Indian Ocean Islands
White and golden sand beaches, water in every shade of azure, turquoise and emerald, and lush forests worthy of any island explorer: this is what makes the Indian Ocean Islands a dream destination. A burst of culture and a mosaic of food add to the enchantment of the luxury retreats on these island paradises.
Popular places to visit
- Maldives
- Seychelles
- Mauritius
- Zanzibar
- Réunion
- Madagascar
Travelling to Indian Ocean Islands?
We arrange flights, accommodation, visa assistance, travel insurance and car hire.
When to go
High season differs from island to island because of their different positions in the ocean. These are the months each island is at its best.
- Best time to visit
Maldives
Best enjoyed from December to April, when it's less rainy.
Seychelles
Lovely all year round, especially from February to November.
Mauritius
A year-round destination with a tropical climate; May to December is peak season.
Réunion & Madagascar
More variable climates, but May to November brings sunshine-filled days and cooler, soft breezes.
Money matters
- Currency
- Mauritius: Mauritian rupee (MUR). Réunion: euro (EUR). Seychelles: Seychellois rupee (SCR). Maldives: Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR). Madagascar: Malagasy ariary (MGA). Euros are also accepted in many tourist areas.
Etiquette
The people of these islands have a well-deserved reputation for tolerance. That said, there are a few rules of behaviour worth following.
- Clothing
- Beachwear is fine on the beach, but dressing skimpily elsewhere can cause offence. Nude bathing is forbidden.
- Greetings
- People generally greet each other with a handshake, or a kiss on both cheeks for close friends and relatives.
- Eating
- When dining on an inhabited island, eat with your right hand. The left hand is considered unclean; it can be used to cut food but not to bring food to your mouth.
- Temples and mosques
- Avoid miniskirts and singlet tops, and remove your shoes. Many temples and mosques ask you not to take photos, some Hindu temples ask you to remove leather items such as belts, and at mosques you may need to cover your head, so carry a scarf. Never touch a carving or statue of a deity.
Plan a trip to Indian Ocean Islands
Tell us when you'd like to travel and what you'd like to see, and a consultant will put together an itinerary for you.