Why go to Mauritius
Magical Mauritius.
Located near Reunion in the Indian Ocean, the postcard-worthy Mauritius Island is famed for its clear and warm turquoise waters and endless white beaches lined with coconut trees.
While the coast is the most popular draw-card of the tropical holiday destination, colourful houses and colonial churches alongside ornate Hindu temples make its inland areas a colourful feast for the senses, and a terrain of lush sugarcane fields and banana plantations give way to awe-inspiring mountainous vistas as you wind down the west of the island.
BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
Said to be the paradise of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers visitors looking for a dreamy tropical getaway a large variety of idyllic beaches and blue lagoons to choose from.
The Mauritian coastline is approximately 330 km long, and a nice sandy beach can be found almost anywhere along the stretch. The entire island is surrounded by coral reefs that have created awe-inspiring lagoons with crystal clear waters and calm conditions great for swimming and snorkelling.
The beaches in the north of Mauritius are famous for their watersport activities, including waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, deep sea fishing and parasailing. In the evenings, visitors can enjoy amazing views of the sunset and the buzz of a selection of trendy bars and restaurants near the beach. The most popular beaches in the north are Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, La Cuvette, Grand Bay Public Beach and Pereybere.
The east of Mauritius is wilder and less developed, and a great place for nature lovers. The beaches stretch endlessly along the coast, and are fringed on one side by the shady green casuarinas trees, and the lagoon on the other. Those looking to escape the crowds will enjoy these unspoiled beaches, with the most popular being Blue Bay, Belle Mare and the beaches of the Ile aux Cerfs Island.
Lovers of nature and a quieter beach experience will also enjoy the beaches in the south of Mauritius, where high sea cliffs and the dramatic sight of big waves crashing against the rocks make for a dramatic and picturesque scene. While these beaches aren’t recommended for swimming, they are worth visiting for the striking scenery. Great options here are St Félix, Riviere des Galets and Gris Gris.
Meanwhile, the beaches along the west coast of Mauritius are popular amongst locals and tourists after a spot of leisure, swimming or surfing. Flic en Flac, one of the most popular beaches on the island, is home to a turquoise lagoon with shallow water ideal for leisure-makers, and surfers flock to Tamarin and Le Morne.
AQUATIC ADVENTURES
Almost completely encircled by one of the world’s finest coral reefs, Mauritius offers unrivalled aquatic adventures. Millions of years have given form to a vast underwater world that’s home to thousands of marine species. Brightly coloured fish weave though coral gardens, great moray eels lurk in caves and crustaceans scavenge the reef amidst rich underwater vegetation.
Organised diving trips to selected sites can be arranged though hotel diving schools, the snorkeller need not stray far to catch a glimpse of the hundreds of reef residents, and the less adventurous can experiece a taste of lagoon life on a scenic cruise in a glass-bottomed boat.
