In the southwestern part of the warm Indian Ocean there is a small but at the same time surprisingly beautiful island of Mauritius. This is a small corner of East Africa, located a few hundred kilometers from Madagascar. Despite the small size of the island and its remoteness from Europe, holidays in Mauritius are very popular with our compatriots and residents of many other countries. Tours get there one who appreciates the comfort and convenience of living and is willing to spend considerable money on his trip.
Holiday paradise
Holidays in Mauritius allow you to get away from worldly concerns and civilization by touching the origins of nature, while not forgetting about comfort. The island is famous for its luxurious resorts, spread along the white sand coast. This is a separate world that provides an unforgettable vacation in Mauritius. Reviews of tourists say that there is everything to have a good time. For travelers, there are swimming pools and restaurants, spas, golf courses and much more.
Holidays in Mauritius are expensive. But, despite this, this tourist destination is one of the most popular. In addition, every year the flow of tourists continues to increase. Even couples in love come here to play a wedding. This island is preferred by divers because of the amazingly beautiful underwater world. Holidays in Mauritius are suitable for fishermen and for those who simply wish to fully enjoy the holiday bliss.
High season
The largest flow of tourists is observed on the island from November to April. This season is considered the most active. During this period, about one million tourists come to Mauritius to relax. Most travelers are from France and the UK, China and Germany. Not the last place in this list is Russia. Holidays in Mauritius (see photo below) are preferred by lovers of comfort and high service.
But a particularly large flow of tourists is observed on the island during the New Year holidays. It comes to the fact that the local airport has to work in heavy duty, meeting planes arriving in Mauritius. Holidays in January on this island are preferred by those who wish to spend winter vacations on the ocean, warmed by the rays of the warm tropical sun. That is why, despite the high prices, trips to Mauritius during this period become even more expensive.
Low season
There are no budget pensions or hotels being built on the island. This is the policy of the Government of the Republic of Mauritius. The holiday season for those who seek to spend the minimum amount, in this regard, you need to choose a low one. As for June and July, in these months the weather on the island often upsets with gusty winds. However, in May, August and September, you can relax, saving your family budget. During this period, there are few tourists on the island and hotel room prices are somewhat falling. In addition, the low season is the best time to relax in Mauritius for those who can not stand the heat and do not like bustle.
Island Attractions
For many travel lovers, a vacation on the island of Mauritius is not only a permanent stay on the magnificent beaches. Many people prefer to leave their comfortable hotel for a while in order to get to know the island better.
Often, many activities are already included in the tours to Mauritius. Among them:
- deep sea fishing for marlin;
- a trip to the distillery with a tasting of strong pure rum;
- excursion to the sugar cane factory-museum.
However, for those who want to get to know the island better, there are even more varied tours that are booked directly at the hotel after you have already arrived on vacation. In Mauritius, tourist reviews recommend visiting the capital's Port of Louis, on the territory of which there is a historical interactive museum. Its most famous exhibits are the unique stamps of the 18th century - “orange” and “blue” Mauritius. The natural phenomenon “colorful lands” located in the very center of the island deserves the attention of tourists.
Travelers will also like the sacred lake of the Hindus, as well as the nearby uninhabited islands, which can be reached by ordinary catamaran.
Tours are also offered excursions, during which you can explore Hindu temples and colorful churches, ancient ruins and ancient castles, protected areas and botanical gardens. Despite the fact that the island is quite small (on foot it can be crossed literally in a day), it will take several days to see the sights.
Time for excursions
Sightseeing is best in the fall season and in the second half of spring. In other words, the best time for excursions is the period starting from September and lasting until December, as well as April and May. At this time, the island has the most calm weather. But even in these periods, according to tourists, for comfortable excursions you will need durable shoes, a hat and bottled water.
Beach season
Rest on the warm sand of the coastal zones of the Indian Ocean is the main part of tours to Mauritius. And this is no coincidence. After all, the island is not only protected by coral reefs, but also has a great climate. All this together makes it possible for the swimming season to last a whole year. Nevertheless, the best time to relax in Mauritius is considered to be the period from late autumn to mid-winter, as well as from mid-spring to its end.
In winter, in coastal waters the temperature averages +23 degrees. In this case, the air warms up to 25-27 degrees during the daytime. In the climate summer season, ocean waters warmer more. Their temperature reaches 27-28 degrees. The ebbs and flows on the Mauritian coasts are very small. Each tourist can see their schedule at any of the island's hotels.
According to vacationers, the most favorable time for the beach season is from November to January and from April to May. It is then that the hottest weather is observed. With ease, it is possible to tolerate high air temperature constantly blowing southeast trade winds.
Diving season
Scuba diving enthusiasts need to go to Mauritius in September-January. This is the most successful period for diving, when in the waters of the Indian Ocean you can observe a wide variety of tropical fauna and flora. These are giant turtles and sea eagles, blue marlin and white-feathered sharks, overgrown gargonaria and much more.
Diving into the coastal waters of the island is safe because of the continuous ribbon of coral reefs. It is they that allow you to safely enter the water both in the daytime and at night.
No less exciting sight will delight tourists and diving conducted from the outside of the reefs. Here diving enthusiasts can see underwater grottoes, marble caves and rocky plateaus. But due to the strong current in these places, diving is possible only with an instructor.
In total, there are about thirty specialized diving centers on the island of Mauritius. The most popular of them are those located in the northern and southeastern parts of the island.
In the best period for diving, the temperature of coastal waters is 25-27 degrees, and visibility in them reaches twenty meters.
Surf season
In the winter months, the largest waves can be observed in Mauritius. That is why this period is considered the most favorable for surfing. Fans of this sport prefer Tamarin Bay. It is located in the southwestern part of the island, facing the winds. Sometimes special camps are organized for tourists here.
It should be borne in mind that beginners can come to the island to ride the "training waves" at any time of the year. But experienced athletes will prefer the period from November to April, as well as from June to July. They may even need a wetsuit at this time. It is most safe to ride during high tide, if there are no serious undercurrents.
Season for fishermen
Those who like to hunt for marine life, it is advisable to go to Mauritius in September and May. It is at this time after swimming and hanging out on the beach that you can do another (second most popular) entertainment on the island - deep sea fishing. Exotic catch will impress any tourist. This is a gray-blue shark and blue marlin, barracuda and golden tuna, as well as many other interesting species of inhabitants of the depths.
Of course, fishing in Mauritius can be practiced all year round. However, from September to May this lesson will bring the most satisfaction because of a good bite. The most exciting are invited to participate in mini-tournaments. This is the competition for the fastest deep-sea fishing, in which up to four teams participate.
Held in Mauritius and professional competitions. The most prestigious of them is the Marlin World Cup. These are international competitions that are organized in December-March.
Wedding Season
Probably, not one of the couples in love seeking to legitimize their relationship would not refuse to marry in Mauritius. That is why a huge number of weddings are played on the island, for which the fall season is chosen. The newlyweds are attracted by this wonderful land where you can spend an unforgettable honeymoon. Attracts the island and spouses with experience. Couples who have lived more than one year in a marriage tend to Mauritius to refresh their relationship by arranging a symbolic wedding ceremony in this exotic region.
It is on this amazing island that many couples realize the wildest of their fantasies of registering a marriage. This is a painting under water, where exotic giant fish become witnesses, as well as a wedding on a snow-white yacht sailing in the waters of a dazzling ocean, or legalization of relations on a mountain peak.
The maximum number of such ceremonies falls in the fall because at this time the weather on the island is relatively dry. It should be borne in mind that anyone who decided to hold a pleasant ceremony should book services three to four months before registration.
Climate features
Mauritius is located in the tropics. The temperature regime on the island throughout the year is quite even. Only from April to November the air here warms up two degrees lower than in October-May.
The climate on the island is characterized by a high level of humidity. This is especially observed from June to August, as well as from December to May, when the rainy season falls on Mauritius. Rainfall in the form of showers is quite strong, but at the same time their duration is short. In the same season, the island is affected by cyclones, often causing storms.
The weather in Mauritius can vary up to several times a day, but overall it remains favorable. After all, the local cyclones do not have a destructive force.
Numerous tourists who have previously visited this paradise, prefer to rest in Mauritius in February and January. These are the warmest months of the year.
Hospitable hotels
Mauritians have very strict rules regarding tourists. They believe that only a select few can visit their island. At the same time, local residents do not want to turn their native land into a place for mass tourism. This is precisely the reason why hotels in Mauritius belong only to the first line, and tours to the island are offered only with the mark luxury.
Buildings designed to accommodate tourists are located along the entire perimeter of the island. There are about eighty hotels here, each of which was built with the participation of the best designers of our planet.
There are practically no free beaches in Mauritius. The entire coast is divided into territories belonging to four- and five-star hotels, whose staff pamper and surprise their welcome guests.
Vacation with children
Traveling to Mauritius with the whole family seems to some tourists an unfortunate undertaking. However, it is not. Not at all spoiled will be on the island of Mauritius a vacation with children. In addition, they, like you, will be happy to see such a beautiful and exotic place.
But how to arrange a holiday with children on the island of Mauritius? Reviews of tourists say that first of all you need to find the right hotel. Many hotels have children's clubs and there are various additions that will not allow children to be sad.
It is recommended to pay attention to nutrition. Some hotels offer a special children's menu. It consists of the dishes most familiar to us, which you don’t need to adapt to.
If your baby is still breastfed, then to buy diapers and special food you will have to visit stores located in large cities. In such cases, the most preferred is hotel accommodation near a large village.