Mauritius

For a trip to Mauritius, you must possess a Dutch passport/Belgian international travel document that is valid for at least 6 months after the end of your trip. A visa is not required for Mauritius.

Mauritius has a tropical climate and can be visited year-round, except for the months of January, February, and March. Generally, it can be said that the north and west of the island are slightly warmer and drier than the east and south. However, there are variations across different seasons:

May - October:
These months are considered the ideal time to visit Mauritius. During this period, temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius during the day, with little rainfall. The water temperature ranges between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius. In the inland areas, it is slightly cooler, with temperatures around 19 degrees Celsius.

November - December:
During this period, temperatures rise to 32 degrees Celsius, and humidity increases. As in previous months, temperatures inland are slightly lower, around 26 degrees Celsius.

January - April:
This period is particularly warm and experiences the most rainfall. Rain showers usually occur at the end of the day as short, intense thunderstorms. Between January and March, there is also a chance of cyclones.

In short, the best time to travel to Mauritius is usually from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is minimal.

Travel Vaccinations
For trips to Mauritius, several vaccinations are recommended, such as DTP, hepatitis A, and typhoid. The tap water is drinkable, but it usually has a slight chlorine taste. It is best to buy bottled mineral water. Be cautious with raw, uncooked, or partially cooked food, vegetables (salads), and unwashed fruit.

Always seek advice well before your trip about the necessary vaccinations. Read our travel vaccinations page for more information.

Health Advice
Ensure you are always well protected against the sun with a hat, sunglasses, and a good high-factor sunscreen, as the sun can be intense during the summer months. Drink plenty of water.

In Mauritius, the time is 3 hours later than in the Netherlands during winter time. During the summer months, the time difference is 2 hours.

The currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). The currency is only available locally in various denominations. One Mauritian Rupee is subdivided into 100 cents.

• Debit Card: ATMs are available in larger cities and tourist centers. This also applies to the international airport.
• Credit Card: Both Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. Be cautious when making payments with a credit card. Do not lose sight of your credit card. Unfortunately, credit card fraud occurs everywhere and cannot be completely prevented. For more details, visit the websites: Eurocard and Visa.

The holidays in Mauritius are partly similar to Dutch holidays due to the shared religion. Additionally, there are many other religions represented, such as Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

The following holidays are celebrated every year.

• January 1 - New Year's Day
• January - Chinese Spring Festival (dates vary each year)
• February 1 - Abolition of slavery
• February 9 - Thaipoosam Cavadee
• February 24 - Maha Shivratri
• March 12 - Independence Day
• March 29 - Ougadi
• May 1 - Labour Day
• June - Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) dates vary each year
• August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin Mary
• August - Ganesh Chaturthi dates vary each year
• October - Diwali (Festival of Lights) dates vary each year
• November 1 - All Saints' Day
• November 2 - Arrival of indentured laborers
• December 25 - Christmas

Many public facilities are closed on the aforementioned holidays. For many of these days, if the official holiday falls on a Sunday, the following working day is observed as a day off.

Mauritius is renowned for its excellent diving opportunities and offers over 100 stunning dive sites suitable for divers of all levels. Here are some of the best diving locations in Mauritius:

• Blue Bay Marine Park:
  Located on the southeast coast of Mauritius, Blue Bay Marine Park is a popular spot for both snorkelers and divers. It is known for its colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life, including tropical fish, rays, and even turtles.

• Trou aux Biches:
  This dive site on the northwest coast is ideal for beginners thanks to the calm waters and shallow reefs. Here, you can enjoy beautiful corals and various types of fish, such as moray eels, turtles, and barracudas. You can also explore wrecks and caves!
• Belle Mare Plage:
  A stunning dive spot with rich biodiversity, including coral reefs, schools of fish, and sea turtles.
• Cathedrals:
  Located in the west of Mauritius, Cathedrals is an advanced dive site known for its underwater caves and passages. The site is named after the impressive formations that resemble cathedral windows.

What is the best time to dive in Mauritius?

From November to April, as it is summer and the water is warmer for diving. During the other months, diving is still possible, but underwater visibility may be reduced.