Indian Ocean Beaches

The Indian Ocean islands have plenty on offer for snorkellers, swimmers, sports nuts and even sun-lounge lizards.

Overview

Indian Ocean Beach holiday destinations and resorts in the Seychelles, Mauritius, Mozambique & Madagascar.

The Seychelles

If your idea of paradise is a really pretty beach, then you’re in good company. It’s a widely held belief that Praslin in the Seychelles was the original ‘Garden of Eden’. The almost impossibly photogenic beaches of nearby La Digue island are often on those 'best beaches in the world' lists that the glossy magazines love. Given that the Seychelles is composed of 115 tiny islands, there are probably more beaches in this country than most. And the country certainly boasts way more than its fair share of  natural beauty.

Mauritius

Mauritius makes for a great Indian ocean beach holiday, especially for energetic people who relish lot of activities. Kite-surfing, water skiing, kayaking, deep sea fishing are all on offer. It also boats a range of family-friendly hotels with organised kids clubs and babysitters so that parents can grab some time for themselves.

The hard part is deciding which side of the island is right for you. Just a four hour flight from South Africa, its also easy to combine with a South Africa or Botswana safari.

Indian Ocean Beach Holidays

Madagascar

You might not hit upon Madagascar as the obvious choice for an Indian Ocean beach holiday. Though the beaches are glorious, white and clean, there are other destinations which present fewer travel challenges. But it's perfect for divers looking for somewhere different. Other visitors want to combine a beach holiday with exploring the natural beauty, culture and unique wildlife. The other-wordly island of Madagascar can be a fascinating beach holiday destination for the adventurous.

Indian Ocean Beach Holidays

Mozambique islands

In the far north is the remote Quirimbas Archipelago, idyllic tropical islands with powdery coral shores. Some islands are tiny and uninhabited. Others are home to fishing communities as well as some small luxury resorts. Further south the Bazaruto Archipelago offers fantastic beaches with direct flights from Kruger Park to the local airport at Vilanculos.

Indian Ocean Beach Holidays

Best time of year for an Indian Ocean beach holiday?

The islands of Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar are generally year-round beach holiday destinations in terms of temperature. But sun-worshippers should take note that cyclones and downpours often hit from mid-January to mid-March. So this time is best avoided.

However, the risk of cyclones is less with the Seychelles, as it is further north.  The Seychelles has a more even, warm temperature throughout the year, as does the Madagascar coast.

The further south in Africa you travel, the more you see the seasonal changes. So southern Mozambique has hot summer days, up to 38 degrees. But mid-winter temperatures (June-July) will tend to hover around 24-26 degrees, dropping  at night.

Highlights

  • Perfect combination of white sand, lush vegetation, uncrowded beaches and hot weather
  • Sea temperatures stay warm through-out the year
  • Some islands are easy to combine with a safari on the mainland.

Outstanding & First class

"We are back from our trip to SA and having had just the best time ever. Everything slotted into place perfectly and all the accommodation and activities you booked for us were outstanding. Couldn’t have been bettered, you chose very well! Stands out as one of the best trips we’ve ever had. Virtually everything went like clockwork and we had a fantastic time. You did a brilliant job and the info pack was first class. The best organised holiday we have been on. We will defintely go back to Africa " Mr& Mrs Cott, UK

Everything went smoothly

"From the initial enquiry until the end of the holiday everything went smoothly. We were very happy with all aspects of the holiday. All the hotels were comfortable; well staffed; good food. " Mrs Kate Mars, UK

We honestly had the trip of a life time and it was a magical time for our whole family.

"We honestly had the trip of a life time and it was a magical time for our whole family. From the animals in the Serengeti to the palm fringed perfect beaches of Zanzibar it was two weeks we will never forget. We had a superb guide and saw the big 5 on safari which was really special. Thank you so much Milandi. " Jos Palmer
 

Gloria Darvall

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I'm Gloria, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience

Popular tours & safaris

We arrange trips to more than 100+ destinations throughout the African continent.

Start planning your dream trip

Find me the best in for

Need a little help? View our Safari Guide to help you get started

Accommodation

View More Accommodations

The whole travel experience was excellent!

"We were very happy with the kind and professional way our travel request was dealt with. We received an outlined itinerary swiftly with an elaborate description that sounded very attractive. A couple of changes were made to adapt it somehow a little more to our wishes. The whole procedure was easy going and agreeable. A last minute change concerning our rental car was dealt with swiftly and smoothly. The whole travel experience was excellent! We all enjoyed our holiday very much. We would highly recommend booking with Cedarberg any time to family and friends and we hope to be able to book with them again in the future. " Mrs Fenagun, UK

Cedarberg was very thorough

"Cedarberg was very thorough , helpful and easy to deal with. Very comprehensive information pack. " Mrs Pamela Bailey

Ginny's advice was spot on

"Ginny’s advice was spot on – the locations, pace of trip and quality of accommodation was superb. The 2 slightly different safari areas also worked out well and it was great that our best viewing was at the second to end the trip on a high. " Mr Matthew Campbell