Mauritius vs Maldives

If the Indian Ocean is calling your name, the Maldives and Mauritius are both amazing options for vacation destinations. But how can you choose between the two? While they share many similarities, let’s dive into discovering each beautiful place to help you choose the perfect getaway for you!

The Maldives vs Mauritius: The Cost

The beauty of the Maldives can come with a hefty price tag. Those picturesque overwater bungalows are $500 a night on the very low end but easily go to $1000-$2000 a night at the resorts.  If you stay at resorts know you will be paying resort prices for everything. You can, however, find a standard hotel for less than $200 a night.

If saving money is your goal, you do have some choices that can help keep you within budget. You can choose to stay on a local-inhabited island (instead of one owned by a mega-resort). Make use of the public ferry if you aren’t in a rush (if you are in a hurry we recommend taking a speedboat since the ferry is not super reliable).

Food will be more affordable on a local-inhabited island as well.  You can even book day trips to certain resort islands in order to get a taste of the resort luxury without spending so much money.

When booking your trip, be very clear on whether the price includes tax, service charges, credit card fees, and airport transfers. Many online prices exclude these, which combined could add around 23%+ to your cost!

Compared to the Maldives, you will find that Mauritius can be surprisingly affordable. Many of the luxury hotels in Mauritius were built before the Maldives became a huge hotspot for travel, so you will find that some of the facilities are somewhat older and most hotels don’t feature stand-alone villas and private pools.

You can also try to find an all-inclusive package deal that includes meals and non-motorized water sports to get the most bang for your buck! If you travel out of season you are sure to save even more money. A standard hotel in the Maldives will run $100 or less. You can find some amazing accommodations on the island for under $300 a night.

The Maldives vs Mauritius: Accommodations

You have some great options of where to stay in the Maldives. Choose a luxury resort, overwater bungalow, a guest house, liveaboards, or a hotel.  Your choice should be influenced by your budget as well as your vacation goals. The Maldives is made up of many individual islands, so be sure research which island best fits your dream trip!

Whatever your accommodation requirements, Mauritius has everything from small hotels and villas to medium-sized and luxury resorts to meet your needs. The island features a diverse range of accommodations appealing to all travelers and budgets, ranging from modest establishments to high-end glamorous hotels.

The Maldives vs Mauritius: Things to do

The Maldives have a reputation as the world’s most sought-after honeymoon destinations in the world, so if you are planning your dream honeymoon, you can be pampered at a spa, watch the iconic sunsets, lounge on the sugar white beaches, or dine on the ocean’s edge.

The Maldives mainly attract adult travelers, with a mix of honeymooners, surfers, divers, spa enthusiasts, sunbathers, and even the occasional celebrity. Planning a family getaway and are dying to go to the Maldives? Keep in mind that most resorts do not cater to young children- but there are a few places that are kid-friendly so be sure to pick a resort that can make your family vacation perfect.

The Maldives shines when it comes to water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving (the warm, calm waters with rich underwater life offer a great scuba diving experience!) Since the Maldives are more spread out, and island hopping is time-consuming, most people choose to stay at their resorts. Relax in a hammock, read under the shade of a palm tree and enjoy delicious cuisine for a laid-back vacation.

The Maldives has a rich cultural heritage which you can explore on your visit to the island villages and heritage sites. Shop at the local handicraft market and gorge on the traditional meals and snacks to have an authentic taste of Maldives.

Mauritius is the Indian Ocean’s greatest destination for family travel and one of the most child-friendly destinations on the globe!  It is actually the most popular island in the Indian Ocean. Tourists flock to the island because of its affordable luxury resorts, exotic live entertainment, world-class golf courses, and family-friendly image.

Most hotels and resorts offer professional kids’ clubs to take care of and entertain children so their parents can have a little break. For the older kids and teenagers, there are wonderful water sports and excursions that are sure to keep them entertained.  

Mauritius is a bustling place with many activities; try hiking, cycling, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, mountain trekking, hunting, birdwatching, windsurfing, waterskiing, rafting, horse riding, and even quad biking as you explore the old colonial capital. The islands are easy to explore and give you an action-packed experience. Beautiful jungles, vibrant culture, and amazing destinations equal endless fun!

The Maldives – Need To Know Info

• Tropical climate, abundant rainfall and high temperature summarize the weather of Maldives. The northern islands receive rain from May to October with tropical cyclones between August and November.
• Best time to visit: Between November and April
• The Maldives have a remarkably easy visa policy – Everybody gets a free 30-day visa on arrival, provided that they have a valid travel document, a ticket out and proof of sufficient funds, defined as either a confirmed reservation in any resort or USD100 + USD50/day in cash.
• No vaccinations are required to visit although a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers over 1 year of age who are traveling from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.
• Credit cards are normally accepted by banks, hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops.
• Legally, if you’re 18 and not a Muslim, you can buy and drink alcohol. However since the Maldives is an Islamic nation, alcohol is effectively banned for the local population.
• The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, but English is widely spoken.
• Tap water in resorts may or may not be drinkable — check with management.
• The Maldives is an Islamic religious country. For this reason, nudism is forbidden whether on the beaches and in the sea. However, in some islands topless is allowed. It is better to always have a bathing suit with you just in case. Be sure to ask the resort staff about proper clothing.
• Tipping is not compulsory in the Maldives as a 10% service charge is added to everything, but of course, is always appreciated.

Mauritius – Need To Know Info

• With humidity and moderately high temperature throughout the year, Mauritius has a tropical climate.  The wettest months are January-April.
• Best time to visit: September to December and April to June.
• Visitors must be in possession of a valid passport and a return ticket. A visitors visa is normally granted for a period of 2 weeks to 1 month. It is recommended that you contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate to make sure you have everything in order.
• No vaccinations are required to visit Mauritius, although a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers over 1 year of age who are traveling from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.
• Credit cards are normally accepted by banks, hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops.
• 400;”>Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions, the populations consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims, and Europeans.
• Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French.
• Free public medical facilities are widely available.
• Nudism and topless sunbathing is a no-go on public beaches, and no hotels permit nude sunbathing on beaches.
• Tipping is not compulsory
• A VAT (value added tax) of 15% is payable on goods and services including hotel and restaurant bills
• Driving in Mauritius is on the left-hand side of the road. Travelers with a valid driving license issued by their respective country are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.