Mauritius: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Imagine a paradise island where the sea meets the sky, and lush greenery covers the land. This is Mauritius, a gem in the Indian Ocean. It’s a place where nature and culture blend beautifully. Here, you can find the best spots for travelers who love adventure and beauty.

Are you ready for an unforgettable trip to Mauritius? You can dive into the colorful reefs on the West Coast, hike through the Black River Gorges National Park, or visit UNESCO World Heritage sites. This guide will show you the best of what Mauritius has to offer. Let’s explore this paradise island together and make memories that will last a lifetime.

• Mauritius is a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse activities.
• Discover the top attractions, from pristine beaches and crystal-clear lagoons to lush rainforests and thrilling adventures.
• Explore the island’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and uncover its unique heritage.
• Dive the vibrant reefs of the West Coast and hike through the stunning Black River Gorges National Park.
• Immerse yourself in the island’s rich culinary scene and luxury beach resorts.

Mauritius is a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean, off Africa’s southeastern coast. It’s a place where history, culture, and nature come together beautifully. This island was once ruled by the Dutch, French, and British. Now, it’s a mix of cultures from India, China, Africa, and Europe.

The island’s geography is amazing, with high mountains, dense forests, and rivers. These meet beautiful white sand beaches and clear blue lagoons. Mauritius has a warm climate all year, making it perfect for travelers looking for paradise.

About 70% of Mauritians have Indian roots, thanks to laborers who came in the 19th century. The island’s culture is a mix of Chinese, African, and European traditions. This mix creates a unique food, traditions, and architecture.

In Port Louis, the capital, you can see this mix of cultures. The city has markets with fresh produce and the House of Digital Art with cool digital art.

The Aapravasi Ghat museum in Port Louis shows the island’s history. It’s a UNESCO site that honors the first laborers from India who came to the island.

“Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.”- Mark Twain

Mauritius is famous for its top-notch Mauritius diving and Mauritius snorkeling spots, especially on the west coast. The clear waters are full of life, with colorful Mauritius coral reefs, tropical fish, and lobsters. Flic en Flac diving is a great place to start for amazing dives like the underwater cliffs of La Cathédrale.

Underwater explorers can see a variety of ecosystems in the lagoon and beyond the reef. The shallow waters are perfect for beginners, while deeper sites near Flic en Flac are for those more experienced. These sites go from 18 to 40 meters deep, with the deepest reaching 30 to 40 meters.

Whether you’re new to diving or have years of experience, the west coast of Mauritius is an exciting place to explore. It shows off the island’s stunning beauty and Mauritius marine life.

Explore the Black River Gorges National Park in Mauritius’s lush interior. This park is a treasure of wild forests, covering 6,754 hectares. It has over 60 kilometers of trails for all hikers.

While hiking, you’ll see the park’s diverse plants and animals. Look out for the Mauritius kestrel, echo parakeet, and pink pigeon. You might see the white-tailed tropicbirds flying above. The pink pigeons are hidden but worth finding.

The park shows off Mauritius’s wild beauty and its efforts to save nature. You can choose from easy trails like the Trochetia Trail or the challenging Tamarind Falls hike. Both offer stunning views of green gorges and waterfalls.

For a big adventure, try the Le Morne Brabant trek. It’s a 3-to-4-hour hike to a UNESCO site, good for all fitness levels. Or visit the Ferney Valley nature reserve for easy or hard trails. You might see the pink pigeon and echo parakeet there.

To enjoy your Mauritius hiking trip, think about renting a car or getting help from your hotel or a local guide. The park is close to Le Morne, Flic en Flac, or Chamarel, making it a great day trip.

“The Black River Gorges National Park offers a glimpse into Mauritius’ untamed natural beauty and the conservation efforts to preserve its unique ecological treasures.”

Mauritius is a place full of wonders for all kinds of travelers. It has stunning natural sights like the Chamarel Waterfall and the colorful Chamarel 7 Colored Earth. You can also dive into its culture and try the delicious Creole food.

For adventurers, Mauritius is a dream. You can hike in the Black River Gorges National Park or see the underwater waterfall from a helicopter. If you want to relax, the island has beautiful resorts and beaches.

It’s also a top spot for weddings and honeymoons. With its perfect views and luxury, it’s ideal. Golf lovers can play on the island’s 10 18-hole and 4 9-hole golf courses. Nature fans can explore the Aapravasi Ghat and the Blue Bay Marine Park.

Mauritius offers an unforgettable journey full of discovery. From its Mauritius best things to do and Mauritius top attractions to its Mauritius must-see sights and Mauritius adventure travel options.

Mauritius is famous for its stunning Mauritius beaches that go around the island like a necklace. You can easily get to these beautiful beaches from the Mauritius beach resorts. Or, you can visit public Mauritius beaches to see local families enjoying the sea.

The Mauritius east coast beaches are some of the most beautiful spots. The southern and Mauritius west coast beaches are more private and natural. Whether you want to relax, swim, snorkel, or try Mauritius beach activities, you’ll find the perfect beach for your tropical getaway.

Whether you like the busy vibe of the Mauritius north coast beaches or the quiet of the Mauritius south coast beaches, there’s a beach for everyone in Mauritius.

“The beaches of Mauritius are truly a slice of paradise. The crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands create an idyllic setting for a relaxing tropical vacation.”

In the lush hills of Mauritius, the Chamarel region is full of natural and cultural wonders. Start by seeing the Chamarel Waterfall, the tallest single-drop waterfall on the island. It falls 100 meters into a calm pool below.

Close by, the Chamarel 7 Colored Earth shows off its stunning colors. This unique spot seems to go against nature’s rules.

Chamarel is not just about nature. It’s also known for its growing food scene. You’ll find many family-run places and fancy restaurants hidden in the greenery. Try the local Creole food, which mixes Indian, Chinese, and European tastes. Don’t forget to try some rum from the Rhumerie de Chamarel.

Chamarel offers unforgettable experiences with its beautiful landscapes and tasty food. Dive into the local culture and enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors waiting for you.

Off the southeastern coast of Mauritius, you’ll find the island of Île aux Aigrettes. It’s a nature reserve that shows off the island’s ancient, untouched beauty. This place is a government-backed project that protects an old-growth ebony forest. It’s a reminder of Mauritius before European settlers arrived.

The island is a safe haven for endangered birds and other animals, like the famous Mauritian giant tortoise. Visitors can explore this unique world and learn how we’re working to save Mauritius’ natural beauty.

• Île aux Aigrettes was declared a nature reserve in 1965 by the Mauritian government.
• Entrance fees start from £17.94 for adults, giving you access to the island’s guided tours.
• The island’s boat departure times run from Monday to Saturday, with options at 9:30 AM, 10 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 2 PM, and 2:30 PM. On Sundays, the departures are at 9:30 AM, 10 AM, and 10:30 AM.
• Guided Eco Tours start from £17 per person, for groups of 1 to 17 people. For a special experience, the VIP Guided Tour is for up to 8 people at £34 per person.
• Tailored Tours can be booked 72 hours in advance, with prices depending on the activities you choose.

Experience the magic of Île aux Aigrettes and dive into Mauritius’ incredible natural heritage. Here, rare birds like the Pink Pigeon and Telfair’s Skink live in a protected island ecosystem.

Mauritius is a place where many flavors come together. You’ll find tastes from India, China, France, and Creole. Eating in Mauritius is exciting, with top Mauritius chefs and lots of chances to try Mauritian cuisine.

For real Mauritian Creole food, go to Restaurant Le Barbizon in Chamarel. Chef Marie-Ange makes amazing dishes that show off the island’s culture. Try the Dholl Puri, a famous dish with thin bread, ground peas, and various curries.

There’s a lot to try in Mauritius culinary experiences. Enjoy spicy Vindaye curries and sweet Mithai desserts. You can also try Boulet dumplings or the rich Haleem soup.

Check out the lively Mauritius restaurants. Each dish is a trip around the world in taste.

In the heart of Mauritius, the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens are a green haven. They started in 1735 as a small vegetable garden. Now, it’s a vast place full of tropical plants, showing off the island’s plant life.

One highlight is the Victoria amazonica, a huge water lily with leaves up to 3 meters wide. Walking through, you’ll see many plants, from tall palms to tiny orchids.

The gardens are also home to giant tortoises of Mauritius. These tortoises can live up to 150 years and weigh 300 kilograms. Keep an eye out for them as you walk through the gardens.

“The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens in Mauritius is a true oasis of tranquility, where you can immerse yourself in the island’s remarkable flora and fauna.”

If you love nature, photography, or just want peace, don’t miss the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of nature.

For those looking for the ultimate in relaxation and luxury, Mauritius’ luxury resorts are the perfect choice. Whether it’s a romantic Mauritius honeymoon or a family vacation, these resorts have everything. You’ll find spacious rooms, multiple pools, top-notch restaurants, and spas.

Many all-inclusive resorts in Mauritius have special features like kids’ clubs and water sports. This means there’s something for everyone. The island is home to 160 km (99 miles) of beaches. Each beach is surrounded by elegant resorts and boutique hotels, offering luxury and style.

The Lakaz Chamarel is a top choice for eco-conscious luxury. It’s an award-winning luxury ecolodge in a beautiful setting. For classic luxury, the Oberoi Mauritius on the west coast is the place to be.

Looking for a great meal? Check out the Shanti Maurice on the south coast. For a relaxing stay, try the Residence Mauritius on the east coast. Or, for a memorable experience, visit the Constance Le Prince Maurice on the east coast too.

If you prefer a boutique-style stay, the 20 Degrees South near Grand Baie is a top pick. With direct flights from South Africa, you can easily mix a beach vacation with a safari adventure. This creates the perfect blend of tropical and wilderness experiences.

Mauritius and its islands are perfect for boat adventures. From the main island, you can go on day trips to places like Île aux Deux Cocos, Île aux Cerfs, and Île aux Bénitiers. These spots are great for snorkeling, picnicking, and enjoying the beautiful coasts.

For a deeper dive, try a Mauritius boat tour that includes activities like fishing, dolphin watching, or swimming with dolphins. These Mauritius island-hopping trips let you see the beauty and variety of the marine life.

Set off to explore the beautiful islands around Mauritius. Mauritius boat activities like snorkeling, swimming, and picnicking are great ways to see the island’s beauty.

• Discover the peaceful Île aux Deux Cocos, a true paradise
• See the green Île aux Cerfs, a 87-hectare island oasis
• Visit the beautiful Île aux Bénitiers and its untouched beaches

For excitement, try a Mauritius boat tour to see dolphins in Tamarin Bay or go snorkeling to see the colorful marine life.

“The boat tours in Mauritius were the highlight of our trip. We had the chance to swim with wild dolphins and explore the stunning Île aux Cerfs – an experience we’ll never forget.”

Mauritius is a truly remarkable destination. It offers a mix of natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse experiences. If you’re looking for a travel guide, vacation plans, or top trip recommendations, this island is unforgettable.

The island boasts stunning beaches and a vibrant underwater world. It also has lush landscapes and a unique culinary scene. You can dive, hike, relax on beautiful beaches, or explore the colored sands and food scene in Chamarel.

Mauritius is known for its warm hospitality and stunning scenery. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a remarkable travel experience. Whether you like luxury resorts, island-hopping, or experiencing local life, there’s something for everyone.