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Mauritius travel guide
Turquoise lagoons, volcanic peaks and a mix of cultures.
Mauritius is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, known for white beaches, coral lagoons and luxury resorts. Inland there are green mountains, waterfalls and the coloured earth of Chamarel.
Travel tools
Getting there
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in the south-east is the main gateway, with flights from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Rodrigues is reached by domestic flight or ship.
Best time to visit: May–Dec – drier, sunny and less humid.
Tougher months: January-March - hot, humid and rainy, with the highest risk of tropical cyclones.
Weather by month in Port Louis
- 31°J●●
- 31°F●●
- 30°M●●
- 29°A●
- 27°M●
- 25°J●
- 24°J●
- 24°A●
- 25°S
- 27°O
- 28°N●
- 30°D●
Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).
Time zone: Indian/Mauritius. Compare with your local time.
Visas: in our passport dataset, 182 of 198 other passports can enter Mauritius without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 0 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 16 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.
Background: Visa policy of Mauritius (Wikipedia).
Official advisory: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (U.S. Department of State, updated 2025-12-08). Read the advisory.
Source and more: Mauritius travel facts on RoamSun
Stay
Most trips to Mauritius are based around Port Louis, Le Morne Peninsula or Black River Gorges National Park. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.
Typical daily budget: about US$50–80 for a backpacker and US$130–250 mid-range, per person.
Source: RoamSun Mauritius page · Browse hotel guides
Connect
Plug types: C, G. Voltage: 230 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.
Calling code: +230.
Mobile data: read the travel eSIM setup guide before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.
Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun
Do
- Port Louis (North-west · capital): A busy harbour capital with markets, the waterfront, Aapravasi Ghat and the Citadel.
- Le Morne Peninsula (South-west · beaches & heritage): A dramatic mountain, lagoon and beaches with deep historical significance.
- Black River Gorges National Park (South-west · rainforest): The island's largest national park, with trails, waterfalls and endemic wildlife.
- Chamarel (South-west · nature): Home to the Seven Coloured Earths, Chamarel Falls and a rum distillery.
- Grand Baie (North · resort town): A lively beach town with shopping, nightlife and boat trips to northern islets.
- Blue Bay (South-east · marine park): Clear, calm water and some of the best snorkelling on the island.
- Île aux Cerfs (East coast · island): A popular island for beaches, water sports and lagoon cruises.
- Rodrigues (Outer island · slow travel): A quiet sister island with a vast lagoon, hiking trails and traditional Creole life.
Things to do
- Snorkel Blue Bay. Float over coral gardens and tropical fish in the protected marine park on the south-east coast.
- Hike Le Morne Brabant. Climb the UNESCO-listed mountain for views of the famous 'underwater waterfall' illusion off the coast.
- See the Seven Coloured Earths. Visit Chamarel's rippling dunes of multi-coloured volcanic soil and a nearby waterfall.
- Trek Black River Gorges. Walk through native forest looking for pink pigeons, kestrels and sweeping valley views.
- Swim with dolphins. Take an early boat trip off Tamarin Bay to spot dolphins in the wild with responsible operators.
- Explore Port Louis market. Taste dholl puri, gâteaux piments and tropical fruit in the busy central market.
- Visit Grand Bassin. See the sacred crater lake and towering Hindu statues at Ganga Talao.
- Sail to Île aux Cerfs. Spend a day on white-sand beaches and in turquoise lagoons off the east coast.
Source: full Mauritius guide on RoamSun
Eat and drink
- Dholl puri – thin flatbread stuffed with split peas, served with curries
- Rougaille – spicy tomato sauce with fish or sausage
- Gateau piment – fried chilli and split-pea fritters
- Mine frite – fried noodles of Chinese-Mauritian style
Source: RoamSun Mauritius guide
Money and safety
Currency: Mauritian rupee (MUR). Currency and plug checker.
Tipping: Not required but appreciated – around 10% in restaurants if service is not included.
Emergency numbers: 999 police · 114 ambulance · 115 fire.
- The currency is the Mauritian rupee; cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops.
- ATMs are easy to find in towns, but carry cash for buses, markets and street food.
- Mauritius is generally safe; take care of valuables on beaches and avoid empty areas at night.
- Swim within lagoons and heed warning flags, as currents beyond the reef can be dangerous.
Source: RoamSun Mauritius facts
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Mauritius?
May–Dec – drier, sunny and less humid. Tropical and warm all year, with a hot, wetter season from Jan to Apr.
What time zone is Mauritius in?
Mauritius uses Indian/Mauritius.
Do I need a visa for Mauritius?
It depends on your passport. In our dataset 182 of 198 other passports can enter without a prior visa, 0 need an e-visa or eTA and 16 need a visa in advance. Use the visa checker and confirm with the official government source.
What plug and voltage does Mauritius use?
Mauritius uses plug type C, G at 230 V. Check whether your devices are dual-voltage before you plug in.
What is the calling code for Mauritius?
The international calling code for Mauritius is +230.
Do you tip in Mauritius?
Not required but appreciated – around 10% in restaurants if service is not included.
What is the emergency number in Mauritius?
999 police · 114 ambulance · 115 fire.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Mauritius?
Traffic drives on the left.