09 April 2024

Sustainable travel to Mauritius

Discover the island in full respect of its ecosystem and actively contribute to its preservation together with the local community

Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean, about 800 km east of Madagascar. This volcanic island is renowned for the warm welcome of its multicultural population, its white sandy beaches and luxury hotels.

SCENERIES SEA, BEACHES ILOT FLAMANTS. Copyright © Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

Thanks to the tropical climate, temperatures along the coast rarely drop below 22°C even during the cooler seasons, especially from May to September, making Mauritius an ideal destination for travel at any time of the year.

SCENERIES NATURE, CHAMAREL WATERFALL. Copyright © Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

The island offers a wide range of activities for all tastes: from water sports to golf courses, from nature hikes to cultural experiences, from indulgent days of relaxation in spas to romantic honeymoons and family adventures.

SCENERIES NATURE, ornate day gecko. Copyright © Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

With its capital, Port Louis, Mauritius has a population of about 1.3 million, including those on Rodrigues Island. Here, three religions (Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity) coexist peacefully, while English, French, and Creole are languages that are commonly spoken and used in daily life.

CULTURE, Sagar Shiv Mandir temple. Copyright © Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

An incredible rediscovery of nature, the Ocean and the species that populate them: Mauritius is also and above all this. It is one of the most multicultural countries in the world and, in addition to the ability to harmonize and enhance differences, it has developed over time a renewed sensitivity towards its ecosystem, committing itself to protecting and preserving it.

CULTURE, RED CHURCH CAP MALHEUREUX. Copyright © Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

Every tourist has the opportunity to appreciate the wonders that this island offers and can do so while respecting the local fauna and flora, marine life and the environment. For example, by choosing unmissable experiences to explore the island and, at the same time, safeguarding it. Mauritius is a must-visit destination if you want to combine several experiences together without limiting yourself to choosing between the sea, excursions or a simple day of relaxation.

SCENERIES SEA, BEACHES. Copyright © Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

Environmentally friendly accommodations

Numerous facilities including hotels, lodges, guesthouses and villas have been certified, as they have reached high standards, by the Global Sustainability Tourism Council and not only for their peculiarities, but also for the positive effect that can be found on an environmental level.

SCENERIES, ILE AUX CERFS GOLF Copyright © Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

Food and souvenirs of local handicrafts

The experience on the island of Mauritius becomes even more memorable and authentic if you try your hand at the life of the local people, eating local food, trying and discovering new flavors, which turn out to be a mix of Indian, Chinese, African and European cuisine. You can also choose to buy Made in Moris products as souvenirs, which have a lower environmental impact than imported ones and support the local economy.

FOOD, 7CARI. Copyright © Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

Zero-impact water sports

Among the various activities on offer is the possibility of crossing the lagoons by paddle and passing by the mangroves that line the bays with the kayak; In addition, excursions with experts in the area to learn about both the flora and fauna present in the area. More adventurous travelers will opt for surfing and kitesurfing. There is no shortage of snorkeling and diving spots , able to surprise with the variety of shapes and colors that characterize them.

ACTIVITIES, SUP TAMARIN RIVER. Copyright © Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

Discovering the islets surrounding Mauritius

Visit the islets surrounding Mauritius such as Île aux Aigrettes, declared a nature reserve in 1965, surrounded by a coral reef and covered by ebony forest. The Île aux Cerfs, a beautiful private island just off the east coast, shines with the white of its beaches and the glitter of the Indian Ocean, flanked by a golf course.

SCENERIES SEA, BEACHES AMBRE ISLAND. Copyright © Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

Further north, there are five other islets that are certainly worth a visit. The Île Plate also known as Flat Island, on which the historic white lighthouse stands, is the perfect base to explore "The Shark Pit", a diving site for expert divers where you can observe gray reef sharks and silvertip reef sharks swimming in a circular pattern in the pit.

SCENERIES SEA, BEACHES ILE AUX FOUQUETS, LIGHTHOUSE ISLAND. Copyright © Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

The Îlot Gabriel, about 20 km off the north coast of Mauritius and holds pristine sands, calm waters and a verdant nature reserve. Following its designation as a nature reserve in 1957, Round Island represents one of the world's longest-running island restoration projects and an ecological success story.

SCENERIES SEA, BEACHES LE MORNE. Copyright © Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

Restoration, eradication, and habitat reintroduction have led to the resurgence of reptiles, birds, and plants on this uninhabited island, including the recovery of the Round Island Boa from the brink of extinction. Access is not allowed except for scientific research purposes, but the rough sea and rocky coastline mean that this round rock is best appreciated from afar.

SCENERIES SEA, BEACHES ILE DE LA PASSE. Copyright © Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

Finally, the Île aux Serpents, the most remote and inaccessible of the five northern islands of Mauritius. Despite its name, there are no snakes on the island, but it is home to a large colony of seabirds. The water around the island is a popular spot for divers, with excellent visibility. A wall that drops down to 50 meters creates ideal conditions for observing the colorful batfish. Access to the island is not allowed, but the surrounding waters offer plenty to captivate visitors.

SCENERIES SEA, BEACHES ILE PLATE. Copyright © Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

Hiking in Mauritius

Numerous natural and national parks are the refuge of rare species of fauna and flora. It is possible to spot the pinkish dove, a powder-colored bird found only in Mauritius, the Falco punctatus, a small endemic falcon typical of the island and the Echo Parakeet, a bird with a long, bright green tail that has been rescued from the risk of extinction thanks to the preservation and extraordinary conservation work put in place.

An eco-friendly stay in Mauritius offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the island while taking a responsible approach to the environment. Luxurious but eco-friendly accommodation, guided excursions respectful of the local ecosystem and the discovery of conservation initiatives, place the holiday in a broader and more conscious vision, aimed at protecting and preserving the fragile natural balance of Mauritius.

By the editorial staff, Avion Luxury Magazine

Text source and photo: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority Press Office

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