One of the most attractive destinations for people who love beaches is the island of Mauritius. In recent times Mauritius, located in the Indian ocean, has gained considerable repute as a good tourist and vacation paradise due its determined efforts to get ahead in the beach resort game.

The biggest selling point of Mauritius is the 140 kilometers of white sand beaches and the many water sports opportunities available there. Different activities swimming, beach combing, sailing, surfing, kayaking, diving, and deep-sea fishing are all part of the Mauritius experience.

Climate

The best time to visit Mauritius is between April-June and September-November. During these two intervals, the temperature is moderate and the rainfall is minimal to none. The hottest months are from January to April. Rainfall is highest in the months December through April although light rains can fall at almost any time. Cyclones are also a problem between November and February but the actually occurrence of a cyclone has been noted at the rate of once in 15 years.

What to do

The diving season is at its best between December and March and surfers would be well to visit between June and August. If you are into fishing then the time for you to visit is in between October and April.

Due to its tropical climate, you will need only light clothing though you might want to carry something for the evenings in winter months when it can get a bit nippy July through September. One thing that you should always have throughout the year is some sort of rainwear (raincoats, umbrellas, ponchos, etc.). If you plan to visit in the summer months of November through April then bring lots of sunscreen, sun hats, glasses, and other summertime beach equipment.

For those who are not too keen on everything watery there are plenty of birds for you to enjoy. Sadly, some of the endemic bird species are on the verge of extinction and are going through captive breeding programs.

If you like marine life then the Mauritius maritime zone has to offer over 1000 species including fish, shells, and mollusks. And there is no better to take a look at these beauties except stepping into a submarine that can also show you a few shipwrecks from the Dutch period.

Along the long shoreline there are many places at beaches, lagoons, and inlets where it is very safe to go for a swim. The best swimming shores are to the north of the island.

The west coast is where the surfers gather, at Tamarin.

Move along to Grand Bay to enjoy shopping, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants.

Towards the interior of the island you can indulge in water-less activities like hiking and trekking. There are great walking opportunities in the Black River Gorges National Park. Good hiking trails are found in the Reserve Forrestiere Macchabee and Rivere Noire National Park.