The Ultimate Guide: Mauritius vs Maldives
Most people tend to confuse Mauritius and Maldives for being exactly the same in terms of experience but there are huge differences between the two. Even though there is little comparison between the two, people still find themselves at odds when it comes to choosing between them for a holiday destination.
The Maldives have a more closed economy which means there are fewer tourist attractions than what is offered in Mauritius, however, the Maldives more than compensates for this by offering an abundance of natural beauty. Mauritius on the other hand, offers a good balance of touristy attractions along with its raw natural beauty. So, if you have found yourself stuck between the choice of ‘Mauritius or Maldives’ we have done a full comparison to help you judge which one of these beautiful destinations will most suit your holiday needs.
Underwater attractions and Marine Wildlife.
There are many different natural wonders to explore in both Mauritius and the Maldives, knowing what to expect in each of these tropical paradises will help you make the daunting decision of picking between the two, first we take a look at the amazing marine life that each destination has to offer.
Mauritius
Mauritius is well known for the 18th century shipwrecks that litter the coastal floor around the island, these and recent shipwrecks have created beautiful man-made reefs that are home to a number of underwater species such as sponges, sea anemones, Damselfis, Trumpet, Boxfish and Mauritian scorpions.
Some of the underwater attractions found in Mauritius are:
The underwater Waterfall – This spectacle is located in the southwest of the island off the coast of Le Morne, it is a most fascinating optical illusion that consists of sand and silt which run off in a way that makes it look like they are pouring down a waterfall. The only way to see this dramatic image would be to take one of the helicopter tours and have a look at it from above.
Shipwreck L’Orient – This artificial reef was once a fishing boat that sunk on the 28th October 1992, the vessel was originally sitting at 30 meters deep, however thanks to two cyclones the wreck was moved further down and now lays on its side at 45m deep. A favourite among divers thanks to its abundance of sea life.
Shipwreck Kei Sei – This former fishing boat was purchased by a restaurant in La Reunion, their plan was to turn it into a floating restaurant, but after changing its structure by adding concrete and an unfortunate cyclone, the vessel sunk in the harbour. The restaurant attempted to salvage the boat twice but ultimately gave up and decided to make a shipwreck out of it, earning its nickname; the restaurant wreck. It was finally sunk at 36m on October 11th 1987.
Tug II – This shipwreck was a tug boat which used to guide enormous sugar cane cargos into the harbour of Port Louis. Tug II worked for over 100 years in the port before it officially went into retire, the sinking of the boat was brought forward to the 14th November 1981 due to a cyclone warning and the site had to be changed from Mahebourg to Flic en Flac. The vessel sits at 20m deep.
Shipwreck Saint Gabriel – This fishing boat was destroyed by a huge fire in 1986 and was officially sunk on the 10th May 1987, it was originally planned to be placed at 28m but because of a strong current, the vessel ended up at 38m deep.
Shipwreck Tian Xiang – the largest and most recent shipwreck, the Tian Xiang was a fishing vessel that was sunk on the 14th June 2014 and like the L’Orient the ship lays at 45m deep.
Marine Wildlife – Mauritius offers some of the most unique and exciting marine wildlife sightings, there are over 200 dive sites, about 430 different marine creatures including the large pelagic fish and 200 different species of coral and turtles. Some of the less common marine life you may spot while diving here include tuna, wahoo and marlin.
Maldives
This group of islands are best known for their spectacular diving and snorkelling sites, there are huge coral walls, underwater caves and the most amazing schools of tropical fish, there are even manta rays, turtles and the magnificent whale shark that can be seen just off the Maldivian coastlines.
Some of the underwater attractions found in the Maldives are:
The Ithaa Undersea Restaurant:
Ithaa meaning mother of pearl is an amazing underwater restaurant located 5 metres below sea level at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort in Alif Dhaal Atoll. Enjoy an evening meal while the fishes swim above you.
The Victory Shipwreck:
This was an 80m long cargo ship that sank in 1981, it was on its way from Singapore carrying various goods for the resorts on the islands. The shipwreck is located in in North Malé Atoll.
Kuda Giri Shipwreck:
Another spectacular man-made reef, this wreck can be found in South Malé Atoll and is perfect for beginner divers as it sits only about 15m deep.
Marine Wildlife:
Being an ocean locked country, the Maldives is surrounded by an abundance of majestic marine wildlife, there are over 2,000 species of fish, ranging from tiny, colourful reef fish, moray eels, turtles, and rays, to giant pelagic fish, such as tuna, sharks, dolphins and whale sharks, common sights when diving also include octopus, squid, giant clams, various kinds of anemones and jellyfish.
Activities and Local Attractions
When it comes to adventure Mauritius is a busier and more bustling island, where the Maldives take a slower more relaxed approach to your holiday. Since the Maldivian islands are spread out, island hopping can become time consuming and so most people decide to stick to their resorts and relax in a hammock under a swaying palm tree.
Mauritius
Water Sports – Mauritius offers quite a variety of exciting water sport activities, there is kitesurfing, parasailing, water skiing, scuba diving and of course snorkelling, perfect for anyone who loves being in the ocean.
Hiking – If a good nature trail is more your thing, Mauritius offers various trekking and hiking trails in its National Parks, Black River Gorges and its dormant crater volcano Trou aux Cerfs which is surrounded by lush vegetation and is around 80m deep.
Kayaking – Mauritius offers ocean kayaking and also cave sea kayaking for those with a little more experience, this is one of the most exciting activities in Mauritius as this allows you to explore the underwater caves that can be found surrounding the islands rocky surface.
Big Game Fishing – one of the most popular activities in Mauritius, it is widely available and super easy to charter a boat and enjoy catching some of the most iconic fish at sea.
Maldives
Dhoni Cruise – a dhoni is a traditional multi-purpose sail vessel with a motor or lateen sail, they vary in size and shape and are traditionally used as a fishing vessel, ferry, trading or cargo ship. In the Maldives you can actually take one of these on a sunset cruise to witness the island from a better point of view and have a few sundowners while you’re at it.
Snorkelling – The Maldives offer some of the best snorkelling sites in the world, take the chance to get up close and personal with the most incredible marine wildlife this planet has to offer.
Submarine Tours – If snorkelling isn’t your thing there is an amazing 45-minute tour that lest you ride in an air-conditioned, German-built passenger submarine that descends to about 100 feet (30 meters) below the surface, allowing you to see colourful fish and coral reef.
Whale Shark Tours – The world’s largest fish is the Whale Shark; these docile creatures are mostly found around the Maldivian islands and there are plenty of tours available that take you out to sea and show you these magnificent fish in their natural habitat.
White Sandy Beaches, but which one?
Weather it’s about taking a leisurely stroll, catching some sun or splashing in the ocean water, these beaches do not disappoint. Take a look at the minor differences between the beaches of the Maldives and Mauritius.
Mauritius
Mauritius has beautiful beaches which are all open to the public, there is ample parking space and numerous ablutions, as is the case with most commercial beach destinations. The hotels have claimed the best beaches on the island, the north has a number of small coves and the east has the most celebrated stretches of coastline.
Some of the different beaches in Mauritius:
Belle Mare Beach – This is the longest and most beautiful beach in Mauritius, it starts at Belle Mare village and stretches all the way south until the village of Trou dÈau Douce. The waters are calm and there is a great deep lagoon that runs between the shoreline and the beach, the sand here is extremely white and pristine. The length of the beach is perfect for jogging and after dinner walks.
Pereybere Beach – Popular among tourists and locals alike, the beach has a very deep lagoon with crystal clear waters which is perfect for snorkelling, it is located 2 kilometers east of Grand Baie and is easily accessible when driving from Grand Baie along the main coastal road heading east direction of Cap Malheureux.
Blue Bay Beach – Situated in the South East of Mauritius not far from the port city of Mahebourg, lies this breathtakingly stunning beach which gets its name from the crystalline waters which shine a different tone of blue from different angles and in different seasons. This beach can get crowded with locals over the weekends so its recommended that you enjoy this particular strip of coastline during the week.
Le Morne Beach – The Le Morne peninsula is situated on the south west tip of Mauritius. The beaches of Le Morne are positioned on the west part of the Le Morne peninsula on the base of the Le Morne Brabant. The beach features iconic white coral sand and clear blue waters, the attraction though is that this beach is perfect for wind and kite surfers. The ideal wind conditions continue throughout the entire year so you will have to be careful of surfers if you’d like to swim in its waters.
Maldives
Thanks to the unspoilt natural beauty of the Maldives, it offers some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, where Mauritius has become more commercialised, the Maldives has retained a certain raw natural beauty that can be found nowhere else on earth. The country consists of nearly 1200 islands, most of which are uninhabited with pristine white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees.
Some of the different beaches In the Maldives:
Bikini Beach – The wearing of bikinis is strictly prohibited in n all areas other than in holiday resorts in the Maldives, but bikini beach makes an exception and allows access to all types of beach dress code making this a very popular beach for tourists, Bikini beach is on Maafushi Island, but there are similar beaches on Rasdhoo and Gaafaru too. Bikini beach has everything you would expect from a paradise island getaway, white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters and big shady palm trees.
Hulhumale Beach – A very popular beach amongst locals in the Maldives, remember that the Maldives is a Muslim nation so it’s best to remember to be respectful and cover up if you are visiting one of their beautiful public beaches. This is a great opportunity to experience local life in the Maldives away from your holiday resort.
Veligandu Island Beach – Pictures don’t do this beach any justice when it comes to the amount of natural beauty it exudes, with many different shades of blue and turquoise, white sandy beaches and palm trees for days, this is truly what paradise looks like.
Vabbinfaru beaches – This is an almost perfectly circular island Located in North Male Atoll, “Vabbinfaru” in Divehi means “a round island surrounded by a coral reef.” The island has its own house reef with colourful fish, rays, reef sharks and turtles, the beach has powdery white sand, crystal clear waters and tropical coconut palms.
Cost Comparison
Because let’s face it, money matters, it is important to know the cost difference between these two famous holiday destinations and also which one would offer you a little more value for your money. Take a look at the cost comparison between Mauritius and the Maldives to find out which would suit your holiday budget.
Mauritius
Since Mauritius is a lot more commercialised you will find all-inclusive package deals that include activities with your accommodation, such as spa treatments, catamaran cruises and water-sports. Food in Mauritius depends on where you are eating, there is everything from cheap delicious local street foods to more expensive and refined 5-star cuisine, airfare on the other hand is almost double the cost of the Maldivian flight.
Maldives
The Maldives is known to be a pricy holiday destination; however, the hotels are at an extremely high standard. Here most of the resorts offer accommodation that is built straight into the ocean itself. Food in the Maldives is extremely expensive, especially for tourists, this is definitely not a back packer friendly destination so it is highly recommended that you get a full holiday package which includes food and drinks. The flights to the Maldives are cheaper than those to Mauritius.
Food, Traditional Differences
Food is always an important part of any holiday, nothing beats trying new exotic flavours from a faraway land, both the Maldives and Mauritius have their own local cuisines with different flavours and culinary practises, let’s have a look at what each has to offer:
Mauritius
Mauritius has a blend of Chinese, European and Indian influences when it comes to their food, most of the dishes and practices into the culinary traditions are inspired by former slaves, Indian workers and Chinese migrants who arrived here during the 19th century.
Some of the more recognisable foods in Mauritius include vegetable, meat and seafood curries, fried squid, dim sum, coconut cakes, bread puddings, flan and Neapolitan ice cream, the more traditional foods include:
Farata – The Mauritian equivalent of Indian paratha (and similar to Cape Malay rotis), is a flat bread typically eaten with curry
Alouda – A traditional beverage that is typically prepared with a combination of basil seeds, agar jelly, milk, and vanilla, usually served cold.
Biryani – Originally from India, Biryani is a banquet dish served on special occasions like weddings, festivals, anniversaries and birthdays. The Mauritian Biryani is a combination of Indian and Pakistani Biryani with its own distinct flavour. Biryani can be prepared using either meat, chicken or fish but all follow the same principle; meat and rice cooked together in the same with certain spices for flavour.
Dholl Puri – It is similar to a tortilla but made using yellow split peas. This is then wrapped around any variety of curries and pickled vegetables.
Palm Heart Salad – A tasty Mauritian delicacy created using the very centre of the palm tree—the palm heart. This unique ingredient is then delicately sliced and served raw and is often accompanied by smoked marlin and enhanced with a light, yet sensational, dressing.
Poudine Mais – Corn meal is cooked on low heat with water, milk, sugar, raisins and vanilla and garnished with grated coconut to make this popular yet simple Mauritian treat.
Macatia Coco – These are sweet buns or rolls with a coconut filling in the centre.
Restaurants or Cafes to try:
- Le Château De Bel Ombre: Delight for The Epicures, located at Heritage Le Château that dates back to the year 1765. It has been masterfully renovated with time and is one of the most beautiful fine-dining restaurants in Mauritius.
- Safran Restaurant: Authentic Indian Cuisine, if you are looking for Indian pure veg restaurants in Mauritius then book your table at Safran to relish the true Indian as well as Mauritian flavours in a contemporary open kitchen setting, overlooking the Hibiscus Bay
- La Plage Beach Club Restaurant: Best Budget Restaurant, set beside the sea on the soft sands of the beach, La Plage restaurant offers an unmatched ambiance along with scrumptious cuisines that satisfy every palate
Maldives
The Maldives is almost 99% sea, so it is not surprising that fish (mainly tuna) is the most important staple of the Maldivian diet. The cuisine found in the island nation is a mix of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan and Oriental influences.
Some of the traditional street foods found in the Maldives are:
Garudhiya – A clear fish broth. It is one of the basic and traditional food items of Maldivian cuisine. The broth is based on tuna species found in the nation’s ocean waters such as skipjack, yellowfin tuna, little tunny or frigate tuna.
Mas Huni – This is a typical Maldivian breakfast, composed of tuna, onion, coconut, and chili. All ingredients are finely chopped and mixed with the grated meat of the coconut. This dish is usually eaten with freshly baked roshi flatbread and sweetened hot tea
Masroshi – A traditional Maldivian snack consisting of stuffed and fried dough. The dough is made with flour, oil, warm water, and salt, while the filling includes smoked tuna, grated coconut, hot peppers, onions, garlic, ginger, minced curry leaves, and lime
Bis Keemiya – Imagine a curry puff had ménage trois with a samosa and a spring roll, and you’re halfway to what a bis keemiya is.
Gabulhi Boakiba – This is a local dessert that is quite popular among Maldivians. It is made from grated tender coconut husk (gabulhi) and sweetened with both granulated sugar and coconut nectarine (locally known as dhiyahakuru)
Dhonkeyo Kajuru – Is a fried banana cake, a popular dessert in the Maldives. The dish is made using ripe bananas, sugar, flour, dried coconut, eggs and baking powder.
Restaurants or Cafes to try:
- Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, as mentioned before, this restaurant is a real treat as it is located five meters under the Indian ocean and built mostly out of glass, Ithaa certainly is a pricey restaurant, so for those with a tight budget, enjoy a mid-morning cocktail or a four-course lunch instead of the extravagant dinner option.
- Iberry Café – one of the most popular local cafes in Hulhumale, they serve a huge variety of dishes typical of the area, both the fish curry and the shrimp fried rice are great choices.
- Muraka – A fabulous alternative to the undersea restaurant, Muraka sits above the sea at the end of a jetty. An open-floor section provides a window into the sea world below, as waves lap around the rustic, wooden restaurant, creating the most relaxing and luxurious setting.
Sightseeing
Places to Visit in Mauritius:
Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth:
This geological formation and prominent tourist attraction can be found in the Chamarel plain of the Rivière Noire District in south-western Mauritius. It is a relatively small area (8.5-hectares) of sand dunes comprising sand of seven distinct colours. With its 600 million years of history, Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth is one spectacular Geo Park destination.
Parc François Leguat:
A most popular attraction for the island of Rodrigues. The reserve covers around 20 hectares of land. It was named after the French explorer and naturalist François Leguat who settled on the uninhabited island of Rodrigues in the western Indian Ocean in the year 1691. Massive rocks encircle a park where over 200 tortoises roam about, it is the nearest to being in a Jurassic Park. Next door are lighted calcite caves where the splendour of the stalagmites and the stalactites can be appreciated.
Mauritius Botanical Garden:
Also known as Pamplemousses Garden and SSR Botanical Garden, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mauritius, and is located near Port Louis. It is the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere, the botanical garden was built by Pierre Poivre in 1767, and covers an area of around 37 hectares. It is most famous for its giant water lilies, spice garden and unique collection of 85 varieties of palms from Central America, Asia, Africa and the islands found around the Indian Ocean.
Port Louis:
The capital city and main port of Mauritius, Port Louis was constructed in the year 1735 by the noted French governor, Mahe de Labourdonnais. Today Port Louis is the largest city in Mauritius and full of vibrant Mauritian culture, old colonial buildings and bustling street vendors. The blue Penny museum is a must see when visiting the port, it is situated at Caudan Waterfront and is dedicated to preserving the rich history and art of Mauritius.
Places to Visit in the Maldives:
Male:
The capital city of the Maldives and one of the world’s smallest capital cities, Male is packed with colourful buildings, bustling street vendors, ancient mosques and vibrant Maldivian culture. Its best to take a walk through the city without an itinerary and enjoy the architectural marvels that Male has to offer.
The National Museum of the Maldives:
An ancient building that contains a well-maintained collection of artefacts that help in tracing unusual historical events of this archipelago. The museum has an enormous assemblage of royal antiquities ranging from the Buddhist and Islamic era making it a paradise for lovers of history and crafts.
China Maldives Friendship Bridge:
Also known as the Sinamale Bridge, it is 2km long and connects the capital city Male to the airport island of Hulhule and by extension, Hulhumale Island. The bridge was made as a part of the Belt and Road Initiative and is chiefly funded by China, strengthening the ties between both nations.
Sultan Park:
This public park was built next to the demolished Royal Palace in the Maldives capital city Male, also known as the Rasrani Bageecha park, it was built from the palace’s royal gardens with its giant iron gate at the entrance, being the only indication of the palace’s former glory.
When is the best time to visit?
Both of these paradise destinations experience seasonal changes and pricier high seasons just like anywhere else on earth, with this comprehensive comparison you may even be able to visit both destinations within their optimal weather climates and financially beneficial dates.
Mauritius
The most financially beneficial time to visit Mauritius would be in its low season which is from May to September, it is the dry season, so the chances of being stuck in a cyclone are much lower and the weather is a pleasant high of 23 degrees with an agreeable low of 18 degrees and the ocean stays at a balmy 25 degrees. With not as many tourists about you will be able to enjoy calm and quiet beaches with more personalized tours without having to be part of a large group.
Maldives
The Maldives experience their low season from May to November, accommodation and flights tend to be cheaper during this time which is extremely beneficial considering the Maldives is the pricier option between the two destinations. The weather during May is nice and warm with an average of 30 degrees, then from June to August you can expect cooler climates with a lot more rain and cloudier days. November marks the end of the low season and temperatures start to rise again starting up at an average of 27 degrees.
Shopping
Whether it’s for essential items, keepsakes or souvenirs for the family back home, shopping plays an important role in any successful holiday.
Mauritius
It is no surprise that Mauritius offers a lot more in terms of retail therapy, here you will find large shopping centres, luxury malls that offer well known shopping brands, Mauritian markets and street vendors of all kinds.
Places to Shop in Mauritius:
Le Caudan Waterfront:
Situated at Port Louis, the Le Caudan Waterfront is one of the oldest malls of Mauritius, Le Caudan is famously known for being a tax-free haven for shopaholics. There are special Bazaar sale events, where local vendors from across the island come to sell their home-made goods during the peak holiday season.
Port Louis Central Market:
The most crowded and visited markets in Mauritius, the Port Louis Market is the best stop for buying local products and getting a taste of the local food as well, the prices here are relatively low which provide a good opportunity for local and tourist interactions. Here you will find a varied range of products for sale starting from fruits and vegetables, seafood and meat, an emporium for souvenirs and also a variety of clothing. It is also a great place for buying religious artefacts, local handcrafted goods and artisanal sculptures along with a local rum that has an imprint of a dodo bird on the bottle.
Quatre Bornes Market:
A typical bustling market, it is divided into two parts with shops on either side of the street and narrow alleys which are packed with customers and merchants shouting at the top of their voices to grab their attention with various offers. This market specialises in textiles and clothing but you can also find kitchenware, carpets, makeup, sunglasses, jewellery and electronics along with fresh fruits, vegetables and tasty traditional Mauritian street foods.
Le Craft Market:
Just as the name suggests, Le Craft Market offers the best of artistic Mauritian arts and crafts, this 36-stall clustered market has a comfortable and spacious atmosphere with an aromatic ambience of teak and mahogany. Here you will find everything from exquisite woodwork to intricately detailed baskets and beautiful glass souvenirs.
Commercial Shopping Malls:
For a taste of home, Mauritius offers a number of shopping malls that offer everything from local retailers to international brands and food outlets. The different malls to choose from are:
- Bagatelle Mall
- Grand Baie La Croisette
- Le Caudan Waterfront
- Phoenix Mall
Maldives
While the Maldives may not be a shopping haven, they do offer plenty in terms of fun souvenirs to bring home to the family and precious keep sakes to remember your holiday by. There are beautiful local markets, an island Bazaar and local beach vendors selling everything from stylish beach wear to wooden boats, beach toys and more.
Places to Shop in the Maldives:
Male Local Market:
This is one of the most popular street markets in the Maldives, here you will find numerous stalls selling locally made miniatures of boats, palm sleepers and decor made of seashells. the kiosks selling local snacks are the highlight of this market, you can buy packaged sweetmeat, bottled local pickles and fresh coconut milk.
Majeedhee Magu:
This local market can be found in the heart of the city, it is a sprawling street market selling everything from garments, accessories, local cosmetics, jewellery, dried fish chips, canned smoked fish and even electronics. Bargaining is the traditional way of buying items in these street markets so remember to never settle on the original price.
Island Bazaar:
This is an elegant European style boutique that offers a classy and posh shopping experience, the boutique not only sells stylish lifestyle products but also promotes the intricate handicrafts of local artisans. Be it a cushion, a shoulder bag, or a handmade fridge magnet, the designs are gorgeous and inimitable.
Oevaali Art Shop:
This stunning art gallery and souvenir shop was founded by sisters Raniya and Raya Mansoor in 2015 and is dedicated to making people familiar with the culture and heritage of the Maldives through art and design. Here you will find paintings and sculptures that make use of the islands sea shells and coconut husks along with a wide variety of Maldivian souvenirs.
Commercial Shopping Malls:
You may be surprised to learn that you can still buy your favourite internationally known brands on these cluster of islands, while they aren’t malls per se, the Maldives do offer a few commercialized shops to choose from:
- Centro Mall
- Resort Shop
- Male International Airport
Nightlife
Mauritius
When the sun has set and it’s time to put your party hat on, Mauritius offers a number of exciting clubs and bars for both the young and young at heart. Some of the local favourites include the Banana Beach Club, Kenzi Bar, Lambic, Big Willy’s and the C Beach Club. There are also a number of casinos for you to try your luck in, Casino Senator, Trou Aux Biches Casino and the Le Caudan Waterfront Casino.
Maldives
Another big surprise from the Maldives is that they offer some pretty spectacular night clubs, these include club Kurumba, Subsix, 15 Below and the Babuna Bar. There are also two amazing outdoor cinemas, the Jungle Cinema and the Cinema Paradiso as well as other night time activities like crab racing, karaoke nights and night time fishing.
Visa Information
Mauritius
Mauritius offers most nationals visa free entry with just a stamp in your passport that allows a stay of up to 60 consecutive days. Your passport must be valid for another six months and you will have to show your onward or return travel ticket to prove that you are just visiting and that you do intent do leave, also if you are traveling from a high-risk country, you will have to show your international yellow fever certificate.
Maldives
The Maldives grant almost all nationals a visa on arrival without pre approval, as long as you meet the certain required criteria:
- You must have a passport valid for at least six more months
- A pre-paid hotel booking/accommodation.
- Sufficient funds in your banking account to last the duration of your holiday.
- A confirmed onward of return ticket
- If it is an onward destination you must show your visa for the next destination
- A Traveller Health Declaration (THD) must be filled in and submitted by all travellers travelling to and from Maldives, within 24 hours prior to their travel. You may submit the form electronically via http://imuga.immigration.gov.mv
- Lastly a yellow fever certificate if you are traveling from a high-risk country.
