Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean. The country is home to sandy beaches, lagoons, coral reefs, and luxury resorts. Mauritius is the place for you if you’re looking for an exotic and luxurious vacation destination! You could relax on the beach, go on snorkelling or diving adventures, or explore scenic nature reserves. But there’s more that this island nation can offer you. With that in mind, here are 20 things to do in Mauritius.
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Top 10 Things to Do in Mauritius
1. Le Morne Brabant
One of the biggest reasons to visit Le Morne Brabant is for the incredible views. The mountain offers panoramic views of the entire island, and on a clear day, you can even see the nearby islands of Reunion and Rodrigues. Le Morne Brabant is also home to some of the best hiking trails on the island. There are trails of varying difficulty levels, so there is something for everyone. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even hike to the top of the mountain!
Opening times: Daily from 07h00 to 16h00
Location: At the extreme southwestern tip of Mauritius
2. Grand Bassin
Next in our guide to things to do in Mauritius is a visit to a natural lake in the island’s centre. The Hindu population of the island considers Grand Bassin to be a sacred place, and thus, it is a famous tourist destination. You will find temples, statues, and shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. The lake itself is gorgeous and surrounded by a lush jungle. The top attractions around Grand Bassin include the Lord Shiva statue, the Ganga Talao Temple, and the impressive Chamarel Waterfall.
Opening times: Daily from 08h00 to 19h00.
Location: Savanne district, Mauritius
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3. Le Pouce
Suppose you’ve ever been to the island of Mauritius. In that case, you may have noticed a unique mountain in the middle of the island. In French, this mountain is called Le Pouce, which means “thumb.” And it’s easy to see why it’s called that! Looking at Le Pouce from a distance, it looks like a giant thumb sticking out from the island. You can hike to the mountaintop (it takes about two hours) or enjoy the views from the numerous viewing platforms located around the base of the hill. Either way, it’s sure to be a memorable experience!
Opening times: Daily from 08h00 to 18h00
Location: Moka District, Mauritius
4. Le Morne Public Beach
Now we’re starting with beaches during our exploration of things to do in Mauritius. Le Morne Beach has miles of white sand, large casuarina trees, crystal-clear water with great visibility ideal for scuba diving, and Le Morne Mountain as a backdrop. The beach is particularly popular with windsurfers and kite surfers, and conditions are perfect for practising these sports almost all year.
Opening times: 24 hours
Location: Brabant, Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius
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Located on Mauritius’s northern coast, in the district of Pamplemousses, Trou-aux-Biches is a small town with a public beach that will take your breath away. With idyllic, crystal-clear turquoise waters and palm tree-lined white sand, it’s no wonder that the World Travel Group named this beach one of the most beautiful in the world. In 2011, they named Trou-aux-Biches the world’s leading beach destination at the World Travel Awards.
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Opening times: 24 hours
Location: Trou aux Biches, Pamplemousses, Mauritius
6. Île aux Aigrettes
Just off the coast of Mauritius lies a small, round island called Île aux Aigrettes. This nature reserve is home to endangered wildlife and rare plants and is a popular spot for tourists and Mauritians. Visitors can take guided tours of the island. One of the rare animals you can look out for includes the Aldabra giant tortoise, which conservationists brought to the island in the 1960s in an effort to save the species from extinction. Some of the island’s rare plants include the India Rubber Tree and several species of palm trees. Are you ready for more island adventures as you explore things to do in Mauritius?
Opening times: 09h00 to 16h30 (Tours are available at 09h30, 10h00, 10h30, 13h30 and 14h00 from Monday to Sunday; and Sundays at 09h30 and 10h00)
Location: Off the southernmost coast of Mahébourg.
7. Black River Gorges National Park
The Black River Gorges National Park is one of the top spots to experience the natural beauty of Mauritius. You can hike through different ecosystems, such as a humid upland forest, a drier lowland forest, and marshy heathland. See rare wildlife and enjoy stunning views. One of the rare creatures you might see is the Mauritian flying fox, one of the largest bat species in the world!
Opening times: 06h00 to 18h00
Location: B103 – Plaine Champagne Road, Mauritius
8. Île aux Cerfs
While you’re exploring things to do in Mauritius, you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. But if you are looking for a little more than just a beach, then you should definitely visit Île aux Cerfs. This privately owned island is located near the island nation’s east coast in the Flacq District and offers visitors plenty of activities amidst its 87 hectares of luxuriant vegetation. Île aux Cerfs is well known for its white-sand beaches, which make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the stunning views. In addition, the island features restaurants and a scenic golf course.
Opening times: 09h00 to 18h00
Location: Off the eastern coast of Mauritius.
9. Chamarel Waterfall
Tucked away in the lush greenery of Mauritius, the Chamarel Waterfall is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. At over 100 metres tall, it is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius. Its stunning cascade of water is not to be missed. The dramatic landscape around the Chamarel Waterfall is formed by lavas of two different ages, and the sight of the waterfall is truly a spectacle of nature.
Opening times: 08h30 to 17h30 during the summer (October – May) and 08h30 to 17h00 during the winter (June – December).
Location: H94P+P86, Chamarel, Mauritius
10. Péreybère Public Beach
As you discover more things to do in Mauritius, see why Péreybère Public Beach is one of its hidden gems. This small but beautiful beach is on the northern coast of the island with a background of shady trees. Despite its size, Péreybère Public Beach is always bustling with locals and tourists alike who come to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and picnicking.
Opening times: 24 hours
Location: On the coastal road between Grand Bay and Cap Malheureux.
More Great Things to Do in Mauritius
11. Mont Choisy Beach
Mont Choisy Beach is beautiful, with clear, calm waters and plenty of food vendors. It’s 1.4 km long and has plenty of shade trees, making it perfect for relaxing by the sea. Mont Choisy Beach’s clear, calm waters are perfect for a refreshing swim. Plenty of fish are also in the sea, so keep your eyes peeled for some interesting marine life. The locals at Mont Choisy Beach are friendly and always up for a chat. It’s lovely to interact with them and learn more about their culture. You can also buy local food from the many food outlets around the beach.
Opening times: 24 hours
Location: Northwest Mauritius, in Pamplemousses, near Grand Baie
12. Blue Bay Marine Park
If a breathtaking ocean experience is what you’re looking for among things to do in Mauritius, look no further than Blue Bay Marine Park. This natural preserve is teeming with aquatic life, beautiful coral gardens, and plenty of opportunities for exploration. The reserve is home to an abundance of marine life, including over 60 species of coral, over 200 species of fish, and several sea turtles. You can explore the reserve on a glass-bottom boat ride or take a dip in the water to snorkel and see this vibrant ecosystem up close.
Opening times: Daily from 07h30 to midnight
Location: HP45+3W7, Blue Bay, Mauritius
13. Blue Bay Beach
Situated in the southeast part of Mauritius Island, Blue Bay is a beach that is beloved by locals and tourists. With its crystal-clear waters and thriving marine life, it is no wonder why people flock to this beach year after year. In addition to being a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, Blue Bay Beach is also home to thousands of species of colourful aquatic flora and fauna.
Opening times: Daily from 07h30 to midnight
Location: HP45+3W7, Blue Bay, Mauritius
14. La Vanille Nature Park
This one-of-a-kind nature reserve was created in 1985 and is home to various plant and animal species, many of which are endangered. The name of the park honours the old vine cultivated in the valley where the reserve is located. If you’re looking for animal encounters among the things to do in Mauritius, you’re in luck. At La Vanille Nature Park, you can see giant tortoises, crocodiles, and other animals up close. The park also offers feeding shows and unique encounters with the animals.
Opening times: Daily from 09h00 to 17h00
Location: SENNEVILLE, Riviere des Anguilles, Riviere des Anguilles 60602, Mauritius
15. La Cuvette Public Beach
Discover the perfect day trip destination if you stay at the Grand Baie Hotel. This small but mighty beach is known for its calm lagoon and moderate climate—perfect for swimming! When you arrive at La Cuvette Public Beach, you’ll first notice the crystal-clear water. The beach is small, but there’s plenty of space to spread out and relax. And if you get too warm, there are plenty of trees for some much-needed shade.
Opening times: 24 hours
Location: Grand Baie, Mauritius
16. L’Aventure du Sucre
Are you a fan of all things sweet and looking at things to do in Mauritius? Do you have a soft spot for sugarcane? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then L’Aventure du Sucre is the place for you! This museum, located in a former sugar factory, features exhibits on the cultivation of sugarcane. The visit includes a guided tour and the opportunity to taste more than 30 products, including natural brown sugars, jams, honey, and rums. You’ll also get to see how rum is made at the Maison New Grove distillery.
Opening times: Daily from 10h00 to 16h00
Location: B18 Pamplemousses MU, Pamplemousses 21001, Mauritius
17. Flic En Flac Beach
If you prefer a change of scenery, then look no further than Flic En Flac Beach! This stunning stretch of white sand is one of the longest on the island, and its clear blue waters are simply begging to be explored. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun, enjoy some delicious food from one of the nearby restaurants, or try your hand at some water sports, Flic En Flac Beach has something for everyone.
Opening times: 24 hours
Location: Flic En Flac, Mauritius
18. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden
Are you looking for a fun and educational way to spend an afternoon while exploring things to do in Mauritius? If so, then you should definitely consider visiting the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden! This beautiful garden is home to over 500 plant species, including giant water lilies and Talipot palms. In addition, the garden is full of stunning 18th-century architecture and is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet stroll or picnic lunch.
Opening times: Daily from 08h30 to 17h30
Location: VHWJ+448, Pamplemousses, Mauritius
19. Casela Nature Parks
This vast outdoor amusement park offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a thrill or simply wanting to relax and take in the stunning scenery. With safari tours, camel rides, zip-lining, and much more, Casela Nature Parks offers plenty of unforgettable fun. For those who want to take things at a slower pace, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful surroundings and interact with various animal species.
Opening times: Daily from 09h00 to 17h00
Location: Royal Road, Cascavelle, Mauritius
20. Chamarel Seven-Coloured Earth Geopark
Have you ever seen a landscape like the one in the photo above? The Chamarel Seven-Coloured Earths are a geological formation found in the Rivière Noire District of Mauritius. This small area of sand dunes is made up of sand of seven distinct colours! In addition to being a beautiful natural wonder, the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths are also home to a park with a waterfall, a café, and tortoises. So if you’re looking for a unique place to add to your list of things to do in Mauritius, look no further than the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths Geopark!
Opening times: 08h30 to 17h30 during the summer (October – May) and 08h30 to 17h00 during the winter (June – December).
Location: H94P+P86, Chamarel, Mauritius
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country owns Mauritius?
Mauritius has a rich history dating back to the 16th century when it was first colonised by the Portuguese (although the island was first discovered by the Moors). The Portuguese were soon followed by the Dutch, who established numerous plantations on the island. After the Dutch rule ended in 1710, it took the French only 5 years to take over. By 1810, Mauritius had come under British rule and remained a British colony until 1968, when it gained independence. Mauritius is a thriving democracy with a diverse population and vibrant culture.
Is Mauritius India or Africa?
Africa
Mauritius is an Indian Ocean island country off the east coast of Africa.
Picture source: Ondrej Bocek / Unsplash
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