The 21 Best Things to Do in Mauritius (Bucket List)

You’re planning to spend your next holiday in Mauritius and you’re looking for the best things to do during your trip?

You’re at the right place!

Mauritius might be a tiny country, but it’s full of amazing places to visit. Famous for its paradise-like beaches and turquoise waters, Mauritius also offers splendid forest and mountain hikes.

From the beaches of Belle-Mare and Grand Baie, via the church of Cap Malheureux, Le Morne Brabant Mountain, Black River Gorges National Park to the stunning Ile aux Cerfs (Deer Island), you won’t find a dull moment during your stay in Mauritius.

To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together this Top 21 things to do and see in Mauritius, accompanied by all my best tips to make the most of your visits.

So, what are the best things to do in Mauritius?

Let’s find out!

Visiting Mauritius: All Best Places to Visit

1. Flic en Flac beach

This is one of the most touristy towns and beaches on the west coast of the island. Flic en Flac is an unmissable spot during your trip to Mauritius.

This coastal town boasts an impressive number of luxury hotels, as well as restaurants, clubs, and bars facing the public beach.

The Flic en Flac beach is very long, stretching over several kilometers. Turquoise sea and white sand are, of course, part of the experience, with a broad tree-covered area where you can set up in the shade.

Mauritian families often gather here over the weekend, so if you want to avoid the crowd, opt to visit during the week.

At the beginning of the beach, several food trucks and vendors offer snacks, fruits, and drinks to enjoy – which is a delightful experience when seated facing the ocean, either before or after an afternoon swim.

When the sea is calm, the water is transparent, and with a snorkel and mask, you can see lots of colorful fish.

Several diving centers also offer day sessions for scuba diving (the package includes a training phase in a pool, then an excursion in open sea with an instructor).

You can also try out several water activities and take a boat tour in the lagoon.

If you enjoy evening fun, you’ll find various restaurants and nightclubs across from the beach.

2. Climb Le Pouce mountain

Le Pouce (Le Pouce in French, litteraly “the thumb”) is the third highest mountain in Mauritius (reaching 812 meters). Its peak resembles a raised thumb, which is how it got its name.

Visible from Port Louis, you can access it from the town of Saint Pierre.

You can drive straight to the foot of the mountain, (there’s parking right before the trailhead) and start the climb on your own. Otherwise, the climb to Pouce is organized from the Les Allées d’Helvetia shopping center in Saint-Pierre.

You can reach it by bus. From there, a guide takes you to Le Pouce and guides you to the top (you need to reserve in advance at your hotel or with a travel agency).

The climb is pretty easy, accessible to all, and will take half a day to go up and down, with pauses to take in the view.

After about 1 to 1.5 hours of walking in the tropical forest, you’ll arrive at a very broad meadow, dominated by Le Pouce’s peak.

It’s ideal to picnic here, with a wonderful view of the surroundings.

The ascent to the peak will take an additional 15 minutes and it’s here that the most challenging part of the adventure starts: it’s very steep, and you’ll really need to clamber over rocks to reach the top.

Be careful as some areas are quite dangerous. I wouldn’t recommend children under 14 or those with a fear of heights to attempt this final part.

The peak often gets quite windy and you need to stay focused. From the summit, you’ll get to enjoy an exceptional panorama of Mauritius and the surrounding small islands.

It’s truly a wonderful hike to undertake during your trip to Mauritius!

3. Ile aux Cerfs – Deer Island

Do you dream of white sandy beaches, azure blue skies, and crystal-clear waters?

Well, you’ll find your slice of paradise on the Ile aux Cerfs as the locals call it, wich means Deer Island. Situated on the East coast, within the lagoon of Trou d’Eau Douce, this idyllic island is one of the country’s most beautiful tourist sites, and a crowd-pleaser for visitors.

To get to Ile aux Cerfs, it’s a boat ride, no two ways about it. From Trou d’Eau Douce beach, taxi boats shuttle back and forth to the island every 20 to 30 minutes.

Once you reach Ile aux Cerfs, you’ll easily spend half a day. Let me tell you straight away, if you were picturing a deserted island, you’ve got the wrong idea. The island is heavily touristy and really caters to fun and water activities.

You can bask on the stunning white sand beaches, go kayaking, sailing, parasailing, and even play some golf.

Restaurants and bars on the island make it possible to have lunch or dinner right there. I personally tried the Marsala restaurant, specializing in Indian cuisine, and boy, was it a treat!

You can also opt for a longer excursion departing from, say, Pointe Jérôme or Trou d’Eau Douce by catamaran. The boat trip amidst the transparent sea and surrounding tiny islands is nothing short of magical!

To book your excursion, it’s as easy as clicking the following buttons:

• Full-day cruise with a barbecue leaving from Pointe Jérôme:

• Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs from Trou d’Eau Douce:

4. Cap Malheureux

In my opinion, Cap Malheureux beach is one of the most beautiful spots in Mauritius. Easily recognizable by its bold red church set against the azure blue sky and sea, it’s truly a piece of heaven.

When you’re visiting the north of Mauritius, stop here and spend half a day. Enjoy the picturesque beach, take a leisurely stroll around, and go for a swim.

I’d also recommend spicing up your day with a trip to Ile Plate, the little island just across from Cap Malheureux beach. You can go diving and snorkeling to get up close with the fish and shellfish.

And guess what? Lunch in the form of a barbecue is even included in the price!

The catamaran trip also includes a swim near Gabriel Island and Coin de Mire, renowned for its stunning array of fish.

Book your spot by clicking right here:

5. Grand Baie

Grand Baie is a tourist town in the northwest of the island, once a fishing village and now a seaside resort.

Here, too, you’ll find a significant concentration of luxury hotels and magnificent villas. The residents of Grand Baie are among the wealthiest in Mauritius, and many expatriates live here.

Things to do in and around Grand Baie:

• Lounge on the beach and admire the breathtaking view
• Sample local delicacies from the vendors
• Go shopping on Sunset Boulevard
• Dive in the bay and try out the water sports
• Enjoy a wild night at a discotheque (the ‘Banané Café’ is the largest on the island)
• Discover Pereybere beach just a few kilometers away
• Visit La Croisette Shopping Mall (free shuttles from Sunset Boulevard)

6. Port Louis

During your stay in Mauritius, you’ll mostly get to discover beautiful beaches, but there’s more to it.

Devote a day to exploring Port Louis, the capital. Far from tourist hotspots, here you’ll discover the real local life.

Stroll through the streets to discover Mauritian history and culture.

Things to see in Port Louis:

1) The Caudan Waterfront: the island’s oldest shopping center, opened in 1996, the Caudan Waterfront has charm to spare and you could easily spend an entire afternoon here.

Built right by the ocean, it houses all sorts of shops, a variety of restaurants and snack bars, a cinema, and even a casino.

The famous umbrella-lined alley is filled with small vendors of fresh fruit juice and cassava-based snacks, but also artists and street vendors. The atmosphere is quite pleasant and on weekend evenings, there are often shows and concerts in the central square.

2) This is where you’ll find the Craft Market, the kingdom of Mauritian crafts, teeming with all sorts of items, clothes, and typically Mauritian products.

3) You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Blue Penny Museum, the island’s most renowned museum that chronicles the history of Mauritius.

4) Place d’Armes: This square is located across from the harbor, nestled in the banking district.

At its heart stands the statue of Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, the French governor who founded the city in 1735.

On the esplanade, you’ll have the chance to admire the royal palm trees and several cannons testifying to the city’s colonial heritage. The Governor’s Palace stands to the north of the square.

5) The Central Market: This is the liveliest spot in Port Louis.

It’s just a short stroll from Place d’Armes, just follow the crowd.

Here, you’ll find a plethora of fruit and vegetable stalls, with enthusiastic vendors doing their utmost to attract buyers. You can also taste some local delicacies on the go: dhall purri, gateaux piments, rotis… There are also clothes, souvenir sellers, and local crafts.

To discover the culinary specialties of Mauritius, I recommend you book a guided street food tour in Port Louis.

Lasting 3 hours, it allows you to visit the market and of course taste local cuisine. You’ll find all the details about this outing by clicking here:

6) The Aapravasi Ghat museum: it’s been UNESCO World Heritage-listed since 2006.

It used to be an immigration depot that welcomed immigrant workers from India between 1849 and 1923. Nowadays, it’s an open-air museum. You’ll find it on the quays opposite the Port Louis bus station.

Here, you’ll uncover the remnants of this former living place: kitchens, common rooms, hospital…

7) La Citadelle Port-Louis, or Fort Adelaide: This fortress was built by the English settlers in 1834.

Overlooking the city, it served as a rampart and means of defense (namely the French colonizers). You can still see several cannons that stand as a reminder of that era.

La Citadelle stands over 100 meters high, offering a panoramic view of the entire Port Louis and the surrounding mountains. The site was recently renovated specifically for tourists, complete with several souvenir shops.

7. Chamarel and the seven Coloured Earths

Located in the southwest of the country, near Le Morne Brabant, you’ll find the stunning plain of Chamarel where one of Mauritius’s principal natural curiosities resides: the seven Coloured Earths. As you might guess, it’s an absolute must-visit!

Situated on private property (thus entry fees apply), the seven Coloured Earths is a vast clearing made up of soil dunes, whose color variations create a beautiful gradient.

You can visit the site in half a day. To avoid queuing at the entrance, you can buy your tickets in advance by clicking this link.

Next, you’ll follow a trail that leads to a vantage point overlooking the Chamarel waterfall, which stands approximately 100 meters tall. You can even descend and take a dip if you’re feeling adventurous.

Continue along your path, and you’ll reach the seven Coloured Earths, offering you a truly incredible and unique spectacle.

8. Belle Mare beach

When it comes to paradisiacal beaches, Belle Mare beach is top-notch. It will leave you speechless with its postcard-perfect scenery.

Located on the east coast of the country, this beach is unquestionably one of the most beautiful on the island. It stretches approximately 10 km, lined with several upscale hotels.

Fortunately, a large part of the beach remains “free”, offering all visitors pristine white sands and crystal-clear blue waters. The beach is also fringed by palm trees, filaos, and well-preserved natural surroundings.

You can spend a half-day or even a full day at Belle Mare beach to:

• Catch some rays (hats and sunscreen are a must!)
• Picnic with friends, with your significant other or family
• Dive into the turquoise lagoon waters
• Enjoy the offered water activities like paddle boats, windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking, motorboat or catamaran excursions…

9. Bras d’Eau National Park

A lively oasis to the east of Mauritius, Bras d’Eau National Park owes its name to the broad, arm-like waterway that flows through it.

Encompassing nearly 500 hectares, the park is primarily a forested wonderland. You could easily lose a whole day exploring its well-maintained trails without missing the unspoiled wilderness that defines its charm.

Get there early in the morning, stay quiet, and you just might get to see local wildlife – like the Grey White Eye, the Wood Pigeon, the Kestrel, or even monkeys, bats, and boars that call this place home.

As for flora, the park is home to white eucalyptus and mahogany trees, some towering over 40 meters high.

Peaceful and refreshing, the park is a perfect retreat for those seeking a quiet time away from the bustle of beaches and cities.

As you amble along the bird-song-filled paths, you’ll stumble across some ruins, including those of an old sugar factory and a lime kiln, and ponds perfect for a break (like the Mare Mahogany and the Mare aux Chevrettes).

To reach the park, you’ll pass through the villages of Rivière du Rempart and Roches Noires.

There’s ample parking at the entrance, and a few kiosks offer refreshments before you start your adventure.

If you’re traveling by bus, drop off at Flacq station and catch a taxi to the Bras d’Eau Park.

10. Trou aux Biches beach

Tucked away in the north of the island, just 10 kilometers from Grand Baie, is the heavenly Trou aux Biches beach. It litteraly means “hole of deers” in French. Don’t ask me why.

As with other beaches on the island, here you’ll meet white sand, palm trees, and the turquoise waters of the lagoon. Your agenda will likely be filled with:

• Lounging
• Swimming
• Picnicking
• Diving
• Water sports: Nearby hotels offer activities like sailing, water skiing, parasailing, tennis, and golf…

11. The Tea Route

The Tea Route is a culinary and cultural journey. It’ll take you on a tour of colonial and traditional Mauritius through the steps involved in making Mauritian tea.

The visit is in three stages, with a guide transporting you from one location to another.

• 1st stop: Domaine des Aubineaux. Here you’ll tour one of the island’s last colonial houses (dating back to 1872), explore the old stables, the tea room, the essential oil distillery, and the gardens.

• 2nd stop: Bois Chéri. This is where the tea is grown and harvested. The visit includes a tour of the tea factory to learn about the production process, a visit to the tea museum, and finally, a tea tasting at the chalet with a panoramic view of the entire estate and the southern region of the island.

• 3rd stop: Le Saint Aubin. A visit to the colonial house (built in 1819) turned restaurant for a typically Mauritian meal. Visit of the sugar mill and rum distillery. And a visit to the “Maison de la vanille” where Mauritian vanilla – a typical addition to local tea – is produced.

The entire Tea Route can be done in a full day. Pick-up from your hotel, transportation, guide, all entrance fees, and lunch are included.

You can book this activity right now by clicking the following green button:

Of course, if you’d rather not use a guide and visit these places independently, you’re absolutely free to do so over a couple of days.

12. Grand Bassin

Also referred to as “Ganga Talao”, Grand Bassin is arguably the most sacred place on Mauritius Island.

As a pilgrimage site for the island’s Hindus during the annual Maha Shivaratree festival, the Grand Bassin area is comprised of a natural lake (formed by an old water-filled crater) surrounded by numerous Hindu temples welcoming both pilgrims and visitors.

The top highlight of this place is undoubtedly the two colossal statues of Lord Shiva and the goddess Durga. In fact, the latter stands tall as the largest statue of a female deity in the world. Both statues tower over 30 meters high, which is seriously jaw-dropping!

Visiting Grand Bassin is a Mauritius must-do, and visitors usually love it.

You’ll get to tour the temples (and even have a “tika” painted on your forehead if you wish) and walk around the lake, exploring the lush nature and other religious statues.

Also, Grand Bassin is essentially a monkey kingdom, they’re all over the place, often playfully pestering tourists for snacks.

Half a day is more than enough to explore Grand Bassin, and even better, entry is free!

13. Maison Eureka

This former colonial residence is located in the center of the island, near the Moka River. Built in 1830, it was once home to British and French aristocrats from the 19th century.

Now a museum since 1986, it offers a peek into the colonial lifestyle of that era. It’s one of the largest houses on the island. The displayed furniture is original, and the rooms have been restored, primarily featuring wood. L

The estate also boasts large grounds with numerous local plants and fruit trees, along with a lovely English garden. You can also visit a museum showcasing a rich collection of period artifacts.

Outside, you can wander along the river banks, from where several kilometers of trails lead you to hike in dense vegetation. You’ll discover waterfalls and many endemic tropical plants. It’s a peaceful, enjoyable stroll, perfect for winding down your day.

The site also includes a restaurant and a souvenir shop.

Admission is 10 euros for adults and 6 euros for children.

14. Bagatelle Mall of Mauritius

If you’re passing through the country’s center, why not swing by the largest shopping center on the island: Bagatelle Mall of Mauritius.

It’s a modern shopping mall, and spending an hour or two there is quite enjoyable, especially if you want to dine at the “food court” outdoors, offering many options: Mauritian, Indian, Asian cuisine, pizzas, burgers…

The mall hosts numerous various shops, three supermarkets, and a cinema.

While not a destination per se as you’ll find similar malls worldwide, it’s a nice spot for a bite or a movie in the evening. Bagatelle borders the highway and is easily accessible by bus.

15. Vallée de Ferney

Embarking on an excursion to La Vallée de Ferney is a must-do activity during your stay in Mauritius.

This nature reserve spanning over 200 hectares is located in the southeast of the island and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The reserve consists of forests and rolling meadows. Everything’s incredibly green, and the landscapes are genuinely breathtaking.

To get there, you’ll need to catch a bus to Mahébourg, followed by a taxi ride to the old Ferney sugar mill, between Mahébourg and Vieux Grand Port townships. This is where your tour starts, and you can choose to do it with or without a guide.

Before hopping on a shuttle to the hiking trailhead, take a quick look at the tiny coffee museum near the reception and the property’s gardens where you can even picnic.

After a 3 km ride through sugarcane fields by bus or pick-up (watch out for the bumps!), you’ll arrive at the reserve. You can choose to walk or explore in a 4×4 vehicle.

If you opt for the walk, a 3-kilometer trail leads you through dense tropical forest offering panoramic views over Mahébourg Bay and the small islands off the coast at several spots.

Keep your eyes wide open and occasionally gaze skywards. During your walk, you may spot some of Mauritius’ endemic bird species such as the Mauritius Kestrel or the Pink Pigeon.

As for the 4×4 tour, it lasts 1h30, providing you with an opportunity to delve deeper into the valley along a ten-kilometer-long track.

Note: don’t venture into La Vallée de Ferney without insect repellent lotion unless you fancy a terrible time. Sunscreen and walking shoes are also essential.

Check out the official website for pricing details.

16. Black River Gorges National Park

While you’re in the southwest of the island, you can’t miss out on the Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius’s largest natural park (that’s a whopping 6,754 hectares!).

Nature enthusiasts and hiking aficionados will be in their element here. Plan to spend at least half a day hiking and picnicking right there.

The Black River Gorges National Park has some outstanding hikes that let you delve into the heart of the native forest, discover hidden waterfalls, rivers, and enjoy stunning views of the landscape below.

This forest is special as it hosts over 300 species of endemic plants and 9 species of birds that are unique to Mauritius.

Make sure to wear your best hiking shoes because the trails can get quite steep at times. Don’t forget your mosquito repellent cream either.

For a guided tour, allocate half a day, complete with a swim at the end of the tour. Make sure to book in advance by clicking on the following button:

17. The 7 Waterfalls Trail

Close to Tamarin in the west, the 7 Waterfalls hike is an excursion I highly recommend doing during your trip to Mauritius.

You can choose between two main trails: one covering the first 4 waterfalls, and the other covering all 7 waterfalls.

You can hike freely, or with a guide.

The guided tour will take half a day for the first trail and a full day for the entire trail, with breaks, lunch, and swims included.

You can book it by clicking on the green button below:

If you want to be independent and don’t plan on taking long breaks, you can complete the full hike in about 4 hours.

18. The beach at Morne Brabant

Le Morne Brabant is a mountain in the southwest of the island, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, surrounded by beaches that are each more beautiful than the last.

Most are private beaches owned by hotels, but you’ll have access to the public beach at Le Morne Brabant, lined with palm trees, which is one of the most beautiful and tranquil (except on Sundays!) in Mauritius. Wilder than the heavily touristy beaches of the north and west parts of the island, it’s a call to peace and relaxation.

During your journey through the southwest, you definitely should relax on this gorgeous beach located right at the foot of the mountain. You can easily get there by bus, or by walking if you choose to tour Le Morne Brabant on foot, which is also a fun thing to do.

If you’re driving, after leaving the beach, continue on the main coastal road (voted one of the most beautiful roads in the world, you’ll see why), and stop at Macondé rock, a huge rock jutting out into the sea.

Stairs allow you to climb it and discover at the top a stunning panoramic view of the surroundings. In clear weather and in the dark, it’s said that you can even spot the lights of Réunion Island in the distance.

19. Climb to the top of Le Morne Brabant

The hike to the top of Morne Brabant Mountain is one of the most beautiful excursions you can take in Mauritius. Plan for about 3 hours round-trip.

The ascent offers stunning views of the whole southern part of the island. The landscapes and colors are truly breathtaking from up there.

The first part of the walk is easy and accessible to everyone. It gets challenging after that. The ascent to the summit is extremely steep and hazardous, making it unsuitable for children.

Let’s be honest: it’s downright perilous, so you shouldn’t be afraid of heights and you should be used to physical exertion.

If you’d feel more at ease, you can also choose to climb with a professional guide. To book this option, just click the button below:

At the top, you’ll have an incredible panoramic view of the island and the ocean.

You’ll also see at the top a large stone cross. The history of Morne Brabant Mountain is both powerful and tragic, tied to the period of slavery.

Many slaves committed suicide by throwing themselves from the top of this mountain, and this cross was erected as a tribute to their memory.

20. The Pamplemousses Botanic Garden

During your visit to Mauritius, I strongly suggest paying a visit to the exquisite Pamplemousses Botanic Garden located in the northwestern district, which shares its name, “Pamplemousse” which means grapefruit in French.

You can easily get there by bus, especially from Port Louis in just 15-20 minutes, and the bus stops right next to the entrance.

Established in the 18th century by the French governor and botanist Pierre Poivre, the garden spans 37 hectares and hosts hundreds of plant species from all around the world.

You’ll find a vast collection of plants of all sorts, palm trees of all shapes and sizes, flowering plants, fruit trees, all set in a gorgeous setting with large green spaces and landscaped trails.

This is the place to be if you want to witness the awe-inspiring giant water lilies that Pamplemousses is known for. And let’s not forget about the impressive baobab specimens that add to the charm of this place.

During your visit, you’ll also encounter various animals including numerous bats resting in the trees, chameleons, colorful birds and even mongooses. There’s also a part of the park housing captive animals: giant tortoises and deer.

Although a guided tour isn’t mandatory, it offers much more insight than a self-guided tour. The guides will tell you all about the plants’ characteristics, let you smell their aromas, and explain the history of the place.

I’ll be honest with you, the garden’s guides can be quite talkative, so get ready to really pay attention if you want to soak up all the information they have to offer.

The garden is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and a visit takes 1 to 2 hours.

Admission fee: 8 euros per adult, 5 euros per child.

21. More things to do in Mauritius

If you’ve seen the main attractions of Mauritius, here are some additional activities that I recommend you try.

All you need to do is click on the orange links for more information and to book:

• A 2-hour quad tour of the south of the Island: to venture off the beaten path and explore the wild side of the island such as the volcanic cliffs, Roche qui Pleure, or the Rochester Falls.
• A 3-hour quad tour discovering the “Pont Naturel” or Natural Bridge and the beaches of La Cambuse.
• An eco-buggy ride at the Heritage Nature Reserve known for its diverse landscapes and wildlife.
• A glass-bottom boat trip in the Blue Bay Marine Park 
• A guided tour of the nature reserve on île aux Aigrettes, a preserved natural place housing an exceptional fauna and flora.
• A sunset cruise towards île aux Aigrettes

Several full-day excursions are also worth considering:

• A full-day trip to swim with dolphins + a visit to île aux Bénitiers with barbecue included
• A trip to the Rivière Noire coast to swim with dolphins. Available as a 3-hour version (click here) or a full-day version with additional whale watching (click here).
• A trip to île des Deux Cocos, a private paradise island where you can enjoy the white sand and turquoise water of the lagoon in a luxurious setting.
• An 8-hour custom tour of Mauritius with a driver guide. You can create your own itinerary and visit all the places that catch your interest.

Renting a boat in Mauritius

If you want to rent a boat for a fun day at sea during your stay in Mauritius, I highly recommend using Samboat. Simply put, they have the most comprehensive boat rental offerings!

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small license-free boats, with or without a skipper: you’ll be spoiled for choice.

So, why wait any longer to book your incredible sea trip in Mauritius?

And you, what do you plan to do during your trip to Mauritius?

You’re traveling in Mauritius? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mauritius: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mauritius are listed there.

21 Best Things to do in Mauritius – All the best places to visit!

• Itinerary: 1 week in Mauritius – How to visit Mauritius in 6, 7 or 8 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mauritius – The definitive guide to visit Mauritius in 10 days!
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mauritius – The perfect 14, 15 or 16 days itinerary in Mauritius

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