We’ve collected all reader questions over the past two years and would like to present the answers to them today. We receive questions about travel times, accommodations, rental cars, highlights, and much more. Now we’ve compiled everything for you in our Mauritius Guide. If you still have any questions, please send us an email or comment directly under this post.

What else you should know:

  • What else you should know:
  • When is the best time to travel to Mauritius?
  • Is Mauritius also suitable in winter (June, July & August)?
  • What about the rainy season in Mauritius?
  • What about cyclones in Mauritius?
  • What do I need to consider when entering Mauritius?
  • Is it really that expensive on the island?
  • Where and how do I find cheap flights to Mauritius?
  • Should I book a rental car?
  • Where is the best place to book a rental car?
  • Do I need an international Driver’s license?
  • What do I need to be aware of in traffic?
  • Is it safe to travel on the local buses?
  • Is Mauritius a safe travel destination?
  • Can I travel to Mauritius alone?
  • Where on the island is the best place to stay?
  • Vacation apartment or all-inclusive resort?
  • One fixed accommodation or multiple accommodations?
  • Book everything in advance or on-site?
  • Can I safely book my accommodation with Airbnb?
  • What excursions can I book?
  • Are there any cool excursions to the neighboring islands?
  • What is there to see in Mauritius?
  • Where is the best place to go snorkeling?
  • Can I also surf in Mauritius?
  • Are there any good kitesurfing spots on the island?
  • Am I allowed to surf on the beach Camping?
  • How much does a helicopter tour in Mauritius cost?
  • Are all beaches in Mauritius open to the public?
  • Can you get married in Mauritius?

When is the best time to travel to Mauritius?

We often receive emails and messages with questions about the best time to travel to Mauritius. Generally, you can travel to the island year-round. There is a distinction between the dry winter season (April to October) and the wet summer season (November to March). During these months, it rains much more frequently than in winter. The humidity is also very high.

Is Mauritius also possible in winter (June, July & August)?

Absolutely. During these months, it rains the least on the island, and it is also not quite as hot and humid. You can spend a relaxing beach holiday especially on the west and north coasts. On the east coast, it’s usually a bit windier, and the currents are stronger. You can find out more here: Best time to travel to Mauritius.

What’s the rainy season like in Mauritius?

In Mauritius, a distinction is made between the humid summer season with more rain and very hot temperatures (November to the end of March) and the dry and cooler winter season (April to October). We were on the island between November and March and had very few rainy days. The good thing is that, despite the rain, you can usually find a dry and sunny spot somewhere on the island. The mountains in the interior often protect the west coast, in particular, from bad weather. So it usually never rains all over the island, but only in certain regions. And when it does rain, it’s usually only for a short time.

What about cyclones in Mauritius?

Hurricanes in the United States, typhoons in Asia, and cyclones in the Indian Ocean. Tropical cyclones form particularly in regions of the world where large amounts of water warm to over 26 degrees Celsius for an extended period. Cyclones are particularly common between November and April. They don’t always make landfall. Many dissipate somewhere at sea. You can find out more about this and what to do in the event of a cyclone here:

What do I need to know when entering Mauritius?

Actually, nothing. Your passport should be valid for at least six months and have two blank pages. On the plane, you’ll receive an entry permit and a health certificate. You must fill out both documents and submit them at the counter upon arrival. You’ll then receive a stamp and may stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days. You can even easily extend your stay for another 90 days free of charge in Port Louis. It’s also important that you provide a primary address on the island upon entry. It’s best to write this down somewhere.

Is it really that expensive on the island?

We always thought Mauritius was only for honeymooners or for people with a ton of money. A luxury island, in fact. But when we were there, we were able to see for ourselves that it’s not that expensive at all. You can buy everything you need relatively cheaply at the supermarket. There are always small snack stands run by locals, especially on the beaches, with really good and inexpensive food. Bus rides usually cost less than €1, and you can find accommodation for €25 a night. Gas prices are currently around €1.20, and you can rent a car for around €30 per day. You can therefore spend a truly affordable vacation on the island.

Where and how do I find cheap flights to Mauritius?

These days, it’s not that difficult to find cheap flights online. Condor offers direct flights from Frankfurt several times a week. With connecting flights, you can also fly from many other German airports. Flights usually cost between €600 and €800. Eurowings occasionally offers cheaper flights from Cologne and Munich. Depending on the time of travel, you can get a round-trip flight with the BASIC fare for as little as €400.

Should I book a rental car?

This is a question everyone has to answer for themselves. All we can say is that the most comfortable way to explore the island is with a rental car. You’ll quickly get used to driving on the left, and the traffic isn’t really that bad (except in the capital). This also allows you to be super flexible and doesn’t have to plan much in advance. A private driver is, of course, also convenient, but they cost significantly more. Buses take a lot of time for longer journeys on the island.

Where is the best place to book a rental car?

You can either book everything in advance from home or on-site on the island. We recommend booking the car in advance. This saves you the hassle of searching on-site. You can also book all the important insurance policies and find out more about your car and the terms and conditions. You can get a car for around €200 per week, including fully comprehensive insurance with no deductible, free mileage, and much more.

Do I need an international driver’s license?

Yes, you need an international driver’s license if you plan to stay on the island for longer than four weeks. If you don’t stay that long, you can easily drive around the island with your regular driver’s license from home. Cool, right?

What do I need to be aware of in traffic?

Actually, driving in Mauritius isn’t all that different from other countries. However, they drive on the left, which you’ll quickly get used to (Schakka, we believe in you). There are no traffic lights in most areas. Most traffic situations are regulated by roundabouts. Otherwise, you should, of course, observe the speed limits: Within built-up areas, you can drive a maximum of 50 km/h. On country roads, it’s 60 km/h, and on highways, a maximum of 90 km/h.

Is it safe to take the local buses?

Absolutely. Within an island region, you can even get from A to B very easily by bus. A ride usually costs less than €0.50. You should allow a little extra time, as you never know when a bus might arrive. They run very regularly, however. However, if you want to travel from the north to the south, you’ll need to plan for a few hours. Long distances are not recommended, as the journeys simply drag on. On the bus itself, you sit anywhere and wait until the attendant comes and collects the money. Everything is very straightforward in Mauritius.

Is Mauritius a safe country to travel to?

Absolutely! Mauritius is a very safe country to travel to. The political situation is stable; education and healthcare are free. To the surprise of many, the illiteracy rate is one of the lowest in the world. And the unemployment rate is also relatively low. Stable economic policy, a relatively high standard of living, freedom of the press, and a low crime rate make Mauritius not only one of the richest countries in Africa but also a very popular travel destination.

As in other countries, you should follow certain rules and use common sense. Our Airbnb hosts often even left their front door or car window completely open during the day. When asked about this, they simply said, “That’s not a problem here, don’t worry.”

Can I travel to Mauritius alone?

Of course! The island is truly a very safe place. The people are helpful and friendly. We’ve already explained everything else about safety in the above paragraph. You can also explore this beautiful island in a relaxed manner on your own.

Where on the island is best for me to stay?

That depends entirely on what you want to do and how much time you have. We always recommend booking multiple accommodations. This way, you’ll simply see more of the island. Of course, you can also book just one accommodation and always start from there with your rental car. However, some distances will simply be a bit longer. For example, you could choose accommodation in the north (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy) and one in Flic en Flac or further down in Le Morne.

We stayed in Flic en Flac most of the time because we could quickly set off in all directions from there. You can get to the north, as well as the southwest, south, and east, relatively quickly. Our accommodation in the north was an advantage because we could easily explore the area there with local buses and didn’t need a car yet.

Vacation Apartment or All-Inclusive Resort?

That’s partly a question of money and partly a matter of taste. We like to stay in vacation apartments and flats. You can also easily self-cater in Mauritius. This will save you a huge amount of money. A resort is generally expensive, but even more so with half board or all-inclusive. However, there are beautiful and breathtaking resorts on the island, which are naturally very inviting.

Generally speaking, you can find everything in Mauritius: apartments, vacation rentals, simple hotels, and luxury hotels. You can also find many private rooms with locals. If you like to travel independently and want to watch your budget, simple apartments are ideal. However, if you want to experience the luxury of a holiday, you might want to treat yourself to a few days in one of the fantastic luxury hotels.

Fixed accommodation or multiple accommodations?

You can book multiple accommodations or just one. It depends on your type of traveler. We love getting to know the individual regions of a country. To do this, we sometimes change accommodations. Since Mauritius isn’t that big, you can also book accommodations and set off from there by car. But don’t underestimate the distances. It takes a bit longer on the island to get from A to B. A good base is Flic en Flac. From there, you’re strategically well-located and can reach the north, south, and east more quickly.

Book everything in advance or on-site?

That depends entirely on the time of year you travel. In December and January, many people travel to Mauritius to celebrate Christmas and New Year. It can be more difficult to book something spontaneously on-site. Generally, however, you can easily book the first few nights from home and then the rest on-site. There are many accommodations in Mauritius, especially on platforms like booking.com* or Airbnb. We would book a car in advance during peak season. You never know, and an island only has a limited number of rental cars.

Can I safely book my accommodation on Airbnb?

Absolutely. We have only had one problem with all our bookings over the past four years. And we were able to resolve even that easily with Airbnb. The good thing is that your money is initially blocked and only transferred after your first night. This way, they want to ensure that you arrive at the accommodation and that you enjoy it. The likelihood of falling victim to a scammer is very low. Furthermore, you are very well protected with Airbnb. You can use this platform without hesitation. However, read the reviews of previous guests beforehand and don’t just book the first accommodation you see.

What excursions can I book?

There’s a lot to experience on the island. You can book catamaran tours, hikes in the mountains, whale-watching tours, tours to the surrounding islands, trips to the tea plantation, the rum factory, the capital, or the national park. There are also sailing trips, speedboat excursions, or explorations of the interior. There is no corner you can’t experience with a guide. You can also book a taxi driver for an entire day and explore the island together. They’re usually very knowledgeable and always have a lot to tell.

Are there any cool excursions to the neighboring islands?

Oh yes! You can, for example, take a catamaran tour to the northern islands. Gabriel Island is said to be truly magical! White sandy beaches, turquoise sea, and a fantastic underwater world. Tours start at around €60. We can also recommend a excursion to Île aux Cerfs. This small island also has beautiful beaches and is perfect for a day trip. You can also take a 2-hour sunset sail along Île aux Aigrettes. There’s a lot to discover, that’s for sure!

What is there to see in Mauritius?

There’s truly a lot to experience in Mauritius. You’ll find beautiful viewpoints, hiking trails through the national park, waterfalls, dream beaches, a fantastic underwater world, cultural highlights, temples, churches, surrounding islands, rainforest, and much more. So, if you don’t just want to laze around on the beach, you can marvel at many highlights and sights in Mauritius.

Where is the best place to go snorkeling?

There are several good snorkeling spots on the island. We recommend the area around Le Morne in the south of the island. The water is crystal clear, and the reef is not far away. You can also relax and observe the colorful fish in Blue Bay. You might also get lucky and marvel at the colorful underwater world in Trou aux Biches and Albion. Since the reef is farther from the coast in some places, you can also book various snorkeling tours on the island.

Can I surf in Mauritius?

In fact, you can surf in Mauritius under good conditions (May to October). Tamarin Bay is the most famous for this. Beginners in particular can catch a small wave or two here. Further out behind the reef, however, the waves can get a bit bigger. Here you’ll find some very high and clean right-breaking waves. In Le Morne, there’s the famous One-Eye Wave, which is really only surfable by absolute pros. The third spot is 15 kilometers south of Le Morne, off Ilôt Sancho. However, the place is not suitable for beginners. Every November/December, a surfing competition organized by Billabong and Quicksilver takes place here. Here you can watch the best local surfers.

Are there any good kite spots on the island?

Oh yes! The reefs create huge, glass-smooth lagoons, perfect for freeriding and freestyling. The waves then pile up on the reef itself. Every year, top international kitesurfing teams come to the island for photo and video shoots. In 2011 and 2012, the island even hosted the KSP World Tour.

From June to September, you’ll find the best conditions for kitesurfing on the island. But you’ll also find good spots in the other months. The most famous spot is in Le Morne. Also recommended: Pointe d’Esny and Bel Ombre.

Can I camp on the beach?

What you’ll definitely notice: On weekends, locals like to go to the public beaches and usually camp there. This is common practice in Mauritius. Officially, however, there are no campsites like those we know from Europe, for example. A pure camping holiday is therefore not possible on the island. You must also show proof of your accommodation upon entry. However, you can still camp on the beach for a few days. This is especially popular in Flic en Flac and Mont Choisy.

How much does a helicopter tour in Mauritius cost?

Many visitors treat themselves to a helicopter tour over the island. There are various flights you can book. There are simple transfers, themed tours, or sightseeing tours. A 30-minute sightseeing flight starts at €830 with space for a total of four people. In the end, it would only be around €210 per person if four people embark on this adventure and share the costs.

Are all beaches in Mauritius open to the public?

In short: Yes! Whether it’s a 5-star resort or not, you can go to any beach on the island. Occasionally, access is made difficult because the paths are private. Generally, however, you are allowed to lie on any beach on the island. Just don’t use the loungers without permission. Sometimes, however, the staff are kind and let you sit on one.

Can you get married in Mauritius?

We aren’t experts on this topic at all. But we have seen some beautiful beaches. Ultimately, it’s certainly a matter of taste and budget. You can definitely get married on the island, though. Many couples come to Mauritius for precisely this reason. You can find more information on this topic here: Tips for getting married in Mauritius.