Mauritius is a beautiful island country with some fabulous features that will impress even the most seasoned traveler. Unlike more famous island destinations, Mauritius is small and unspoiled, so visitors can really make the most of everything it has to offer. Whether you love to experience nature, relax on sandy beaches, or taste exotic new foods, Mauritius has something for you. The island has a pleasant year-round climate, hottest between January and April – so you can book your trip at any time and enjoy the warm weather.

Here are the five top why you must take a trip to Mauritius:

Beaches

The expansive white sandy beaches lining the island set the backdrop for a dream getaway, ideal if you love to sunbathe. There are also incredible lagoons with crystal clear water.

Enjoy the water by taking a tour on a catamaran or speed boat. You can also choose to take one of the famous dolphin cruises with Adrien’s Dream– where you can see dolphins up close and maybe even get the chance to swim with them. For the more daring adventurer, Mauritius offers the chance to dive into the ocean and see the incredible marine life – coral and fish of all kinds, as well as old ship wrecks.

Tino Boats is located on the east coast of Mauritius and offers packages for parasailing, speed boating, and catamaran cruises. Their pirate boat can be hired for special occasions, or you can enjoy a classic day cruise to the ile-aux-cerfs island, including a packed itinerary with snorkeling, on-board lunch, live music, dancing, and drinks. And, of course, relaxation time on the beautiful ile-aux-cerfs island beach.

Tino Boats

Culture

If you’ve ever taken a trip to other African destinations, you’ll know that there is no shortage of rich culture and heritage across Africa. In Mauritus, you can take a tour of one of the many Hindu temples – their beautiful, colorful buildings are a sight to behold.

Grand Bassin, a volcano crater containing a natural lake, is another site which is considered highly spiritual and is home to the huge 108 ft. statue of Shiva.

For a different side of the culture, you can visit a rum distillery and see how local sugarcane is turned into many types of rum.

Nature

Visiting the village of Chamarel will give you a chance to see the unique seven colored layers of sand, and you can also pay a visit to the nearby Chamarel waterfalls to witness breathtaking views.  

Ile aux Aigrettes is a small island nature reserve close to the coast of Mauritius that is home to many rare species of animals. Visitors to the reserve can take a tour to see unique flora and fauna, including the many unusual birds that live there. Another must-see attraction for nature lovers is the Mauritius National Botanical Garden where visitors can see tropical plants and over 85 varieties of palm trees.

Renting a car and taking a road trip through Mauritius will allow you to see the more scenic routes and explore the quieter areas of nature. Mauritius Car Hire offers a great car rental service – with unlimited mileage, easy booking with online and mobile payment solutions, and 24/7 support.

Mauritius Car Hire

Affordability

Experienced travelers know that most island vacations come at a great expense. This isn’t the case with Mauritius. While there are many luxury resorts, there are plenty of hotel options for people on a more limited budget. The same goes for food – local markets are overflowing with fresh produce, and seaside shacks sell cocktails and seafood. Advances in technology have changed the way people travel – now, you can simply search online and find a list of recommended accommodations to suit your budget.

Street food

Mauritius presents unlimited opportunities to taste diverse cuisine. Whether you opt to dine in one of the fine hotels or in the busy capital of Mauritius – Port Louis, where you can taste food sold by street vendors, you’re sure to experience something new.

The national dish, Dholl Puri, consists of flat bread filled with ground split peas. As with most foods served in Mauritius, it is often accompanied by the popular spicy Mauritian chilli paste. You’ll find it sold in food venues everywhere across the country.

If you are looking for your next vacation destination, put Mauritius at top of your list. Nothing beats the natural beauty of the small island, complete with its picturesque beaches and nature reserves. With activities a-plenty, as well as food and accommodation for any budget, your dream island getaway is within easy reach.