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Things to do in Mauritius

Things to do in  Mauritius

Welcome to Mauritius

Floating in the Indian Ocean with open-water access to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Australia, the African island of Mauritius is a cultural melting pot cradled by bone-white beaches and azure water. Even if you're short on time, Mauritius' relatively small size means it's easy to see the island in its entirety. Sightseeing tours that stop at top attractions such as the Chamarel Waterfall, the Black River Gorges National Park, Grand Bassin lake in Ganga Talao, and the Trou aux Cerfs Crater are a popular choice among first-time visitors. Cultivated gardens of giant water lilies, ebonies, and palms paint the landscape at Pamplemousses Botanical Garden (also called Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden), while the Seven Colored Earth lures photographers and ecologists with its vibrant sand dunes. Off the coast of Mauritius, opportunities for diving and other water sports abound. Swim with dolphins off the coast of Port Louis, surf the waves at Le Morne, snorkel off Grand Baie, take a catamaran cruise to nearby Île aux Cerfs, or comb the beach at Trou d'Eau Douce. Kid-friendly options such as the Bois Cheri Plantation or the Vanille Réserve des Mascareigne nature park make Mauritius ideal for families too, while romantic beaches and luxurious resorts attract honeymooners in equal measure.

Top 15 attractions in Mauritius

Île aux Cerfs

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In Mauritius, a region replete with beautiful beaches, it’s difficult to name a true standout. However, the white sands of Île aux Cerfs may just take the title. This private island boasts unspoiled beaches, tropical jungle, an 18-hole golf course, and one of Mauritius’ most luxurious hotels.More

Black River Gorges National Park

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While Mauritius might be known for its world-class beaches and temptingly turquoise waters, the island offers more adventure than just snorkeling, swimming, and diving. In Black River Gorges National Park on the island’s southwestern tip, 18 miles of hiking trails are embedded in a canopy of what’s regarded as the island’s last pristine section of forest. Between deforestation and invasive species, there was once a time when the forests seemed in danger of disappearing. In 1994, however, when Black River Gorges became the island of Mauritius’ only national park, it provided a 25 square mile home for endemic plants and wildlife still found in the forest today. When hiking the trails in the forested uplands, remember to look up in the rustling branches for pink pigeons and Mauritius kestrels that flit their way through the trees. There’s the chance you might spot mischievous monkeys when hiking to a viewpoint or waterfall, and while it’s still possible to see the coast from the various hilltop viewpoints, the cobalt shores seem miles away from this green, protected sanctuary.More

Curious Corner of Chamarel

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From mind-bending optical illusions and mirror mazes to interactive puzzles and forced-perspective photo ops, the Curious Corner of Chamarel is a museum unlike any other in Mauritius. It’s full of fun exhibitions for the Instagram age that challenge your perceptions and make you smile.More

Trou aux Cerfs Volcano

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At 1,985 feet (605 meters above sea level, the Trou aux Cerfs volcano provides sweeping views of the Mauritian landscape and its dramatic mountain ranges. With a diameter of more than 980 feet (300 meters and depth of 260 feet (80 meters, its giant crater is also a sight in itself and is an ideal setting for a short stroll.More

Ebony Forest Reserve

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Dedicated to conserving Mauritius’ indigenous forest and endangered wildlife, the Ebony Forest Reserve is one of the island’s most important ecoreserves. Home to more than 140 native and endemic plant and animal species, it’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, with scenic hiking trails and ocean-view overlooks.More

Savanne District

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The southern district of Savanne is known for its rolling hills, thick forests and rugged untouched beauty, and while the well-manicured greens of the Heritage Golf Club draw travelers eager to play the back nine, it’s the less developed reaches that bring travelers to this southern edge of the country.Whether it’s cruising the trails on board a quad bike or riding horseback through the quiet landscapes of this beautiful region, visitors will find plenty to do, see and experience in Savanne. La Vanille Crocodile Park offers travelers an alternative to surf and sand with an informative look at these giant reptiles, while the Grand Bassin, a tradition Hindu temple, offers a look at local spirituality and the historic Bois Cheri Tea Factory provides travelers with a literal taste of what this district has to offer.More

Chamarel Waterfall

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Mauritius is a country rich with pristine beaches, diverse cultures and colonial charm, and if that isn't enough, it’s also home to some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the world. Chamarel Waterfall, located in the southwest reaches of the island, is the nation’s highest waterfall. Its thundering waters plunge some 300 feet (100 meters) into crystal clear pools, and travelers say a trip to the top of this scenic spot proves one of the best photo opportunities in the country. Visitors can hire a car to navigate the lush landscape that surrounds the falls. It’s then a relatively easy walk to the top—complete with stairs—where travelers can see for themselves what Mark Twain once called “paradise.”More

Casela World of Adventures

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When you think of beautiful, tropical Mauritius, it usually isn’t lions, rhinos, or giraffes that immediately spring to mind. At Casela World of Adventures, however, visitors will enter a safari-style compound that covers 620 acres, where seemingly every adventure possible is happening here in the park. Strap on a helmet and go on safari while also riding a quad bike, or get the feel for what it’s like to sit and ride on a camel. Fly down the island’s longest ziplines, or climb the Via Ferrata, before clipping into the canyon swing or touring the park on a Segway. All of the experiences have separate charges, although general admission still includes a guided safari adventure, where you drive around in search of zebras, ostriches, impalas, and kudus. You’re sure to see at least a dozen of the park’s 1,500 birds, and to up the adventure to heart-racing levels, join the staff on a stroll through fields full of cheetahs, lions, and tigers.More

Bénitiers Island (Ile aux Bénitiers)

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The jagged black rocks of the remote island of Benitiers look a bit like the clam shells the stretch of land is named for. Travelers can navigate the crystal clear waters that lap against the shore in one of the small boats that travels between Mauritius and this breathtaking island off the country’s west coast. The shallow sea is almost always calm, and the views of nearby Le Morne are absolutely breathtaking. Plus, it’s even possible to spot dolphins and whales on the scenic trip between the mainland and Benitiers.More

Gris Gris Cape

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At the southernmost point of the island of Mauritius is known as Gris Gris Cape, or Gris Gris Beach. It's a beautiful place to visit, but very dangerous for swimming.The term “gris gris” has many meanings, including some associated with voodoo magic, and although the water here looks inviting that's deceptive. Waves here are much stronger than they are along other parts of the Mauritius coast, so swimming at Gris Gris is strongly discouraged.Visiting Gris Gris, however, to soak in the natural beauty and watch the power of Mother Nature, is worth it. There's a trail behind the parking lot that leads to a spot from which you can watch waves beat against the rock repeatedly, making it look like the cliffs are weeping.More

Blue Bay Marine Park

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In case you’re wondering about the biodiversity at Mauritius’ Blue Bay Marine Park, there are more species of corals here than you could count fingers and toes. By some estimates over 40 different types of coral are found in these shallow, turquoise waters, which also house up to 70 species of colorful, tropical fish. With an average depth of only 10 to 20 feet, Blue Bay Marine Park is easily accessible to snorkelers and casual swimmers—most of whom are immersed in fish the moment they jump off the boat. If, on the other hand, you’d prefer to keep your head above water but still see all the fish, glass bottom boats are a dry-hair option for watching the action below. Despite the area’s beauty, however, overuse and abundance of fish feeding is quickly becoming a problem, and snorkelers are reminded to not touch the corals or feed the large schools of fish. The concerning reef degradation aside, Blue Bay Marine Park is one of the nicest areas in southeast Mauritius, and a laidback, warm, white sand shore for spending a day in the sun.More

Bois Cheri Plantation

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Some countries have wine or whisky routes – Mauritius has a tea route. And the island's biggest tea producer – the Bois Cheri Plantation – is a stop on that route.The Bois Cheri Tea Plantation got its start on Mauritius in 1892, and today is the largest producer of tea on the island. The plantation covers 250 hectares, and includes the factory where the tea is made and a museum for visitors to explore the science and art of tea.Visits to the plantation include guided tours of the tea factory plus a chance to see the plantation and explore the museum. At the end of your visit, you'll also get to take part in a tea tasting.More

Ilot Gabriel

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A small island covering just over 100 acres (42 hectares), Ilot Gabriel is a gem in the crystal clear waters near Grand Bay. Day trippers sail to Ilot Gabriel aboard catamarans from Grand Bay, and after a 90-minute journey, arrive on the unspoiled beaches of the island.Geckos creep along the greenery lining the beach, and the gentle waters are popular for snorkeling and diving right off the beach. Since the island is part of a protected nature reserve, its natural habitats remain largely untouched. Most excursions to the island also include a BBQ lunch, served al fresco on the beach.More
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Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

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Recognized as the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden was built in 1770 and stretches over some 37 hectares of land. The park is known for its massive pond of giant water lilies, while its lush gardens include species like ebony trees and sugar cane that serve as a reminder of the nation’s colonial influences, as well as plants from Central America, Asia and Africa, too. Visitors say that the sheer variety of plant species make the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden worth the visit but most agree that the grounds are in need of a bit of an update.More

St. Aubin House & Sugar Estate

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Travelers to this vintage 19th-century estate will get a true taste of colonial life washed down with a sip of strong rum. Built in 1819 from wood of dismantled ships, the plantation is an homage to a life in Mauritius that no longer exists. Guests can sample traditional island cuisine at the restaurant tucked inside the colonial home or spend an evening at the Creole-style Saint Aubin Inn. Relax in the pool, horseback ride through the well-manicured grounds or even bike through the plantation.Tours of the old sugar mill and vanilla house are also available, giving travelers an opportunity to see how two of the nation’s sweetest delights were processed during the 1800s. But perhaps the most popular stop on a visit to Saint Aubin Sugar Plantation is to the Artisanal Distillery, where guests can learn how sugar is transformed into smooth sips of light, amber and dark rum.More
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Recent reviews from experiences in Mauritius

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Great views great company
Moe_T, Mar 2023
7 Cascades/Tamarind Falls Full Trek
Shek Clearly loves being active and is full of tips/recommendations for activities in Mauritius if you want any recommendations!
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Swim and walk near the waterfalls
Laura_C, Dec 2022
Hiking Trip Full-Day: The Magnificent 7 Waterfalls Sept Cascades including Lunch
Take your swim suit as you can swim under the waterfalls.
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A Memorable Day
Jackie_S, Mar 2023
Full-Day Scenic South West Tour, ALL INCLUSIVE Day Trip, Private SUV Car, Guide
On the way back to our hotel, Avi even kindly dropped off at a supermarket to see if we could get some locally made Gin for us to try.
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Amazing Natural wonders in Mauritius
Perry_S, Mar 2023
TAXI South guided tour.
On this excursion we stopped at scenic overlooks, saw waterfalls, and the 7 colored earth.
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Wonderful and unique experience
Anastasia_G, Feb 2023
South of Mauritius :Full day package including Chamarel Coloured earth & lunch
So one gets to visit very beautiful spots that are known only by locals and that are not full of tourists.
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Fantastic day trip
Paul_W, Nov 2022
Mauritius full day tour : Private south west with lunch
The trip itself allowed us to see a number of the wonderful sights in Mauritius in one day.
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Excellent trip
frankjattke, Nov 2022
Whale and Dolphin Watching Private Boat Tour from Mauritius
It was amazing to see the sperm whales that close.
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Climbing the tamarind waterfalls.....
Suzanne_A, Oct 2022
Hiking Trip Full-Day: The Magnificent 7 Waterfalls Sept Cascades including Lunch
The swim in the waterfall towards the bottom was refreshing and something I'd never experienced before.
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People Also Ask

What is Mauritius best known for?

Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, known for its white-sand beaches and luxury resorts. The country is often associated with the Dodo, an extinct flightless bird that once called the island home. Mauritius is also famous for its “underwater waterfall” (which is actually an optical illusion) and for sitting on top of a lost continent, Mauritia, that was discovered in 2017.

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How many days are enough for Mauritius?

You’ll want to spend at least 1–2 weeks in Mauritius—especially since the island is not exactly easy to reach. You can devote a couple of days to relaxing at your resort, then fill the rest of your itinerary with scuba diving excursions, boat trips to smaller islands, hikes through national parks, and wildlife encounters with lions and dolphins.

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What do people do in Mauritius?

Mauritius is very much a beach destination, so many visitors prioritize activities like swimming, scuba diving, and boating. Dolphin-watching boat tours are also quite popular. The island’s southwest region is perfect for when you need a break from the water, as it features plenty of rain forest-rich parks and places to grab authentic Mauritian cuisine.

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Is there a dress code in Mauritius?

No, there is not a set dress code in Mauritius in terms of cultural propriety—you are fine wearing comfortable beachwear like bikinis, shorts, sleeveless shirts, and skirts. Your hotel or resort may have dress codes for certain dining establishments, so be sure to check the property’s website before your visit.

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Can you drink alcohol in Mauritius?

Yes. While drinking in public places (including beaches) was banned in 2009, visitors are welcome to enjoy alcohol at bars, restaurants, and hotels. Locally made cane rum is a particularly popular choice among tourists. The legal drinking age in Mauritius is 18.

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Does Mauritius have mosquitoes?

Yes. There are mosquitoes almost everywhere in Mauritius, but they are a particular problem in the forests and national parks. The mosquitoes here don’t carry malaria, but visitors should still come armed with repellant or pick up some at a local shop once they arrive—the bites can sometimes transmit dengue fever, and you don’t want itchy skin to damper an otherwise relaxing vacation.

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Mauritius information

Number of Attractions

19

Number of Tours

486

Number of Reviews

5,252
Frequently Asked Questions
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