Head to the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius for your next dose of sun, sea and sand. Read lowcostholidays.com insider tips to help you on your way...
Miles of unspoilt beaches:
Mauritius is renowned for its pristine white beaches. You may find it a challenge to pick from the collection of amazing coastlines.
Blue Bay beach is a great spot for sunbathing and is famed for its crystal clear waters; an idyllic location for water sports particularly snorkelling and diving.
Trou aux Biches is located on the west coast and is a great family beach. Building sandcastles and running in the sea is great for the little ones, visit the local Mauritius aquarium and try the exciting array water sports on this friendly beach.
Note; do not go swimming in areas where it is forbidden or/especially on your own.
It may be hot but nudism and topless sunbathing is prohibited on public beaches, topless sunbathing is sometimes tolerated inside hotels.
Be aware of beach vendors, many do not have licenses and although they may come across as kind and genuine, don’t let them con you into paying for overpriced products.
Water sports…
The Mauritian seas offer an array of exciting water sports. From under water activities including snorkel trips, sub-water walks and deep-sea diving, to above water leisure’s such as water-skiing, windsurfing, jet skiing and kayak trips; all are great fun but do take precautions to keep safe.
Check boats before you sign any rental documents. Do not hire boats with an insufficient security criterion.
During individual sea trips, always notify the person responsible for the boat.
The waters of Mauritius are home to a huge variety of marine wildlife. A wide variety of exotic fish include marlins, sharks, tuna and sailfish. For fishing enthusiasts, deep-sea fishing is a necessary on your Mauritius break.
What to wear:
Light causal clothes are ideal for the tropical climate on the island. You won’t need a jacket or cardigan in the heat but, men may need long trousers for fancy restaurants or casinos.
Remember good sun cream protection to prevent you from burning in the Mauritian heat.
How do I get around?
Car hire is a reliable and comfortable way of getting around the island, although driving in Mauritius can be expensive. You must be 18 and have a full driving licence to permit you to drive on the island and remember driving is on the left so it should feel like driving at home if you’re from the UK.
Don’t temp thieves; do not leave anything in your car especially valuables.
The Mauritian bus service is probably the cheapest way of getting around; a bus ride is priced between 18 and 25 rupees.
Hidden gems:
Explore the hidden treasures of the island and go trekking in Mauritius. For nature lovers, Mauritius’s breath taking natural views will provide you with a memory of a lifetime. The most popular trail is the Black River Gorges National Park, it offers the best and most beautiful opportunities, but be aware this trek can be quite challenging for first time explorers.
Money:
The local currency is the Mauritian rupee. The currency is not available outside the country therefor you can only exchange your money on the island or in the airport.
You will typically get a better exchange rate for traveller’s cheques over cash and, as they are a safe option it’s probably the best way of taking money to the island.
You can exchange foreign money and travellers cheques in local banks and major hotels. There are 3 banks located inside the airport and many others are situated in the larger towns. Credit cards are also widely accepted and plenty of ATM’s are available in the bigger towns.
Generally, staffs are very polite, they will not hover around waiting for a tip but they probably will deserve one.
Shopping:
Mauritius is great for clothes shopping but make sure you look around before you make any commitments, you may find the same dress for half the price a few doors down. There’s plenty of time to get some bargains as shops are typically open between 9.30am and 6pm Monday to Saturday.
Keep a close eye on your belongings, especially your purse; pickpockets are all over the place especially in markets and even some shops.
Remember to practice your bargaining skills; you might save yourself a lot of money.
Drink:
Do not drink the tap water and if you wash the dishes, boil the water first.
‘If Mauritius was a beer it would be a Phoenix beer’, known as ‘bottled paradise’ this beer is a true taste of Mauritian culture. lowcostholidays.com recommend you try the famed phoenix beer as a cool thirst quencher while relaxing on a hot beach.
Useful Tips:
- You will find most locals are bilingual and English is generally accepted as the official language.
- Avoid remote areas, especially on your own.
- Spray plenty of mosquito spray and reapply after swimming or water sports.
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