When I think back on my visit to Mauritius, my feelings have shifted significantly. At first, I wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about it. Now, with some distance and perspective, I see Mauritius for the gem it truly is—an island rich in natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Mauritius is an intoxicating blend of cultures and landscapes. One moment, you might feel like you’re strolling through an “India-lite” experience, with its colourful saris, bustling scooters, and street dogs. The next, you’re lounging on a pristine beach, soaking in the turquoise waters. Weekends bring an added charm—local families gathering on the shore for joyous barbecues and impromptu dancing that pull you right into their celebrations.
While it’s true that expectations can sometimes overshadow reality, Mauritius has a way of growing on you. Its unique mix of Indian, African, French, and Chinese influences is evident in everything—from the food and architecture to the warm, welcoming smiles of its people.
If you’re considering visiting Mauritius, let me assure you: it’s worth it. Whether you’re looking for tranquillity, cultural richness, or simply a beautiful escape, this island offers a little bit of everything.
So, pack your bags and prepare to experience Mauritius—a destination that may surprise you.
Mauritius is a compact island, and its size makes exploring incredibly convenient. You can drive from one side to the other in about an hour, making it perfect for day trips and spontaneous adventures. We visited in February, which is the peak summer season. Temperatures hovered around 31°C, but the humidity? Unforgettable. Stepping off the plane felt like entering a steam room—something I wasn’t quite prepared for. Even compared to South Africa’s dry heat of 36–38°C, Mauritius’ humidity was in a league of its own.
Despite the weather, we quickly adapted, and the island’s charm made it all worth it.
One practical tip: Mauritius uses the Mauritian Rupee (MUR) as currency, so make sure to exchange money before or upon arrival. Euros and dollars won’t get you far here.
The good news? Food is both affordable and safe, even from street vendors. As someone with a sensitive stomach, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could enjoy without worry. Most street food stalls are reviewed on platforms like TripAdvisor, so you can easily check for recommendations. For example, a vegetarian samosa cost me just 100 MUR, while a delicious meal for two at a Kreol restaurant, complete with drinks and dessert, came to only 360 MUR.
Accommodation is equally budget-friendly if you opt for guesthouses or apartments away from the beachfront resorts. This means the most significant expense on your trip will likely be the flight, which is an investment well worth it for the experiences Mauritius offers.
Make sure to first figure out what you want from the trip. Saying it, because even though the island is small there are different conditions and weather on each side of the island and the centre even has its own microclimate.
West is calm with almost no wind, no waves, therefore perfect for snorkelling and kids. But there is a lot of boats along the coast and you have to be careful when going further, snorkling, to see the actual corals. It is also quite crowded due to the capital city of Port Louis and "party town" Grand Bay.
The eastern coast of Mauritius has its unique charm but comes with a few quirks. The strong winds here can be deceiving—you won’t feel the intensity of the sun, making it easy to underestimate your exposure. Be mindful of sun protection! The waves and strong currents also make swimming a bit tricky. A few strokes, and I found myself off course, which can be challenging if you’re looking for a leisurely beach day or a relaxed swim.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to visit the national park with its iconic waterfalls and breathtaking lookouts. It’s one of the island’s highlights, and I’d recommend prioritising it if you’re planning a visit. Our trip was primarily for work, which limited our time for sightseeing.
That said, we did manage one unforgettable experience—a catamaran boat trip. Six hours of sailing and snorkelling sounded dreamy, and it turned out to be even better than we imagined. Gliding over the crystal-clear waters, stopping to explore vibrant marine life, and feeling the sea breeze against your skin was pure bliss. It was a reminder of why Mauritius is such a great destination.
It took us an hour and a half to get to Flat Island, where we ultimately felt like in a paradise. Long white beaches the turquoise water filled with corals and fish and palm trees around it all. We had two hours to snorkel there and then we boarded again for some buffet lunch of mixed salads and grilled fish. We still got some time and so we were jumping from the boat and eventually even swam with turtles!! Huge and wild turtle ... i almost chocked how i was smiling under the water, i was sooo incredibly happy and grateful at that moment.
Then we continued to another island to do some more snorkelling jus in deeper waters, where they actually fed the fish so we can get some closer look.
The entire day was accompanied by drinks and very kind crew, that took very good care of us.
Flat Island definitely sounds and looks like paradise. I love it when the water is turquoise and the sand is crystal white, it really makes me relax.