Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BOAT
Various private operators offer cruises to offshore islands, or snorkelling and fishing ex-
cursions.
Otherwise, two boats, the
Mauritius Pride
and
Mauritius Trochetia
, have three to four
monthly passenger services in both directions between Port Louis (Mauritius) and Port
Mathurin (Rodrigues). The journey can take anywhere between 25 and 36 hours.
The
Mauritius Pride
has only first-class cabins which cost US$135/81 per adult/child.
The
Mauritius Trochetia
has four different classes, ranging from second class (adult/
child US$110/66) up to deluxe cabins (US$185/111).
Tickets and information are available through travel agents or direct from the two ship-
ping company offices listed here. These are popular services - book ahead.
Coraline Shipping Agency
(
217 2285;
www.mauritiusshipping.intnet.mu
;
1 Military Rd, Nova Bldg, Port Louis)
In Port Louis.
Mauritius Shipping Corporation
(
831 0640;
www.mauritiusshipping.intnet.mu
; Rue François Leguat, Port Ma-
8.15am-3pm Mon-Fri, 8.15-11am Sat)
On Rodrigues.
thurin;
BUS
Anyone on a budget will fare well using the network of bus routes that criss-cross the is-
land. Bus travel is cheap and fun - you'll usually find yourself chatting to gregarious loc-
als - and although you won't set any land-speed records, it's generally a fairly easy and
reliable way to get around.
The buses are almost always packed, especially on the main routes, but turnover is
quick at all the stops. If you start the trip standing, you're likely to end up sitting.
Be warned that you could have problems taking large bags or backpacks on a bus. If it
takes up a seat, you will probably have to pay for that extra seat. A few travellers have
even been refused entry to a full bus if they have a large bag.
Bus Types
There is no countrywide bus service for Mauritius. Instead there are several large regional
bus companies and scores of individual operators.
It's best to stick to express buses whenever possible, as standard buses seem to stop
every few metres and can take up to twice as long to reach the same destination. To give
an idea of journey times, it takes approximately an hour by standard services from Mahé-
bourg to Curepipe, an hour from Curepipe to Port Louis, and an hour from Port Louis to
Grand Baie.
