25 Things to Do in Mauritius
Mauritius is far more than just white-sand beaches and luxury resorts. This Indian Ocean island offers a remarkable mix of natural wonders, outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, wildlife encounters and world-class marine activities.
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, family holiday or adventure-filled escape, you’ll find plenty of unforgettable experiences across the island.
This guide covers the best things to do in Mauritius, including where to go, how long you’ll need, approximate costs and who will enjoy each activity most.
1. Spend a Day at Île aux Cerfs
Location: East Coast of Mauritius, near Trou d’Eau Douce
Duration: Half day to full day (4-8 hours)
Approximate Cost: Boat transfers and excursions typically range from MUR 1,500–4,000 per person depending on inclusions.
Best For: Families, honeymooners, beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
Île aux Cerfs is one of Mauritius’ most famous attractions. This privately managed island boasts turquoise lagoons, powder-soft beaches and a wide range of water sports.
Visitors can enjoy:
Swimming
Snorkelling
Parasailing
Tube rides
Beach dining
Catamaran cruises
Most excursions depart from Trou d’Eau Douce and include lunch and stops for snorkelling.
2. Explore the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel
Location: Chamarel, South-West Mauritius
Duration: 1-2 hours
Approximate Cost: Non-resident adults: approximately MUR 750; children approximately MUR 375.
Best For: Nature lovers, photographers and families.
The Seven Coloured Earths are among Mauritius’ most iconic natural attractions. These unique sand dunes display distinct shades of red, brown, violet, blue and yellow created by volcanic activity over millions of years.
Your entrance ticket also includes access to:
Chamarel Waterfall viewpoints
Aldabra tortoise park
Nature trails (Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth)
3. Visit Chamarel Waterfall
Location: Chamarel
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Approximate Cost: Included with Seven Coloured Earth admission.
Best For: Photographers and nature enthusiasts.
At around 100 metres high, Chamarel Waterfall is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius. The viewpoint offers spectacular views over the surrounding forested gorge.
Visit during the morning for the clearest views and best lighting.
4. Hike Le Morne Brabant
Location: Le Morne Peninsula
Duration: 3-4 hours round trip
Approximate Cost: Free for self-guided lower sections; guided hikes vary by operator.
Best For: Active travellers and adventure seekers.
Rising dramatically above the ocean, Le Morne Brabant is one of Mauritius’ most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The summit rewards hikers with panoramic views over lagoons, reefs and the south-west coast.
Start early to avoid the midday heat.
5. Discover Black River Gorges National Park
Location: South-West Mauritius
Duration: 2-6 hours
Approximate Cost: Free entry
Best For: Hikers, birdwatchers and nature lovers.
As Mauritius’ largest national park, Black River Gorges protects native forests, waterfalls and endemic wildlife.
Popular viewpoints include:
Alexandra Falls
Black River Gorges Viewpoint
Macchabée Forest trails
Many visitors consider this one of the island’s most rewarding natural experiences.
6. Relax on Belle Mare Beach
Location: East Coast
Duration: 1-6 hours
Approximate Cost: Free
Best For: Beach lovers and couples.
Belle Mare is one of Mauritius’ longest and most beautiful beaches.
The calm lagoon is ideal for:
Swimming
Paddleboarding
Sunrise photography
Long beach walks
Early mornings are especially spectacular.
7. Visit Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden
Location: Pamplemousses
Duration: 1-2 hours
Approximate Cost: Approximately MUR 300 for non-residents (subject to change).
Best For: Families, photographers and garden enthusiasts.
Often called Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, this historic attraction is famous for:
Giant Victoria water lilies
Exotic palms
Spice trees
Giant tortoises
8. Go Snorkelling in Blue Bay Marine Park
Location: South-East Mauritius
Duration: 2-4 hours
Approximate Cost: Glass-bottom boat and snorkelling excursions vary by operator.
Best For: Families and marine-life enthusiasts.
Blue Bay Marine Park contains some of Mauritius’ best-preserved coral gardens.
Expect to see:
Parrotfish
Butterflyfish
Coral formations
Crystal-clear water
9. Experience a Catamaran Cruise
Location: Various departure points around Mauritius
Duration: Full day
Approximate Cost: Typically MUR 2,500-6,000+ per person.
Best For: Couples, groups and honeymooners.
A catamaran cruise is one of the classic Mauritius experiences.
Most trips include:
BBQ lunch
Snorkelling
Drinks
Island stops
10. Explore Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)
Location: Central Mauritius
Duration: 1-2 hours
Approximate Cost: Free
Best For: Cultural travellers.
Grand Bassin is Mauritius’ most sacred Hindu pilgrimage site.
Highlights include:
Sacred crater lake
Giant Shiva statue
Hindu temples
Mountain scenery
11. Visit Casela Nature Parks
Location: Cascavelle
Duration: Half day to full day
Approximate Cost: Varies significantly depending on activities selected.
Best For: Families and adventure seekers.
Casela combines wildlife encounters with adrenaline activities.
Popular experiences include:
Safari tours
Quad biking
Ziplining
Segway tours
Animal encounters
It consistently ranks among Mauritius’ most popular attractions.
12. Wander Through Port Louis
Location: North-West Mauritius
Duration: Half day
Approximate Cost: Free unless shopping or dining.
Best For: Culture and history lovers.
The capital city offers:
Central Market
Waterfront dining
Museums
Street food
Colonial architecture
13. Visit Trou aux Cerfs Volcano
Location: Curepipe
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Approximate Cost: Free
Best For: Sightseeing and photography.
This dormant volcanic crater provides panoramic views across central Mauritius.
14. Watch Sunset at Macondé Viewpoint
Location: South-West Coast
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Approximate Cost: Free
Best For: Couples and photographers.
This coastal lookout is one of Mauritius’ most photographed viewpoints.
15. Swim at Flic en Flac Beach
Location: West Coast
Duration: 1-6 hours
Approximate Cost: Free
Best For: Families and beachgoers.
Known for calm waters and spectacular sunsets, Flic en Flac is among Mauritius’ most popular public beaches.
16. Go Dolphin Watching
Location: Tamarin Bay and Black River
Duration: 3-5 hours
Approximate Cost: Varies by operator.
Best For: Wildlife lovers.
Early-morning boat excursions offer opportunities to spot dolphins in their natural habitat.
17. Try Scuba Diving
Location: Island-wide
Duration: Half day
Approximate Cost: Varies according to certification level and dive centre.
Best For: Adventure travellers.
Mauritius offers excellent diving conditions with reefs, wrecks and abundant marine life.
18. Explore Rochester Falls
Location: Savanne District
Duration: 1-2 hours
Approximate Cost: Free
Best For: Nature lovers.
Rochester Falls is famous for its dramatic volcanic rock formations and photogenic scenery.
19. Visit La Vanille Nature Park
Location: Rivière des Anguilles
Duration: 2-3 hours
Approximate Cost: Entry fee applies.
Best For: Families.
The park is known for:
Giant tortoises
Crocodiles
Insect exhibits
Tropical gardens
20. Explore the Ebony Forest Reserve
Location: Near Chamarel
Duration: 2-4 hours
Approximate Cost: Entry fee applies.
Best For: Eco-tourists and hikers.
The reserve protects rare endemic flora and fauna while offering spectacular viewpoints over the south-west coast. (Reddit)
21. Enjoy a Rum Tasting at Rhumerie de Chamarel
Location: Chamarel
Duration: 1-2 hours
Approximate Cost: Tour fees apply.
Best For: Adults interested in local culture.
Learn how Mauritian rum is produced and sample locally crafted varieties.
22. Visit Gris Gris and Roche Qui Pleure
Location: Southern Coast
Duration: 1-2 hours
Approximate Cost: Free
Best For: Photographers.
Unlike much of Mauritius, this coastline is not protected by coral reefs, creating dramatic waves and rugged scenery.
23. Take a Submarine or Undersea Walk
Location: Trou aux Biches and Grand Baie
Duration: 1-2 hours
Approximate Cost: Varies by operator.
Best For: Families and non-divers.
An excellent way to experience marine life without scuba certification.
24. Go Deep-Sea Fishing
Location: West and North Coasts
Duration: Half day or full day
Approximate Cost: Charter rates vary.
Best For: Fishing enthusiasts.
Mauritius is renowned for offshore game fishing, including marlin, tuna and dorado.
25. Enjoy a Luxury Spa Day
Location: Resorts island-wide
Duration: 2-6 hours
Approximate Cost: Varies by resort.
Best For: Couples and honeymooners.
Mauritius is home to some of the Indian Ocean’s finest spas, offering treatments inspired by local traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one thing to do in Mauritius?
Most visitors consider a trip to Île aux Cerfs the island’s signature experience thanks to its beautiful beaches, water sports and lagoon scenery.
Is Mauritius worth visiting for more than beaches?
Absolutely. Mauritius offers hiking, waterfalls, wildlife parks, cultural landmarks, botanical gardens, volcanic landscapes and marine adventures.
How many days do you need in Mauritius?
A stay of 7 to 10 days allows enough time to explore beaches, attractions and day trips around the island.
What are the best things to do in Mauritius for couples?
- Île aux Cerfs
Catamaran cruises
Le Morne sunsets
Luxury spa experiences
Dolphin watching
Beach dining
What are the best things to do in Mauritius with children?
- Casela Nature Parks
La Vanille Nature Park
Blue Bay Marine Park
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Île aux Cerfs
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