Trou aux Biches, MauritiusVideo: Sunny Ripert, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Find your Bliss in Mauritius
Mauritius, made simple: lagoons, mountains and island life, without the worry
Mauritius is a volcanic island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, ringed by coral reef and turquoise lagoons, with green mountains, sugar cane fields and a mix of Indian, African, French, Chinese and creole cultures. This guide takes the guesswork out of entry, money, seasons, buses and where to base yourself, so you arrive relaxed.
Your trip, step by step
- Before you flyEntry rules, money, health and the best season, answered
- LandingThe airport at Plaine Magnien and your first hour on the island
- Your days on the islandBeaches, hikes, markets and food, planned around the coasts
- Home againDeparture tips so the last day is calm too
Where to go, eat and stay
- Plain answersClear, honest guidance on the questions first-timers actually ask.
- Official sourcesEntry, health and safety facts point you to the official pages to confirm.
- No price surprisesWe explain what costs more and what costs less, so your budget holds.
- Free to useEvery guide and the trip planner are free.
Our promise
Mauritius should feel like the easy island holiday it promises to be. We answer the questions about seasons, coasts, buses and budgets before they start, so you arrive ready to find your Bliss.
Coming from London, Paris, Toronto, Melbourne or Durban to see family in Mauritius? This guide was written with you in mind too.
How to use this guide
Four steps from first idea to a trip that feels easy.
- Choose your coastThe lively north, the sunny west, the wild south or the breezy east: start with the destinations that fit you.
- Sort the essentialsEntry rules, money, health and the best season, checked against official sources.
- Pick your placesUse our places to visit list for beaches, hikes, markets, food and stays.
- Plan your routeUse the free trip planner to shape your days around one or two bases.
Everything your Mauritius trip needs
Free tools and guides for every stage of the journey.
Destinations
Port Louis, Grand Baie, Le Morne, Black River Gorges and Mahébourg, each explained in depth.
Explore destinationsPlaces to visit
More than a hundred beaches, hikes, museums, markets, restaurants and stays, from classics to hidden corners.
See places to visitFlights and stays
Search flights into Mauritius and stays on every coast.
Plan travelPlaces finder
Restaurants, sights and stays mapped around each base.
Find placesFree trip planner
Tell us your dates and interests and build a route that fits.
Plan your trip
The classic Mauritius trip
One island, four coasts
Most first trips pair a beach base with day trips. The north around Grand Baie is lively and sheltered, the west from Flic en Flac to Le Morne has the sunsets, the south has cliffs, waterfalls and the Black River Gorges, and the east has long beaches and Île aux Cerfs. Port Louis, the capital, is an easy day for markets and museums.
- Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage mountain
- Port Louis market and the Aapravasi Ghat
- Chamarel's coloured earth and waterfall
- Lagoon days at Blue Bay and Île aux Cerfs
Plan with confidence
Your route, without the worry
Mauritius is small, but traffic, winter winds and rainy afternoons change how a day feels. Our free planner helps you pick the right base for the season and keep drives short.
- The right coast for the season
- Realistic day trips
- Where to base yourself
Where to go in Mauritius
From the capital's market to the kite lagoon at Le Morne, the forests of the gorges and the old town of Mahébourg.
Port Louis district, north west coast
Port Louis
The busy harbour capital, with a famous market, UNESCO heritage, street food and a polished waterfront.
Read the guidePhoto: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Rivière du Rempart and Pamplemousses districts, north
Grand Baie
The lively north coast with sheltered beaches, boat trips to the islets and the island's busiest nightlife.
Read the guidePhoto: ZoschH, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Black River district, south west
Le Morne
A UNESCO-listed mountain above a turquoise lagoon, with kitesurfing, hiking and the hills of Chamarel close by.
Read the guidePhoto: "dronepicr", CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
South west highlands
Black River Gorges
The island's largest national park, with native forest, deep gorges, rare birds and the sacred lake of Grand Bassin.
Read the guidePhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Grand Port district, south east
Mahébourg
A relaxed historic town near the airport, with Blue Bay's coral gardens, a nature reserve islet and a lively Monday market.
Read the guidePhoto: आशीष भटनागर, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A note from our founder
A note from our founder
My first time visiting Kenya, I was genuinely surprised with how fast it began feeling like home. The people are so friendly, the food is delicious and familiar, and the accommodations are modern and upscale.
During my travels throughout the continent, I commonly hear tourists share stories about being scammed or taken advantage of, which is both frustrating and disheartening.
Living in Kenya for the last 2 years, I have had the great fortune to meet a network of wonderful Kenyans who have continuously help guide my family's journey. Their shared knowledge has not only greatly enhanced our overall experience here, but it has also saved us tons of time, energy, and resources.
With BlissPoint Travel, my hope is to build a global community that is willing to share useful, uncommon knowledge so that we can all blissfully enjoy the wonders our world has to offer.
Questions we hear most
Is Mauritius worth visiting?
Yes. Beyond beautiful lagoons it has mountains to hike, rich food, friendly people and a mix of cultures you will not find anywhere else. It suits honeymooners, families and active travellers alike.
Do I need a visa for Mauritius?
Many nationalities can visit visa-free for a set period, but the rules depend on your passport. Check the Passport and Immigration Office of Mauritius and your own government's travel advice before you book.
What currency is used in Mauritius?
The Mauritian rupee. Cards work in hotels, malls and most restaurants, and ATMs are common, but carry some rupees for markets, buses and street food.
What language do people speak?
Mauritian Creole is the everyday language, and French and English are widely used. English is the language of government, so getting by is easy.
When is the best time to go?
May to December is drier and less humid, with the cool, windy winter from June to August. January to March is hot and wet with a cyclone risk, though still beautiful between storms.
Is Mauritius safe for tourists?
Generally yes. Petty theft from beaches, cars and rooms is the main issue, and the roads need care. Read your government's current travel advice before you go.
Ready to find your Bliss in Mauritius?
Use the free trip planner to turn ideas into a route that fits your dates and budget.