Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Mauritius is a volcanic island in the southwest Indian Ocean, approximately 2,000 km off the southeast coast of Africa. Almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs, the island offers calm, clear lagoons on most of its coastline. Beach character varies from the wind-swept southwestern shores ideal for kite-surfing to the sheltered northern bays popular for swimming.
The best beaches in Mauritius include Le Morne (UNESCO site, kitesurfing), Belle Mare (east coast paradise), Trou aux Biches (family-friendly), Flic en Flac (west coast with great snorkeling), and Île aux Cerfs (island beach getaway).
No visa is required for most nationalities for stays up to 60 days (extendable to 90 days). You receive a stamp on arrival with a valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds.
Mauritius is pleasant year-round. The best months are September to December (spring/early summer, warm but not too hot). January to March is hottest with occasional cyclone risk. May to August is cooler and drier, ideal for hiking and kitesurfing.
The 'underwater waterfall' near Le Morne is a stunning optical illusion best seen from the air. Sand and silt are swept off the coastal shelf by currents, creating the appearance of a waterfall plunging into the deep ocean. Helicopter tours offer the best views.
