Wondering where is Mauritius located on the World Map? Here you go!
Mauritius is the only place in the world where you can wake up to a Hindu temple’s bells, hear the call to prayer from a mosque at noon, and enjoy a French-style dinner in a Creole house—all while being surrounded by an ocean so blue it looks like someone turned the saturation up to 100%. It isn’t just a dot on a map; it’s a masterclass in how the whole world can live on one small, beautiful rock.
At Taxi Service Mauritius, we often meet travelers who tell us that before they booked their flight, they had to zoom in quite a lot on Google Maps just to find us!
Mauritius is a sparkling island nation tucked away in the south-west Indian Ocean, just off the south-east coast of Africa. To give you a better sense of our “neighborhood”:
- We are roughly 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) east of Mozambique.
- We sit to the east of Madagascar, our much larger island neighbor.
- If you draw a line between Africa and India, we are the “pit stop” closer to the African side.
On a global scale, Mauritius appears as an isolated jewel in the vast blue expanse of the Indian Ocean. In terms of coordinates, the island is positioned at 20.2° South and 57.5° East. This remote location is exactly why our air is so clean, our lagoons are so clear, and our ecosystem is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
FLAG, WEATHER, FACTS & HISTORY
How did Mauritius get its name?
The island has had quite a few “rebrands” over the centuries.
- The Arab Sailors: Long before Europeans arrived, Arab sailors in the Middle Ages were the first to spot us. They named the island Dina Arobi (Deserted Island). They didn’t stay, but they put us on the map.
- The Dutch: In 1598, a Dutch fleet led by Admiral Wybrand Van Warwyck landed and named the island Mauritius in honor of Prince Maurice of Nassau.
While the French later tried to call us Isle de France, the name Mauritius eventually stuck when the British took over, and it remains our proud name today.
How does the Mauritius Flag look like?
What does the Mauritius Flag represent?
Our flag is known as the “Four Bands” (Les Quatre Bandes). If you look closely at the colors, they tell the story of our nation:
- Red: Represents the struggle for freedom and independence.
- Blue: Represents the Indian Ocean that surrounds and protects us.
- Yellow: Represents the new light of independence shining over the island.
- Green: Represents the lush vegetation and agriculture (mostly sugarcane!) that covers our hills.
Introduction to Mauritius Island: Location, History & Legacy
Mauritius is a volcanic island, but don’t worry—our volcanoes have been sleeping for a very long time. What they left behind, however, is a geographical masterpiece of jagged mountains, fertile soil, and a central plateau that rises up to meet the clouds.
When you visit, you aren’t just visiting a beach destination. You are stepping into a cultural melting pot. Because we had no indigenous population, everyone here—whether of Indian, African, Chinese, or European descent—brought their own piece of “home” with them.
Imagine trekking through a tropical forest in the morning, visiting a 19th-century colonial mansion at lunch, and ending the day with a Sega dance on the beach. That is the legacy of Mauritius: a blend of history that you can see, hear, and—most importantly—taste.
@see.the.woorld Mauritius isn’t real… 🇲🇺✨ Crystal-clear lagoons, white-sand beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and one of the most diverse cultures in the world 🌊🏝️ 📍 Mauritius Island 🗓️ Best time to visit: May–November 💙 Perfect for: beaches • honeymoon • adventure • nature lovers Would you add this to your bucket list? ✈️👇 Save this for later! #mauritius🇲🇺 #island #travel #fyp #explore ♬ оригинальный звук – 🦋ПТИЧКАЛИКА🦋
The Landscapes of Mauritius Island
The main island covers about 1,865 square kilometers. It’s small enough that you can drive from the North to the South in about an hour and a half (depending on how many times you stop for photos!), but it’s packed with variety.
The island features a central plateau that gradually rises to a mountain range. Our highest point is Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, standing at 828 meters. From the top, the views of the coastline and the surrounding reefs are enough to make even a local’s heart skip a beat.
Mountains of Mauritius
Our mountains give the island its iconic skyline. They aren’t just rocks; they are landmarks of our history.
- Le Morne Brabant: A majestic UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a symbol of freedom.
- Pieter Both: Famous for the massive rock balanced at its very peak—it looks like a human head wearing a hat!
- The Moka Range: Which frames our capital, Port Louis, like a natural fortress.
At Taxi Service Mauritius, we always tell our guests: if you want to see the “real” Mauritius, you have to look up. The mountains tell the story of our volcanic past and our resilient spirit.
Beaches of Mauritius
Mauritius is world-renowned for its coastline, and for good reason. We are almost entirely encircled by a coral reef, which creates calm, turquoise lagoons that are perfect for swimming.
- The West: Famous for calm waters and the best sunsets you’ll ever see.
- The North: The hub for water sports and vibrant beach vibes (check out our Beach Hopping Tour in the North)
- The East: Where the breeze is refreshing and the beaches seem to go on forever.
- The South: Where the reef breaks, and you can see the raw power of the Indian Ocean hitting the cliffs at Gris Gris.
You may also like to check our full-day south sightseeing tours (4 itineraries to choose from or build your own itinerary)
Surrounding Islands
Mauritius is actually an archipelago. While the main island gets all the fame, we have several smaller “satellites” that are worth a boat trip:
- The Northern Islets: Coin de Mire, Flat Island, and Gabriel Island are havens for snorkeling.
- Rodrigues: Located 560km to the east, it’s like a “time capsule” of Mauritius from 40 years ago—quiet, rustic, and beautiful.
- Ile aux Cerfs: The most famous offshore island for a day of BBQ and turquoise water. Visit Ile aux Cerfs Island via speedboat or catamaran cruise (Deer Island)
Check our our amazing 5 islands visit speedboat tour in the South-East !
The Climate of Mauritius
We enjoy a tropical climate in Mauritius, which means it’s “summer” almost all year round.
- Summer (November to April): Hot and humid. This is the best time for diving and seeing the island at its most lush. It is also the season for our famous tropical fruits like lychees and mangoes!
- Winter (May to October): Cooler and drier. While we call it “winter,” the temperature rarely drops below 20°C on the coast. It’s the perfect weather for hiking and exploring without the intense heat.
The People and Culture of Mauritius
The most beautiful thing about Mauritius isn’t the beaches—it’s the people. We are a “Rainbow Nation.” You will hear Mauritian Creole spoken on every street corner, a beautiful, rhythmic language based on French but influenced by everyone who has ever lived here.
The Mauritian Food is the ultimate proof of this harmony. You can find a vendor selling Dholl Puri (Indian-inspired flatbread) right next to someone selling Mine Frire (Chinese-style fried noodles). At Taxi Service Mauritius, we take pride in our hospitality; we don’t just drive you, we welcome you.
Getting to Mauritius Island
By Air
Most travelers arrive at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU). It’s a modern gateway named after the “Father of the Nation.” Whether you are flying from London, Paris, or Dubai, the first thing you’ll see from the window is the patchwork of green sugarcane fields meeting the blue sea.
By Sea
Port Louis remains a busy hub for cruise ships. Arriving by sea gives you a unique perspective of the mountains rising directly behind the city—a view that sailors have admired for hundreds of years.
@lottevandoesburg This is your sign to book that trip to Mauritius 💛🇲🇺 #mauritius #ilemaurice #summer2026 #lemorne #whaletour ♬ son original – aureliestory
Why Visit Mauritius?
Why choose us over any other island? Because Mauritius offers depth.
You can spend one day at a 5-star luxury resort and the next day hiking through a wild national park or exploring a 200-year-old market. It’s a place where luxury meets adventure, and where every meal is a world tour.
What is the Best Time to Visit Mauritius Island?
Wondering what is the best time to visit Mauritius Island in 2026? If you want the best of both worlds, we recommend October to December. The weather is warming up, the flowers are blooming, and the sea is getting perfect for swimming. However, if you are a fan of hiking, the “cooler” months of June to August offer crisp air and clear skies that make the mountain views even sharper.
Top Viewpoints in Mauritius
If you are looking for that “Instagrammable” shot, these are the spots we always take our guests:
- Gris Gris: For the “Crying Rock” and dramatic cliffs.
- Trou aux Cerfs: An extinct volcano crater with a 360-degree view of the island.
- Alexandra Falls: For a view of the deep green canopy of the South.
- The Citadel (Fort Adelaide): For the best view of Port Louis harbor.
MAURITIUS ISLAND – PEARL OF THE INDIAN OCEAN
Since our independence in 1968, Mauritius has transformed from a small agricultural island into one of Africa’s leading economies. We’ve moved from just sugar to textiles, tourism, and high-tech industries. With a population of 1.26 million, we are a small but mighty nation that proves diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
Best Beaches in Mauritius
- La Cuvette: A hidden gem in the North.
- Flic en Flac: The longest beach, perfect for a Sunday picnic.
- Le Morne: Where the mountain meets the sea.
- Belle Mare: For the most incredible sunrises.
Popular Wedding & Honeymoon Destination
There is a reason we are consistently voted the world’s top honeymoon destination. There is a certain “romance” in the air here—perhaps it’s the scent of jasmine, the sound of the waves, or the privacy of our secluded coves.
As Mark Twain famously said, “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius.” We tend to agree!
Nature Parks in Mauritius
From the Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden (one of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere), our nature is as diverse as our people. History buffs shouldn’t miss the Aapravasi Ghat or the Blue Penny Museum to see how this “deserted island” became the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
POPULAR WEDDING / HONEYMOON DESTINATION
Mauritius is rated by the World Travel Award as the world’s top most popular wedding and honeymoon destination. The weather is ideal in September and October and that’s where most couples plan their wedding celebrations in its matchless romantic spots. They fly to the island with their families and friends and pick up the most beautiful and romantic beaches the island has to offer, such as, Flic en Flac, the most romantic beach of Mauritius, popular for its incredibly beautiful setting and unique hospitality.
Mark Twain once wrote, ‘Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius’.
He was right! 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mauritius Island
What languages are spoken?
English is official, French is common, but Creole is the heart of the island.
Is it a safe country for vacation?
Mauritius is one of the safest countries in Africa. We are known for our "Island Vibe"—peaceful and welcoming.
What currency is used?
The Mauritian Rupee (MUR). While hotels take cards, you’ll want some cash for the delicious street food!
What is the food like?
A mix of everything! Don't leave without trying a Dholl Puri or a fresh Victoria Pineapple with chili salt.