Mauritius, a sparkling gem in the Indian Ocean, is a dream destination that offers much more than just beautiful beaches. While its picture-perfect coastline draws sun-seekers and honeymooners, the island is also rich in culture, history, and natural wonders. Whether you're an adventure junkie, a nature lover, or someone who enjoys exploring cultural landmarks, Mauritius has something for everyone. This blog will guide you through the top things to do in Mauritius, providing you with an itinerary filled with experiences that will make your trip unforgettable.
When you think of Mauritius, white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters are probably the first things that come to mind. Mauritius is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world, each offering a different kind of experience.
Belle Mare Beach
Located on the east coast, Belle Mare Beach is perfect for long walks and swimming in its calm waters. This beach is less crowded, making it ideal for a peaceful and relaxing day by the sea. Early risers will appreciate the breathtaking sunrise views here.
Flic en Flac
On the west coast, Flic en Flac Beach is one of the longest and most popular beaches on the island. It's a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a lively atmosphere with nearby restaurants and cafes. The coral reef protects the shoreline, making it great for snorkeling and safe swimming.
Le Morne Beach
Nestled at the foot of Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this beach is not only beautiful but historically significant. Le Morne Beach is a top spot for kite surfing due to the steady winds in the area. The backdrop of the dramatic Le Morne Mountain makes this beach particularly picturesque.
Mauritius is surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life, making it one of the best places in the world for snorkeling and scuba diving. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are plenty of sites around the island to explore.
Blue Bay Marine Park
Situated in the southeast of the island, Blue Bay Marine Park is one of the most popular spots for snorkeling. The clear waters here are home to a wide variety of fish, coral reefs, and even shipwrecks. For those who want to explore underwater without diving, glass-bottom boat tours are also available.
Grand Baie
In the north, Grand Baie is a great spot for both diving and snorkeling. Some of the best dive sites include The Cathedral and Shark Pit, where you can see a wide variety of marine species like barracuda, rays, and even dolphins.
Black River Gorges National Park, the largest national park in Mauritius, is a haven for nature lovers. Covering over 67 square kilometers, the park is filled with hiking trails that take you through lush forests, waterfalls, and mountain ranges.
Macchabée Forest Trail
One of the most popular hiking routes, the Macchabée Forest Trail, offers stunning views of the park's gorges and rolling hills. Along the way, you can spot rare species of birds like the pink pigeon and Mauritius kestrel, which are native to the island.
Tamarind Falls
For waterfall enthusiasts, a hike to Tamarind Falls (also known as the Seven Cascades) is a must. These waterfalls are surrounded by lush greenery, and the trail offers opportunities to swim in the natural pools below the falls.
One of the most famous natural attractions in Mauritius is the Seven Colored Earths in Chamarel. This geological wonder consists of sand dunes that appear in different shades of red, brown, violet, blue, and green. These unique colors are the result of volcanic activity and the varying mineral content in the soil.
Chamarel Waterfall
Just a short distance from the Seven Colored Earths is the Chamarel Waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in Mauritius. The 100-meter-high waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and is a great spot for taking photos or enjoying a quiet picnic.
Rhumerie de Chamarel
After visiting the Seven Colored Earths and the waterfall, you can stop by the Rhumerie de Chamarel, a local rum distillery. Here, you can take a guided tour to learn about the rum-making process and enjoy tastings of their high-quality rums.
Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is a bustling city filled with a blend of modernity and history. Visiting Port Louis allows you to experience the island's diverse culture, influenced by Indian, Chinese, French, and African traditions.
Le Caudan Waterfront
Le Caudan Waterfront is a lively shopping and entertainment complex that sits by the harbor. It’s a great place for souvenir shopping, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, or simply walking along the waterfront. You can also visit the Blue Penny Museum, which showcases the island’s history and culture.
Central Market
For a more authentic local experience, head to the Central Market. Here, you'll find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to local spices and handicrafts. It’s also a great place to try Mauritian street food like dholl puri (a flatbread filled with spiced peas) and gateaux piment (fried chili cakes).
Aapravasi Ghat
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Aapravasi Ghat was the landing point for indentured laborers from India in the 19th century. A visit to this site provides valuable insight into the island’s colonial history and its cultural diversity.
Île aux Cerfs is a small island located off the east coast of Mauritius. Known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush vegetation, it’s a popular day-trip destination for tourists.
Beach Activities and Water Sports
Île aux Cerfs is perfect for water sports enthusiasts. You can try everything from parasailing and water skiing to snorkeling and swimming in the shallow lagoons. The island’s beaches are also great for sunbathing and simply enjoying the idyllic surroundings.
Île aux Cerfs Golf Club
If you're a fan of golf, the island is home to the Île aux Cerfs Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course designed by Bernhard Langer. The course offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and is considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.
Swimming with dolphins in the wild is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Mauritius. Tamarin Bay, on the west coast of the island, is one of the best spots to encounter these playful creatures.
Morning Dolphin Tour
Most dolphin-watching tours start early in the morning when the dolphins are most active. Many tours offer the chance to snorkel alongside the dolphins, allowing you to see them up close in their natural habitat.
Eco-Friendly Dolphin Tours
It’s important to choose a tour operator that practices ethical dolphin-watching. Responsible tours ensure that the dolphins are not disturbed by large crowds or boats, helping to preserve this wonderful experience for future generations.
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, also known as the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. Spanning over 37 hectares, the garden is home to a vast collection of tropical plants, including the famous giant water lilies.
Giant Water Lilies
The giant water lilies are one of the garden’s most iconic attractions. These massive, circular leaves can grow up to three meters in diameter, making them a popular sight for visitors.
Tortoise and Deer Enclosure
The garden also houses several giant Aldabra tortoises and a small herd of deer, providing a fun and educational experience for families.
Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures and religions, and the island is dotted with spiritual landmarks that reflect its diversity.
Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin)
One of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites outside of India, Ganga Talao is a sacred lake located in a volcanic crater. The site is surrounded by temples and statues of Hindu deities, and it’s a particularly lively place to visit during the annual Maha Shivaratri festival.
Jummah Mosque
Located in the heart of Port Louis, the Jummah Mosque is an architectural masterpiece that combines Indian, Creole, and Islamic influences. The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths, offering a peaceful retreat in the bustling capital.
A visit to Mauritius wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the island’s rich and diverse culinary traditions. Mauritian cuisine is a blend of Creole, Indian, Chinese, and French influences, resulting in a unique and flavorful dining experience.
Street Food
Don’t miss out on trying the local street food. Popular dishes include dholl puri, roti, and gateaux piment. You’ll find these tasty treats in markets and street vendors across the island.
Fine Dining
Mauritius also boasts several fine dining restaurants where you can savor
