7 Days • 6 Nights
Highlights of Mauritius: Beaches, Mountains & Culture
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Beautiful beaches and turquoise lagoons are the blissful heart of this journey. Mauritius is ringed by beautiful beaches of soft white and golden sand, lapped by a protected turquoise lagoon of dazzling beauty, sheltered by a coral reef. You relax on beautiful beaches, swim and snorkel in the warm, calm, crystal-clear lagoon, and soak up the serenity and beauty, from the calm north and west to the beautiful east. The beaches and lagoons are magical. Relaxing on beautiful white beaches and swimming in the protected turquoise lagoon, sheltered by the coral reef, is the blissful and unforgettable heart of this journey through Mauritius.
- The extraordinary seven-coloured earth and waterfall of Chamarel are a spectacular highlight. In the dramatic south-west, Chamarel is home to the extraordinary Seven Coloured Earth, undulating dunes of naturally coloured sands in shades of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow, a remarkable and beautiful geological wonder. Nearby, the spectacular Chamarel Waterfall plunges dramatically into a lush gorge, and a rum distillery offers tastings. The colours and scenery are spectacular. Exploring the extraordinary Seven Coloured Earth and the spectacular Chamarel Waterfall, remarkable natural wonders amid dramatic scenery, is a spectacular and memorable highlight of this journey through Mauritius.
- A catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs, with snorkelling and dolphins, is a magical highlight. A catamaran cruise on the turquoise lagoon is a Mauritius highlight. You sail the beautiful turquoise waters to Ile aux Cerfs, a stunning island of white beaches and clear lagoons, snorkelling over vibrant coral, swimming, and relaxing on beautiful beaches, often with a barbecue lunch aboard, and, in the west, cruising to spot playful dolphins in Tamarin bay. The cruise and beauty are magical. Cruising the turquoise lagoon by catamaran to the beautiful Ile aux Cerfs, snorkelling vibrant reefs and spotting playful dolphins.
- The sacred lake of Grand Bassin and lively Port Louis reveal Mauritius's rich culture. Mauritius has a warm, multicultural culture. You visit Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao), a sacred Hindu crater lake set amid the mountains, with its temples and giant statues, a place of pilgrimage and beauty, and explore lively Port Louis, the capital, with its bustling central market, Caudan waterfront, Chinatown, and the moving Aapravasi Ghat UNESCO site. The culture and atmosphere are captivating. Visiting the sacred lake of Grand Bassin and exploring lively Port Louis, with its market, waterfront and heritage, reveals Mauritius's rich multicultural culture, a rewarding highlight of this journey.
- The beautiful Pamplemousses gardens and dramatic mountains add beauty and nature to this journey. Mauritius is blessed with beautiful nature. You explore the famous Pamplemousses botanical gardens, one of the oldest in the southern hemisphere, with its giant water lilies, palms and exotic plants, and take in the island's dramatic mountains, from the jagged peaks to the extinct Trou aux Cerfs crater and, perhaps, the dramatic Le Morne mountain. The gardens and scenery are beautiful. Exploring the beautiful Pamplemousses botanical gardens and taking in Mauritius's dramatic mountains and scenery adds beauty and nature, a rewarding highlight of this journey through Mauritius.
- Above all, this journey offers the beaches, mountains, nature and culture of beautiful Mauritius. Mauritius is a jewel of the Indian Ocean, and this journey takes in the very best. Over seven days you relax on beautiful beaches and turquoise lagoons, explore the seven-coloured earth and waterfall of Chamarel, the sacred lake of Grand Bassin, and lively Port Louis, cruise to Ile aux Cerfs, and savour the warm multicultural culture and delicious cuisine. The combination of beautiful beaches, dramatic mountains, natural wonders, rich culture and warm hospitality makes Mauritius captivating. For the traveller seeking a beautiful, varied island escape of beaches.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Your Mauritius journey begins as your flight arrives at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your beautiful beachside resort. Mauritius is a jewel of the Indian Ocean, a beautiful island of turquoise lagoons, white beaches, dramatic mountains and warm multicultural culture, and the beauty and warmth are immediately apparent. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, taking a first swim in the warm, turquoise lagoon, relaxing on the beautiful beach, and watching a beautiful sunset over the ocean. This evening, dine on the delicious blend of Indian, Creole, Chinese and French flavours that make Mauritian cuisine so special, and settle into the relaxed island rhythm. As you settle in, the beauty and warmth of Mauritius work their magic. Rest well, ready to explore the beautiful island tomorrow.
Today you explore the lively north of Mauritius. You visit Port Louis, the capital, with its bustling central market piled with tropical produce, spices and crafts, the Caudan Waterfront, Chinatown, and the moving Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where indentured labourers first arrived. You explore the famous Pamplemousses (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam) botanical gardens, one of the oldest in the southern hemisphere, with its giant Amazon water lilies, palms, spices and exotic plants. You might take in the beautiful north-coast beaches around Grand Baie. The culture, gardens and beaches are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your resort. This evening, savour Mauritian cuisine and the relaxed island atmosphere. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore the dramatic south-west and the seven-coloured earth.
Today you explore the dramatic south-west of Mauritius. You visit the extraordinary Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel, undulating dunes of naturally coloured sands in shades of red, violet, green and blue, a remarkable geological wonder, and the spectacular Chamarel Waterfall, plunging into a lush gorge, perhaps with a rum-distillery tasting. You visit Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao), a sacred Hindu crater lake set amid the mountains, with its temples and giant statues, a place of pilgrimage and beauty. You take in the dramatic scenery of the Black River Gorges and, perhaps, viewpoints over the dramatic Le Morne mountain and coast. The natural wonders and culture are spectacular. As the day ends, you return to your resort. This evening, savour Mauritian cuisine. Rest well, for tomorrow you cruise the turquoise lagoon by catamaran.
Today you cruise the beautiful turquoise lagoon by catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs. You sail the beautiful turquoise waters of the east coast to Ile aux Cerfs, a stunning island of powder-white beaches and clear turquoise lagoons, snorkelling over vibrant coral teeming with colourful fish, swimming in the warm, clear water, and relaxing on the beautiful beaches, often with a delicious barbecue lunch aboard the catamaran. You take in the beauty of the lagoon, perhaps visiting the nearby Grand River South East waterfall. The cruise, snorkelling and beaches are magical. As the day ends, you return to your resort, deeply relaxed after a beautiful day on the water. This evening, savour Mauritian cuisine and a beautiful sunset. Rest well, ready to relax and explore more of the beautiful island tomorrow.
Today you relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches and lagoons of Mauritius. You might visit the beautiful Blue Bay Marine Park in the south-east, snorkelling over its protected coral reefs teeming with colourful fish in the crystal-clear turquoise lagoon, or take a glass-bottom boat over the reefs. You relax on beautiful beaches, swim in the warm, calm lagoon, and enjoy water sports, or simply savour the beauty and serenity of your resort. You might also explore the dramatic south coast, with its wild cliffs at Gris Gris. The beaches, reefs and beauty are wonderful. As the sun sets over the ocean, you savour the glorious colours. This evening, savour Mauritian cuisine and the relaxed island atmosphere. Rest well, ready for a final day in beautiful Mauritius.
Today you enjoy a final, relaxed day in beautiful Mauritius. You might relax on the beautiful beaches and lagoon, indulge in a spa treatment, enjoy water sports, or take an optional adventure, hiking in the Black River Gorges amid endemic forest and waterfalls, exploring the tea route and Bois Cheri, visiting the La Vanille nature park with its giant tortoises and crocodiles, or playing a round of golf. It is a lovely finale to your Mauritius journey, savouring the beauty and warmth of the island. As the sun sets over the ocean for the last time, you savour the glorious colours. This evening, enjoy a final dinner, savouring the delicious flavours and warm hospitality of Mauritius, reflecting on your beautiful island journey. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow, the beauty of Mauritius vivid in your memory.
After a final, relaxed morning in beautiful Mauritius, perhaps a last swim in the turquoise lagoon or a stroll along the beach, you are transferred to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport for your onward international departure. You leave deeply relaxed and enchanted, having experienced the very best of Mauritius, the beautiful beaches and turquoise lagoons, the seven-coloured earth and waterfall of Chamarel, the sacred lake of Grand Bassin, lively Port Louis, the catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs, and the warm multicultural culture and delicious cuisine. The images stay vivid long after you land, the turquoise lagoons and white beaches, the seven-coloured earth, the sacred lake, and the beautiful Ile aux Cerfs. Mauritius offers beaches, mountains, nature and culture in abundance, and you depart deeply refreshed, already dreaming of a return to this beautiful and welcoming island.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation on a half-board basis
- Airport and resort transfers
- Island tours and excursions as per itinerary with local guides
- Services of expert local guides as per itinerary
- A north tour with Port Louis and Pamplemousses, a south-west tour with Chamarel and Grand Bassin, and a catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Lunches and some dinners (or upgrade to all-inclusive)
- Optional excursions, water sports, spa treatments and tips
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities can visit Mauritius visa-free for up to 60 days with a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket and proof of accommodation; a visa is issued on arrival where needed. Requirements can change, so we confirm the current details before travel
- Currency: The currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR); cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops, but carry some cash for markets, small shops, taxis and tips. ATMs are widely available, and major currencies can be exchanged at banks and hotels
- Best time to visit: Mauritius is warm year-round; the cooler, drier winter (roughly May to November) is very popular and pleasant, while the summer (December to April) is hotter and more humid with a cyclone risk, especially January to March. The east and south can be breezier, the west and north calmer
- Languages & culture: English is the official language and French and Mauritian Creole are widely spoken; Mauritius is a warm, welcoming multicultural island blending Indian, African, Chinese and European heritage. Dress is relaxed at resorts and beaches, but modest dress is appreciated in towns and required at temples and mosques
- Beaches & lagoons: Mauritius is ringed by beautiful beaches and a protected coral lagoon, ideal for swimming, snorkelling and water sports; public beaches are open to all. Use reef-safe sunscreen, respect the marine parks (such as Blue Bay), and take care with sun, currents and coral, following local advice
- Getting around: Touring is by private vehicle with your guide or driver, and Mauritius is compact and easy to explore; driving is on the left. Distances are short, and we arrange all transfers and tours. Taxis and buses are also available, and many resorts offer excursions and shuttles
- Health & safety: Mauritius is a safe, welcoming and stable island with no malaria; standard precautions apply, and tap water is generally safe in main areas though many prefer bottled. The tropical sun is strong, so bring sun protection and stay hydrated, and take comprehensive travel insurance
- Money & power: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory (a small tip for good service is customary). Power is 230V with UK-style type G (and some type C) plugs, so bring an adapter. Mauritius is well developed, with excellent resorts, restaurants and infrastructure, making travel easy and rewarding
Frequently Asked Questions
Which coast of Mauritius should I stay on?
Each coast has its charm: the north (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches) is lively with calm beaches and nightlife; the west (Flic en Flac, Le Morne, Tamarin) has beautiful sunsets, calm swimming and dolphins; the east (Belle Mare) has beautiful, breezier beaches and top resorts; and the south is wilder and more dramatic. We choose the ideal coast and resort for your priorities, whether calm swimming, beaches, sunsets, or exploring, and can combine coasts for a varied stay.
Is Mauritius just for beaches, or is there more to see?
Far more. While the beaches and lagoons are beautiful, Mauritius offers dramatic mountains and the Black River Gorges, the extraordinary seven-coloured earth of Chamarel, the sacred lake of Grand Bassin, botanical gardens, tea routes, rum distilleries, a rich multicultural culture and history, catamaran cruises, dolphins, diving, hiking, golf and more. It rewards exploration alongside relaxation, and this journey combines the best of beaches, mountains, nature and culture. We tailor the balance of relaxation and exploration to you.
What meals are included?
This depends on the board basis chosen: bed and breakfast, half board, full board or all-inclusive, which we tailor to you and your resort. Many Mauritius resorts offer excellent half-board or all-inclusive packages, while others are ideally placed for exploring the island's superb restaurants. Mauritian cuisine is a delicious blend of Indian, Creole, Chinese and French flavours, and we advise on the best board basis and dining for your holiday.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Excursions can be arranged privately, with your own guide or driver and vehicle, for flexibility and a tailored pace, or as shared/group tours and resort excursions for value; we tailor this to you. Mauritius is compact and easy to tour, and knowledgeable local guides bring its beaches, mountains, culture and history vividly to life. Many highlights, from catamaran cruises to island tours, are easily arranged.
Do I need a visa for Mauritius?
Most nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 60 days with a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket and proof of accommodation, with a visa issued on arrival where needed. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality before travel, so entry is smooth. Mauritius is easy and welcoming to visit, with a modern international airport.
Is Mauritius safe to visit?
Mauritius is a safe, stable and welcoming island, popular with families, couples and honeymooners, with warm, multicultural hospitality and excellent infrastructure. Standard precautions apply, as anywhere, and there is no malaria. We use trusted local guides and drivers and choose reputable resorts. The island is easy, relaxed and rewarding to explore, and the warmth of the Mauritian welcome is one of the joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
Mauritius is warm and beautiful year-round. The cooler, drier winter (roughly May to November) is especially pleasant and popular, ideal for beaches, touring and diving; the summer (December to April) is hotter and more humid, with a cyclone risk mainly January to March, but lush and green. The west and north are calmer for swimming; the east breezier. We advise on the best timing and coast for your interests.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can choose the ideal resort and coast for your style, from romantic and luxury to family and beachfront, add island tours, catamaran cruises, diving, hiking, golf and cultural experiences, and tailor the balance of relaxation and exploration. Mauritius offers beaches, mountains, nature, culture and adventure, and every holiday is tailored to you, matching the resort, board basis and experiences to create your ideal island escape.
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