Some 1500 miles off the coast of East Africa in the southern Indian Ocean lies the island of Mauritius. This small island, around 35 miles long by 30 miles wide, is almost entirely surrounded by a coral reef and miles of white sandy beaches. Spectacular, jagged mountains, tropical forests, undulating fields of sugar cane and a central plateau, some 1300 feet above sea level, add to the island's natural beauty. From its colonial past of British, Dutch and French, mixed with Indian and Chinese, Mauritius has a colourful and varied culture and has developed its own distinct cuisine.
With its spectacular scenery and colonial history, Mauritius offers many opportunities for sightseeing either as optional excursions or you may wish to hire a car and explore independently. Some of our highlights include: the 18th and 19th century colonial mansions and their gardens; the 60-acre Pamplemousses Royal Botanical Gardens; a day aboard a catamaran; or an undersea submarine safari.