along the way, you’ll soak up stories of life in harmony, the rich religious diversity found on this Indian Ocean gem, and traditions that have been passed down for generations.  Discover the soulful culture of Mauritius and explore its breathtaking landscapes with African Sky of Diamonds. You’ll emerge with a new appreciation for life in harmony – something Mauritius is proud to share.

What is the weather like

Rain occurs in all months but the wettest period in Mauritius is from December to April. During these months tropical cyclones occasionally strike the island or pass near enough to give very heavy rainfall and strong winds.  The best time to visit is from May to December when temperatures are cooler and dryer – perfect for soaking up the African sun while exploring all that Mauritius has to offer.

What to pack

Many hotels have a no jeans policy. Men can wear trousers and women can wear slacks or dresses.

1. Sunscreen
2. Sun Hats
3. Under water Camera
4. Swimwear
5. Comfortable, light clothing
6. Dry Bags
7. Kaftans or Cover Ups
8. Sandals, Flip Flops & Dive Shoes
9. Wet Bags
10. Hiking Boots
11. Hiking Socks
12. Hiking clothes
13. Jacket
14. Flips Flops
15. Sunglasses
16. Insect Repellent

Currency

The Mauritian rupee is the currency of Mauritius. One rupee is subdivided into 100 cents.  US dollars are also  exchangeable at local banks and currency exchange offices.

Vaccinations

Courses or boosters usually advised: Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines – only for those individuals at highest risk: none. No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.

Travel Tips

For good service, you should tip between 10% and 15%, which is usually standard for top-end restaurants.  And with English and French-based Creole spoken widely by all, it’s easy to connect with locals and discover an authentic cultural experience in this magical corner of the world.  If you are unwell, you can visit a state hospital where tourists are treated free of charge. Please visit a private clinic if you are seriously ill.  In Mauritius, you don’t need to worry about Malaria or other tropical diseases. Don’t forget to carry shoes or flipflops while bathing as sea urchins or corals abound even in shallow waters..