Mauritius Itineraries
Ways to structure a Mauritius trip, from one base to two coasts and Rodrigues.
Hero image: Z thomas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Because Mauritius is small, many visitors stay in one or two bases and explore on day trips rather than moving every night. Splitting a stay between two contrasting coasts is a common way to see different sides of the island, and Rodrigues needs its own time because it is reached by air or sea.
Detailed day-by-day itineraries are being prepared and will link to the destination guides they use. Until then, these planning principles cover the main choices.
In this guide
One base or two?
For a week or less, one base keeps things simple; choose the North Coast or the West & South-West for the widest range of day trips. For ten days or more, two bases on contrasting coasts — for example Grand Baie and Le Morne, or Belle Mare and Flic en Flac — show more of the island without long daily drives.
Adding Rodrigues
Allow at least four nights on Rodrigues to make the journey worthwhile, and check flight or sea schedules before fixing your Mauritius dates.
Start with the regions
North CoastSheltered lagoon beaches, Grand Baie’s restaurants and boat trips to the northern islets.Explore North Coast 
East CoastLong white-sand beaches, wide lagoons and boat trips to Île aux Cerfs, freshened by the trade winds.Explore East Coast 
South-East CoastHistoric Mahébourg and the Blue Bay lagoon, the closest coastal base to the international airport.Explore South-East Coast 
South CoastThe island’s wildest coast, with cliffs at Gris Gris and the resort area of Bel Ombre.Explore South Coast 
West & South-WestCalm lagoons and sunsets from Flic en Flac to Le Morne, with Chamarel and the Black River Gorges inland.Explore West & South-West 
Port Louis & Central PlateauThe capital’s markets and heritage sites, and the cooler towns and sacred lake of the uplands.Explore Port Louis & Central Plateau 
RodriguesA quiet, autonomous outer island far to the east, with Port Mathurin, wide lagoons and open hills.Explore Rodrigues Official sources
Opening hours, entry fees, boat and transport schedules, access rules and park conditions change; check the official source before you travel.
Where do you want to start?
Choose a region, then use its guide to plan the rest of your trip.