Mauritius travel guide: activities, hotels and climate 2026
Turquoise lagoons, Le Morne's UNESCO-listed peak, humpback whales and that famous "underwater waterfall". This guide brings together 15 bookable activities, 15 hand-picked hotels in 3 categories (unique stays, 5-star luxury, budget) and a month-by-month climate guide, whether Mauritius is your whole holiday or a side trip from Reunion Island.
Sous Les Étoiles 974 is first and foremost a guide to Reunion Island, the French island 45 minutes' flight from Mauritius (locals call it "l'île intense", the intense island). Mauritius comes up in almost every conversation with readers planning an Indian Ocean trip, so this hub gathers all the Mauritius coverage on the site: 15 activity listings with verified prices and reviews, 15 hotels by category, a 12-month climate guide and a packing list. Use it to choose between the two islands, or to combine them.
Planning your trip to Mauritius in 4 steps
15 bookable activities
Blue Bay diving, humpback whale watching, a helicopter flight over the underwater waterfall, kitesurfing at Le Morne, the 828 m Piton hike.
15 hand-picked hotels
Unique stays (bubble tents, glamping, eco-chic lodges) · 5-star luxury (Anantara, Constance, Long Beach, Hilton) · Budget from €65/night for 2.
When to go, month by month
12 detailed months with temperatures, sea conditions, rainfall, cyclone season and the best windows for your type of trip.
Packing your suitcase
A complete checklist: reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory in the marine park), the same type G plugs as in the UK, vaccines, a tropical first-aid kit.
4 experiences unique to Mauritius
Le Morne Brabant
A 555 m basalt mountain, UNESCO-listed since 2008 for its history as a refuge for escaped slaves. Guided ascent €44.
The underwater waterfall
The iconic optical illusion on the south-west coast, visible only from the air. A dedicated helicopter flight, €1,350.
Humpback whales
In season from July to October. Dolswim whale-watching trips from €66, leaving from Grande Rivière Noire (5/5 from 38 Manawa reviews).
Blue Bay marine park
A protected marine area, listed since 1997. Visibility over 20 m, rich biodiversity. Snorkelling from €24.
The 6 signature activities in Mauritius
A selection of the best-rated listings from the Manawa and GetYourGuide catalogue. Prices verified as of the update date below.
Plongée Maurice
12 formules plongée à l'île Maurice dès 50 € en exploration et 80 € en baptême, sur 4 spots ( Blue Bay, Grand Baie, Tamarin, Belle Mare ) via Manawa.
Dauphins Maurice
7 sorties nage avec dauphins long-bec et observation baleines à bosse dès 53 € depuis Grande Rivière Noire ( 5/5 sur 11 avis Manawa, Dolswim ). Baleines juillet à octobre.
Randonnée Maurice
17 randonnées guidées sur 6 zones ( Morne Brabant UNESCO, Gorges de Rivière Noire, Le Pouce, Chamarel ) dès 34 € pour les 7 cascades de Tamarin ( 5/5 sur 55 avis Manawa ).
Hélicoptère Maurice
4 vols hélicoptère dès 729 € en panoramique avec transferts hôtel à 5 516 € en privatisation totale. Vols ciblés cascade sous-marine 1 350 à 3 550 €. 3 hélistations.
Kitesurf Maurice
7 cours de kitesurf au Morne ( spot mondialement connu ) et Bel Ombre dès 87 € pour 1 h 30 d'initiation. 5/5 sur 2 avis Manawa sur la formule standard.
Catamaran Maurice
5 croisières en catamaran dès 62 € pour l'île aux Cerfs depuis Pointe Jérôme à 282 € en privatisation sunset Rivière Noire. Trou d'Eau Douce 5/5 sur 10 avis Manawa.
Where to stay in Mauritius: 3 hand-picked hotel categories
Mauritius climate, all 12 months at a glance
Click a month to see its full guide (climate, signature activities, cultural events, prices).
Planning both islands in one trip
The two islands are only 45 minutes apart by plane, so many travellers combine them on the same long-haul trip (7-10 days per island). This site covers both destinations in the same level of detail.
Last updated: 25 September 2026. Manawa, GetYourGuide and Booking prices and reviews checked at the time of writing.