Indian Ocean Islands (Vacations, Travel Guide & Best Time)
Indian Ocean Islands (Vacations, Travel Guide, Destinations & Best Time to visit)
There exist more significant issues than selecting a stretch of sand along the Indian Ocean Islands to relax upon. Initially, Mauritius, the Maldives, and the Seychelles may appear indistinguishable. Beyond the beach, one does not encounter a series of uniform islands.
We have examined each site to emphasise its unique characteristics and assist you in selecting your preferred segment of the Indian Ocean Islands. On Seychelles’ Bird Island, one can observe enormous tortoises ambling past, while in Mauritius, one may dedicate days to touring tea farms, plantation residences, and botanical gardens. In the Maldives, one might forgo all activities and indulge in solitary relaxation on a deserted island.
Which island? An Indian Ocean comparison guide
1. Mauritius
MAURITIUS: The ULTIMATE Travel Guide to PARADISE ISLAND the Indian Ocean
Consider Mauritius if you seek an island abundant in activities. It has sufficiently developed amenities, including a diverse selection of restaurants and stores, while preserving a largely unspoiled volcanic interior that invites exploration. It features exceptionally well-preserved history, which may be experienced through visits to colonial houses, sampling rum, and seeing the island’s prominent sugar and tea industry.
What sets Mauritius apart?
Discovered by Arab traders and colonised by the French, Dutch, and British until achieving independence in 1968, few territories of such diminutive size have amassed such a diverse history. The L’Aventure du Sucre museum, located near the capital Port Louis, examines sugar to elucidate Mauritius’s social history through the manufacture of the island’s primary commodity. The structure functioned as an operational sugar factory until 1999, and during your tour, you may sample various types of unrefined sugar, jam, and honey.
The island’s second commodity, rum, is intricately linked to the sugar sector. Rhumerie de Chamarel resembles a boutique restaurant rather than a factory, including an upmarket restaurant on-site; nonetheless, beneath its terracotta walls, one can see polished vats for distilling sugar cane juice and ageing rum barrels. Arrange a trip to gain insight into the operations and to taste a variety of its exports.
In addition to seemingly infinite acres of sugarcane, one also observes lush green tea plantations. The Domaine des Aubineaux, a 19th-century French colonial residence, contains a tea museum where visitors can taste several aromatic teas. It is among the earliest villas on the island, and the rooms are adorned with historic furnishings from the East India Company.
To immerse oneself in the island’s cultural diversity, embark on a walking tour of the capital, Port Louis. While exploring, you may taste traditional cuisine, such as chilli cakes, maize puddings, or dholl puri (a stuffed flatbread influenced by Indian cuisine). I thereafter proceeded inland to join a Creole family that hosts people for lunch. My host, Marie-Michelle, crafted her own curry paste prior to utilising it in a variety of recipes for my tasting, predominantly using ingredients harvested from her garden.
Over 300 bird species have been documented on the island, with nine being indigenous; an excellent location for seeing them is the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden. Employing a guide is advantageous, as the property is huge and, despite meticulous maintenance, few plants are labelled.
While traversing the island, one may encounter roe deer, wild boar, macaques, and one of the largest colonies of flying foxes globally; nonetheless, wildlife is not a primary emphasis for Mauritius. I contend that the primary highlight is the geography itself. Hike through Black River Gorges National Park and encounter volcanic mountains with such steepness that they seem vertical.
Snorkeling and diving
MAURITIUS SCUBA DIVING | MY FIRST MAURITIUS DIVING EXPERIENCE
The southeasterly trade winds result in slightly less clarity of the water here compared to the Maldives; however, it is nearly comparable. Over 160 kilometres (100 miles) of barrier reefs encircle the island, forming a succession of tranquil lagoons and shallow waters.
The reef is geologically youthful; therefore, for optimal snorkelling locations, it is advisable to participate in an offshore boat excursion. Diving allows you to swim alongside the drop-off inhabited by reef sharks and spinner dolphins.
I recommend arranging a tour via your hotel, which can guarantee that the boat employs a buoy instead of a coral-damaging anchor. Blue Bay Marine Park, located off the southwest coast, features exceptional reefs teeming with feeding damselfish and vibrant shoals of parrotfish.
Is Mauritius a good destination for families?
Similar in size to London, Mauritius’s tiny dimensions allow for a blend of relaxation on its velvety-soft sands and engaging activities. Inland, zip-lines traverse treetops, and hiking trails ascend to magnificent vistas where merchants provide fresh, moss-green sugarcane juice.
Along the coast, numerous activities are available on, in, or beneath the ocean. Young children can paddle confidently in the mild, bathwater-warm waves of the eastern and western beaches.
Recommendations for honeymooners and couples
One would be astonished by the ability of Mauritian personnel to arrange items into the form of a heart. Resorts in Mauritius excel at indulging couples with meticulously arranged petals. Envision couples’ massages, champagne breakfasts, and considerate gifts placed in your room.
The island offers quiet dining experiences and sunset cruises with excellence; yet, Mauritius’s allure is enhanced by its plethora of options for more active couples. Prior to visiting the beach, one may consider spending several nights in the Chamarel Mountains, which preside over the island’s southwestern region. From this location, one can walk or ride through Black River Gorges National Park, characterised by its ebony woods, waterfalls, and silvery granite ridges.
If you like a big villa, your options extend beyond the Maldives. Numerous Mauritian hotels provide meticulously designed private villas, many of which include private pools. On the eastern coast of Mauritius, the Constance Le Prince Maurice has integrated a collection of residences among its adjacent mangroves. Each unit features a lounge, bedroom, and balcony, providing ample space for privacy.
2. The Seychelles
Seychelles: Things to know before visiting
I have never observed a sea with such a vivid hue of blue as that in the Seychelles. The beaches here would be crowded in any other nation, yet it is simple to discover one to enjoy alone. Development is minimal: a sparse population inhabits approximately 30 islands, while the remaining 70 islands are uninhabited and pristine. This nation comprises small communities featuring single-story gingerbread cottages, where veggies are sold from front porches instead of stores.
What sets the Seychelles apart?
The Seychelles are unique as the sole oceanic granitic islands globally that were not created by volcanic processes. This may seem relevant solely to geographers, but it signifies that a substantial portion of the flora and fauna is distinctive. Nearly 50% of the Seychelles’ land area has been designated as a national park or nature reserve, and numerous hotels either endorse a conservation foundation or have established their own initiatives.
The granite mountains constitute the backbone of Mahé and Praslin, their near-black hue accentuating the contrast with the vibrant green foliage. You can trek in Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahé or explore Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of coco de mer trees, on Praslin. You may observe the Seychelles black parrot (which is actually a murky brown) or, if you are especially vigilant, a Gardiner’s tree frog, the smallest frog in the world.
Numerous islets accommodate the resolute journeys of nesting turtles, and the Green islets Foundation, a conservation NGO, maintains a permanent presence on Denis Island to oversee them. You may accompany the team throughout their rounds to inspect for hatching nests. Green turtles nest from May to September, and hawksbills nest from October to February.
The optimal method of exploration is to engage in island hopping from the foundation of several distinct properties. Each island offers a glimpse into Creole culture, seeing fisherman selling their catch each afternoon and the pointed spires of cream-walled churches.
In Mahé, one can explore the Victoria Botanical Gardens or partake in a tour of a spice or rum plantation. Strolling through the diminutive capital, Victoria, one may appreciate a blend of architecture that includes an Anglican church and the nation’s sole Hindu temple.
The expansive, level roads of La Digue are perfect for exploration by bicycle (your hotel may facilitate rental arrangements). While cycling through the little town of La Passe, one encounters a row of newsagents, a post office, and a modest vegetable market. Deeper within the palm fields, I saw workers enthusiastic to demonstrate the process of husking coconuts. Anse Source d’Argent, purportedly the most photographed beach globally, is a brief bicycle ride away.
Snorkeling and diving
Best Dive Ever! the Seychelles!
Similar to several regions globally, elevated water temperatures have resulted in coral bleaching, thus snorkelling focuses on the abundant marine life rather than the reefs. Butterflyfish and parrotfish are frequently observed, with the latter’s nutritional preference being the exceedingly fine sand found between one’s toes. Both species of turtle navigate the waters of the Seychelles year-round, frequently coming into contact with eagle rays and gigantic stingrays.
For an optimal snorkelling experience, consider participating in an organised boat excursion further from the shore or around the smaller granite islands, which can be arranged by most hotels.
Are the Seychelles a good destination for families?
Hotels on the larger islands of Praslin and Mahé accommodate families with interconnecting rooms, babysitter services, and children’s clubs. Constance Ephelia Resort on Mahé offers a variety of activities, including pizza-making courses, treasure hunts, scientific lessons, zip-lining across the grounds, children’s spa treatments, and family-oriented forest treks.
Recommendations for honeymooners and couples
In the Seychelles, one can traverse from isolated private islands to larger landmasses where jungle treks and local markets may constitute the day’s activities. By merging a castaway-style experience on Denis Island with a sojourn on Mahé, one can attain the optimal balance of both environments.
The manager of Denis Island referred to it as ‘the jewel of the Indian Ocean,’ a characterisation that is difficult to dispute. This private island, shaped like a shark fin, with 25 houses discreetly situated among frangipani and bougainvillaea woods, each providing access to pristine white sand.
3. The Maldives
Maldives Travel Guide
The Maldives epitomise tranquilly. Each diminutive private island features a solitary hotel, sequestered in a turquoise sea. There is a limited array of activities and attractions available. It primarily involves indulging in gourmet cuisine, spa therapies, and some of the most exquisite undersea vistas I have ever encountered. Each island resort meticulously maintains its very smooth beaches to ensure they remain immaculate.
What sets the Maldives apart?
The Maldives represent the quintessential escape, however they also offer remarkable versatility as a destination. Select from beachfront villas on Baros or private overwater pool suites at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. For complete isolation, COMO Cocoa Island is the ideal getaway, including overwater houses designed to resemble ancient dhoni boats, evoking a distinctly Crusoe ambiance.
Numerous activities are available, including spa treatments and a wide array of water sports. Culture is often not the primary focus during a vacation in the Maldives; however, some islands have integrated Maldivian elements into their offerings or provide opportunities to explore the local region.
According to local tradition, the coconut palms of the islands produce fruit due to the influence of fanditha (magic). At Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, you can engage with the islanders responsible for plant care, who can elucidate the significance of palms in Maldivian culture. You also have the opportunity to sample the fresh produce and ascend a tree via the traditional method.
From COMO Cocoa Island, one can participate in a walking tour of the adjacent island of Guraidhoo, accessible via a ten-minute boat journey. Women occupy the porches of vividly painted concrete dwellings, listening to the radio, while young men labour in corrugated-iron sheds constructing boats, the island’s primary business.
Snorkeling and diving
Snorkelling in the Maldives
The coral in the Maldives is not impeccable – instances of bleaching are observable — yet it remains one of the most vivid underwater landscapes I have ever encountered. After about 20 minutes in the water, one is likely to observe blacktip reef sharks and turtles.
When considering snorkelling, the selection of the island is crucial: some islands feature a house reef accessible from the beach, while others have coral located further offshore, necessitating a boat excursion.
Baros Maldives features a proprietary house reef and a coral rehabilitation initiative aimed at preserving native coral populations from loss. Visitors may tour the coral nursery and sponsor a coral basket, the contents of which will be transferred to the bottom.
Every island features a dive school and frequently possesses distinct dive locations. The Maldives are distinguished by their vibrant and teeming seafloor life. During a single dive, I observed shimmering schools of oriental sweetlips, stingrays, triggerfish, and parrotfish – I could distinctly hear them crunching on the coral.
Are the Maldives a good destination for families?
Although often perceived as a destination for honeymooners and couples, the tranquil waters and well-maintained beaches give the Maldives a viable option for family vacations. Some islands offer amenities in pairs, while others emphasise family-oriented features such as well-appointed children’s clubs, childcare services, and family activities.
Kurumba, a prominent resort in the Maldives, is adept at ensuring family satisfaction and is conveniently located just a 10-minute speedboat ride from Malé. The hotel features two children’s pools, the Majaa Kids’ Club, and facilities for a variety of ball games. The breakers surrounding the island create exceptionally tranquil seas for novice snorkelers, and the Kurumba Dive Centre offers instruction for children.
Recommendations for honeymooners and couples
The Maldives are frequently categorised as a honeymoon location, and justifiably so. For the most immaculate sand, unspoiled beaches, and remote island solitude, few options surpass this. Moreover, there is an advantage in emulating the experiences of other honeymooners: the resorts are adept at providing a diverse range of experiences that create the illusion of exclusivity for couples.
At the underwater restaurant of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, patrons can enjoy their meals amidst turtles and reef sharks, or refine their sommelier expertise through a tour of the 20,000-bottle wine vault.
The selection of overwater villas is abundant, although the dhoni suites at COMO Cocoa Island, designed to resemble Maldivian fishing boats, are particularly beautiful.
Certain island resorts cater specifically to couples, imposing age restrictions on guests (Baros permits only children over eight) or designating sections of the hotel exclusively for adults (as seen in one of Conrad Rangali’s two islands).
