Mauritius has all the luxuries of Maui or Martinique but is easier on the pocket, especially for families who want to enjoy a holiday in a tropical paradise.

Ready for a Mauritius vacation?

Mauritius is an independent island republic with a democratic government. It lies east of Madagascar and forms part of the Indian Ocean Islands group associated with Africa. The capital of this tropical paradise is Port Louis and the other major town is Curepipe.

Although the official languages are English and French the lingua franca is Mauritian Creole. Hindi is also spoken by 22 percent of the people. Mauritius is an interesting blend of diverse cultures and religions. The population consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans.

Mauritius Vacation - a tropical paradise for the whole family

According to Lonely Planet, Mauritius is the most accessible island in the Indian Ocean - a tropical paradise akin to Maui or Martinique but more budget-traveler friendly, ideal for family holiday's in a tropical paradise.

For travelers interested in a Mauritius vacation this is perfect location to enjoy the sea or just to soak up the sun. Here is a list of the island’s finest public beaches.

In order to explore the island of Mauritius, we have divided it into areas. Here are only a few of the many attractions:

Mauritius North – beaches, Riolet, Labourdonnais Orchards

• Grand Bay was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom. Beaches, restaurants, bars and discos.
• Pereybere public beach is popular because of its shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs.
• The longest village on the island, Triolet offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819.
• The Labourdonnais Orchards. Discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colorful and perfumed exotic flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are possible.

Mauritius South – Mahebourg, Martello Towers and Souillac

• Mahébourg is one of the main fishing villages on the island. Built on the magnificent Grand Port Bay it was founded in 1804 by the French.
• The Martello Towers represent the scene of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers and the ingenuity of mankind.
• Souillac is a small seaside resort along the rugged coast of the Savanne district. A popular viewpoint is found at the southern end of the village, right on the cliff top.

Mauritius East – markets, water parks and Ille aux Cerf

• Flacq is one of the most important villages in Mauritius. This meeting point for inhabitants of the East boasts the country’s largest open air market.
• The Waterpark Leisure Village. Great fun for the whole family with giant water chutes.
• Ile aux Cerfs is a tiny island, a paradise for water sports and has the most beautiful beach in Mauritius.

Mauritius West – Coloured earth of Chamarel and Tamarin Falls

• A winding road leads from Case Noyale village to the colored earths of Chamarel. The neighboring waterfalls of Chamarel must also be seen.
• Tamarin is naturally the heart of salt production in Mauritius. The Tamarin Falls are not easy to reach but are worth the effort.

Mauritius Inland – Sugar, lakes and gorges

• L’Aventure du Sucre – Something Sweet. Visit an interactive excellent museum in the former Beau Plan sugar factory.
• Beyond La Marie and Mare-aux-Vacoas lies one of the two natural lakes of Mauritius within the crater of an extinct volcano. Ganga Talao is an important pilgrimage site for many Mauritians of the Hindu faith.
• Black River Gorges is a national park of 6,574 hectares which was created in 1994 for the protection of Mauritius’ remaining native forests.

Explore underwater in Mauritius

Mauritius vacationers can explore the ocean beds on board the Blue Safari submarines. Enjoy a close-up encounters in this tropical paradise with the marine life or pilot your own underwater sub-scooter.

“Undersea Walk Ltd” is situated inside the lagoon in front of Grand Bay. The excursion lasts about an hour and a half and a taxi boat has been arranged to and from the beach.

Take a look at more tropical paradise holidays in Africa:

Wild Coast South Africa

Mozambique Holiday Paradise

Relax in Kenya's Mombassa

Zanzibar Africa's Spice Island

Travel to Madagascar