You'll find stunning white sand beaches all around the island, plus clear, calm lagoons perfect for snorkelling, swimming and paddleboarding. There are also offshore islets like Ilot Gabriel and Ile aux Cerfs, where you can spend the day on the beach.
There are no lifeguards on the beaches of Mauritius. Although the sea may look calm, there are strong, invisible currents in the lagoons and open seas around Mauritius. It's important to always swim within designated areas and to never swim alone or unsupervised.
If you fly over the clear turquoise waters off the southwest coast of our island, you'll spot what looks like an underwater waterfall in Mauritius. It may look dramatic, but you can actually swim – and surf – over the 'waterfall' below.
The water is typically at its clearest in May, and it will be calm and warm, drawing more fish to shallower areas. October through early December can be good too, especially for divers who want to dive with rays and reef sharks.
Most Mauritians are used to drinking tap water and eating in food stalls at every street corner. However, those not used to it should avoid doing so, as severe food poisoning may occur. It is thus advisable to drink mineral water and accept ice cubes only in hotels that treat tap water.
Beachwear. Pack plenty of swimwear and beach clothes for when you want to relax by the pool or go for a dip in the sea. Be respectful and try to make sure your swimwear is modest, a two-piece is more than ok but pack a cover-up or sarong (different ways of wearing a Sarong) for travelling to and from the beach.
Precautions include using a high-quality DEET insect repellent as well as covering bare skin with loose clothing at required times. The parasitic infection Schistosomiasis is also a risk in Mauritius, transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water.
It's polite to accept any food and drink offered, and remember to remove leather shoes and belts and cover up when visiting places of worship. Women can dress in what they like, but we recommend covering up and dressing modestly in public places.
I personally would not recommend drinking the tap water purely because most Mauritians I know drink bottled water, so I follow their example. Never had any problems with brushing my teeth with the tap water or ice cubes in drinks (presuming they are made from tap water).
Most Mauritians are used to drinking tap water and eating in food stalls at every street corner. However, those not used to it should avoid doing so, as severe food poisoning may occur. It is thus advisable to drink mineral water and accept ice cubes only in hotels that treat tap water.
The sea temperature is warm all year round, reaching 27 °C during summer which is 10 degrees warmer than the UK summer sea temperature. Mauritius has only two seasons: summer (warm and humid) and winter (cooler and drier).
Spend At Least 7 Days In MauritiusIf tourists have more time, 10 days will offer them a perfect vacation with a more flexible itinerary. Without seeing any of the area's beaches, a trip to Mauritius would be incomplete. Le Morne, The Flic en Flac Beach, and the Grand Baie are among the island's top beaches.