Car Rental in Blue Bay, Mauritius

Where to drive

• Drive north along the coastal road to Mahébourg (approximately 15 minutes, 8 km) to experience a charming historic town, its bustling market, and the National History Museum.
• Head inland to Black River Gorges National Park (approximately 1 hour, 40 km) for scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and encounters with unique Mauritian wildlife.
• Explore the southern tip of the island, visiting Gris Gris Beach and Rochester Falls (approximately 45 minutes, 30 km) for dramatic cliff views and natural cascading waterfalls.
• Venture to the vibrant capital, Port Louis (approximately 1 hour, 50 km), to immerse yourself in its culture, visit the Central Market, and admire the colonial architecture.
• Discover the tea plantations and factory at Bois Cheri (approximately 30 minutes, 20 km) for a fascinating insight into Mauritius's tea production and a tasting session.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Mauritius, you generally need a valid national driving license held for at least one year. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, especially if your national license is not in English or French. You will also need your passport and a major credit card in the main driver's name. The minimum driving age is typically 21 years, with some companies requiring drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car categories, and often an additional 'young driver' surcharge applies for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Blue Bay typically start from around 25 EUR per day for economy models during the low season. Mid-range vehicles might cost approximately 35-50 EUR daily, while SUVs and premium cars can range from 60 EUR upwards. Prices can fluctuate significantly, with peak season rates (June-August and December-January) often being 20-40% higher than the off-peak periods.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

Driving in Mauritius is on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limits are generally 40 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways. Always adhere to posted signs, as limits can vary. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is approximately 0.05% BAC. Headlights should be used in adverse weather conditions. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are legally required for children under a certain age or height, though availability might vary with rental providers.

Parking

In Blue Bay and other smaller towns, parking is often available for free along roadsides or in designated public parking areas. In larger towns like Mahébourg or Port Louis, you may find paid parking zones or multi-story car parks. Always check for signs indicating parking restrictions or payment requirements. Parking meters or pay-and-display systems are common in commercial areas.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available across Mauritius, including near Blue Bay and along main routes. Most stations accept both cash and major credit cards. The price of petrol (gasoline) and diesel is regulated and generally consistent across the island, typically around 1.80-2.00 EUR per liter for petrol. It's advisable to fill up before long journeys, especially when heading to more remote areas.

Which car to choose

For exploring Blue Bay and the surrounding areas, a compact or economy car is often sufficient, especially if you plan to stick to paved roads and main attractions. These cars are easy to navigate on narrower roads and more fuel-efficient. If you plan to venture into more rural or slightly unpaved areas, or if you are traveling with more luggage or passengers, a small SUV or a mid-size sedan with higher ground clearance might be more comfortable. Manual transmission vehicles are common, but automatics are also available.

Frequently asked questions