Attractions in Mauritius: A Complete Guide for Visitors and Relocators
Mauritius is a 2,040 km² island in the Indian Ocean, roughly 900 kilometres east of Madagascar, and it rewards the effort of getting there with a density of experience that larger destinations rarely match. The attractions in Mauritius span reef-lined lagoons, volcanic highlands, colonial history, a genuinely cosmopolitan food culture, and, for those considering a longer stay, a growing economy with real job opportunities and modern financial infrastructure.
The Natural Attractions That Define the Island
The Lagoons: East, West, and the Differences That Matter
The east coast lagoon is the quietest argument for staying longer than you planned, reef-protected, impossibly clear, and lined with resorts that have quietly set the standard for Indian Ocean hospitality. Belle Mare and Palmar offer the longest uninterrupted stretch of white sand on the island. The water is shallow enough to wade far out at low tide and calm enough for kayaking year-round.
The west coast is warmer, more social, and faces the sunset. Flic en Flac is the centre of gravity here, a long public beach flanked by restaurants and dive operators. The coral walls off the west coast are among the most accessible dive sites in the Indian Ocean, with visibility regularly exceeding 25 metres.
The south is different: wilder, less visited, and worth every kilometre of the drive. The Gris Gris cliffs near Souillac mark the island's southernmost point, where the Indian Ocean meets the coast without the mediation of a reef. The spray reaches the road. It is not a swimming beach, it is a lookout point that reminds you the island has an edge.
Black River Gorges National Park
Covering roughly 6,500 hectares of the island's southwest interior, Black River Gorges National Park is the largest area of native forest remaining in Mauritius. It protects endemic species including the Mauritius kestrel, once reduced to four known individuals in the wild, now recovered to several hundred, and the pink pigeon. Trails range from a 30-minute walk to the Chamarel viewpoint to full-day traverses across the gorge system. The park is the best single argument for renting a car rather than relying on taxis.
Chamarel and the Coloured Earths
The seven-coloured earth at Chamarel is a geological formation where volcanic soil has cooled into distinct bands of colour, red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow, across a small undulating plain. The adjacent Chamarel waterfall drops approximately 100 metres into a forested ravine. The area is compact enough to cover in a morning, and the Chamarel village itself has several good restaurants serving Mauritian Creole food.
Cultural and Historical Attractions in Mauritius
Aapravasi Ghat, Port Louis
Aapravasi Ghat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the waterfront of Port Louis. Between 1834 and 1923, more than 500,000 indentured labourers arrived here from India, China, Madagascar, and East Africa to work the island's sugar estates after the abolition of slavery. The site preserves the original immigration depot buildings and is one of the most significant points of reference for understanding the Indian Ocean's labour history. It is free to enter.
Le Morne Brabant
Le Morne Brabant is a basaltic peninsula on the southwest tip of the island, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The mountain rising from the peninsula was used as a refuge by escaped enslaved people during the 18th and early 19th centuries. It is now a symbol of resistance and freedom in Mauritius. Guided hikes to the summit take around two hours and offer a view across both coastlines simultaneously.
Port Louis Central Market
The Central Market in Port Louis has operated since 1828. It is divided into a food section, spices, tropical fruit, street food, and a craft section selling textiles, model ships, and local produce. It opens early and closes by early afternoon. Arriving before 9am means navigating the market before the tour groups arrive.
Living and Working in Mauritius: Career Opportunities
For internationally mobile professionals and families, Mauritius offers more than short-term appeal. The island has positioned itself as a regional business hub, and job opportunities in Mauritius span financial services, technology, tourism management, and business process outsourcing.
Job Opportunities in Mauritius: What the Market Looks Like
Career opportunities in Mauritius are concentrated in a few key sectors. The financial services industry, including banking, fund administration, and insurance, is the largest employer of skilled expatriate professionals. The ICT and BPO sector has grown steadily over the past decade, with several international firms establishing regional operations on the island. Tourism and hospitality management roles are perennial, though increasingly competitive.
The government's Occupation Permit system allows foreign nationals to live and work in Mauritius under three categories: investor, professional, and self-employed. The professional permit requires a minimum annual salary threshold and a confirmed employment contract. Processing times are typically four to six weeks.
For those actively searching, jobs in Mauritius are advertised through local platforms, regional recruitment agencies, and increasingly through LinkedIn. The phrase "job mu Mauritius" is commonly used in local search contexts and refers to Mauritius-specific job listings, the country domain .mu is used by local employers and job boards alike.
Mauritius Job Opportunities in Financial Services
The financial services sector in Mauritius is regulated by the Financial Services Commission and the Bank of Mauritius. It employs thousands of professionals in roles ranging from compliance and fund accounting to wealth management and corporate structuring. The sector's growth has been supported by Mauritius's network of double taxation avoidance agreements with over 40 countries, making it a preferred jurisdiction for cross-border investment into Africa and Asia.
Banking in Mauritius: Internet Banking and Everyday Finance
Internet Banking in Mauritius
For visitors staying longer than a few weeks and for residents, access to reliable banking infrastructure matters. Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) is the largest commercial bank in Mauritius by assets and market capitalisation. Internet banking MCB Mauritius, accessed through the bank's official platform, allows account holders to manage transfers, pay bills, view statements, and access foreign currency services online. The platform supports both personal and business accounts and is available 24 hours a day.
Internet banking Mauritius Commercial Bank services include mobile banking via the MCB Juice app, which has become one of the most widely used digital payment tools on the island. For expatriates setting up accounts, MCB and other major banks including SBM (State Bank of Mauritius) and AfrAsia Bank offer non-resident account options with varying documentation requirements.
Opening a bank account in Mauritius typically requires a valid passport, proof of address (local or overseas), and evidence of income or employment. Some banks require an in-person visit for the initial account opening; others accept certified digital copies of documents.
Planning Your Time: A Practical Framework
Mauritius is small enough to cover in two weeks and complex enough to reward a month. A useful framework:
- Days 1–4: Base yourself on the east coast. Acclimatise, swim, explore Belle Mare and Mahébourg.
- Days 5–7: Drive south. Gris Gris, Blue Bay Marine Park, Le Morne.
- Days 8–10: Move to the west. Flic en Flac, Black River Gorges, Chamarel.
- Days 11–14: Port Louis and the north. Aapravasi Ghat, Grand Baie, Cap Malheureux.
For those relocating rather than visiting, the north and west coasts offer the densest concentration of international schools, serviced apartments, and expat community infrastructure. Grand Baie in the north is the most cosmopolitan town on the island outside Port Louis.
FAQ
What are the most visited attractions in Mauritius?
The most visited attractions in Mauritius include the Blue Bay Marine Park, Black River Gorges National Park, the seven-coloured earth at Chamarel, Le Morne Brabant, and the UNESCO-listed Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis. The east and west coast beaches are also among the island's primary draws.
What job opportunities are available in Mauritius for foreigners?
Job opportunities in Mauritius for foreign nationals are strongest in financial services, ICT and business process outsourcing, tourism management, and education. Foreign professionals can apply for an Occupation Permit under the professional category, which requires a confirmed employment contract and a minimum salary threshold set by the government.
How does internet banking work with Mauritius Commercial Bank?
Internet banking with Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) is available through the bank's official online platform and the MCB Juice mobile app. Account holders can transfer funds, pay bills, manage foreign currency, and view account history. The service is available to both resident and non-resident account holders.
Is Mauritius a good place to relocate for work?
Mauritius is a viable relocation destination for professionals in financial services, technology, and senior hospitality roles. The island offers political stability, English as an official language, a growing expat community, and an Occupation Permit system designed to attract skilled foreign workers. Cost of living is moderate by European standards but higher than most African countries.
What is the best time of year to visit Mauritius?
The best time to visit Mauritius is between May and December, when the weather is drier and cooler. The cyclone season runs from December to April, with the highest risk in January and February. The east coast can be windier than the west during the austral winter months of June to August.