Travel greener in Mauritius

Use reef-safe sunscreen

Some sunscreen ingredients, especially oxybenzone and octinoxate, are linked to coral damage. Choose a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), put it on 20 minutes before swimming so it can soak in, and wear a rash vest or a T-shirt in the water: it protects you better and means less cream in the lagoon.

Marine parks: look, do not touch

Blue Bay and Balaclava are protected marine parks, home to some of the healthiest coral around the island. Follow the rules given by your boat crew and the park signs.

• Never stand on, touch or kick the coral. Float, or wear a life jacket if you are not a confident swimmer.
• Do not feed the fish, and never take shells, coral or sea creatures out of the water.
• Keep your distance from turtles and dolphins, and choose boat operators that do the same.
• Pick glass-bottom boats and operators that use moorings instead of dropping anchors on the reef.

Respect nature reserves

Mauritius lost the dodo, but conservation has brought other species back from the edge, like the pink pigeon and the Mauritius kestrel. You can see native forest in Black River Gorges National Park and on guided visits to small island reserves such as Île aux Aigrettes.

Stay on marked trails, take your litter home, do not pick plants, and do not feed the monkeys: it makes them aggressive and unhealthy.

Less plastic, less waste

Bring a reusable water bottle and a shopping bag. Many hotels have water refill points. Say no to plastic straws and pick up any rubbish you see on the beach: there is often more than you think after a windy day.

Water can be short in the dry season. Short showers and reusing towels help.

Support local businesses

Your money does the most good when it stays on the island. Stay in a family guesthouse for some nights, eat at local snack bars and markets, hire Mauritian guides and drivers, and buy crafts made in Mauritius rather than imported souvenirs.

Never buy coral, shells or turtle products, even if they are on sale.

Find local guides, drivers and guesthouses in our local directory

Getting around

Group your outings by area to drive less, share a driver for day trips, and try the bus or the Metro Express light rail for short journeys between towns.