Indian Ocean Holidays

Nature lovers: The Indian Ocean is full of incredible bio-reserves and home to hundreds of dolphins, which are known to swim alongside boats. Spot endangered species such as the pink pigeon in Mauritius, and paddle your way around the mangrove forests in the Maldives.

Waterbabies: The glassy waters make this an incredible location for diving and snorkelling. Home to spectacular coral reefs, tropical fish, whale sharks, and mysterious shipwrecks. If you’re lucky you could also catch a natural bioluminescent light show in the Raa Atoll, between June and October. A twinkling bright blue is emitted by planktons as they’re brought to shore by the waves.

Honeymooners: The Maldives and Mauritius are both a honeymooners’ dream come true. With romantic dinner dates on the beach, couple’s massages and nothing for miles but bright blue waters and soft white sands.

Language: The official language spoken in Mauritius is Mauritian Creole and English. Most of the locals are bilingual and you will hear other languages commonly spoken, such as French. The official language of the Maldives is Maldivian; however, English is widely spoken.

Currency: The currency used in the Maldives is the Rufiyaa (Rf), and in Mauritius it’s the Mauritian Rupee (MUR)

Local time: Mauritius is 4 hours ahead of GMT/UK time and the Maldives is 5 hours ahead.

Fly to: The main airport in the Maldives is Velana International Airport (ML), on the island of Hulhule. From here you can reach your resort by seaplane or speedboat. The main airport in Mauritius Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU), 50 minutes to Port Louis. From there you can get a bus or taxi transfer to your resort. 

Flight time from the UK: Around 11-12 hours.

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found on the Mauritius tourism and Maldives tourism websites. 

Visa, health, safety & security: Before you travel, check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for the Maldives and Mauritius. 

Taxi: While Mauritius is small, it’s not uncommon to need transport from your hotel to attractions that can be 1-2 hours away. You can find taxis outside your hotel or shopping centres. Hotel taxis will be the most expensive, or agree on a price beforehand. You’ll also be able to book a taxi from the airport to cities like Male and Addu 

Bus: In Mauritius there’s a number of bus companies running throughout the island, as well as express buses from Port Louis to the north, south and to the main towns. Bus services in the Maldives are limited, but you’ll find a few in Male and Addu City, as well as a shuttle between Velana International Airport and Hulhumalé.

Car: You can easily get around Mauritius by car. You won’t get very far by road in the Maldives though. The capital might be clogged with traffic, but the inhabited islands are mostly car-free.

Tram: The Metro Express in Mauritius operates two transit lines connecting the capital of Port Louis to the small towns and a few villages.

Bike: Cycling is a great way to experience quiet coastal routes around Mauritius, with the south and east having the least traffic, particularly Le Morne Peninsula. If you’re staying in the Maldives and want to cycle, go for a larger resort with trails to the breakfast buffet.

On foot: Getting around Mauritius on foot will be a challenge. The Maldives, however, can be easily explored on foot as many of the resorts, and all of the resort islands, are easily manageable on foot. The capital Male, can even be walked end-to-end in 20 minutes.
 
Ferry, seaplane, speedboat and dhoni: The best way to get from one island to another in the Maldives is by ferry. Or work a seaplane into your itinerary. It's a pretty special experience, offering spectacular views, and getting you to almost any island in the country. Speedboats are also quicker and more convenient than ferries for getting you across local islands. And for something really special, charter a traditional coconut timber dhoni, that will hop between inhabited islands and off-the-beaten-track sandbars.

Ramadan: One of the most important and traditional events in the Maldives is Ramadan. For 30 days people will self-reflect and meditate, leading to a festival of feasts and local delicacies as part of Maahefun. 

Maha Shivaratri: This grand Hindu festival in Mauritius swings into action in February or March. With colourful processions, music and pilgrimages to the sacred lake of Grand Bassin, showing deep reverence for Lord Shiva.

The Spring Festival: The Spring Festival or Chinese New Year pops up in late January or early February as per the Chinese calendar. It's all about red, luck, and firecrackers. Catch the wild Lion Dance in Chinatown, Port Louis!