If you are considering a tropical vacation to an island in the Indian Ocean, you might consider Mauritius and the Maldives, both sought-after destinations. While both islands attract a wide range of visitors and boast stunning beaches and a plethora of activities, the truth is that some key differences are worth knowing before making your decision.
In this article, we will dive into the main differences between the two beautiful islands, from which one has the best beaches to which one offers the best culturally immersive experience and everything in between. For example, it might be good to know that Mauritius offers a wide range of options for all budgets, while the Maldives catered more to luxury vacations, but there is more to this that we will share further on.
We have got you covered if you are still scratching your head when imagining your future vacation to either Mauritius or Maldives. So, to clarify any doubts you may have and to narrow down which island best suits the vacation you have in mind, keep reading for some valuable holiday information.
Let’s jump in.
A Brief Overview & Comparison: Mauritius Vs Maldives
Mauritius
- Budget Friendly
- Better cultural experience
- Better for families
- More activities and nightlife
Maldives
- Ideal for couples
- Glorious beaches
- Luxurious hotels and resorts
- World-class scuba and snorkeling
When comparing Mauritius Vs. Maldives, it is clear to see that there are some key differences, and this brief overview may have swayed your decision already – but stick around for a more in-depth look. Mauritius is one island compared to the Maldives, which comprises 1192 islands, many of which feature a single luxury resort. Mauritius and the Maldives may have powder-white beaches, turquoise waters, and sunny all year round, but Mauritius is better for nightlife, culture, and activities.
In saying that, the Maldives is one of the top destinations in the world because of its exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, not to mention the wide range of incredible hotels – take Soneva Jani, for instance, for that wow factor. Maldives is a top choice for couples who want to indulge in a relaxing and luxurious getaway, as well as honeymooners, since many of the hotels have exclusivity, gourmet cuisine, and overwater villas, which make them stand out.
It may go without saying, but we must stress that the Maldives is much more expensive than Mauritius, and the prices will differ for accommodation, food, and activities depending on your plans. Mauritius is much more budget-friendly and is ideal for backpackers, families, solo travelers, and groups. But there’s more to dive into, so let’s dig deeper.
Mauritius Vs. Maldives: A Quick Guide to Choosing
Mauritius Mini Guide
- Location Size – 2,040 km2 (about the area of Yosemite National Park)
- Population – 1.3 million
- Rainy Season – November – April
- High Season – May – October
- Top Sights – Black River Gorges National Park, St Louis (the capital city), Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark, Flic En Flac Beach, Ile aux Cerfs (island)
- Major Airports – Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport
From our Mauritius mini guide, you might notice that the island is quite large compared to the Maldives, meaning there is much more to explore, and getting around is much easier and more affordable than the Maldives. Mauritius has many sights to see, and there are plenty of tours you can take, as well as the opportunity to do sightseeing on your own utilizing public transport.
The best time to visit the island is between May and December, with May – October being the peak season, which may impact your decision based on when you are planning your trip.
Maldives Mini Guide
- Location Size – 8 km2 (about the area of Athens, Georgia)
- Population – 521,021
- Rainy Season – May – October
- High Season – November – April
- Top Sights – Male (The capital), Hulhumale artificial beach, underwater coral gardens, the diverse marine life
- Major Airports – Velena International Airport
The Maldives is a stunning destination, made up of 1,192 islands, which means that you can stay on one island and explore surrounding islands on tours, yet this will be pricey if you choose to explore. Getting around the islands is costly since the main modes of transport are ferry or seaplane, which many hotels will organize for an extra fee for your arrival and departure.
Most people who visit the Maldives plan to enjoy their resort and its luxurious facilities rather than go island hopping, but this can be possible if you are not on a tight budget. Maldives is a fantastic place for snorkeling and scuba diving since it boasts ultra-clear waters and the best time to snorkel or dive is between December and April when visibility is at its best.
The Five Key Differences Between Mauritius Vs. Maldives
How do the beaches and landscape compare?
Mauritius
When it comes to beaches, Mauritius has its fair share of stunning stretches of pristine beach, so visitors will not be disappointed when it comes to this aspect. Some of the best beaches in Mauritius include Le Morne and Ile aux Cerfs, but there are many more to explore.
We must admit that Mauritius has a more varied landscape than the Maldives, with plenty of mountains and hills, ideal for hiking. The highest point of Mauritius is Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire, which stands at 828m (about 2716.54 ft), compared to the Maldives, which is just 5m – yes, 5m high.
Maldives
Maldives wins when it comes to having the best beaches and is widely regarded as one of the top beach destinations worldwide. Some of the best beaches in the Maldives include Cocoa Beach, Bikini Beach, and Veligandu, to name but a few, but the country is not short of stunning beaches. Regarding landscape, the highest point is Mt Villingilli, which is just over 5m, so if you are hoping for viewpoints or challenging hikes, this is not the right destination for you.
How budget-friendly is Mauritius Vs Maldives?
Mauritius
We mentioned the budget earlier, but let’s explain. Mauritius is cheaper than the Maldives in many senses, but here is what you can expect. Mauritius tends to have more expensive flights but more affordable on-site costs such as accommodation, food, and specific activities; plus, it is a destination that can be tailored to your budget. It can be easy to eat local, travel without a tour, or explore on foot, while the Maldives will find it hard to achieve this goal.
Maldives
Flying to the Maldives may appear a good deal, but once you arrive, you can expect costs to be much higher than in Mauritius. Accommodation options generally include resort hotels based on their island, making it hard to explore anything else around your resort. Yet, there are tours that you can do to discover more at an extra cost. As a rule of thumb, most people book holiday packages that may include meals and services to keep the costs at a minimum; otherwise, the prices of individual meals can be through the roof.
Who are the islands best suited to?
Mauritius
Mauritius is best suited to families, active couples, solo travelers, and groups since there is a wide variety of activities to suit all interests. From hiking and beach adventures to zip lining and sea kayaking, this is the perfect island to do it all, making it an excellent place for those who want to stay active and have fun. In addition, Mauritius is a beautiful place for those looking to get more bang for their buck, with many great accommodation options available, from budget to luxury hotels, Air BnBs, and all-inclusive resorts, which makes this island ideal for everyone.
Maldives
The Maldives is a top destination for couples and honeymooners for a reason. The accommodation options and unique attractions are out of this world; just take the abundance of underwater restaurants, for instance. With these luxuries comes a hefty price tag for which the islands are well known, so this is an ideal destination for a special occasion or a luxurious holiday where budget is not a factor. The Maldives is undoubtedly the best destination for that wow factor, and if this is what you expect from your vacation, including world-class beaches, then we must admit that this is a mind-blowing place to visit.
Which Island is better for activities?
Mauritius
Both islands have great activities, so this entirely depends on where your interests lie. For instance, if you are a water baby planning to spend time discovering marine life, then you might not choose Mauritius over the Maldives, but if you want a more diverse selection of things to do, Mauritius is the place to go. This is an ideal destination for exploring and discovering fun new adventures, so in this sense, Mauritius may be the better choice.
Maldives
The Maldives wins hands down regarding marine life, with plenty of exceptional diving and snorkeling spots, not to mention incredible beaches and islands waiting to be discovered. The only downside is that the country is very flat, so this may not be ideal if you like to get out and about and go hiking. The Maldives is not as easy to get around, so if you want to enjoy activities or adventures from your resort, they must be pre-organized and costly compared to Mauritius.
Which Island is better for culture?
Mauritius
The good news is that both countries offer a great cultural experience, albeit very different. The island of Mauritius has a mix of Indian, African, Chinese, and European cultures, resulting in a unique cultural blend that is exciting to discover. This is apparent in the cuisine, local festivals, and languages.
If you visit Mauritius, you will have many opportunities to enjoy aspects of the local culture, which may be more difficult in The Maldives.
Maldives
Conversely, the Maldives have a more uniform culture with their language and highly Islamic traditions, compared to Mauritius, which is predominantly Hindu and Christian.
While you can experience the culture of the Maldives during your vacation, you may need to leave your resort and take a cultural tour or spend some time in the capital of Male to get to know the country’s cultural heart. If you are seeking an immersive cultural experience, you may feel restricted at your resort, and in that case, Mauritius is a better choice.
Three questions to help you decide?
Mauritius Vs Maldives: Which is the better choice?
Asla, now that we have explored the key differences between Mauritius Vs Maldives, it is clear that both islands have a few things in common, but many differences. Mauritius is undoubtedly the best choice regarding adventures, budget-friendly options, various activities, immersive cultural experiences, and a diverse landscape that is fun to explore.
Conversely, Maldives is a no-brainer if you are keen to enjoy a relaxed vacation in a luxury resort with some of the world’s best beaches at your doorstep. While we must admit that both island countries have something unique to offer visitors, the truth is that one of these islands may suit you better than the other.
So, which one will it be?
