Mauritius travel guide

Getting there

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in the south-east is the main gateway, with flights from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Rodrigues is reached by domestic flight or ship.

Best time to visit: May–Dec – drier, sunny and less humid.

Tougher months: January-March - hot, humid and rainy, with the highest risk of tropical cyclones.

Weather by month in Port Louis

• 31°J●●
• 31°F●●
• 30°M●●
• 29°A●
• 27°M●
• 25°J●
• 24°J●
• 24°A●
• 25°S
• 27°O
• 28°N●
• 30°D●

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Indian/Mauritius. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 182 of 198 other passports can enter Mauritius without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 0 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 16 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of Mauritius (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (U.S. Department of State, updated 2025-12-08). Read the advisory.

Source and more: Mauritius travel facts on RoamSun

Stay

Most trips to Mauritius are based around Port Louis, Le Morne Peninsula or Black River Gorges National Park. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$50–80 for a backpacker and US$130–250 mid-range, per person.

Source: RoamSun Mauritius page · Browse hotel guides

Connect

Plug types: C, G. Voltage: 230 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +230.

Mobile data: read the travel eSIM setup guide before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.

Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun

Do

• Port Louis (North-west · capital): A busy harbour capital with markets, the waterfront, Aapravasi Ghat and the Citadel.
• Le Morne Peninsula (South-west · beaches & heritage): A dramatic mountain, lagoon and beaches with deep historical significance.
• Black River Gorges National Park (South-west · rainforest): The island's largest national park, with trails, waterfalls and endemic wildlife.
• Chamarel (South-west · nature): Home to the Seven Coloured Earths, Chamarel Falls and a rum distillery.
• Grand Baie (North · resort town): A lively beach town with shopping, nightlife and boat trips to northern islets.
• Blue Bay (South-east · marine park): Clear, calm water and some of the best snorkelling on the island.
• Île aux Cerfs (East coast · island): A popular island for beaches, water sports and lagoon cruises.
• Rodrigues (Outer island · slow travel): A quiet sister island with a vast lagoon, hiking trails and traditional Creole life.

Things to do

• Snorkel Blue Bay. Float over coral gardens and tropical fish in the protected marine park on the south-east coast.
• Hike Le Morne Brabant. Climb the UNESCO-listed mountain for views of the famous 'underwater waterfall' illusion off the coast.
• See the Seven Coloured Earths. Visit Chamarel's rippling dunes of multi-coloured volcanic soil and a nearby waterfall.
• Trek Black River Gorges. Walk through native forest looking for pink pigeons, kestrels and sweeping valley views.
• Swim with dolphins. Take an early boat trip off Tamarin Bay to spot dolphins in the wild with responsible operators.
• Explore Port Louis market. Taste dholl puri, gâteaux piments and tropical fruit in the busy central market.
• Visit Grand Bassin. See the sacred crater lake and towering Hindu statues at Ganga Talao.
• Sail to Île aux Cerfs. Spend a day on white-sand beaches and in turquoise lagoons off the east coast.

Source: full Mauritius guide on RoamSun

Eat and drink

• Dholl puri – thin flatbread stuffed with split peas, served with curries
• Rougaille – spicy tomato sauce with fish or sausage
• Gateau piment – fried chilli and split-pea fritters
• Mine frite – fried noodles of Chinese-Mauritian style

Source: RoamSun Mauritius guide

Money and safety

Currency: Mauritian rupee (MUR). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: Not required but appreciated – around 10% in restaurants if service is not included.

Emergency numbers: 999 police · 114 ambulance · 115 fire.

• The currency is the Mauritian rupee; cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops.
• ATMs are easy to find in towns, but carry cash for buses, markets and street food.
• Mauritius is generally safe; take care of valuables on beaches and avoid empty areas at night.
• Swim within lagoons and heed warning flags, as currents beyond the reef can be dangerous.

Source: RoamSun Mauritius facts