Mauritius rewards those who look past the beach. The island's top things to do span reef diving in turquoise lagoons, hiking through ancient volcanic craters, eating your way through Creole street markets, and, for those arriving to live and work, navigating a surprisingly well-developed financial and professional infrastructure. Whether you are spending ten days or planning a permanent move, this guide covers what the island genuinely has to offer.
Explore the Coastline, All of It
Most visitors head straight for the west or north, drawn by calm water and a concentration of hotels. That instinct is understandable, but it misses half the island.
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. The south is different: wilder, less visited, and worth every kilometre of the drive. Between the two lies most of what makes Mauritius hard to leave.
Key coastal experiences:
- Blue Bay Marine Park (south-east): one of the most biodiverse coral ecosystems in the Indian Ocean, snorkel or take a glass-bottom boat.
- Le Morne Peninsula (south-west): a UNESCO World Heritage Site, site of significant Maroon history, and a consistent kite-surfing destination.
- Île aux Cerfs (east): a small island accessible by boat from Trou d'Eau Douce, good for a full day of swimming and open-water kayaking.
- Tamarin Bay (west): the island's most reliable surf break, best from June to September.
Get Into the Interior
The coast is the introduction. The interior is the argument.
Black River Gorges National Park
Covering roughly 6,500 hectares of native forest, Black River Gorges is the island's largest protected area. Trails range from a short walk to the Alexandra Falls viewpoint to the full-day Macchabée Ridge route. The park shelters the Mauritius kestrel and the pink pigeon, both pulled back from near-extinction through conservation programmes active since the 1970s.
Chamarel
The seven-coloured earth at Chamarel is a geological curiosity, volcanic soil in distinct bands of red, brown, violet, and green that resist mixing even after rain. The nearby Chamarel Rum Distillery offers guided tours of the production process and tastings of rums made from locally grown sugarcane.
Trou aux Cerfs
A dormant volcanic crater in Curepipe, the central plateau's main town. The rim walk takes under twenty minutes and offers a clear-day view across to Réunion.
Eat and Shop Like a Local
Port Louis Central Market is the most direct route into how the island actually functions day to day. Vendors sell saffron, dried chillies, fresh vegetables, street food, and textiles across two levels. Arrive before 10 a.m. to avoid the midday heat.
For food: try dholl puri (flatbread filled with split peas and chutneys), gateau piment (fried chilli cakes), and alouda (a milk drink with basil seeds). These are sold from roadside stalls across the island, not just in the capital.
Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis provides a more structured retail and dining environment, useful for an evening meal with a harbour view.
Cultural and Historical Sites Worth Your Time
- Aapravasi Ghat (Port Louis): a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the landing point for indentured labourers brought to Mauritius from 1834 onwards. The site's museum contextualises the island's complex demographic history.
- Eureka House (Moka): a 109-room Creole colonial mansion, one of the best-preserved examples of 19th-century plantation architecture on the island.
- Siva Soopramanien Hindoo Temple (Port Louis): a working temple and one of the most architecturally detailed on the island.
Practical Life in Mauritius: Banking, Jobs, and Settling In
For those relocating, whether on a Premium Visa, an occupation permit, or a long-term work contract, Mauritius has built a functional infrastructure that makes settling in more straightforward than many comparable island destinations.
Banking: MCB and Internet Banking in Mauritius
The Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) is the island's largest and oldest bank, founded in 1838. For new residents and internationally mobile professionals, MCB's internet banking platform is the standard starting point for day-to-day financial management.
Internet banking with MCB Mauritius allows you to:
- Transfer funds locally and internationally
- Pay utility bills and government fees
- Manage multiple accounts, including foreign currency accounts
- Access statements and set up standing orders
To access internet banking at Mauritius Commercial Bank, account holders register through the MCB website using their account number and a one-time PIN issued at branch level. The platform supports both personal and business accounts and is accessible from any country, relevant for those who split time between Mauritius and elsewhere.
Other established banks operating internet banking in Mauritius include SBM (State Bank of Mauritius), Absa Mauritius, and Bank One. Each offers online platforms with broadly similar functionality, though MCB's retail network and digital interface remain the most widely used among expatriates and new residents.
Job Opportunities in Mauritius
Mauritius has positioned itself as a regional business hub, particularly for financial services, technology, and international holding companies. The island's tax framework, including a flat corporate rate and an extensive network of double taxation treaties, has attracted a significant number of regional headquarters.
Where career opportunities in Mauritius are concentrated:
- Financial services: fund administration, private banking, compliance, and accounting roles are consistently in demand, driven by the growth of the Global Business sector.
- ICT and BPO: the government has actively developed the ICT sector since the early 2000s. Ebene Cybercity, a purpose-built business district south of Port Louis, houses the majority of these employers.
- Hospitality and tourism: the island's hotel sector employs a large proportion of the workforce, with management and specialist roles often open to international candidates.
- Education and healthcare: international schools and private medical facilities recruit qualified professionals, particularly those with British or French credentials.
For structured job searching, the main platforms used in Mauritius include MyJob.mu, the island's leading employment portal, along with LinkedIn and sector-specific recruitment agencies based in Port Louis. Government vacancies are listed through the Public Service Commission.
The Occupation Permit system allows skilled foreign nationals to live and work in Mauritius under three categories: investor, professional, and self-employed. Processing times and salary thresholds apply to each category and are administered by the Economic Development Board (EDB).
Planning Your Time: A Practical Framework
| Duration | Focus |
|---|---|
| 3–5 days | West coast beaches, Port Louis market, Chamarel |
| 7–10 days | Add east coast, Black River Gorges, Île aux Cerfs |
| 2+ weeks | Full island circuit, cultural sites, interior villages |
| Relocating | Banking setup, EDB registration, school and housing research |
FAQ
What are the top things to do in Mauritius for first-time visitors?
First-time visitors should prioritise Blue Bay Marine Park for snorkelling, the Port Louis Central Market for food and culture, Black River Gorges National Park for hiking, and a day trip to Île aux Cerfs. These four experiences cover the island's coastal, urban, natural, and leisure dimensions without requiring a car for every leg.
How do I set up internet banking with MCB Mauritius?
To access internet banking at Mauritius Commercial Bank, open an account at a local branch, then register online using your account number and the one-time PIN provided by the bank. The MCB internet banking platform supports local transfers, international payments, and multi-currency account management.
What job opportunities are available in Mauritius for foreigners?
Foreigners can access job opportunities in Mauritius primarily in financial services, ICT, hospitality, education, and healthcare. The Occupation Permit issued by the Economic Development Board is the standard work authorisation for skilled professionals. MyJob.mu is the most widely used local job portal.
Is Mauritius a good place to relocate for career growth?
Mauritius offers genuine career opportunities in Mauritius for professionals in finance, technology, and international business. The island's low tax rates, political stability, and English-language business environment make it a credible base for regional roles, particularly those covering Africa and the Indian Ocean rim.
What is the best time of year to visit Mauritius?
The dry season runs from May to November, with the coolest and least humid conditions in June, July, and August. This period is best for hiking, surfing on the west coast, and outdoor activity generally. December to April brings higher humidity and the possibility of cyclones, though sea conditions are calm and prices are lower.
What currency and banking options should I know about before arriving?
Mauritius uses the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Major banks, including MCB, SBM, Absa, and Bank One, offer internet banking in Mauritius with multi-currency account options. ATMs are widely available in towns and at airports. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants.