Anastasia Smith
Looking for a holiday filled with pristine white-sand beaches, exotic cuisine, lush landscapes, and balmy weather? Mauritius has them all and more! Let’s look at some of the most exciting reasons why Mauritius is one of the top destinations in the world for tropical paradise vacations:
Undoubtedly the best reason for visiting Mauritius, the island has plenty of absolutely stunning white-sand beaches with swimmable aquamarine waters. You can sunbathe or lounge at the beach all day with a good book in your hands. The coastal hotels here offer excellent cocktails, mocktails, and snacks you can enjoy while gazing into the kaleidoscopic horizon. There are a variety of beachside activities to try here as well, such as surfing and playing beach volleyball.
No beach vacation is complete without water sports and Mauritius offers a plethora of options. You can go snorkelling, surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, kite surfing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and many, many more. There is something for every taste, whether you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity or something more relaxing with excellent topical scenery. If you have never tried a water sport before, Mauritius is definitely one of the best places to try for the first time.
Diving is one of the best things to do in Mauritius thanks to the many renowned undersea exploration spots surrounding this island nation. The coastline is dotted with vibrant coral reefs where you can dive to see some of the most unique marine life on the planet. The La Cathédrale and Rempart Serpent are the most popular diving spots in the country, with excursions available for both experts and beginners.
Diving is not the only way to explore the undersea beauty of Mauritius, as many tour operators also offer submarine excursions for travellers seeking new experiences (and those who simply might not like diving). Submarine tours are available at many diving sites and varying depths. If you are totally new to being inside a submarine, you can go on a relatively short tour that will not dip too deep into the ocean. Some tours may require experience or training, but almost all are designed for non-expert tourists.
You can watch non-captive dolphins along the coast of Mauritius, which is home to many active pods that sometimes even come near the tourist boats to bump noses with the human visitors! The best-known spot for going on dolphin-watching tours is Tamarin Bay but depending on the season other areas of the country also offer tours.
The azure beaches of Mauritius are perfect for going on sea kayaking trips, which will offer an exciting break from sunbathing at your resort. Sea kayaking is available at the island’s many stunning lagoons, where waves are calm enough to enjoy a relaxing ride. Inland kayaking is also available, where you can book tours that course through freshwater rivers and lakes surrounded by beautiful tropical landscapes.
Despite being a tiny island nation, Mauritius offers an excellent variety of exotic cuisine. Thanks to being a bustling trading hub in the past, the country has developed a rich food culture with delightful offerings inspired by many cultures. You can sample French, Indian, and North African cuisine with amazing fusion options unlike anywhere in the world. You can try gourmet versions of local dishes at high-end hotels like Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas, or visit a local market to enjoy unique street food.
