Maldives is an island country made up of 1192 islands, divided into atolls. Out of these 1192 islands, 200 islands are inhabited and 180 of them have resorts. These luxurious resorts with stunning water villas surrounded by azure water are located on separate islands (each island has its own resort). The capital city Male is an island located close to the airport and is the only one connected by roads. There are some places to visit and restaurants in Male but the accommodation is very basic. Most tourists stay in resorts on different islands and travel there by speedboat or seaplane, depending on the location. Maldives is the ideal place for a relaxing luxurious holiday surrounded by breathtaking beauty.
Mauritius is one big island with many things to do, places to visit, and restaurants all accessible by road. Mauritius mostly has stunning beach resorts, located on different beaches of the island. It is very convenient to hire a car in Mauritius and explore the entire island. Mauritius is the ideal place for people looking to lounge by the beaches and yet wanting to do visit different places.
| Mauritius | Maldives |
| Stay Options include beach resorts, luxury hotels, Airbnb options. Mid-range to luxury stays. | Stay options include primarily luxury water villas and resorts on private islands. Accommodation tends to be more expensive. |
| The budget falls under Lower to mid-range, with good deals available. | Higher travel budget, with expensive transfers and imported goods. |
| The best time to visit is from May to December. The country may experience cyclones from January to April. | The best time to visit is from November to April. Northern islands may have rain from May to October and tropical cyclones from August to November. |
| Main activities include Hiking, cycling, watersports (kite surfing, parasailing), horse riding, and cultural exploration. | Main activities include World-class diving, snorkeling, dolphin cruises, underwater walking, kayaking, and catamaran sailing. |
| Excellent road connectivity, car rentals, and public transport are available. | Speedboat or seaplane is required for travel between islands. Limited and expensive mobility once on resort islands. |
| Vibrant nightlife with bars, pubs, and restaurants open till early morning. | Limited nightlife, with options confined to resort bars and restaurants. Alcohol is only available in licensed resorts. |
Mauritius vs the Maldives: Budget
Maldives is slightly expensive as compared to Mauritius. The Maldives is known for its luxurious resorts, and as a result, the overall cost of a trip here is higher. A typical mid-range vacation in the Maldives could range from 300 to 600 USD per day, with luxury vacations costing much more. Budget travelers can find guesthouses on local islands for around 50 to 100 USD per night, but overwater villas at private island resorts typically start at 300 to 800 USD per night and can go beyond 1,000 USD for top-tier luxury. Meals in guesthouses or local cafés cost between 10 to 20 USD, while resort dining may cost between 50 to 150 USD per meal. Many resorts offer all-inclusive packages that cover meals and activities, but additional experiences like diving or spa treatments can add up, costing around 100 to 200 USD per person. Seaplane transfers to resorts can also be expensive, typically costing around 200 to 500 USD per person, depending on the distance from the capital, Malé.
Mauritius is generally more affordable than the Maldives, offering a range of options to suit different budgets. On average, a mid-range vacation to Mauritius could cost between 150 to 300 USD per day. Budget accommodations such as guesthouses or self-catering apartments range from 50 to 100 USD per night, while mid-range hotels cost around 150 to 250 USD. Meals at local restaurants can cost between 10 to 20 USD, while dining at upscale establishments or resorts can go up to 50 to 100 USD. Car rentals or public transportation are affordable, with day tours costing around 50 to 100 USD. Activities such as snorkeling or hiking are often included in resort packages, but some excursions like deep-sea fishing or day trips to nearby islands may cost around 50 to 150 USD.
Mauritius vs Maldives: Weather
The Maldives has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, ranging from 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F). The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is sunny, and the seas are calm. The wet season, from May to October, brings more rain and higher humidity, but it's also the best time for diving, as the marine life is most active during this period.
Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate, with the best time to visit being from May to December, during the dry season, when temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F). The summer months from January to April are hot and humid, with a risk of cyclones, though they are rare. If you’re interested in water sports and beach activities, the cooler, dry months are ideal for a visit.
Mauritius vs the Maldives: For Adventure and Activities
Maldives is one of the best places in the world for diving and snorkeling, with diverse marine life and corals of distinct hues. The marine life of Maldives comprises Manta Rays, turtles, baby sharks, and whale sharks. Apart from these, the Maldives is also famous for dolphin cruises, catamaran sailing, kayaking, parasailing, and underwater walking, among other water sports. Read more about water sports in Maldives.
Mauritius also offers a plethora of activities to make your holiday memorable and exciting. You can go hiking, cycling, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, mountain trekking, hunting, birdwatching, windsurfing, waterskiing, rafting, horse riding, and even quad biking as you explore the old colonial capital. The islands are easy to explore and give you an action-packed experience.
Mauritius vs Maldives: Transportation and Connectivity
Both Mauritius and Maldives are accessible via international flights, but note that Mauritius has more direct flights from Europe and Africa, while most Maldives visitors need to fly through Dubai or Singapore. Mauritius offers public transportation options and car rentals, allowing tourists to explore independently. Meanwhile, the Maldives relies on private speedboat transfers or seaplanes, which are more expensive and limit mobility.
Maldives: The capital city Male is the only place in Maldives which is connected to the airport by road. The rest of the island resorts are connected to the airport by a speedboat, seaplane or a domestic flight. Once you are on the resort island, you can travel to Male or any other island only by renting a yacht, which is very expensive.
Mauritius: It is one big island with excellent road connectivity. Roads are smooth, with breathtaking views, making it very convenient to hire a self-drive car in Mauritius for sightseeing.
Mauritius vs Maldives: Family Holiday or Honeymoon Destination or Solo Travel
If you are looking for some privacy and me-time, then the Maldives will offer you your desired solitude hence making it an excellent option for solo travellers. The Maldives attracts the youngsters especially couples on honeymoon, surfers, divers, and even celebrities. Families with young children may feel a little out of place. Some overwater villas prohibit children under 12 and resorts do not offer enough activities for children.
With the myriad activities offered here, Mauritius is a perfect family and child-friendly destination. The resorts even offer kids' clubs to entertain and take care of the children so that the parents can enjoy their vacation. The activities mentioned above are available for all ages. Mauritius is incredibly safe; however, due to the number of visitors it attracts, Mauritius is an incredible choice for couples looking for a romantic getaway as well.
Mauritius vs Maldives: Nightlife
Maldives has almost zero nightlife with the options limited to the bars or restaurants inside the resort. It is also illegal to carry alcohol to Maldives, but most private resorts have liquor licences.
Mauritius has a happening nightlife with many bars, pubs and restaurants spread throughout the island. There is no bar closing time, so many places are open till early morning. It is also safe for tourists to roam around Mauritius at night. Read more about nightlife in Mauritius.
Both destinations have their unique charm and unparalleled experience which makes it a very tough choice. However, it entirely depends on what you are looking for. But no matter which place you choose, you will taste a slice of paradise for sure.