10 Best Things to Do in Mauritius

The village of Blue Bay offers a range of options for relaxation and adventure. The beauty of Blue Bay Beach attracts sunbathers with white sands, calm waters, and wispy Casuarina trees. Blue Bay Marine Park is renowned for diving and snorkeling. Dozens of colorful coral species and more than 70 species of fish and other marine life can be observed on the reef, including damselfish, parrotfish, and sea turtles.

For a relaxed pace, visit Mahebourg Waterfront to see Lion Mountain, a mountain that resembles a sleeping lion. Stop by the local market for lunch and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs to take home. Before sundown, hop aboard a sunset cruise to recap your day and enjoy an unforgettable Mauritian sunset.

Translated from Old Dutch, Flic en Flac means “free, flat land.” This seaside village nestled on the western coast of Mauritius is a hub for sun-seekers and explorers alike. Relax on the renowned Flic en Flac Beach or paddleboard on the Tamarin River to take in the sights and sounds of nature. If want to spend a day enjoying an indoor activity, tour a rum distillery to taste locally produced rums.

For underwater adventures, snorkel on the coral reefs to see tropical fish and count sea urchins. For night owls, there are plenty of nightclubs and restaurants to choose from, whether you prefer the ambiance of a romantic setting or want to groove to your favorite beats.

The village of Grand Baie is home to some of the best things to do in Mauritius. Located on a natural cove, Grand-Baie Beach is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking in the shade of Casuarina trees. If you want to explore Grand Baie on the water, you can kayak or paddleboard. You will discover splendid views of the harbor dotted with colorful sailboats.

For a romantic beach setting, visit La Cuvette, a secluded beach with a crystal-clear lagoon. For a taste of local culture and traditional cuisine, experience the village’s lively bars and restaurants. Or, for a dining and shopping adventure, visit the Grand Baie Bazaar, a gathering place where locals sell handicrafts, spices, and fresh food.

Whether you seek relaxation or adventure in natural surroundings, Chamarel is a gateway to some of the best mountain views, forests, and scenic coastlines of Mauritius. One of the most popular destinations is the Chamarel 7 Colored Earth Geopark. The landscape’s vibrant purple and ochre hues are a result of volcanic activity and mineral deposits.

To witness the raw power of nature, don’t miss the spectacular sight of the Chamarel Waterfall, the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius. The waterfall plummets 328 ft (100 m) into a natural pool below. Take a hike in the Ebony Forest Reserve to learn about the ebony trees and the reserve’s role in creating a sanctuary for the unique and rich biodiversity found on Mauritius.

Le Morne Brabant rises 1,824 ft. (556 m) above a turquoise lagoon. It is a top Mauritius attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its biodiversity and cultural history. The peninsula is named after Brabant, a Dutch East India Company ship that ran aground in 1783.

Once a place of refuge for people who had escaped slavery in the 19th Century, refugees mistakenly believed that authorities who came to inform them that slavery had been abolished meant to re-capture them, so they leaped to their deaths. Today, Le Morne Brabant’s stunning viewpoint is a destination for hikers and others who come to explore its history and natural beauty, including the red bell-shaped flowers of Trochetia (Trochetia boutoniana), the National Flower of Mauritius.

If you are looking for an awe-inspiring forest hike, Black River Gorges National Park is one of the top things to do in Mauritius. Several species of the park’s flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Keep watch for 3 endangered bird species, the echo parakeet, the pink pigeon, and the Mauritian kestrel.

For stunning views, experienced hikers can summit Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (Little Black River Peak) at 2,717 ft (828 m). Another point of interest is Alexandra Falls, a spectacular 108 ft (33 m) waterfall. Ranked among the best views on Mauritius, Gorges Viewpoint overlooks a gorge carved into the island’s forested terrain. On a clear day, you can see the island’s western coastline.

Located east of Mauritius, Rodrigues is a volcanic island with an area of 40 square miles (104 square km). If you want to experience pristine nature up close, consider a guided coastal walk. The Rodrigues Coastal Walk is a 6-mile (9-km) hike that begins in Pointe Coton and ends in Anse Mourouk.

This coastal walk is an immersive experience for all your senses. Experience the tranquility of unspoiled coastline views, fresh ocean breezes, and the sound of waves lapping at the shore of secluded beaches. Along the way, your guide will point out endemic vegetation and wildlife and share intriguing facts about the island’s culture, history, and natural features.

A popular Mauritius attraction is the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Gardens. The garden’s namesake was the leader in the Mauritian independence movement and served as both the Governor General and the first Prime Minister of Mauritius.

The garden’s history began in 1736 during the French period, at a time when Nutmeg and Cloves were highly prized. You can connect with the island’s fascinating history by visiting these trees in the Spice Corner. Don’t miss the Giant Lily Pond bursting with the beautiful blooms of giant water lilies. Wildlife on the garden grounds includes deer, tortoises, and parrots. On the garden paths, look for the red bell-shaped flowers of the Trochetia, the National Flower of Mauritius.

In the town of Triolet, Maheswarnath Mandir (Grand Shivala Triolet) is the largest and oldest Hindu temple in Mauritius. It was founded in 1888 by Pandit Shri Sajeebunlall Ramsoondur during his pilgrimage from Calcutta to the sacred lake at the center of Mauritius. The temple is the center of the social and cultural activities of the local Hindu community.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple’s magnificent architecture stands out from its surroundings with exquisite floral detail and statues of Hindu deities. According to local lore, caches of gold and silver coins found at the site were buried by pirates who sailed the coast waiting to seize treasure from ships owned by the Dutch East India company.

The lush grounds of Le Domaine De Bois Chéri are home to the Bois Chéri Tea Factory and the famous Bubble Lodge. This unique lodging experience offers upscale accommodations in an eco-friendly transparent bubble. Majestic Banyan trees surrounding the bubble enhance the soothing feeling of being immersed in nature.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast, then take a stroll around the lake to see local wildlife, including graceful black swans. At the tea factory and plantation, you can experience the diverse flavors, aromas, and characteristics of tea blends produced at the plantation. As you start to drift away into a peaceful night’s sleep, look up because you might see a shooting star streak across the starry skies over Mauritius.