The Magic of the Indian Ocean and its Islands

Island Hopping Dreams: Mauritius, Seychelles & the Wild Charms of Nosy Be

Let’s be honest — who hasn’t daydreamed about escaping to a dreamy island, toes buried in powdery white sand, sipping something fruity or a more alcoholic cocktail while gazing out at a turquoise sea?

My idea of paradise includes vibrant coral reefs, lush green landscapes, giant tortoises, and wildlife plus a lemur or two.

Setting off from Dubai across the Indian Ocean n my last cruise I headed to Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the lesser-known but totally magical Nosy Be.

Mauritius: A Tropical Cocktail of Culture and Colour

Let’s start with Mauritius — an island that feels like a love letter to nature and diversity. Set in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Madagascar, this island is not just about beaches (though yes, they are magical). Think lush sugarcane fields, colourful Hindu temples, colonial-era mansions, and bustling markets full of spices and street food. The colour and life on Mauritius is outstanding.

One of the absolute must-dos in Mauritius is visiting the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden (say that three times fast!). Often just called the Pamplemousses Garden, this sprawling oasis is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. The highlight? Giant water lilies that look like they could hold a baby, shady palm-lined paths, and rare spices and medicinal plants. It’s peaceful, fragrant, and seriously photo and blog worthy.

I went with a group of ladies that became friendly with on our cruise, and for the driver and taxi for a full day, it was less than 40 dollars/36GBP each. You cannot get a ships excursion for that amount, nor plan your own itinerary or say how long you want to be at each stop off. If you can get a group together, this is definitely the cheapest and safest way to travel when you go onshore.

Nature lovers should also head to the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths, a surreal geological formation where the sands naturally separate into seven distinct colours. It’s bizarre, beautiful, and surrounded by waterfalls and lush forest. Oh, and while you’re in the south, don’t miss Black River Gorges National Park — it’s Mauritius’ green lung and home to hiking trails, dramatic scenery, and rare birds like the Mauritius kestrel.

Beach Bliss in Mauritius

You can’t visit Mauritius and not talk beaches. Seriously, it’s illegal (okay, not really). The island is ringed with stunning spots, but here are a few of the best:

• Trou aux Biches – Calm, shallow, and family-friendly. Great for snorkeling.

• Flic en Flac – Popular and lively with a great mix of locals and tourists. Sunset here? Chef’s kiss.

• Le Morne – Backed by a dramatic mountain, this is the spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding.

• Île aux Cerfs – A short boat ride away, this private island is straight-up paradise with pristine beaches and turquoise lagoons.

The BBQ restaurants on the beach cook where we stopped off for a short while had amazing selections of seafood, the smell of that outdoor cooking was just so tantalising. Unfortunately as we were running out of time and they were extremely busy the day of our excursion, we just didn’t have time to sample the local fish and shrimps. We had packed so much into that day, but it never seemed hurried. Well done to our knowledgeable driver who helped so much with out planning and how long we could stay at each venue to get the most from our time there.

Seychelles: Nature’s Masterpiece

Now onto the Seychelles — an archipelago of 115 islands scattered like jewels across the Indian Ocean. If Mauritius is the tropical cocktail, the Seychelles is the champagne: luxurious, untouched in many places, and home to wildlife you won’t find anywhere else.

Let’s talk islands — because in the Seychelles, island-hopping is the way to go. Here are the three most visited (and most beloved) islands:

1. Mahé

This is the largest island and home to the capital, Victoria (one of the smallest capitals in the world!). It’s the entry point for most visitors and has some stunning beaches like Beau Vallon, where you can watch fishermen haul in their catch and then eat it fresh at a beach BBQ. Mahé is also home to the Morne Seychellois National Park, which is full of jungle hikes, waterfalls, and breathtaking views.

2. Praslin

Just a short flight or ferry from Mahé, Praslin is quieter, greener, and home to the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve — a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the coco de mer, the world’s largest (and most suggestively shaped) seed. You’ll also spot rare black parrots and other endemic wildlife. Don’t miss Anse Lazio, often ranked one of the best beaches in the world — soft sands, clear water, and dramatic granite boulders. Yes, please.

3. La Digue

No cars. That’s right — this dreamy little island gets around mostly by bike and ox-cart. La Digue is about as laid-back as it gets, and it’s home to the iconic Anse Source d’Argent — with rose-pink sands, crystal-clear shallows, and boulders so photogenic they practically pose for you. It’s a favourite for honeymooners and anyone wanting to unplug.

The Gentle Giants and Cheeky Lemurs

Now for a wild card: Nosy Be, off the northwest coast of Madagascar. It’s technically not part of Mauritius or the Seychelles, but it’s often included in Indian Ocean adventures — and for good reason.

Nosy Be is lush, volcanic, and totally buzzing with biodiversity. This is your chance to meet lemurs, those wide-eyed primates you’ve probably only seen in documentaries (or the Madagascar movies). There are reserves where you can see them up close, leaping through the trees like furry acrobats.

And if that’s not enough, giant tortoises — some well over 100 years old — wander freely in reserves on nearby islands like Nosy Komba. It’s a rare and moving experience to sit beside such a slow-moving piece of history.

So, Which Island Should You Choose?

Honestly? Why choose one when you can have a bit of everything? Mauritius is perfect if you want a mix of beach, culture, and adventure. The Seychelles is for nature-lovers, honeymooners, and those chasing the world’s most iconic beaches. And Nosy Be? It’s for the wild-hearted — those who want lemurs, spice markets, and something a little off the beaten path.

Wherever you go in this corner of the world, you’ll find sunshine, stunning views, and a rhythm of life that encourages you to slow down, breathe deep, and maybe, just maybe, forget what day it is.

Using a cruise ship for your holiday is the cheapest option as it get you around to most islands overnight, and then you hop on to the local water transport/boats for an excursion. Again, with my group, we booked our excursions over the internet with a local guide company, and it worked like clockwork.

LOOKING BACK WITH FONDNESS

My holiday adventures in the Indian Ocean, were the stuff that dreams are made of, and this time I can honestly say I was not disappointed, and it was everything I hoped for in seeing this part of the world. Of course, if you meet up with likeminded people, and book some extra special activities together, that is the definite icing and cherry on top of the cake.