Mauritius cruises mean a journey to a real-life tropical paradise nestled within the warmth of the Indian Ocean. Located off the coast of Madagascar, Mauritius is a volcanic island which boasts a fascinating landscape and a vibrant marine ecosystem, thanks to the unbroken coral reef which surrounds it. Whatever you choose to do on the island, you can be sure that luxury Mauritius cruises will never disappoint.
The island’s volcanic past means that, whichever of the Mauritius cruises on offer you choose, you’ll be guaranteed a chance to explore an island with millions of years of history to its name. Its modern history began however, in the 9th century, when it was discovered by Arabian sailors. They didn’t settle on it and neither did the next person to ‘discover’ it, Portuguese sailor Diogo Fernandes Pereira. It was in fact the Dutch who first colonised the island when they landed there in 1598 and gave it its name, which is derived from the moniker of the Prince of Holland at that time. Mauritius was the only place on Earth one could find the Dodo, but not knowing the value of the island’s fauna, the settlers hunted the bird continuously and by the time they abandoned the island in 1710, it had become extinct. It was the French who arrived next and who were responsible for naming the island’s present day capital Port Louis, as it was the place where they landed and indeed, it’s the place in which all Mauritius cruises land too. In 1810 it was taken by the British and remained in their hands until gaining independence in 1968.
Grand Bay
Why?
It’s the island’s main tourist hub.
What will I see?
The perfect place to shop, eat and make merry. This is the area to go if you want to experience the island at its most lively. The largest part of the beach is located in the town, so convenient for those who’ve not much sand-time set aside while visiting on Mauritius cruises. La Cuvette Beach can also be found here and offers visitors a little more seclusion.
Le Morne Beach
Why?
It’s regarded by many as the island’s finest beach.
What will I see?
Two miles of stunning sand. Mauritius boasts so many beautiful beaches, it’s understandably difficult to decide where to go but this one’s renowned for its cleanliness and is the perfect place to relax, swim, enjoy a snack or indulge in a spot of water sports, especially windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Domaine les Pailles
Why?
It’s a great way to experience some of the island’s natural beauty and history and isn’t far from Port Louis itself.
What will I see?
3,000 acres of stunning natural park which you have the option of exploring on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. As well as enjoying the island’s lush allure, you’ll be able to discover a little about its trade past with visits to a reconstructed sugar mill and a rum distillery. There’s also a charming herb garden and picturesque stables to see, too.
The coloured earths of Chamarel
Why?
It’s a fascinating, colourful and otherworldly landscape.
What will I see?
An intriguing geological formation, known as ‘Seven Coloured Earth’. This fascinating area of the island comprises sand dunes of seven different-coloured layers, hence the name. It’s obviously a great photo opportunity and looks for all the world like something out of a science fiction movie. Giant tortoises frequent the area, too.
Chamarel Waterfall
Why?
It’s the highest waterfall on the island and a spectacular sight.
What will I see?
A 100-metre cascade set against a spectacularly lush backdrop of greenery and mountains. It’s a great example of how many scenic contrasts the island offers and its close proximity to the aforementioned Coloured Earth means that the two are commonly visited together on a number of island tours.
Something a little different…
Eureka Colonial House
You wouldn’t necessarily associate the island with memorable architecture but in truth, Mauritius cruises offer a real gem in terms of the Eureka Colonial House. It’s a former country house which has been restored and opened to the public and these days, functions as a fascinating museum. It faithfully furnished with period décor and its peaceful gardens are a great place in which to relax. If you liked the Chamarel Waterfall, you’ll be interested to know that one of its smaller cousins lies close by to the house and you can take a tour of both.
By Simon Brotherton
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