Mauritius. The name alone sounds like the height of luxury—an exclusive dot in the Indian Ocean reserved for honeymoons and lavish escapes. It’s the ultimate bucket list destination, but that dreamy status often comes with a big question mark attached: “How much does it actually cost?”
Many travellers assume this island paradise is financially out of reach. But while Mauritius can certainly deliver world-class luxury, it’s also a surprisingly accessible destination that can be tailored to fit a wide range of budgets.
So, let’s pull back the curtain on the price of paradise. We’ve created a realistic, comprehensive budget breakdown for UK travellers to help you plan your adventure, covering everything from flights and five-star resorts to street food and island transport.
First Things First: Currency
The local currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). As of August 2025, the exchange rate is approximately £1 to 60-62 MUR. To make things simple, we’ll provide cost estimates in both Great British Pounds (GBP) and Mauritian Rupees (MUR).
The Main Cost Components: A Detailed Breakdown
Your total trip cost will depend on four key things: when you go, where you stay, what you eat, and what you do.
1. International Flights from the UK
This will likely be your largest single expense. Direct flights from London take around 12 hours, and several airlines, including Air Mauritius and British Airways, operate this route.
- High Season (December – February & School Holidays): Expect to pay a premium for the festive season and summer holidays. Prices can easily climb to £1,000 – £1,500+ per person for a return ticket.
- Shoulder Season (April – June & September – November): This is the sweet spot. The weather is fantastic, and flight prices are more reasonable. Look for fares in the range of £750 – £1,100.
- Low Season (February – March): This is the cyclone season, so while you might find the cheapest flights (potentially £650 – £850), your plans could be affected by the weather.
Top Tip: Booking 3-6 months in advance and being flexible with your dates by a day or two can unlock significant savings.
2. Accommodation: From Barefoot Guesthouses to Lavish Resorts
This is where your budget can flex the most. Mauritius offers a huge spectrum of places to stay.
- Budget-Friendly (£50 – £120 per night | 3,000 – 7,500 MUR): Perfect for the more independent traveller. This budget gets you a clean, comfortable room in a locally-run guesthouse or a self-catering apartment. Look in areas like Flic en Flac, La Gaule, and Pereybere to find great value options, putting you right in the heart of local life.
- Mid-Range (£120 – £300 per night | 7,500 – 18,000 MUR): This is the most popular category for UK holidaymakers. It covers everything from stylish boutique hotels to fantastic 4-star beach resorts, often with multiple pools, restaurants, and direct beach access. Many all-inclusive deals fall into this bracket, offering excellent value.
- Luxury (£300+ per night | 18,000+ MUR): If you’re looking to splash out, Mauritius delivers in style. This budget opens the door to world-renowned 5-star resorts, private villas with personal butlers, and overwater bungalows. The east coast (Belle Mare) and the area around Le Morne are famous for their opulent hotels.
3. Food and Drink: A Taste of Paradise for Every Pocket
You can eat like a king in Mauritius without spending a fortune—if you know where to look.
- Local Street Food & Restaurants (£5 – £15 per meal | 300 – 900 MUR): This is where you’ll find the true flavour of Mauritius. Don’t leave without trying dholl puri or roti chaud from a street-side vendor for less than £2. A delicious curry or “Magic Bowl” (rice, egg, and toppings) at a local eatery is a fantastic and affordable way to dine. A cold Phoenix beer will cost you around £2-£3.
- Mid-Range Restaurants (£20 – £40 per main course | 1,200 – 2,400 MUR): For a sit-down meal in a tourist hub like Grand Baie or at a beachfront restaurant, this is a realistic budget. You can enjoy excellent Creole cuisine, fresh seafood, and international dishes.
- Resort Dining (£50+ per main course | 3,000+ MUR): Eating and drinking within a 5-star resort is where costs can quickly escalate. While the quality is often exceptional, be prepared for prices similar to upmarket London restaurants, especially for imported wine and signature cocktails.
4. Activities and Transport: Exploring the Island
- Transport:
- Car Rental: The best way to explore independently. A small car costs around £25-£40 per day (1,500 – 2,400 MUR).
- Taxis: Convenient but more expensive. Always agree on the fare before you start your journey. A trip from the airport to the north of the island can cost £40-£50.
- Public Buses: The cheapest way to travel, with fares often under £1. It’s a real local experience, but services can be slow.
- Excursions:
- Free & Low-Cost: Hiking in Black River Gorges National Park, exploring the capital Port Louis, relaxing on public beaches, and visiting Grand Bassin sacred lake are all free. Entrance to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden or the Seven Coloured Earths is around £5-£10 (300 – 600 MUR).
- Mid-Range: A rum tasting tour at a distillery like Rhumerie de Chamarel will set you back about £10-£15.
- Day Trips & Bucket List Items: This is where you’ll want to allocate a good portion of your budget.
- Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs: A full-day trip with lunch and drinks typically costs £50 – £80(3,000 – 4,800 MUR) per person.
- Scuba Diving: Expect to pay around £40 – £60 (2,400 – 3,600 MUR) for a single dive.
- Guided Hike up Le Morne: A must-do adventure, costing £40 – £70 (2,400 – 4,200 MUR) for a group tour.
Sample Daily Budgets (Excluding Flights & Accommodation)
- The Savvy Explorer: On a tight budget, you could comfortably manage on £40 – £60 per day. This involves eating street food, using public transport, and focusing on free activities like hiking and beach hopping.
- The Comfortable Adventurer: A mid-range budget of £100 – £150 per day is very realistic. This allows for a rental car, a mix of local and restaurant dining, and a paid excursion like a catamaran trip or scuba dive every couple of days.
- The Luxury Seeker: For those staying in top resorts and enjoying fine dining, private tours, and spa treatments, a budget of £250+ per day would be more appropriate.
The Verdict
So, how much does it cost to visit Mauritius? A mid-range 10-day trip for a couple from the UK, travelling in the shoulder season, could look something like this:
- Flights: £2,000 (£1000 pp)
- Accommodation: £2,000 (£200 per night)
- Spending Money (food, transport, activities): £2,000 (£200 per day)
- Total Estimated Cost: £6,000 per couple
Ultimately, Mauritius is what you make it. It can be a surprisingly affordable paradise or a no-expenses-spared luxury escape. By travelling in the shoulder season, eating local, and mixing free activities with a few bucket-list splurges, you can experience the magic of this incredible island without breaking the bank. The investment, we promise, is worth a lifetime of memories.
