Andaman vs Mauritius: Which One’s Worth Your Trip?

Andaman vs Mauritius: Which One’s Worth Your Trip?

Andamans is all heart and Mauritius is everything aesthetic. Choosing between either experiences is a tough decision. One that we make easier for you with our quick comparative guide. From how to get there, what documentation you need, where to eat and what to experience – we cover it all.

It’s hard to choose between the two, but we make it easy for you with info on where to go, what to do and experiences to expect.

Best Time to Visit Andaman vs Mauritius

Andaman Islands

October to March is a great time to visit Andamans. The winter months are ideal for exploring the islands and the waters with dry days, clear skies and calm seas.  April to June isn’t tourist season owing to the tropical heat and humidity but it’s cheaper – backpackers we are looking at you. July to September is when rains hit the archipelago, and travel becomes limited even as the landscape turns lush and green.

Mauritius

The best time to visit Mauritius is from May to December. The first four months of the year are humid, so it’s best to travel starting May to experience clear skies, blue waters and sunshine. Avoid January to March if you’re not a fan of sudden showers, this is cyclone season in the region. June to August is ideal for adventure lovers, with cooler weather perfect for hiking and water sports.

Places to Visit in Andaman vs Mauritius

Where to Go in Andaman?

1. Island Hopping: Each One with a Personality

While Mauritius is a single island with day trips around it, Andaman is a full-fledged archipelago with each island offering a distinct vibe. Start with Port Blair, the capital, where history comes alive at the Cellular Jail and the many small but insightful museums. Don’t miss Corbyn’s Cove, a breezy beach close to town, perfect for sunset strolls.

And move to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), the crowd-favourite with postcard beaches like Radhanagar, coral-rich waters, and world-class dive sites. It’s where adventure meets ease. Then slow down at Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), a smaller island where mornings start with sunrise at Sitapur Beach and end with tide pools at Natural Bridge.

For the curious, Long Island offers the quietest vacation with forest trails, hidden lagoons, and zero commercial clutter. It’s what Mauritius can’t offer: wild, disconnected island life where you feel like a castaway, not a tourist.

2. Natural Wonders & Offbeat places

This is where Andaman leaves Mauritius behind. Want to sail past an active volcano? Andaman’s Barren Island is India’s only one active volcano and still it smokes. Want waterfalls, rainforests, and tribal stories? Little Andaman has all three.

Diglipur in North Andaman, often skipped by regular tourists, is a treasure trove with Alfred Caves, Saddle peak, and the vast limestone formations and mud volcanoes around Baratang are perfect for travellers who love terrain, not just turquoise water.

3. A Glimpse into the Past

Andaman isn’t just beaches,  it’s full of stories. Visit the Cellular Jail to know the struggle of freedom fighters in India, explore old Chatham Saw Mill, still in operation since British times. Walk through the eerie ruins of Ross Island, once the colonial capital. The Anthropological Museum, Samudrika Naval Museum and Forest Museum in Port Blair offer glimpses into the islands’ indigenous tribes, marine life and history, a side of the Andamans most people miss.

Where to Go in Mauritius?

1. Beach Hopping in Mauritius

Each beach here is unique. Flic En Flac Beach is the longest beach in Mauritius with a beautiful coral lagoon. For a good swim in pristine blue waters head to Grand Bay Public Beach. You can find hilly terrains and simple hikes around Gris Gris Beach. These beaches are popular and so you can expect crowds here. If secluded beaches with minimal crowds are your jam then head to Riambel beach which is a deserted beach. Similar vibes are found at Trou d’Eau Douce beach, ile aux cerfs and Savinia Beach.

2. Exploring the Highlands & Natural Reserves

Mauritius isn’t just beaches, its lush interior is a world of its own. Head to Black River Gorges National Park for forest trails, waterfalls, and native wildlife. Chamarel is another highlight with its Seven Coloured Earths, a surreal volcanic phenomenon, and the nearby Chamarel Waterfall. The highlands also host tea plantations like Bois Chéri, which offer tastings and panoramic views.

3. Culture, Food & Island Life

Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures like Indian, Creole, French, and Chinese influences blend beautifully here. Stroll through Port Louis Central Market for local produce, handicrafts, and street eats. Don’t miss a plate of Dholl Puri or spicy Rougaille. For a quieter experience, head to Mahebourg, a historic fishing village with colonial architecture and a laid-back vibe that shows off local island life.

Things to Do in Andaman vs Mauritius

What Activities to Try in Andaman?

1. Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

The waters around the Andaman Islands are unbelievably clear and what lies beneath is just as impressive. Coral reefs here are thriving, colourful, and filled with marine life. You don’t need to be an swimmer or expert either for scuba diving in Andaman. If you’re diving for the first time or have your logbook full, places like Havelock, Neil, and Chidiya Tapu have dive sites and snorkel spots for every level. Expect calm waters, helpful instructors, and some truly memorable underwater moments.

2. Offbeat Treks with a View

For those willing to walk a little, trails like the Madhuban trek (Mount Harriet) or the famous Elephant Beach trek in Havelock are incredibly rewarding. You’ll pass through forested paths, old plantations, mangrove creeks and reach to beaches with no footprints but your own.

Read More: Trekking in Andaman

3. Explore India’s Only Active Volcano

Barren Island, a black-sand beauty far out at sea, is home to the only active volcano in India. While reaching it requires good weather and a private charter for a private or shared trip, it’s a rare, once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip, definitely something Mauritius can’t offer. The surrounding waters are also rich with marine life, making it a surreal spot for advanced scuba divers and game fishing enthusiasts.

4. Night Kayaking (Bioluminescence)

This one’s pure magic. On moonless nights near Havelock, the water lights up with bioluminescent plankton – tiny organisms that glow when disturbed. While doing Night Kayakaing, you’ll paddle through still creeks as your oar leaves trails of light. It’s calm, eerie, beautiful and one of the most memorable things you can do in the Andamans.

5. Heritage Visits

There’s more to Andaman than beaches and blue water, the islands have a layered, emotional history too. A visit to the Cellular Jail in Port Blair is a must, especially if you catch the evening light and sound show. Around town, you’ll also find small but interesting museums on tribal life, marine ecosystems, and the colonial era. It’s a meaningful break from all the sun and sea.

What Activities to Try in Mauritius?

1. Submarine Safari

If you have the rare trait of loving water but hating getting wet, then the Submarine Safari is for you. The activity is great to explore the waters, especially if swimming is not your strong suit. Watch shipwrecks, coral gardens, and colourful fish from the comfort of an air-conditioned cabin. It’s a surreal experience, almost like being in a floating aquarium.

2. Windsurfing and Deep Sea Fishing

Put your core strength to the test by trying windsurfing, and if that’s not your jam, experience an adventure that demands patience is deep sea fishing. Who knows the big catch you may just find. Mauritius’ warm trade winds make it ideal for beginners learning to surf the waves. Fishing charters head far into the deep blue in search of marlin, tuna, and dorado.

3. Underwater Sea Walk and Underwater Sub Scooter Trip

Whether it’s walking on the sea bed or riding on it, Mauritius offers all these experiences. Another reason to try this is to experience the vibrant marine life of Mauritius waters. The sea walk is beginner-friendly, no swimming required, and the sub scooter adds a fun twist to underwater exploration. Both let you get close to tropical fish without needing dive certification.

4. Hiking and Quad Biking

Try land-based activities like hiking in terrains like Ebony Forest Reserve, Nature Trails Mauritius, Sophie Nature Walk and more. Quad Biking is another great way to explore the terrain at great speeds. From coastal cliffs to forest trails, the island has varied terrain for every fitness level. Quad bike tours often take you through sugarcane fields, river crossings, and dramatic viewpoints.

Where to Stay in Andaman vs Mauritius

Accommodation in Andaman:

Andaman’s stays are thoughtful and easygoing. You’ll find wooden villas tucked into coconut groves, eco-resorts that open right onto the beach, and family-run guesthouses and hostels where the pace is as slow as the sunsets. Prefer luxury? There are upscale stays too, just without the over-the-top performance. The vibe? Understated, open-air, and built for pause, not show.

Read more: Top Hotels in Andaman

Accommodation in Mauritius:

5-star resorts or Airbnbs – you name it and Mauritius offers it. From luxury sports like Shangri-La, One&Only Le Saint Géran, Four Seasons, to mid-range properties like  Veranda Hotels, Tamarina Golf & Spa – travellers of all budgets can find a temporary home away from home here. Homestays, basic hotels are good options for backpackers and budget travellers.

Where & What to Eat in Andaman vs Mauritius

Eating in Andaman

You’re not coming to Andaman for curated five-course meals. You’re coming for fish caught that morning, spiced with what’s available, and served hot with rice. Expect hearty Indian coastal flavours and Fusion Foods, fresh crab and lobster, and a few beach cafés where you’ll eat while your clothes dry in the sun. No dress codes. No reservations needed.

Read More: Best Restaurants in Port Blair, Havelock & Neil Island.

Eating in Mauritius

While seafood is an absolute must-try, there are many local dishes like Rougaille (tomato-based curry), delicious Boulettes (dumplings), fragrant Biryani and lip-smacking upside-down bowls. Wash these down with Vanilla tea or satiate your sweet tooth with Napolitaine. You’ll find strong Indian, Chinese, Creole, and French influences in almost every meal with each bite telling a story. Street food is big here, try dholl puri, gajak (fried snacks), or gateau piment from a roadside vendor for a quick local fix. And for a fine dining twist, many beachfront restaurants serve fusion versions of traditional recipes with the sound of waves in the background.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Andaman if:

• You want unfiltered nature, underwater life and a budget-friendly beach break. 
• You’re a solo traveller or planning a DIY trip. 
• You enjoy local culture, history and offbeat experiences.

Choose Mauritius if:

• You’re looking for a honeymoon or family holiday with all comforts. 
• You enjoy diverse cuisines, curated experiences and safe luxury. 
• You want vibrant beaches, scenic road trips and a cultural melting pot.