Mauritius is a stunning island paradise in the Indian Ocean, renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs. This multicultural nation blends African, Indian, Chinese, and European influences, creating a unique fusion of cultures, cuisines, and traditions. From luxury resorts to UNESCO World Heritage sites, Mauritius offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
Local currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR). As of 2025, approximately MUR 45-50 = $1 USD.
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Mauritius.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $20
- Budget
- $55
- Midrange
- $120
- Luxury
- $400+
Food
- Street
- $1-3
- Local
- $8-12
- Midrange
- $20-35
- Fine
- $60+
Transport
- Bus
- $0.50-1.50
- Taxi
- $10-25
- Airport
- $35-45
- Daytrip
- $30-60
Activities
- Museum
- $8-10
- Sites
- $7-15
- Tour
- $45-80
- Excursion
- $60-120
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Mauritius costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$350-500/week
Midrange traveller
$840-1400/week
Luxury traveller
$2800+/week
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Eat at Port Louis Central Market for the cheapest authentic food on the island - dholl puri costs $0.50, curry plates $2-4
Use public buses to get around - fares are $0.50-1.50 per journey and cover the whole island
Stay in Grand Baie guesthouses rather than resort hotels - budget guesthouses cost $35-60 vs $200+ for comparable resort rooms
Self-cater for breakfasts and some lunches by buying from local supermarkets and market vendors
Visit attractions on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and sometimes discounted entry
Negotiate a daily taxi rate if using taxis frequently - drivers offer significant discounts for full-day hire
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Public Beaches
All beaches in Mauritius are legally public below the high-tide mark. Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches, Flic en Flac, and Pereybere beaches are all free to access with swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Black River Gorges National Park Hiking
The main trails through Mauritius's largest national park are free to enter. Stunning gorge viewpoints, endemic bird sightings, and waterfall vistas are accessible to all.
Natural History Museum, Port Louis
Free admission to Mauritius's oldest museum housing the world's most complete dodo skeleton. Essential for understanding the island's natural heritage.
Mahebourg Historical Museum
Free entry to this colonial house museum commemorating the 1810 Battle of Grand Port with original artifacts and weapons.
Port Louis City Walk
Self-guided walk through Port Louis's colonial architecture including the Champ de Mars racecourse, Fort Adelaide, and the historic waterfront requires no entry fee.
Aapravasi Ghat UNESCO Site
The UNESCO World Heritage indenture immigration depot in Port Louis offers free entry to explore this significant historical site where half a million people arrived as indentured laborers.
Seven Colored Earth Viewpoint (external)
Views of the colored earth can be glimpsed from the road outside the paid attraction area, though the full viewpoint experience requires entry.
Caudan Waterfront Evening Stroll
The Port Louis harbor waterfront is free to explore and especially beautiful at dusk. Street performers, vendors, and stunning harbor views at no cost.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden (partial)
The outer gardens and lake area of the famous botanical garden can be accessed freely, though full guided access to the historic sections requires a small fee.
Mahebourg Waterfront Promenade
Free evening walk along the historic colonial waterfront of Mahebourg with views of Ile aux Aigrettes and the southeast lagoon.