MAURITIUS ISLAND
Mauritius, a tropical island paradise located on the southeast coast of Africa, some 900km east of Madagascar, has become in one of the world's top luxury tourism destinations in Africa due to its tropical climate with clear warm sea waters, attractive beaches, tropical fauna and flora complemented by a multi-ethnic and cultural population (includes Indian, African, Chinese and French citizens).
Best time to visit Mauritius. During the warm and dry months (May to November).
Languages. Mauritian Creole, French and English.
Currency. Mauritian Rupee (MUR) which is divided into 100 cents.
Transport. Public buses are excellent for $ 1- $ 5 USD. Use this website to estimate your route and times. Taxis are really expensive. Rent a car from 30 -40 USD / day from locals (ask in your hotel). International license is mandatory.
How to get
By plane to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.
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Best area to stay is north due its weather and clear beaches.
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Grand Baie
A village in the northwest of the island with a wide range of restaurants, pubs and supermarkets. It's one hour from airport in taxi by highway.
What to do in Grand Baie
La Cuvette Public Beach.
Bain Boeuf Public Beach.
Monte Public Beach & Mont Choisy Beach. You can walk along the two beaches as they are linked.
Shark Diving. From here, some diving centers offer trios to watch sharks in Round Island and Snake Island. Note that you should ask availability of dates.
Shark diving
If the weather is suitable.
Shark Cathedral (18M) Round/ Snake Island. From 8.30 am - 14.30 am once a week. Two dives from 160 EUR.
Shark Pit Flat Island. From 8.30 am-15.00 am. Two dives from 160 EUR. The second dive is done in terra Canyon 18M (Round Island), which is a spectacular coral reef where you can see rays.
Shark Arena (La Fosse) Round/ Snake Island. From 8.30 am - 14.30 am once a week. Two dives from 156 EUR.
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Restaurants
Banana Beach Club.
Alchemy.
Cocoloko.
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Accommodation
Azure Beach Boutique Hotel
Cheap accommodations in Airbnb,
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What to see in Mauritius
North: Port Louis and its Pamplemousses Botanic gardens.
South: Le Morne, Black River Gorges National Park, Seven Colored Earth and Chamarel Fall, Ile aux Benitiers and Crystal Rock.
East: Ile Aux Cerfs.
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What to do in Mauritius
Swim with dolphins in Tamarind or Le Morne (7.00 am - 9.00 am) from 50 EUR.
Whale watching from Black River (7.00 am - 10.00 am). The humpback whales (July-November), the Sperm whales (all year), or Pilot whales.
Snorkel. Best sites to do snorkel: Blue Bay Marine Park, Pointe aux Piments, Trou aux Biches,Flic en Flac or Ile aux Cerfs.
Diving. La Passe de Belle Mar, Trou d'Eau Douce, Coin de Mire or La Passe Saint-Jacques.
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Hiking
Le Pouce.
Le Morne Brabant. It takes 2-3 hours (round trip)
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Note: bring enough mosquito repellent and sun cream.
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