What time is it in Mauritius. Time in Mauritius. Entertainment and attractions in Mauritius
Mauritius is a small island that is lost in the Indian Ocean. It is he who offers his guests a magnificent vacation of a high level. Consider how much to fly to Mauritius, because this information is always of interest to tourists, especially when you have to choose the most optimal and profitable flight option.
Direct flight time to Mauritius
In order not to be mistaken in the correctness of our choice, first we will find out how much to fly a direct flight to Mauritius. The approximate duration of the flight will be about 10 hours and 30 minutes, while checking the flight schedule in advance in order to get to the island on the scheduled days. Although in many cases the flight will not be direct, which means that it is necessary to look for options with transfers.
As a rule, transfers are made in cities such as Paris, London and Dubai. If we give approximate figures, then the flight time will be from 14 to 27 hours.
Connecting flights are mainly operated by European airlines in cities such as Frankfurt, Milan and Rome, and it will take 4 hours to fly to them. How much to fly with transfers to Mauritius, in general, depends on how long the stop itself is. However, if we talk about the flight duration itself, which is typical for connecting flights, then it varies from 15 to 27 hours. The flight time to the island also depends on the route that is selected in this particular case.
international Airport
Currently, the following companies are engaged in air travel to Mauritius:
- Transaero - offers charter flights;
- Emirates Airlines - daily scheduled flights;
- Air Mauritius, together with Aeroflot and Air France, operate flights with transfers in Milan or Paris.
- KLM and British Airways with transfers in Amsterdam or Paris.
They arrive at the island's only airport - Plaisance Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, which also has a second name - Plaisance. It is located 45 km from the city center and serves the capital of Mauritius - Port Louis. In 2013, a new terminal D was opened on the territory of the airport terminal, the construction of which was spent 300 million dollars. It was he who increased the capacity of the air gate to 4 million passengers.
The airport also does everything to provide its passengers with decent service and a comfortable stay. These include comfortable waiting rooms with TV and the latest press, free Wi-Fi and catering areas. There are also shops with a variety of products, ATMs, post office, currency exchange and so on.
Mauritius airport on the map
Below is a map showing the international and only airport of Mauritius in Russian:
Plane ticket price
It is in December, October and January that the cost of an air ticket to Mauritius from Moscow begins to grow rapidly and reaches its maximum level of $ 1645 - this is a direct flight in the middle class. In the low season (June, May, April) prices drop a little, but not much to $1550.
You can save a little more on a flight with a transfer in Dubai - here the ticket price will cost you from 1200 to 6257 dollars in both directions, and the minimum figure is an economy flight, and the maximum is a business class. Also, a flight to Mauritius from Moscow can be carried out in other European cities.
Tiny but incomparable beautiful island Nurtured by the luxury of the tropics, Mauritius is a small state in East Africa, located a few hundred kilometers east of Madagascar. Read our article on the Tour Calendar, where we explain why the best time to visit is from November to April-May.
Tourist season in Mauritius
Waves quietly roll on the shore, gently rolling tiny grains of sand, slender rows of stately palm trees sway in time with the light wind, and in the gaps of the mangrove forest, where the sun rises, you can see the purple tops of gigantic mountains. The style of rest in Mauritius in a nutshell can be described as follows: away from civilization and worldly concerns, closer to the origins of pristine nature, but at the same time - maximum comfort. Hundreds of kilometers of white sandy coastline are lined with luxury resorts that are a separate world where there is everything for true delight - restaurants, pools, spas, golf courses and much more. This tourist destination today is one of the most expensive in the world, however, from year to year the volume of tourist flow to Mauritius is only gaining momentum: people vacationing here are not at all inclined to complain about high prices, and for many this island becomes favorite. Wealthy travelers choose tours to Mauritius first of all for bathing and sunbathing bliss, a considerable number of couples rush here to get married, divers are attracted by the rare beauty of the underwater world, and fishermen, of course, are excellent opportunities for ocean fishing. Due to the warm climate, the tourist season on the island lasts all year round.
High season in Mauritius
The peak of the influx of tourists is observed from November to April. This is an active season, when about 1 million tourists arrive on the island. The UK, China, France and Germany are the key countries providing the main foreign flow. Russia occupies not the last place in this list: the number of our compatriots this year has reached 19.5 thousand people. All of them are united by a weakness for impeccable service, comfort and elite vacation. During the New Year, the island's airport operates in an enhanced mode. Wishing to note winter holidays there is a lot on the ocean coast under the rays of the tropical sun, despite the fact that the prices for tours during this period of time soar to sky-high heights, and it rains periodically. As a rule, the highest density of holidaymakers is observed on the northern and western coasts of Mauritius, where the most luxurious hotel complexes are based, and the sun shines all year round.
Low season in Mauritius
The policy of Mauritius does not provide for the construction of budget hotels or boarding houses on the island, the main goal of the government is to preserve the ecology of the island and make sure that tourists do not rest in the crowd. Rooms in luxury hotels are never idle. However, you can still relax with a more modest budget. For example, planning a trip for the low season. In June and July, the weather is overshadowed by gusty winds, but May, August and September are a great time for a little savings, because during this period there are not so many tourists on the island, and hoteliers give some relief to prices. And if, in addition, you do not tolerate heat and general turmoil, consider that these terms are the only ideal option for you.
The best time for excursions
Theoretically, the island can be crossed on foot in 24 hours, but the sights of Mauritius are so impressive that it can take several days to see them: colorful churches and Hindu temples, ancient castles and ancient ruins, botanical gardens and protected areas. And this is not the whole list of what the island can boast of. The best time to explore it is from September to December and from April to May, when there are the most calm climatic conditions. Bottled water, a hat and sturdy shoes to protect your feet from coral splinters on some beaches are something without which a trip to Mauritius cannot be comfortable.
Beach season in Mauritius
Beach holidays are the main component of package tours to Mauritius. And for good reason, because thanks to its protection along the entire coast by coral reefs and the excellent climate, the swimming season here can last all 365 days a year. The minimum water temperature in the Mauritanian winter is +23 °C, while the air during the day warms up to +25..+27 °C. In climatic summer, the ocean becomes even warmer - within +27..+28 °C. High and low tides are not significant, their schedule changes every time, the exact schedule can be found in every hotel on the island. The best time for a “seal” holiday on the coast is from November to January and from April to May, during this period the weather is quite hot, but due to the constantly blowing southeast trade winds, it is not exhausting at all. If you prefer peace and quiet, you can safely take tickets for the first half of the calendar autumn or the last month of spring. At the same time, it is worth knowing that solitude can also be found in the high beach season, just go to the western part of Mauritius.
diving season
Diving in Mauritius is truly exciting. A wide variety of tropical flora and fauna is represented in the turquoise strata of the Indian Ocean: barracudas, blue marlin, sea eagles, giant turtles, whitetip sharks, gargonian thickets, coral gardens, etc. A continuous ribbon of coral reefs forms safe lagoons for diving not only in the daytime, but and at night time. Diving from the outside of the reefs, beyond the so-called "perimeter", is no less exciting. There are huge marble caves, rocky plateaus and underwater grottoes, but the currents in such places are very strong, so diving without an instructor can end in failure. In total, the island has up to 30 specialized dive centers. The most popular dive sites are to be found in the southeastern and northern parts of the island. By the way, East Coast interesting for fans of wreck diving. The most favorable time for diving is from September to January, when the water temperature is from +23 ° C to 27 ° C, and visibility reaches 20 m. In some years, this period is sometimes extended due to December and March, but sometimes during this period storms happen.
Surf season
Mauritius has quite a few "tidbits" for surfers. For example, Tamarina Bay in the southwest of the island, facing the winds. For foreigners and Russian-speaking tourists, special camps are organized from time to time. In principle, beginners on the "training waves" can surf, kite and windsurf all year round. However, for experienced athletes, it is best to travel to Mauritius between November and April and June and July (wetsuits may be required). It is safest to ride at high tide, provided there are no strong undercurrents.
fishing season
Deep sea fishing is probably the most popular activity in Mauritius after swimming and languishing on the silky sands. The exotic catch is always spectacular: blue marlin, blue-grey shark, yellowfin tuna, barracuda and many other "trophy" fish. In principle, fishing is possible at any time of the year, but the best bite is from September to April/May. For especially gambling tourists, it is possible to participate in mini-tournaments for the fastest deep-sea fishing, which usually involve up to 4 teams. Well, professional competition can only be enjoyed as a spectator: in December-March, the Marlin World Cup is held here - the most prestigious international competition.
wedding season
Probably, not a single couple in love would refuse a wedding package to Mauritius. The newlyweds come here to have an unforgettable honeymoon, and the “experienced” spouses come here to refresh their relationship by arranging a romantic in the form of a symbolic wedding ceremony. Here the most daring fantasies come true: registration under water, where giant fish are silent witnesses, a wedding on a mountain top or on a snow-white yacht in the open ocean - everything your heart desires. The largest number of ceremonies are held between September and December, when the weather is relatively dry on the island. If you still decide on this pleasant adventure, try to book these services at least 3-4 months before the “X” hour.
Time for holidays and festivals
Despite the fact that Mauritius is actually a small point in the Indian Ocean, this compact island has a very rich culture, so its festive calendar is full of various events throughout the year. Moreover, each village has a number of local celebrations. The widely celebrated holidays of the island include the following: January-February - Chinese New Year and the Tamil holiday of Kazadi (holiday of purification); March 12 - Independence Day of Mauritius; March-April - Hindu spring festival "Holi"; end of March - May - Catholic Easter; night from 8 to 9 September - Memorial Day of the French missionary Laval; November-December - International Festival of Creole Culture. Lush celebrations in Mauritius are also held on the occasion of the Day of Remembrance of Mohammed Imam Hussein and the Night of Shiva / Maha Shivaratri, for Muslims the holiest holiday of the year is Ramadan.
Climate in Mauritius
Mauritius has a typical tropical climate, typical of the island countries of the Southern Hemisphere. The annual course of temperatures is quite even, the only thing is that in the period from April to November, the average daily rates are a couple of degrees lower than from October to May. Humidity levels are very high, especially during the rainy season from December to May and from June to August. Showers are strong enough, but their duration is short. At this time, cyclones come to the island, which often cause storms. The weather tends to change several times a day, but in general the climate of the island is quite favorable - if only because there are no active volcanoes here, the prevailing cyclones do not have destructive power, and tsunamis do not occur at all.
Mauritius in spring
Rainy weather prevails in Mauritius until mid-late April. The western and northern regions of the island, unlike the southern ones, are less affected by tropical cyclones. Humidity levels are as high as in winter, but temperatures become more subdued and the UV index drops slightly. Nevertheless, one should not think that overcast prevails on the island in spring. The nature of the weather is very unstable, so in one day you can witness rain, gray clouds, and a clear blue sky with a piercingly bright sun.
Temperature and weather in Mauritius in spring
March weather | April weather | May weather | |
---|---|---|---|
Port Louis | +28 +27 | +27 +27 | +26 +26 |
maeburg | +29 | +28 | +26 |
Mauritius in summer
The calendar summer on the island is the Mauritanian winter, as the air temperature at this time of the year becomes slightly lower than usual - from +17..+18 °C at night to +24..+26 °C during the day. The first two months are characterized by not very pleasant weather. The reigning cyclones provoke the strongest winds, which are quite cool. And getting into the water can be very difficult. Basically, all swimming comes down to jumping on the waves. However, this is not the only reason why most of the island's beaches are empty. The water temperature drops to +23..+24 °C, and when it is very windy, it is chilly to leave the ocean. It does not do "winter" and without precipitation, the smallest portion of which falls on August. As a rule, in a larger volume "goes" to the central mountainous plateau and the south of the island.
Temperature and weather in Mauritius in summer
June weather | July weather | August weather | |
---|---|---|---|
Port Louis | +24 +25 | +23 +24 | +23 +23 |
maeburg | +24 | +24 | +24 |
Snow-white beaches, turquoise water, dormant volcanoes, exotic plants and rare animals - all this is the island of Mauritius. An animated fairy tale, a dream come true!
Rest here is suitable for both lovers of noisy parties with dancing until the morning, and families with children. Here you can enjoy excellent beaches, try yourself in extreme sports rest, participate in exciting excursions and just admire the incredibly beautiful landscapes.
Mauritius was a colony for a long time: it belonged to the Portuguese, then to the Dutch, then to the French, after which it was conquered by the British. Mauritius became independent only in 1968. Therefore, on the island you can observe a real mixture of nationalities, cultures and languages.
Capital |
Port Louis |
Population |
1,294,000 people |
Population density |
603 people/km² |
English French |
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Religion |
Hinduism, Catholicism, Islam, Protestantism |
Form of government |
parliamentary republic |
Mauritian rupee |
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Timezone |
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International dialing code |
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Electricity |
Climate and weather
The island has a maritime tropical climate. From February to March, due to cyclones on the island, strong winds blow and downpours occur, which cause floods.
The best time to visit Mauritius is May, October and November. During these months it is not as hot here as in the rest, and the water in the ocean is very warm - its temperature ranges from + 22 ... + 26 ° С.
There are heavy, but short-term tropical rains.
Nature
Mauritius is of volcanic origin. Although the volcanoes have not been active for a long time, the nature here is still beautiful: numerous plateaus are surrounded by mountains with many rivers and waterfalls. Most major rivers the islands are Grand River North West and Grand River South East.
It's hard to convey the beauty mountain rivers and lakes on the slopes of extinct volcanoes - you need to see it with your own eyes!
The mountains here are distinguished by their funny names: Cat, Mouse, Thumb, Three Nipples.
The southwestern part of the island is covered with purple and red volcanic sands, Canadian pines and eucalyptus trees grow here. In the eastern part of Mauritius, mangroves have been preserved. Coconut groves stretch along the beaches.
There is a nature reserve in Mauritius - Black River Goj. Rare bird species such as necklace parrots and pink doves live there.
Attractions
Most of the attractions of Mauritius are of natural origin. Excursions on them are offered throughout the island.
Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius. This is the main port of the country. The city was founded by the French. On one side of the city stretches picturesque bay On the other hand, mountains rise. Preserved in Port Louis fort adelaide, erected by the colonialists, which is now used as Observation deck and venue for colorful shows.
Pay attention to the architecture of the city: in the center of the capital there is the Square of Arms and many administrative buildings in the colonial style.
Visits to the Chinese and Muslim quarters will also be of interest.
Be sure to take a look at Museum of Natural History, because only there you can see the only surviving stuffed dodo exterminated in the 16th century - the famous dodo birds.
In the northeast of Port Louis you can see Pere Laval's tomb. He founded Catholicism on the island. It is said that touching the plaster statue of Laval brings good luck.
There is a village in the vicinity of the capital pamplemousses, and in it - botanical gardens. An incredible number of rare plants are collected here.
Surely you will be impressed by the local aquarium, which is located near the mountains Trou aux Beach and Point au Piments. The aquarium is simply gigantic - 1 million liters of water! In it you can observe sponges, mollusks and more than 200 species of exotic fish. It will also be exciting to visit the Crocodile Park in the city of Maheburg on the southeast coast of the island.
Located in the southwest of the island tamarin waterfall- the largest of the existing on the island.
Another attraction of the city is lion mountain, which rises above the bay and really resembles a lion.
Nutrition
The mixture of peoples, their traditions and cultures could not but affect local cuisine. Mauritian cuisine is a unique combination of French, Indian, Chinese and African cuisines.
Main Feature local menu- a lot of spices. Very often, curry sauce and Creole sauce, which is prepared on the basis of tomatoes, are added to dishes.
The national cuisine abounds in seafood. Don't miss the opportunity to try freshwater crayfish "camaron".
Accommodation
It will not work on the island on a budget: Mauritius positions itself as a luxury holiday destination. Hotels here are divided into three categories: Super Deluxe, Deluxe, Superior. The level of service is very high. The resort has long been popular with wealthy people.
You can rent a villa on the coast. True, you will not find anything cheaper than $ 3,000 per month. It is also worth considering that on holidays the cost of rent increases significantly.
Entertainment and recreation
How to entertain yourself on the island, except for excursions and beaches? Here tourists are offered horseback riding, tennis, parachuting, golf, cycling and, of course, all kinds of water sports!
There is a park in Mauritius water attractions Leisure Village. Many hotels have casinos for gamblers.
Diving is available throughout the year in Mauritius. And there is something to see underwater! Here you can meet many species of tropical fish, see sunken ships and swim with dolphins. Thrill-seekers can go diving to the east of Mauritius and swim with sharks there.
And if you do not want to dive, but also want to see the underwater world, you can simply book an excursion on a boat with a transparent bottom.
Purchases
Best place for shopping craft market in Port Louis. This real paradise for handmade lovers! Here you can buy a lot of handmade souvenirs at reasonable prices.
As a memento of the trip, it is worth bringing from Mauritius an amazingly accurate model of a ship handmade by local craftsmen.
Key rings with seven-color sand can also be wonderful souvenirs. In addition, all kinds of souvenirs in the form of the Dodo bird, the symbol of Mauritius, are popular.
Transport
The most convenient way to get around the island is by taxi. However, it is worth considering that you can and should bargain with local taxi drivers. You can also take a taxi here for the whole day if you decide to go sightseeing.
There are buses, but they run infrequently and irregularly.
You can rent a bike or scooter. And if you want to rent a car, then you must be at least 23 years old and you must have an international driving license. By the way, do not forget that in Mauritius there is a left-hand traffic.
Connection
In the modern world, mobile communications and the Internet are indispensable. Even on vacation. Roaming services in Mauritius are provided by Russian operators according to the GSM 900 communication standard.
You can also purchase a SIM card from a local operator. Cards are sold everywhere in stores and a passport is required to purchase them.
You can also make a call from a pay phone using a special card or small coins. Cards can be bought in stores, gas stations, cafes and restaurants, Mauritius Telecom offices.
You can order a call at a call center or at a hotel (the latter will be a little more expensive).
IN major cities Mauritius has Internet cafes, and hotels have Wi-Fi.
Safety
Mauritius is one of the ten safest holiday destinations: there is practically no crime here.
The only thing that can spoil your vacation on the island is ... marine life. In coastal areas it is better to swim in special shoes - thorns sea urchins and sharp corals can ruin your holiday. If you decide to swim outside the coastal reefs, then you should use the services of instructors so as not to get into strong currents.
Business climate
Decided to do business in Mauritius? This is a great idea! The economic activity of this country is one of the most successful in Africa. The government promotes business, welcomes foreign investment.
Behind last years many economic reforms were carried out here, which helped to avoid the impact of the global financial crisis.
The main directions are tourism, light industry, and the service sector. In recent years, information and communication technologies and real estate markets have become popular with investors.
Mauritius has free trade agreements with the US, Pakistan, 33 countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. The main trading partners are India, Great Britain, France and the USA.
Mauritius' business climate can be summed up in a few words: favorable but very competitive.
Real estate
The economy of Mauritius is constantly evolving. This affects the entire life of the island, including the real estate market. Property in Mauritius is a great investment! The dream of owning a villa on the ocean is getting closer.
True, the prices here correspond to the level of the resort - very high. For example, the cost of a villa in coastal cities starts from 500,000 €. There is no upper limit here. At the same time, real estate continues to rise in price.
The African island nation of Mauritius lies in the Indian Ocean. It is located west of the island of Madagascar, at a distance of 900 km from it at a geographical longitude of 57.6, therefore it is located within the same time zone as Moscow, - UTC/GMT +4 hours. So on the island of Mauritius, the time corresponds to Moscow.
This remote small state is a very attractive destination for wealthy tourists from all over the world. A small time difference with Mauritius - up to 4 hours for Europeans - does not require complex temporary acclimatization during the flight.
Attract tourists the cleanest sandy beaches on the coast and the surrounding coral reefs. Divers love to relax here, and newlyweds also come to celebrate their wedding. At the same time, the location of the island is convenient for Russians, from the capital of the Russian Federation a direct flight of Transaero is organized during the season, the flight time of which is 11.5 hours, and time difference Moscow-Mauritius zero. The island has a developed tourist infrastructure and the highest level service. The territory is not large, practically corresponds to the square of Moscow, in the longitudinal direction the island can be passed in a day.
Since Mauritius is of volcanic origin, the relief is plateaus, but tectonic activity has long ended, and all sharp irregularities have been smoothed out by time, in Mauritius now the terrain is almost flat, and most of the island is covered with a green picturesque carpet of vegetation.