Is Mauritius LGBTQ+ friendly?
Increasingly yes — Mauritius decriminalised same-sex relations in 2023 and is one of the more welcoming Indian Ocean options, best enjoyed as an easygoing, discreet resort honeymoon.
Mauritius, Mauritius 🇲🇺 · Last reviewed June 2026
Legal status: legal · tolerant
Mauritius decriminalised same-sex relations in 2023 when the Supreme Court struck down the colonial-era provision. No marriage or partnership recognition yet. Society is moderate and religiously mixed; tourist and resort areas are easygoing, though discretion in villages is socially sensible.
Source: ILGA World 2025 · Always verify current law before you travel.
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Plan my Mauritius tripThe scene
Mauritius is a beach-and-resort destination rather than a scene, and there’s no established gay district or nightlife circuit. What it offers is a relaxed, well-run resort culture that’s comfortable for same-sex couples, set against a religiously mixed but generally moderate society that’s grown more open since the 2023 decriminalisation.
Where to go
- Grand Baie and the north — the liveliest area for restaurants and bars
- Flic en Flac and the west coast — sunsets, diving and lagoon beaches
- Le Morne and the south-west — dramatic scenery, kitesurfing and luxury resorts
Where to stay
The north (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches) and west (Flic en Flac, Tamarin) have the widest choice of couple-friendly resorts and dining. International resorts and villas are used to same-sex couples and booking a double room is straightforward.
Social climate
Society is moderate and religiously diverse (Hindu, Christian, Muslim), and tourist and resort areas are the most easygoing. Since decriminalisation in 2023 the climate has been improving, but there’s no marriage recognition and public affection is kept low-key by couples generally — discretion in villages and away from resorts is socially sensible rather than a safety warning.
Pride & events
A small Pride march has taken place in the past (organised by the local Collectif Arc-en-Ciel), though it isn’t a large or fixed annual fixture — Mauritius is a quiet destination on this front.
Practical tips
- Stick to the resort north and west for the most relaxed, couple-friendly base and dining scene.
- Dress and behave a little more conservatively in villages, temples and mosques — it’s about respecting a mixed religious society, and applies to all couples.
- Legal recognition is still limited and can evolve — check your government’s current travel advice before travelling.
Mauritius LGBTQ+ travel FAQs
Is Mauritius LGBTQ+ friendly?
Increasingly so — it decriminalised same-sex relations in 2023 and is among the more welcoming Indian Ocean destinations, especially in resort and tourist areas. There’s no real scene, but same-sex couples honeymoon here comfortably.
Is homosexuality legal in Mauritius?
Yes — the Supreme Court struck down the colonial-era ban in 2023, decriminalising same-sex relations. There is not yet any same-sex marriage or partnership recognition.
Can a same-sex couple share a room in Mauritius?
Yes — international resorts and villas are used to hosting same-sex couples, and booking a double room is straightforward.
Please read: legal status and recognition are drawn from Wavvia's ILGA-sourced dataset, and the scene notes from established public information — both can change, sometimes quickly, and laws vary within a country. Always check your own government's current travel advice and local law before you travel. Wavvia is not liable for decisions made from this information.
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