Mauritius Travel Insurance

Port-Louis

As the island’s capital, it’s hard to miss. And yet… Some people, eager to discover the long white sandy beaches, turn their backs on this city rich in history!
A capital on a human scale, it’s easy to visit. What’s more, you won’t miss a thing, and you’ll be amazed by its many mysteries. The Port-Louis bazaar and docks are an invitation to stroll and discover.
You can then let yourself be guided by the workers who, at the end of the day, depopulate the city and head for its outskirts. Highlights include the Jardin de la Compagnie des Indes and the Blue Penny Museum.

Grand Bay

Also known as Mauritius’ Saint-Tropez, this fishing village has become a must for Mauritians and expatriates alike, who find it a more pleasant place to live than Port-Louis. The many restaurants and bars also make Grand Bay a popular tourist destination. Nightlife is also much more active than in Port-Louis, which is deserted as soon as the sun goes down. Nature lovers beware: this is not the best place to go for a walk or a swim. Grand Baie has the appeal of a commercial seaside town, of which only the Cuvette beach and the beach reserved for Royal Palm customers remain. It can be a good stopover or staging post for living at the urban tempo of Mauritius.

Chamarel

In stark contrast to Grand Baie, Chamarel is a very modest little village. Chamarel is an ideal destination for breathing in Mauritian nature. Best known for its Terres des Sept-Couleurs (Land of Seven Colours), these incredible dunes have been shaped by the whims of volcanoes. The view over the island is exceptional, and its proximity to the sea makes it an ideal, even sufficient, place to stay for many. This simplicity makes it an increasingly popular destination for tourists looking for fresh greenery after a day on the beach.

Blue Bay

Located in the south of the island, near Pointe d’Esny, the bay takes its name from its powerful azure color. Its turquoise waters are breathtaking, and the Blue Bay Marine Park is one of Mauric Island’s finest snorkeling sites. You can find rare species of (live) coral and tropical fish at a depth of 5 metres. A one-hour glass-bottom boat trip will cost you around 300 rupees.

Nearby, you can also take a trip to Mahébourg, a charming little town that houses many treasures in its naval museum. The lagoon is also one of the most beautiful on the island, and is a must for divers.

Belle Mare

Speaking of beaches, it’s hard to talk about Mauritius without mentioning Belle-Mare. This beach is quite simply one of the country’s most paradisiacal beaches, along with Île aux Cerfs and the Roche-Noires coves. Bordered by filaos all along its length, it remains a little-frequented area and is quiet during the week. At weekends, Mauritians come here for picnics, music and family relaxation. Relaxation reigns supreme here, and the absence of excessive tourist construction means you can enjoy it in peace. Several excursions and water sports activities are available on site, including parasailing and windsurfing.

Great Basin

Time for a bit of culture, and off to Grand Bassin. Also known as “Ganga Talao”. Grand Bassin is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, particularly popular during the annual Maha Shivaratri. The Great Basin is a natural lake surrounded by several Hindu temples. In legend, it’s actually a small lake formed from one of the drops of the Ganges, carried by Shiva on his head. In addition to the tourist influx generated by this sacred site, many monkeys wander around in the hope that someone will offer them something to eat. We advise against this, as with any unfamiliar animal, it may bite you or ask for more.

Pamplemousse Botanical Garden

This garden is home to hundreds of plant species from all over the world. Here you can admire baobabs and giant water lilies. There are also many animals such as chameleons, bats and giant tortoises. Today, it is the^3rd most beautiful botanical garden in the world, and the pride of Mauritius.

Morne Brabant beach

Located at the foot of the Morne mountain and surrounded by palm trees, this wild beach is one of the most beautiful and peaceful on the island. And if you tire of diving or snorkeling, it’s also the ideal spot for a nice hike on its sugar loaf. Open to all, the sometimes-difficult hike takes you to just under 250m altitude, and gives you a 360° view that’s well worth the 3-hour hike!

If hiking isn’t your thing, horseback riding might be a little more to your taste: the Haras du Morne, at the foot of the mountain, offers horseback excursions lasting from 1 to 5 hours, depending on what you want to see and do.

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