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Are You an Ocean Explorer or a Land-Based Adventurer?

Islandwize Travel Mauritius 6 min read

Choose a Mauritius resort that matches how you stay active

When choosing where to stay in Mauritius, think about how you want to spend your days. Do you dream of snorkelling, diving and sailing, or would you rather enjoy golf, hiking, fitness activities and experiences on land?

 

Different resorts offer very different activities, facilities and locations. Choosing one that suits your interests can make a much bigger difference to your holiday than simply comparing star ratings or room types.

 

For some travellers, Mauritius is all about the ocean. They can’t wait to snorkel over coral reefs, go on a catamaran cruise, try stand-up paddleboarding or spend hours swimming in the warm, turquoise lagoon.

In this case, it’s more important to consider factors such as:

  • The quality of the lagoon and swimming conditions.
  • Whether the resort offers complimentary water sports.
  • Access to excellent snorkelling and diving spots.
  • Opportunities for activities such as kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding and boat trips.
  • Staying on a stretch of coastline that suits the water activities you enjoy most.
 

On the other hand, some travellers prefer to keep active on land, whether that’s exploring the island or enjoying the many activities available at the resort itself. For these travellers, the beach may simply be one part of the holiday rather than the main attraction.

 

For these travellers, other factors may be more important, such as:

 
  • A good selection of land-based activities at the resort.
  • Facilities such as tennis, padel, fitness centres and bicycle rides.
  • Wellness experiences such as yoga and spa activities.
  • Cultural experiences such as Creole lessons, cooking classes or local demonstrations.
  • Easy access to hiking trails, golf courses and island attractions.
  • Choosing a resort that offers plenty to do both on and off the beach.
 

Once again, there is no right or wrong choice – it simply comes down to the type of holiday you want. Some travellers return home talking about colourful fish, catamaran cruises and days spent on the water, while others remember their sunrise yoga sessions, friendly tennis matches, cooking classes or the new skills and experiences they discovered during their stay.

A good rule of thumb is this: If your idea of the perfect holiday revolves around the ocean, choose a resort with a beautiful lagoon and plenty of water activities. If you enjoy staying active on land, look closely at the resort’s facilities and experiences, as not all resorts offer the same range of activities.

You can also compare our full selection of Mauritius hotels and resorts before requesting a personalised recommendation.

Islandwize Matches

Best Mauritius resorts for ocean explorers

Beachcomber is one of the strongest resort brands in Mauritius for complimentary water sports across its portfolio. A wide range of ocean experiences, including free water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling, kayaking, glass-bottom boat trips and pedal boats (subject to availability and operating schedules) are included in their packages.

This makes Beachcomber particularly appealing for travellers who want to spend their holiday actively enjoying the ocean, not just admiring it from the beach.

Snorkelling in clear turquoise waters near Shandrani lagoon

Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa

Standout feature: Snorkelling in Blue Bay Marine Park

The resort borders Blue Bay Marine Park, where clear water and rich marine life make it one of the strongest Beachcomber choices for travellers who want to explore beneath the surface.

Kitesurfing at Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort and Spa Mauritius

Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

Standout feature: Dedicated kitesurf school

Located on the Le Morne Peninsula, Dinarobin has its own kitesurf school affiliated with the International Kiteboarding Organization and the French Kite Association. It is a strong choice for beginners and experienced kitesurfers.

Scuba diving at Victoria Beachcomber Resort and Spa Mauritius

Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa

Standout feature: On-site Diving Academy

The on-site Diving Academy makes it easy for guests to take lessons and join dives without travelling to another centre. Nearby dive sites also make Victoria a good base for exploring Mauritius below the waterline.

Waterskiing at Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort and Spa Mauritius

Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

Standout feature: Water-skiing

Set on the sheltered Le Morne Peninsula, Paradis gives active travellers the chance to water-ski across a large turquoise lagoon. Guests can also use the water sports facilities at the neighbouring Dinarobin Beachcomber.

Sailing at Mauricia Beachcomber Resort and Spa Mauritius

Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa

Standout feature: Sailing in Grand Baie

Mauricia is particularly well suited to sailing, with the protected waters around Grand Baie providing a good setting for getting out on the lagoon. Spectacular dive sites are also within easy reach.

Diving at Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort and Spa Mauritius

Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

Standout feature: On-site diving centre

The resort has its own diving centre with high-quality equipment and qualified staff. This gives both new and experienced divers convenient access to the dive sites along Mauritius’s sheltered northwest coast.

Islandwize Matches

Best Mauritius resorts for land-based adventurers

While Mauritius is famous for its beaches, some resorts offer unique experiences that add another layer to the holiday, from adventure and nature to history, entertainment, and family-friendly discoveries. These are some of the standout features worth considering when matching the resort to the traveller.

Beachcomber Resorts

Standout feature: Excellent included activities

Beachcomber is a great choice for travellers who like to stay active, with one of the widest selections of complimentary land-based activities in Mauritius.

Long Beach Mauritius

Standout feature: Climbing wall

A real standout for families and active travellers, as very few Mauritius resorts offer a climbing wall, making it a great option for older children and teenagers.

Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort

Standout feature: Bel Ombre Nature Reserve experiences

Perfect for nature lovers, with access to hiking, 4×4 adventures, waterfalls, and outdoor experiences showcasing a different side of Mauritius.

LUX* Grand Gaube Resort & Villas

Standout feature: Cinema experiences

From its private 60-seat cinema to Cinema Paradiso, an outdoor movie experience under the stars, LUX* Grand Gaube adds those memorable holiday touches.

Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

Standout feature: History and hidden gems

A resort full of character, with historic colonial ruins, a unique treehouse-style spa built around an old banyan tree, and family-friendly features such as mini golf.

Maritim Resort & Spa Mauritius

Standout feature: Estate-style experiences

Beyond the beach, guests can enjoy unique experiences including horse riding and an animal farm, making it especially appealing for families and nature lovers.

Best Mauritius resorts for golfers

Mauritius is a dream destination for golf lovers, with several resorts offering exceptional courses and facilities. We’ll cover the best golf resorts in a dedicated Mauritius Golf Guide.

Islandwize Insider Tip: Do not compare resorts only by the number of activities advertised. Check which activities are included, whether equipment and instruction cost extra, and whether conditions are suitable during the month you plan to travel.

For ocean activities, the quality and location of the lagoon matter. For land-based activities, consider whether the resort offers enough on-site options or provides convenient access to golf courses, nature reserves and island attractions.

Let’s find your match

Tell me what matters to you, how you enjoy spending your time and what you expect from your holiday. I will use my first-hand knowledge of Mauritius to recommend the right area and resort for you.

Author picture

I’m Kerstin, founder of Islandwize Travel. With many years in the travel industry and more than 30 visits to Mauritius, I share first-hand knowledge and expert advice on Indian Ocean getaways. I help South Africans travel with confidence, guided by my motto: “Nothing is ever too much trouble.” Let’s plan your dream island holiday together.

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