You’ve seen the photos. Those impossibly blue lagoons, the jagged green mountains, and that "underwater waterfall" that looks like a glitch in the Matrix. It looks like paradise, but if someone handed you a globe right now and told you to point to it, you’d probably hesitate. Honestly, most people do. They think it’s near the Maldives, or maybe somewhere tucked away in the Caribbean.
Mauritius is actually an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located about 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) off the southeast coast of the African continent.
If you’re looking at a world map, find Madagascar—the big, famous island next to Africa. Now, look about 800 kilometers (500 miles) further east. That tiny speck in the middle of the vast, deep blue is Mauritius. It’s sitting just above the Tropic of Capricorn, which basically means it's prime real estate for anyone who hates the cold.
Finding Mauritius on the Map: The Coordinates and Neighbors
To get technical for a second, the island sits at 20.3484° S latitude and 57.5522° E longitude. It’s part of the Mascarene Islands, a volcanic chain that includes the French territory of Réunion and the smaller island of Rodrigues.
While it feels like it's in the middle of nowhere, it’s strategically positioned between Africa and Asia. This location is why the Dutch, French, and British all fought over it for centuries. They called it the "Star and Key of the Indian Ocean."
Don't let the map fool you, though. It’s not just one single island. The Republic of Mauritius actually covers a bunch of territories, including:
- Rodrigues Island: About 560 km further east. It’s rugged and feels like Mauritius did fifty years ago.
- Agalega: Two islands way up north (about 1,100 km away).
- St. Brandon (Cargados Carajos): A group of sandbanks and islets.
- Chagos Archipelago: This one is a bit of a geopolitical headache. For decades, the UK and Mauritius have been in a tug-of-war over it. In a massive update for 2025/2026, agreements have finally confirmed the transfer of sovereignty back to Mauritius, though the US military base on Diego Garcia is sticking around.
Is Mauritius in Africa?
Yes. It’s a common point of confusion, but Mauritius is officially an African nation. It’s a member of the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
But here’s where it gets interesting: it doesn't feel like what most people expect from Africa. There are no lions or elephants here (unless you’re at a specific nature park like Casela). The population is a wild mix of Indian, African, Chinese, and European ancestry.
✨ Don't miss: How Far Is Michigan From New York: The Truth About the Trip
Actually, it’s the only country in Africa where Hinduism is the primary religion. You’ll see colorful temples right next to Catholic churches and mosques. It’s a "rainbow nation" in the truest sense.
The Geography: More Than Just Beaches
People come for the sand, but the middle of the island is where the real drama is. Millions of years ago, underwater volcanoes blew their tops and created this place. Today, those volcanoes are extinct, but they left behind some seriously cool terrain.
The Central Plateau
The middle of the island rises up into a lush plateau about 600 meters above sea level. It’s noticeably cooler up there. You can be sweating on a beach in Grand Baie and, thirty minutes later, need a light sweater while looking at the tea plantations in Bois Cheri.
The Mountains
They aren't huge, but they are jagged and basaltic, giving the skyline a "Jurassic Park" vibe.
- Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire: The tallest peak at 828 meters.
- Le Pouce: Shaped like a thumb. You can hike to the "nail" and see the whole island.
- Pieter Both: Famous for the massive boulder perched precariously on its tip.
The Underwater Waterfall Illusion
If you look at Mauritius on Google Earth, head to the southwest tip near Le Morne Brabant. You’ll see what looks like a massive waterfall plunging into the ocean depths. It’s not actually a waterfall—sorry to burst the bubble. It’s an optical illusion caused by sand and silt being washed off the coastal shelf into deeper water. Still, it’s one of the coolest things you’ll ever see from a helicopter.
Why the Location Matters for Your Visit
Because of where it sits on the map, Mauritius has two main seasons. No, they don't have a "winter" where things freeze.
👉 See also: South America Falkland Islands: What Most People Get Wrong About This Remote Archipelago
- Summer (November to April): It’s hot, humid, and occasionally rainy. This is also cyclone season. If a big one hits, the whole island basically goes into lockdown.
- Winter (June to September): The "cool" season. Daytime temps are around 24°C (75°F). It’s perfect for hiking and the trade winds make the east coast a dream for kitesurfers.
One weird quirk of the location? The sunsets. Because of the way the island is positioned, the west and north coasts get those legendary "green flash" sunsets, while the east coast is all about the sunrise. If you’re a morning person, stay in Belle Mare. If you want a cocktail with a view, head to Flic-en-Flac.
Common Myths About Mauritius
People get a lot wrong about this place. Let's clear some stuff up.
"It's right next to the Maldives."
Nope. The Maldives are about 3,000 kilometers north. You aren't hopping between the two on a ferry.
"Everyone speaks French."
Sorta. Everyone speaks Mauritian Creole, which is French-based but very different. Most people also speak French and English. You won't have any trouble getting around with just English, especially in 2026 as the tourism sector has doubled down on international accessibility.
"It's just for honeymooners."
Ten years ago, maybe. Now? It’s a massive hub for digital nomads and "eco-adventurers." The government even introduced a Premium Visa for people who want to live there for a year and work remotely.
"It's a small island you can drive around in an hour."
Not even close. While it’s only about 65 km long, the roads are winding and go through lots of small villages. Driving from the north (Grand Baie) to the south (Le Morne) can easily take an hour and a half, especially if you get stuck behind a truck hauling sugarcane.
Real Talk: The 2026 Travel Reality
If you're planning a trip to see where Mauritius is for yourself, things have changed a bit recently. The infrastructure has seen a huge boost. The Metro Express now links major towns, making it easier to get around without a car.
Also, sustainability is the big word right now. The island is trying hard to move away from "mass tourism" and toward protecting its lagoons. You’ll find fewer plastic straws and more coral restoration projects.
How to Get There
Most people fly into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU).
- From Europe: About 11–12 hours (direct from London or Paris).
- From South Africa: Roughly 4 hours.
- From Dubai: About 6.5 hours.
It's a long haul if you're coming from the US or Australia, usually requiring a stop in Dubai, Paris, or Johannesburg. But honestly? Once you’re sitting on a beach at Trou aux Biches with a fresh coconut, the jet lag disappears pretty fast.
Actionable Tips for Locating Your Perfect Spot
Now that you know where it is on the map, don't just book any hotel. The location you choose on the island matters a lot:
- For Families: The North (Grand Baie/Trou aux Biches) has the calmest water and the most restaurants.
- For Adventure: The South (Bel Ombre/Le Morne) is rugged, windy, and close to the Black River Gorges National Park.
- For Peace: The East Coast (Belle Mare) has the best beaches but can get very windy in the winter months (July/August).
- For Local Vibes: Spend a day in Port Louis. Go to the Central Market, eat some dholl puri (yellow split pea wraps), and walk up to Fort Adelaide for the view.
Check your flight paths and look for a window seat on the left side of the plane if you're landing from the north—you might just catch a glimpse of the entire reef system as you descend. It’s the best way to see exactly where Mauritius is on the map before you even touch the ground.