Things to do in Mauritius: the best ideas for an unforgettable holiday

Even though Mauritius is quite small, this island will give you countless impressions! Fantastic natural locations, quad bike rides through plantations, walks through prehistoric forests, diving… We will suggest the top experiences you absolutely should not miss. Plan your holiday in Mauritius and enjoy an incredible variety of adventures!

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Flight over the underwater waterfall

One of the most impressive experiences in Mauritius. The underwater waterfall is an optical illusion off the south-west coast of the island, near the Le Morne Brabant peninsula. In reality, there is no waterfall under the water at all: the effect is created by streams of sand and silt that ocean currents carry from the shallows into deep underwater depressions. From above, especially from a helicopter or drone, these streams look like a powerful waterfall flowing into the abyss of the ocean. The illusion is enhanced by the contrast between the turquoise lagoon and the dark blue depth of the Indian Ocean, making this place one of the most spectacular among the natural attractions of Mauritius.

During a scenic seaplane flight, even more breathtaking views await you. Departure is usually from La Prairie beach. During the excursion, you will be able to admire Le Morne Brabant, the underwater waterfall and Black River Gorges National Park.

Flight cost - from 145 euros per person.

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Mauritius beaches - which ones are a must-see

The first thing Mauritius tempts you with. Relaxing on snow-white sand as soft as flour by the edge of a turquoise lagoon is an essential part of the programme.

• Trou aux Biches. Located in the north of the island, protected from the winds. This beach stretches for more than 2 km and, with its coral reef, is perfect for family holidays with small children. The gentle entry into the water and the absence of waves make it completely safe. A grove of casuarina trees stretches along the shore. In addition, this is one of the best places on the island for snorkelling right from the beach. Here you can meet large sea turtles slowly grazing in the shallows.
• Flic en Flac. One of the longest (about 8 km) and most popular beaches on the west coast. Some of the most beautiful sunsets on the island can be seen here.
• Belle Mare on the east coast. The beach amazes with its untouched beauty. During the windy months (June-August), there may be waves here, but at other times it is a wonderful place for long walks.
• Gris-Gris. This is the wild south, not protected by a coral reef. There is no calm turquoise lagoon here, only the power of the Indian Ocean. Swimming is strictly forbidden. But definitely climb up to the viewpoint and walk along the beach to La Roche Qui Pleure rock - the sight is mesmerising.

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Sea excursions in Mauritius - where it is worth going

The ocean around Mauritius is a whole universe for exploration. Do not limit yourself to the beach at your hotel!

Cruise to Île aux Cerfs

Probably the most essential sea excursion. Île aux Cerfs, or "Deer Island", is located in the lagoon off the east coast. You can get here by catamaran or speedboat from the coastal village of Trou d'Eau Douce. Here you can choose from many water adventures, and there is also a world-famous golf course. Full-day excursions include a delicious lunch on board the catamaran, snorkelling stops in the most beautiful places of the lagoon, and a visit to the Grand River South East waterfall.

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Île aux Bénitiers

The second most popular small island, located in the huge lagoon off the south-west coast. Excursions usually begin around 6-7 in the morning with dolphin watching in Tamarin Bay. Tourists are taken snorkelling to the famous Crystal Rock. The corals there have amazing shapes and seem to float above the water. Next on the programme are Île aux Bénitiers, a barbecue lunch, relaxation on a long sandbank, and a small market of local artisans.

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Excursion to the Northern Islands

Namely the small islands of Île Plate, Îlot Gabriel and Coin de Mire. These places are for those who are looking for wild, untouched landscapes. The catamaran trip starts in Grand Baie. Gabriel and Flat islands are famous for their pristine beaches and crystal-clear water. The rocky island of Coin de Mire is a protected reserve where landing is forbidden, but it is one of the best places for diving and observing seabirds such as the white-tailed tropicbird.

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Hiking on volcanic landscapes

Mauritius is not only about beach relaxation and sea trips. The island is also perfect for lovers of tropical jungle nature. There are many hiking routes on the island.

Ascent of Le Morne Brabant

This is not just a hike, but a pilgrimage to the main symbol of Mauritius. The 555-metre mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has enormous historical significance as a former refuge for escaped slaves. The ascent takes 3-4 hours and is quite challenging, requiring some climbing skills, so it is recommended to go with a certified guide. But the views are worth it: at the top, a breathtaking 360° panorama awaits you, along with the best angle over the famous "underwater waterfall" illusion.

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Black River Gorges National Park

Black River Gorges National Park is the largest nature reserve in Mauritius - more than 67 thousand hectares. On these lands, remnants of endemic forests have been preserved. The park has more than 60 km of hiking trails of different difficulty levels. There are gorges, waterfalls, rare birds and monkeys. For those who are not ready for long hikes, a scenic road passes through the reserve with several viewpoints.

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Hike to the Tamarind Falls

An exciting adventure for nature lovers in the centre of the island. This is a cascade of seven waterfalls hidden in dense forest. The trail is not marked, so you definitely need to go with a guide. Depending on the route, it can be a half-day or full-day hike. You will be able to swim in natural pools.

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Seven Coloured Earth and Chamarel Waterfall

One of the main attractions of Mauritius. In Chamarel Geopark in the south-west, you will see sand dunes coloured by nature in seven different shades - from red and brown to purple and green. Nearby is the highest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius (about 100 metres), an enclosure with giant tortoises, and a café where you can try the island’s only locally produced coffee.

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Water sports in Mauritius

The choice of water activities on the island is more than varied - from exciting diving to surfing adrenaline and impressive fishing.

Kitesurfing and windsurfing

The lagoon at the foot of Le Morne mountain is a world-class spot, a mecca for fans of these sports. Thanks to stable trade winds and unique conditions, there is a huge shallow lagoon "Inside the reef" for beginners and the famous "One Eye" wave beyond the reef for professionals. This place attracts riders from all over the world.

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Surfing

The island’s main surf spot is Tamarin Bay on the west coast. This place has a rich history: it was here that the famous Joël de Rosnay introduced surfing back in the 1960s. Here you can find waves for almost any level all year round, and the atmosphere is very authentic and relaxed.

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Diving and snorkelling

Mauritius is surrounded by an almost continuous coral reef, which makes it a paradise for diving. Blue Bay Marine Park in the south-east is famous for its untouched coral garden. Trou aux Biches in the north is known as a place where turtles are often encountered. Off the coast of Flic en Flac in the west, you can explore interesting underwater caves and grottos. An amazing feature of diving in Mauritius is that here you can dive to shipwrecks.

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Deep-sea fishing

Mauritius is one of the best places in the world for sport fishing. From October to May, you can catch blue marlin here, and even a World Cup is held, as well as tuna, dorado and sharks. This is an adrenaline-filled open-ocean adventure that should be booked in advance.

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Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding

The calm and shallow lagoon waters are ideal for relaxed water activities. Explore the mysterious mangroves on the east coast, go upriver on the Grand River South East to the foot of the waterfall, or simply paddle along the beach at sunset.

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Golf in Mauritius

Mauritius is a world-class destination for golfers. There are several magnificent 18-hole courses here, designed by famous architects and offering incredible ocean views. The most famous are on Île aux Cerfs and at the Paradis, Anahita and Bel Ombre resorts.

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Port Louis - the island’s cultural centre

An essential part of the programme if you want to feel the rhythm of real Mauritian life. Immerse yourself in the noise, colours and aromas of the Central Market, where exotic fruits, piles of spices and street food are sold. Walk along the modern Caudan Waterfront with its shops, casino and famous alley of colourful umbrellas. Visit the Blue Penny Museum, where some of the rarest and most expensive stamps in the world are kept, and the historic Aapravasi Ghat complex - a UNESCO site. Port Louis promises a deep immersion into the island’s cultural life and history.

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Discovering the colonial past of Mauritius

Visit beautifully restored colonial estates such as Château de Labourdonnais or Eureka House - a legendary 1830s mansion museum. It is a real journey through time, allowing you to glimpse the life of wealthy 19th-century planters, walk through magnificent gardens with rare plants, and, of course, taste rum, fruit jams and paste produced right on the estate grounds.

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The spiritual centre of Grand Bassin

A secluded crater lake in the centre of the island, considered the holiest place for Hindus outside India. Its waters are believed to be connected with the sacred Ganges River. An incredible atmosphere of peace and spirituality reigns here. You will see temples dedicated to various deities, as well as giant 33-metre statues of the god Shiva and the goddess Durga Maa, which greet visitors at the entrance.

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Tea plantations

Set off on a fascinating journey along the Tea Route in the southern part of the island. The route usually includes a visit to the colonial estate Domaine des Aubineaux and the Bois Chéri tea factory. Here you can see the entire tea production process and finish the visit with a tasting in a panoramic restaurant overlooking the lake and plantations. Stop by the Saint Aubin estate, where rum is produced and vanilla is grown.

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