Surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar, Mauritius is a spectacular volcanic island that’s renowned for its sapphire waters and powdery white beaches. It's blessed with a diversity of marine ecosystems that are a delight for both novice and experienced divers alike.
The fringing reef that encircles Mauritius creates a series of sheltered lagoons (some stretching for several kilometres) where you can get up close to colourful corals and an incredible array of tropical fish. Not only that but there are fascinating wrecks, caves and crevices to explore - it really is one of Africa's best diving destinations.
If you can drag yourself away from the idyllic coastline, you'll discover a mountainous interior offering countless hiking trails and colonial plantation houses to explore, as well as tranquil villages where you can experience the “real” Mauritius. Added to that, the island is fast becoming a top culinary destination, with a cuisine that blends African, Indian and French influences.
When it comes to planning a sustainable scuba vacation in Mauritius, you don’t have to look far, with the island boasting plenty of hotels and resorts that are leading the way when it comes to eco-tourism. These range from adults-only retreats to family-friendly properties offering all-inclusive stays.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius, focused on each of the island’s three main diving areas. In each destination, you’ll be able to find PADI and SSI dive shops offering daily scuba trips and certification courses for those looking to take their first steps or up-skill.
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North
The north of Mauritius offers some exceptional diving opportunities, with numerous shipwrecks that have transformed over the years into vibrant artificial reefs. The areas around Gunners Coin, Round Island and Serpent Island are particularly notable for their exceptional visibility, with the opportunity to see everything from sharks to shoals of barracuda. Also worth mentioning are the dive sites around Grand Bay and Trou aux Biches, where you can encounter sea turtles and titan triggerfish. When it comes to wrecks, highlights include the Stella Maru and Djabeda.
Eco-friendly places to stay in north Mauritius
Best luxury eco-friendly resort in Mauritius
With its absolute beachfront setting, LUX* Grand Baie is one of the most luxurious resorts in Mauritius. Aside from its sumptuous suites, one of the property’s standout features is the Keen on Green initiative, which sees its restaurants serving up a creative selection of vegan, vegetarian and raw dishes, all prepared with locally-sourced, sustainably produced ingredients. The entire property is LED-lit and outfitted with a Smart Switching Energy Management system that optimises air conditioning and energy use.
"A fabulous hotel - beautiful location, spotlessly clean and luxurious.” - Sara (read more reviews here)
Best adults-only eco-hotel in Mauritius
This apricot-coloured hotel on the northeast coast of Mauritius is unique in that guests are asked prior to arrival if there are any skills they want to share with the community through an innovative “Swap Skill” program. Aside from its community-focused initiatives, this eco-friendly Mauritius resort has addressed sustainability in almost every detail. SALT grows much of its own produce on-site and bottles an array of homemade goods like kombucha and pickles to reduce waste. Additionally, the spacious rooms feature organic toiletries and compostable packaging is used throughout the resort to reduce plastic waste.
“One of the best hotel experiences we have ever had!! The quiet and romantic atmosphere was exactly what we were looking for.” - Munusami (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius
West
We can’t talk about diving in the west of Mauritius without mentioning the frequent appearances of inquisitive dolphins that often delight divers with their graceful acrobatics. The coral sites here are particularly colourful and (if you’re lucky), you may catch a glimpse of migratory humpback whales, which can sometimes be seen breaching nearby. Experienced divers can explore the area's numerous caves and arches, which provide a sheltered space for fish and moral eels. Several captivating wrecks litter the sea floor, including the Tug II and Kei Sei 113, while sites like the "Cathedral" and "Rampart Serpent" offer unforgettable dive experiences near Flic-en-Flac Beach.
Eco-friendly places to stay in west Mauritius
Best eco-friendly boutique resort in Mauritius
Offering incredible views over Flic-en-Flac Beach, this eco-friendly resort in Mauritius has recently earned its Green Globe certification. Aside from growing its own organic spices and using biodegradable cleaning products, Sands Suites is compositing all organic waste and implementing LED lighting across the resort. With its spacious suites, indulgent spa and absolute beachfront setting, it’s definitely one of the best sustainable places to stay in Mauritius.
"It was beautiful and memorable. We had a phenomenal time.” - Wanja (read more reviews here)
Best sustainable beachfront hotel in Mauritius
This luxurious four-star hotel overlooks a blissful beach on the island’s west coast and was voted the Best Sustainable Hotel in Mauritius in 2023 by the Mauritius Tourism Authority. This reflects its ongoing commitment to environmental issues and addressing the effects of tourism on climate change, as well as the steps it has taken to engage with local communities. It features 248 thatched roof cottages that ooze Mauritian charm, as well as a sprawling pool and gourmet dining establishments.
"Blissful time at a great beach with lovely views.” - Jacek (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius
Southeast
The underwater landscape of Mauritius’ southeast is notable for its network of "passes" - narrow channels and waterways that provide access to the open ocean beyond the protective coral reefs. The most notable of these is Belle Mare Pass, which is renowned among divers for the sheer abundance and diversity of marine life found in its waters. Nearby, the waters around Mahebourg offer a dramatically different experience, with swim-throughs and hidden crevices to explore. Perhaps the crown jewel of this region is the wreck of a historic British frigate "Sirius", which was sunk during a naval battle with the French in 1810.
Eco-friendly places to stay in south Mauritius
Best eco-friendly hotel in Mauritius for nature lovers
While it might not be on the coast, this eco-lodge in Mauritius is definitely worth a stay, with its highly unique transparent domes set within an emerald tea plantation. By day, you can go hiking or just reconnect with the natural world, and at night, you’ll enjoy an unobstructed view of the stars above from the comfort of your bed. Bubble Lodge Bois Cheri was designed with the environment at the forefront, thanks to the vision of French designer Pierre Stephanie Dumas. Every aspect, from the materials used to the energy-efficient systems in place, was carefully considered to ensure an incredibly low environmental impact.
"Glamorous glamping experience in the jungle.” - Klara (read more reviews here)
Best all-inclusive eco-friendly hotel in Mauritius
If you're looking for an all-inclusive stay, this luxury resort on the south coast of Mauritius ticks all the right boxes. After checking in, it feels like a “choose your own adventure” experience, with everything from snorkelling to sunset cruises and yoga classes on offer. Heritage Awali’s dedication to sustainable practices has earned it the prestigious Green Key Label, making it one of the most eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius. Not only has it installed a state-of-the-art water bottling plant and reduced plastic consumption but it partners with a local NGO to conserve the surrounding reef.
"Everything was perfect and there were many activities to do.” - Pearl (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius
Best time to dive in Mauritius
The warm, tropical climate of Mauritius allows for year-round diving, with water temperatures often reaching 29°C during the peak season from November to April. During these summer months, the visibility is usually excellent and the warm waters lure an abundance of marine life. The winter months in Mauritius can bring slightly rougher seas and reduced visibility, as the ocean becomes more turbulent.
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