Experiencing Mauritius on a Budget: A Local’s Guide

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It’s no secret that Mauritius has a reputation for being a luxury destination. After all, this tiny nook of an island is bursting with some of the most amazing sights in the world. Think gloriously clear lagoons, hidden waterfalls, rugged mountain ranges, and of course, those iconic sun-soaked beaches! That being said, it is entirely possible to explore Mauritius on a budget.

Because I fly back to the island every year, I’ve learned how to make the most of Mauritius without spending a fortune. From the incredible public beaches to an assortment of free events and cheap eats beckoning at every turn, there’s plenty to see and do without going above your budget.

Let’s take a look at how you can explore Mauritius on a budget for a fun vacation which won’t break the bank!

Getting around Mauritius on a budget

I won’t sugarcoat it for you: walking along the busy streets of Mauritius isn’t always a pleasant experience. Along with the blazing sun and the tropical heat, the sidewalks tend to be quite narrow or non-existent. People also have a habit of parking their cars right on the sidewalks.

As such, you do need a vehicle to easily get around in Mauritius. In my experience, taxis in Mauritius are often overpriced. Personally, I like to get around by bus. You can easily check out the bus schedules and routes online.

Mauritian buses are known for being bumpy and noisy, but it’s all part of the charm! Bear in mind that air-conditioned buses are a bit more expensive.

There’s also a tram network but it only connects the major cities. Both the bus and the tram are reasonably priced, with tickets ranging from $0.5 to $1.75.

While there’s no ride sharing apps like Grab or Uber on the island, you’ll find taxi apps like Yugo and Alalila. In my experience, these apps tend to be a tad cheaper than regular cabs.

Where to find the best cheap eats in Mauritius

It won’t take you long to realize that Mauritians are major (and I do mean, major!) foodies. As such, you’ll find quite a varied offering of local and international fare for all budgets. There are cheap eateries all over the island, even in more expensive neighborhoods. Locally known as ‘snack’ or ‘snack bar’, these are some of the best spots for savoring authentic Mauritian cuisine and street food.

Most ‘snacks’ have plastic benches haphazardly pushed against long tables that you share with other people. In some places, you simply munch away while standing up against the counter – all part of the charm. In my opinion, Chinatown (Port Louis) is one of the best places to try various dishes in Mauritius on a budget.

For inexpensive eats, don’t hesitate to check out the food courts at local malls as well. I’m always surprised by the quality and variety available in Mauritian food courts. Most food courts offer just about everything you can think of from local specialties to Indian cuisine, Italian fare, and even classic French dishes – all reasonably priced.

Of course, it wouldn’t quite be a trip to Mauritius without munching your way through the street food. If you’re not sure where to start, you can always sign up for an inexpensive guided street food tour.

Otherwise, don’t miss out on our ultimate guide to Mauritian street food and desserts.

Budget-friendly things to do in Mauritius

Along with cheap eats, there are heaps of affordable activities in Mauritius. Nature enthusiasts will be more than served since many outdoor activities are completely free of charge. When booking guided expeditions, I recommend that you browse around and compare prices to ensure that you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Here are just a few of my favorite things to do in Mauritius on a budget.

Visit the amazing beaches

If there’s one thing Mauritius is famed for, it’s those shockingly gorgeous beaches. And the good news is that all public beaches are free to visit! You can even pitch up a tent for the night since you don’t need any kind of permit to camp on the public beaches.

By far one of the most popular beaches in Mauritius, Grand Baie Public Beach in the north is teeming with all sorts of activities. Weekends are particularly lively, with local Sega music and campfires galore.

If you’re closer to the center of the island, you can head to Flic en Flac Beach, a spot that’s famed for its delightful sunsets. Bring your own snorkeling or diving gear to explore Mauritius’ glorious underwater world without spending a cent.

To help you make the most of the gorgeous Mauritian beach scene, we’ve prepared the ultimate local guide to the best beaches in Mauritius.

Go for a sunset hike  

Speaking of sunsets, I highly recommend that you go for a sunset hike at least once during your stay on the island.

Because it’s a volcanic island, Mauritius has an abundance of hills and mountains that are just waiting to be explored! If you’re visiting Mauritius on a budget, it’s good to know that all public trails are free to explore.

There’s something for just about everyone, so you don’t need to have heaps of trekking experience either. Candos Hill, for instance, offers quite an easy trek to the summit. Most people can easily reach the hilltop in 30 to 45 minutes. This spot is especially known for its gorgeous sunsets and views of neighboring cities.

In the afternoons, it’s not uncommon to see Mauritians hiking or jogging through sugar cane fields or at the foot of the island’s (many) mountains.

If you’d like to spot the famous underwater waterfall, head over to Le Morne Brabant Peninsula on the southwestern coast. From the summit, you’ll not only spot the waterfall, but you’ll also be treated to a bird-eye’s view of the picturesque surroundings.

This trek can be strenuous though since it’s got some steep areas. I suggest that you book a guide if you’ve never climbed this mountain before – but it’s good to know that Le Morne Brabant’s guides can be quite expensive. After all, this is one of the most touristy spots on the island.

For a more affordable mountain hiking experience, I recommend that you go off the beaten path and consider lesser-known (but just as scenic) adventures like this Chamarel trek.

Check out the markets

I know what you’re thinking: shopping isn’t high up your list of priorities if you’re exploring Mauritius on a budget. The thing about the markets though is they’re more about experiencing a classic Mauritian tradition than anything else.

Head to the famous Central Market in Port Louis and you’ll instantly be met with the aroma of fresh produce mingled with just about every type of Mauritian street food you can think of. Added to the mix are the vendors calling out their goods and prices while haggling away with the locals. Quite a feast for the senses indeed!

Mauritian markets – or bazar as they’re commonly known – also happen to be great spots for stocking up on inexpensive clothes, various titbits, and even souvenirs. Saturday mornings are especially lively since that’s when most locals visit the bazars to stock up on produce and other goods for the week.

Explore the cultural hotspots

Mauritius is made up of a melting pot of various communities, so there are plenty of cultural sites to explore. Not only do these sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s diverse heritage and rich history, but they’re also free to visit.

In Port Louis and Quatre-Bornes, for example, you can marvel at intricately carved Tamilian temples like the colorful Kovil Montagne and Sockalingum Meenatchee Ammen Kovil Temple. These structures are especially known for their Dravidian architecture, with ornate detailing and colorful, hand-crafted sculptures.

While you’re in Port Louis, keep your eyes peeled for the Jummah Mosque and the Kwan Tee Pagoda, both known for their vast history and stunning architecture.

In the North, I can recommend a visit to the Notre Dame Auxiliatrice Church, immediately recognizable by its iconic red roof and dramatic ocean vistas in the background.

Another popular cultural hotspot is Grand Bassin in the south. With a sacred lake, temples, and resident monkeys, this is also a super soothing spot where you can enjoy a quiet moment of respite.

If you can afford to splurge a little, I recommend every visitor to sign up for a guided tour of the main cultural sites.

Catch a free event

As you can probably tell by now, it’s entirely possible to explore Mauritius on a budget! Along with these activities, you’ll find several events around the island that you can attend free of charge.

If you’re visiting in the summer, you can catch a free outdoor movie at the Ebene Recreational Park or the Telfair Amphitheater in Moka. Be sure to check Telfair Amphithatre’s event calendar before planning your trip to Mauritius since this place regularly hosts other complimentary activities like art workshops, Zumba classes, dance sessions, and the like.

Whenever I’m in Mauritius, I always try to attend a free astronomy session. In my opinion, this is one of the best things to do on the island without spending a cent. These are sporadically held on the beach or at parks. The island’s diminutive size and lack of city lights make for some terrific views of the night sky!

These astronomy sessions are often organized by Keep the Pace, so check out their page to find out when the next one’s happening.

Mauritius on a Budget: Where to stay

Now that you have a better idea of what kind of activities to expect, let’s take a look at the most affordable places to stay in Mauritius.

The best neighborhoods to stay in Mauritius

Okay, first things first: if you’re going to visit Mauritius on a budget, it’s super important to choose your neighborhood carefully. Neighborhoods in Mauritius can vary greatly in terms of price, so be sure to browse around before choosing your accommodation.

Here’s the thing to remember – Mauritius is a tiny island, so you’ll never be more than an hour’s drive from the beach. For example, the center of the island lies just a half hour’s drive from Flic en Flac Public Beach, 45 minutes from Tamarin Beach, and under an hour from Le Morne Public Beach.

Centrally located cities like Ebene, Quatre-Bornes, and Moka are known for their mid-range accommodation. You’ll also be close to the shopping malls, markets, hills, mountains, and even a few waterfalls.

To slash those accommodation prices even further, you can always book a place on the east or south coast. These areas are quite affordable – perfect if you’re visiting Mauritius on a budget. I do want to point out that while the south is perfect for experiencing a wilder, more rugged side of the island, there aren’t many swimmable beaches around. Think wild waves, rocky shorelines, and dramatic currents.

The best beaches for swimming and snorkeling are speckled across the north and west coasts. Accommodation costs in these neighborhoods can be more expensive though, especially if you’re visiting during peak season.

Affordable hotels in Mauritius

The island features a surprisingly decent selection of hotels at an affordable price – and yes, that includes some beachfront properties too. Here are just a few of my favorite budget hotels in Mauritius:

Ocean V Hotel

Ocean V Hotel may be affordable but rest assured that you won’t need to compromise on comfort – or location for that matter! Indeed, this adults-only hotel commands a pretty great location smack dab at the heart of Grand Baie. As the main tourist hub of Mauritius, Grand Baie packs quite a punch and there’s always plenty to do around (and some excellent restaurants!).

With a stay at Ocean V Hotel, you’ll be within walking distance of Pereybere Beach. Entry to the beach is entirely free – perfect for visiting Mauritius on a budget!

Hotel Ocean V has a rooftop infinity pool, two restaurants, a spa, and a bar area.  

Le Grand Bleu Hotel

Commanding a pretty spectacular location right opposite the beach, Le Grand Bleu Hotel is found in the quiet fishing village of Trou-aux-Biches.

If you’re traveling across Mauritius on a budget with your kids, this family-friendly hotel won’t disappoint. It’s a pretty casual place with two swimming pools and a game room. There’s also a restaurant (yay for complimentary breakfast!), a spa, and a gym.

While the beach opposite the hotel isn’t super swimmable, it’s a great place for a morning stroll while checking out the tide pools. Grand Baie and its diverse offerings are just over 15 minutes away by car.

Even though it’s not quite as luxurious as other hotels in Mauritius, I always try to spend a few days at le Grand Bleu whenever I’m back on the island: not only do the laid-back vibes lend themselves super well to a relaxing weekend, but the restaurant has some of the best Mauritian dishes I’ve ever tried!

Local tip: To enjoy a typical Mauritian evening, check out their lively Sega parties that are usually held on Saturday nights at the poolside shack.

Flowers of Paradise with LOV

For a charming boutique experience that won’t break the bank, you can always drop anchor at Flowers of Paradise with LOV.

The perfect home base for exploring Mauritius on a budget, this hotel has a gorgeous setting and location. Surrounded by thick, tropical gardens, the hotel is just a few minutes away from Pereybere Public Beach. You’ll also be close to Mont Choisy Beach, known for its luxurious stretch of soft, golden sand.

Onsite, you’ll find a hot tub, an outdoor pool with sundeck, and a thatched-roof restaurant.

If you’re trying to watch your expenses, you’ll be glad to learn that kids under 11 can stay at the hotel for free.

Voila Bagatelle

Now if you’d like to stay at the center of the island, I can totally vouch for Voila Bagatelle in Moka.

Just a quick heads-up though: this is a business hotel, so it doesn’t come with perks like a spa or swimming pool. On the flip side, it does have a pretty great location right next to one of the best shopping malls on the island. As such, you’ll be close to an assortment of stores, coffee shops, food outlets, pubs, a supermarket, and a movie theatre.  

If you want to go to the beach, rest assured that Flic en Flac is just a 30-to-45-minute drive away.  

Local tip: The hotel is next to one of the best nightspots on the island. Friday and Saturday nights can be a bit noisy. You may wish to ask for a room on the third floor to avoid the noise. Third-floor rooms also have the best mountain views.  

Anari Hotel & Spa

Anari Hotel & Spa has an unbeatable location right in Flic en Flac. Despite its affordable price tag, this hotel’s got its very own private beach where you can kick back and soak up those tropical rays.

As the island’s second most popular tourist hub, Flic en Flac is a vibrant spot, with restaurants and bars galore. Over there, you can easily book cheap nautical activities like speedboat trips, glass bottom boat rides, and parasailing. Best of all, Flic en Flac’s crystalline lagoon is perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Hotel amenities include an onsite Chinese restaurant, an outdoor pool, a sauna, a spa, and an outdoor pool.

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