15 Things to do in Mauritius

Mauritius is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean and is known for its beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and rich cultural heritage.

The country is a perfect destination for anyone looking to kick back, relax and soak up the sun, but there is also plenty of opportunity for those who want to explore and discover new things.

From hiking in national parks to visiting botanical gardens and museums, there are plenty of things to do in Mauritius during your stay.

Below is a round-up of some of the best places to visit in Mauritius. Whether you are visiting as a family, as a couple, or taking a solo trip, there are plenty of attractions for everyone to enjoy.

Black River Gorges National Park

Without a doubt, one of the most popular places to visit in Mauritius is the Black River Gorges National Park. The park covers an area of 6,754 hectares and is located on the southwestern part of the Island.

Its beautiful hiking trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the Island’s diverse vegetation, including subtropical rainforests, dry deciduous forests, and wetlands. The park is also home to the Heritage Nature Reserve, which offers guided tours of the Island’s unique flora and fauna.

The park also offers a visitors’ centre and several picnic areas where visitors can relax, enjoy the scenery, and maybe take in some birdwatching.

The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between May and November when the weather is dry, and the vegetation is at its most lush.

With its beautiful scenery, rich biodiversity, and a range of recreational opportunities, Black River Gorges National Park is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers visiting Mauritius.

The Heritage Nature Reserve

The Heritage Nature Reserve is a protected area within the Black River Gorges National Park. The Reserve is known for its unique and diverse flora and fauna and is home to many species found only in Mauritius.

It is an excellent destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The Reserve offers guided tours that take visitors through the park and allows them to learn about the Island’s unique ecosystem, geology, and history.

One of the main attractions of the Reserve is the many endangered species that can be found here, including the Pink Pigeon, which is a critically endangered species.

The Reserve also houses the Mauritian flying fox, a bat species that is also listed as critically endangered. Some of the other endangered animals that can be found here include the Mauritius kestrel, the echo parakeet, and the Telfair’s skink.

The Reserve also offers visitors the opportunity to see many of the Island’s unique plant species. The vegetation is diverse, and visitors can find subtropical rainforests, dry deciduous forests, and wetlands. Each of these habitats is home to different species of plants, many of which are unique to the country.

Overall, the Heritage Nature Reserve offers an unparalleled opportunity to see and learn about the unique biodiversity of Mauritius. It is an excellent destination for visitors looking to explore the Island’s natural beauty and experience the rare and endangered species that call it home.

The Seven-Coloured Earth

The Seven-Coloured Earth, also known as the Seven-Coloured Dunes, is a popular tourist attraction. It’s located in the village of Chamarel, in the southwestern part of the Island. The site is known for its unique geological formation of sand dunes, each with a different colour, hence the name “Seven-Coloured Earth.”

The dunes are formed from volcanic ash and sand and are composed of seven colours: red, brown, purple, green, blue, yellow, and violet. These colours are said to be the result of the different mineral concentrations in the sand. The dunes are located next to each other and form a gradient, creating an incredible visual effect.

Visitors can walk on the path that runs through the dunes, which provides access to different viewing platforms.

The dunes are surrounded by lush vegetation, allowing visitors to see the different colours of the earth up close and in the context of the natural surroundings. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture some incredible photographs of Mauritius’ beautiful landscape.

The site is open year-round, but visitors should note that the dunes can get quite hot during the day, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense.

The Seven-Coloured Earth is one of the top places to visit in Mauritius, meaning that it can get busy at times. Its vibrant colours and beautiful surrounding landscapes make it an unforgettable experience and a perfect place for photography lovers.

Aapravasi Ghat

Aapravasi Ghat, located in Port Louis, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is significant for its role in the history of indentured labour in the 19th and 20th centuries. The site was the main point of arrival for half a million labourers, mainly from India, who were transported to the Island to work on the sugar plantations.

These labourers would disembark from ships at the ghat and then undergo a registration process before being sent to the sugar plantations.

The site includes several buildings that were used during this process, including the Immigration Depot, where the labourers were temporarily housed and processed before being sent to the plantations.

Today, Aapravasi Ghat is considered the single most important site associated with the history of indentured labour and is the only remaining example of a 19th-century British colonial immigration depot and the first site of mass migration of Indian indentured labour.

As one of Mauritius’ points of interest,  Aapravasi Ghat is open to visitors and has been restored to give visitors an understanding of the site’s historical significance. The restoration includes several interpretive displays reflecting the history of the location.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

For those who love botanical gardens, the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, which is often known as the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the town of the same name.

It is amongst the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere and is renowned for its collection of exotic and indigenous plants.

The garden covers an area of about 37 hectares (91 acres) and is home to a wide variety of plant species, including a famous collection of giant water lilies (Victoria amazonica), which are native to South America.

The garden was originally established in 1735 by Pierre Poivre, a French botanist and government official, and it was intended to be a botanical research centre. It was from here that Poivre introduced many new plants to the Island, including spices such as nutmeg and clove.

One of the garden’s main attractions is the Talipot Palm Avenue, where many Talipot Palm trees are planted in rows, and it is considered one of the most spectacular botanical features in the garden.

As a World Heritage Site, it is protected and preserved by UNESCO to safeguard the garden’s cultural, historical, and scientific significance for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

The garden is open to visitors and offers guided tours, educational activities, and a wide range of recreational activities, making it the perfect place for families to spend the day.

The Blue Bay Marine Park

Blue Bay Marine Park is an excellent place for nature lovers. The park is a protected area located on the southeast coast of Mauritius, in the district of Flacq. It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and rich marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving.

The park covers an area of around 8 square kilometres and is home to more than 150 species of coral, over 400 species of fish, and many other marine animals, such as octopus, starfish, and sea urchins. The park is also home to seagrass beds and mangroves, which provide essential habitats for many marine species.

One of the main attractions of the Blue Bay Marine Park is the coral reef that encircles the bay, which is considered to be one of the most diverse and healthy coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. Home to a wide variety of colourful fish, and divers can also see turtles, moray eels, and other marine animals.

Not only is Blue Bay Marine Park a beautiful spot to visit, but it is also an important site for conserving marine biodiversity. It is a place where visitors can learn more about the conservation efforts that are being made to protect this unique and valuable ecosystem.

The Blue Penny Museum

The Blue Penny Museum is a must-see for those interested in the arts. The Museum is located in the capital, Port Louis. It is home to a collection of rare stamps, coins, and other historical artifacts where visitors can also learn about the Island’s history and its postal service.

The Museum is housed in the historic Royal Square, initially built in 1805 as the British colonial government’s administrative centre. The main attraction of the Blue Penny Museum is the famous Blue Penny stamps, which were issued in 1847, considered to be the first stamps of Mauritius.

These stamps are famous for their colour and design, which feature an image of Queen Victoria and the denomination of the stamp. The Museum also houses the world’s second-rarest stamp, the “Post Office” stamp, also issued in 1847, which features an image of a sailing ship.

In addition to its permanent collection, the Blue Penny Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and special events throughout the year, such as philatelic exhibitions, workshops, and lectures making it one of the top Mauritius tourist attractions on the Island as well as being home to a research centre and library open to both academics and the public.

Morne Brabant

Morne Brabant is a small peninsula located on the southwest coast of Mauritius, known for its natural beauty and stunning views. The peninsula is a popular destination for couples seeking a romantic and adventurous getaway. One of the main attractions of Morne Brabant are its beautiful beaches.

The peninsula is home to several beaches that offer clear blue water and white sandy shores, such as La Preneuse, Tamarin, and Flic en Flac. These beaches are perfect for relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing and offer some of the best views of the Le Morne mountain in the background.

Le Morne mountain is another major attraction of Morne Brabant. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its unique shape and beautiful scenery, and it’s one of the more popular places that people visit in Mauritius. The mountain offers breathtaking views of the surroundings and can be viewed from various spots along the peninsula.

Morne Brabant is also renowned for adventure activities like paragliding and kite surfing. The peninsula’s windy conditions and clear waters make it an ideal place for these activities, and couples can enjoy these sports together or take turns.

Aside from the activities and beautiful views, Morne Brabant offers plenty of other things to do and see including hiking up to the top. There are various shops, restaurants, and bars in the area where you can find souvenirs, traditional local cuisine, and refreshing drinks.

Enjoy a Private Boat Tour to see Dolphins

Take a Private ethical boat tour in the hope that you will be able to spot some dolphins in their natural habitat before having a delicious Seafood BBQ on Benitier Island, making it an unforgettable day.

The tour begins early, giving you the best opportunity to spot those coveted dorsal fins flowing through the water. Once you have hopefully spotted dolphins, you will also be given time to snorkel in the clear waters.

Port Louis

Port Louis, the capital city, offers a wide variety of options for visitors looking for things to do in Mauritius at night. The city is well known for its vibrant nightlife and has something for everyone.

For those looking to relax and unwind, there are a variety of jazz clubs and bars where they can enjoy live music and a drink. These venues offer a great atmosphere and a chance to experience the local culture and music.

For foodies, there are many restaurants in Port Louis that offer a wide range of cuisines, from traditional Mauritian dishes to international flavours.

Visitors can try the Island’s local seafood or other specialties or sample the flavours of other countries. There are also many fine-dining options for anyone looking for a more upscale experience

For those looking for a bit of excitement, Port Louis also offers a variety of casinos. These casinos provide a range of games, such as slot machines, poker, and roulette, as well as live entertainment and shows.

Visitors can also opt for a night at the theatre to watch a performance of traditional dance or music. Port Louis is a hub for day trips as well.

A visit to Aux Cerfs

Mauritius has so many romantic things to do for couples, but a visit to Aux Cerfs is a must. This small Island near Mauritius’s east coast is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water.

Visitors can take a boat tour of the Island and spend the day relaxing on the beach or taking a stroll.

Alternatively, there are many other secluded beaches you could relax on during your trip, as Mauritius is known for its beautiful beaches.

It is home to some of the most romantic beaches on the Island, including Flic en Flac, Trou aux Biches, and Belle Mare. These beaches offer quiet and private spots where couples can relax, swim and sunbathe together.

Go on a Sunset Cruise

The Indian Ocean around Mauritius is known for its picturesque sunsets, and what could be more romantic than watching the sunset together on a cruise?

Many cruise operators offer sunset cruises that include a romantic dinner and drinks and entertainment such as live music or dancing.

Take a Scenic Flight

Why not see the Island from a different perspective by taking a helicopter or seaplane ride? One of the top things to do in Mauritius for couples, taking flight can lead to amazing panoramic, aerial views of the Island and the ocean.

You will get to see mountain tops, waterfalls, crystal clear lagoons, and vast expanses of sugar cane fields.

Go Whale-Watching

These ethical trips offer visitors the chance to see whales off the coast of Mauritius. A guide will use a hydrophone to locate the whales while maintaining a safe distance to avoid disturbing them.

Sperm whales can be seen year-round, while humpback whales can be observed between June and October.

Tours often include a light lunch and beverages and are operated, and most confirm that there is a 60% chance of seeing the whales, although sightings cannot obviously be guaranteed.

Take a Quad Bike Tour

A quad bike tour offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the beautiful natural sites in the south of the Island. Most tours start with a visit to La Cambuse Beach, a picturesque spot known for its crystal clear waters and pristine sandy shores.

From there, you’ll journey through the incredible nature reserve called Royal Palms Forest, a lush landscape of greenery and flowers. You’ll also have the chance to visit the beach of Bouchon and explore the Natural Bridge, a site that is the result of a natural phenomenon caused by the Indian Ocean.

Throughout the tour, your local guide will provide fascinating insights and information about the sights you’ll see and ensure you get the most out of your experience. The tour also includes a stop to enjoy fresh coconut water and local fruits like mangos and papayas.

While Mauritius is often seen as a couples retreat with its many luxurious resorts where people can relax, indulging in candle-lit fine dining options and spa treatments, there is plenty for all ages. It has often been referred to as Paradise Island or the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, with its tropical climate and diverse landscapes, its pure white fine sand beaches, and warm lagoons.

Whether you prefer to simply take in the sights from your sunlounger or from hiking up a mountain, as both sun worshippers and adventure lovers, you will feel at home here.

Recommended Tours in Mauritius

• Full day volcanic wonder tour including swimming with wild dolphins
• Nature discovery tour in search of dolphins, tortoises and crocodiles
• Private tour of South Mauritius
• Guided tour to hike Le Morne Branbant
• Full day at Ile aux Cerfs with speed boat trip
• Full day catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs
• Port Louis Street Food Tour
• Casela World of Adventures, West of Mauritius

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