Come and feel our island energy in Mauritius! While you are here, you can make a positive difference to the island with your own energy. Your stay boosts our economy and inspires our communities. It’s all about making memories that last, but leaving only footprints in the sand. So, let’s take a look at how you can be a conscious traveller during your stay…
There is an incredible choice of hotels, lodges, guesthouses and villas on the island. Over 40 hotels have been awarded labels such as Green Globe, Travelife, Green Key, Blue Oasis or Earth Check, certification that the property has reached high standards set by the Global Sustainability Tourism Council. These forward-thinking hotels and accommodation providers are making a positive difference in the tourism sector.
We are an arty and creative community, so buying beautiful products made right here on the island is highly recommended. Look out for the Made in Moris label during your stay. It means a product or service has been created in Mauritius using traditional skills, knowledge and local ingredients! Made in Moris certified products have been made with love by the islanders. The items have a lower environmental impact than imported souvenirs, support local makers and contribute to our local economy. A little tip for your shopping trip: buy a reusable shopping bag on the island, as plastic bags were banned on the island in 2020.
Dine in local restaurants or try our street food. Your tastebuds will thank you! We also recommend a meal at a table d’hote. Warm hospitality and good food with new friends around a communal table – homemade flavours and a genuine welcome are the real taste of Mauritius!
We like to grow, make and create in Mauritius! During your stay, you can support the skills of the islanders by visiting local manufacturers. Go rum tasting at a distillery, try lychee wine at a local boutique vineyard or visit a vanilla plantation. You should also make time for a cup of tea at one of the island’s tea plantations, such as Bois Cheri. It’s a great place to learn about the history of tea and taste the different flavours. There is also a biscuiterie on the island, where they use traditional methods and flavours to make the most delicious biscuits.
Come and learn about our ecosystem during your stay and get involved! You can plant a tree at Ebony Forest or take part in mangrove planting. You can also hop over to Ile aux Aigrettes and take a guided tour. This small islet is a nature reserve and incredible conservation work has helped create a habitat for rare species. And don’t forget our marine life! Pop into the Marine Discovery Centre in Anse La Raie to chat with marine biologists and find out what research projects are underway.
Think about how you can explore the island in an eco-friendly way. Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking and biking – taking it slowly gives you more time to soak up the view!
It’s wise to read up about local rules and regulations, so you don’t endanger the local wildlife, marine life or environment.
There are a few things to know if dolphin and whale watching is top of your wishlist. Wild whales and dolphins can be found in the waters surrounding Mauritius and there are certain rules to keep both you and the marine life safe. The Tourism Authority (Dolphin and Whale Watching) Regulations 2012 state:
Find full details of the Tourism Authority (Dolphin and Whale Watching) Regulations 2012.
Our marine environment is very delicate. Here are some tips to help ensure you help preserve it for future generations.
Mauritius is one of the most multi-cultural countries in the world, with multiple communities making up the unique tapestry of the island. We recommend learning about the island’s history during your stay, visiting our two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Le Morne Brabant is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its poignant history. Hiking up Le Morne mountain is the perfect time to reflect on how the mountain provided shelter for escaped slaves during the 18th and early 19th Century. Go with a guide to learn about what happened to the slaves on the mountain when the abolition of slavery was announced. Le Morne is a symbol of suffering, sacrifice and freedom; and a great guide will bring the story to life during your climb.
If you want to learn about the history of Mauritius, then visiting Aapravasi Ghat is a must. Located in Port Louis, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is among the oldest surviving immigration depots associated with indenture.
Aapravasi Ghat was part of the ‘Great Experiment’ initiated by the British Government after the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834. The ‘Great Experiment’ demonstrated the superiority of ‘free’ labour over slave labour in its plantation colonies. Aapravasi Ghat depicts the story of more than 462,000 indentured labourers recruited to work on sugar plantations in Mauritius for a period of five years.
Today, you can visit the partial remains of three stone buildings from the original Aapravasi Ghat, peruse documentation and artefacts including pipes and medicine, as well as watch a ten-minute film featuring the testimonials of the workers’ descendants.
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