You’ve booked the flights, your bags are nearly packed, and the dream of Mauritian paradise is about to become a reality. This incredible island is a jewel of natural beauty, cultural richness, and pure relaxation. And while it’s the kind of place you can happily get lost in, a little insider knowledge can transform a great trip into the adventure of a lifetime.
As adventure experts, we believe that the best travel experiences come from being prepared. So, we’ve put together our ultimate list of essential tips for visiting Mauritius. From navigating the roads and respecting local culture to finding the best food, these nuggets of wisdom will help you travel smarter, deeper, and get the absolute most out of your time on this magnificent island.
Getting There & Getting Around
- Download Offline Maps Don’t rely solely on your phone’s data connection. While the signal is good in towns and resorts, it can get patchy in the mountainous interior or on more remote coastal roads. Before you set off, download a map of Mauritius on Google Maps or MAPS.ME. It’s a lifesaver for navigating without stress.
- Master the Bus for a Local Adventure For a truly authentic (and incredibly cheap) experience, hop on a local bus. The network is extensive, if a little slow and without a rigid timetable. It’s not ideal for a tight schedule, but for a short trip between nearby towns like Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches, it’s a fun, vibrant, and memorable way to travel with the locals.
- Agree on Taxi Fares Before You Go Taxis are plentiful but don’t typically use a meter for tourists. To avoid any surprises, always agree on the fare for your journey with the driver before you get in the car. Your hotel can often give you a good idea of what a fair price should be.
- Book Your Airport Transfer in Advance After a 12-hour flight, the last thing you want is to be haggling for a taxi. Booking an airport transfer in advance is a simple, stress-free way to start your holiday. Your driver will be waiting for you, and you can relax and enjoy your first glimpses of the island’s iconic sugarcane fields.
Health, Safety & Money
- Pack High-Factor, Reef-Safe Sunscreen The Mauritian sun is powerful, even on cloudy days. Pack a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or 50) and apply it generously. To help protect the island’s precious marine ecosystems, please choose a ‘reef-safe’ sunscreen that doesn’t contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to coral.
- Drink Bottled or Filtered Water While the tap water in Mauritius is generally considered safe, it can have a high mineral content that may upset sensitive stomachs. To stay on the safe side, stick to bottled or filtered water during your stay.
- Don’t Forget Mosquito Repellent As a tropical destination, Mauritius has its share of mosquitoes. They are most active at dawn and dusk, especially near water or inland in the national parks. A good quality insect repellent containing DEET is highly recommended.
- Carry Some Mauritian Rupees (MUR) While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, resorts, and larger restaurants, cash is king for smaller transactions. You’ll need rupees for local markets, street food stalls, small shops, and tipping. There are ATMs at the airport and in all major towns.
- Inform Your Bank Before You Travel This is a classic travel tip for a reason! Let your bank know your travel dates to avoid your card being flagged for unusual activity and potentially blocked when you need it most.
Culture & Etiquette
- Learn a Few Words of Creole Mauritians are famously warm and welcoming, and a small effort to speak the local language goes a long way. English and French are widely spoken, but learning a few Mauritian Creole phrases will bring a smile to everyone’s face.
- Bonzour! – Hello!
- Ki mannyer? – How are you?
- Mersi boukou – Thank you very much
- Orevwar – Goodbye
- Dress Modestly at Religious Sites Mauritius is a beautiful melting pot of religions. When visiting temples, mosques, or churches, such as the sacred lake of Grand Bassin, show respect by dressing modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Some sites offer shawls, but it’s best to bring your own.
- Embrace “Island Time” Things move at a more relaxed pace here. Don’t get frustrated if service is a little slower than you’re used to back home. Take a deep breath, sip your Phoenix beer, and embrace the laid-back rhythm of island life.
Packing & Practicalities
- Pack a Light Jacket or Fleece Yes, it’s a tropical island, but it can get surprisingly cool, especially in the evenings between June and September. If you’re heading to the central plateau or for an early morning hike, a light jacket or fleece is a must-have.
- Bring Water Shoes Many of the island’s stunning beaches are protected by coral reefs. This is fantastic for marine life but can mean sharp bits of coral or the occasional sea urchin in the shallows. A pair of water shoes will let you explore the lagoons worry-free.
- Good News! Your UK Plugs Will Work This is a great practical tip for UK travellers. Mauritius uses the Type G plug socket—the same three-pin plug as the UK. So, you can leave your universal travel adaptor at home!
- Get a Local SIM Card for Data While Wi-Fi is common in hotels, having data on the go is useful for maps and looking up information. Rather than paying expensive roaming charges, pick up a local SIM card from providers like Emtel or My.t at the airport. It’s cheap and easy to top up.
Making the Most of Your Adventure
- Venture Beyond Your Resort This is our most important tip. The all-inclusive resorts are incredible, but the soul of Mauritius lies beyond their walls. Explore the bustling streets of Port Louis, wander through the sleepy fishing village of Mahébourg, and hike the trails of Black River Gorges.
- Eat Where the Locals Eat For the most authentic and delicious food, follow the locals. Skip the fancy hotel buffet one lunchtime and head to a beachside shack for freshly grilled fish or a roadside stall for a £1 dholl puri. This is where you’ll find the real taste of Mauritius.
- Hike Le Morne Brabant for Sunrise For a truly unforgettable bucket list experience, tackle the hike up Le Morne Brabant. A guided sunrise tour is the best way to do it. You’ll climb in the cool, dark morning and reach the summit just as the sun paints the sky and reveals the breathtaking lagoon below.
- Talk to People The Mauritian people are the island’s greatest treasure. They are friendly, proud of their country, and happy to share their stories. Strike up a conversation with your taxi driver, the vendor at the market, or the guide on your tour. Their warmth and hospitality will be the best souvenir you take home.
