With its white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, Mauritius is famous as a paradise-on-earth – perfect for anyone looking for sun, sun, and more sun. But besides its draw as the ultimate beach resort, there’s also plenty to see and do on this beautiful island.
Mauritius’ mountainous southern regions and lush tropical forests are great for hiking; and its unique plants and wildlife are a huge draw for nature lovers. The island is also loved for its blend of histories and cultures, which make for fantastic and diverse cuisine! English is widely spoken and Brits who love the freedom of a rented car on holiday will be pleased to know that driving is on the left-hand side.
Plus, nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, this tropical island has lovely weather all year round.
So, whether you’re after luxury, adventure, or culture, here are nine of the best things to see and do in Mauritius.
1. Hike Black River Gorges National Park
It’s not all about beaches in Mauritius! There are many fantastic hiking options in the south of the island, which is more mountainous and less developed than the north.
The Black River Gorges National Park is Mauritius’ largest protected forest and has dozens of trails to choose from. With beautiful routes catering to all difficulty levels, it’s ideal for families and hiking enthusiasts alike. The views here are spectacular. Several rivers flow through the park, meaning there are jaw-dropping valleys and picturesque waterfalls to see. One popular route takes you to the Alexandra Falls, passing through dense forests of ebony, camphor, and tree ferns on the way.
While much of Mauritius’ tropical greenery was cleared to make way for sugar plantations, the Black River Gorges National Park is a protected area and a safe haven for wildlife. Crucial for protecting biodiversity, it’s here that you’re most likely to see an endangered Dodo tree, or witness the elusive Pink Pigeon – a species brought back from the brink of extinction.
2. Relax on paradise beaches
Many of Mauritius’ finest beaches are in the north. Here, you’ll find endless stretches of soft white sand, warm waters, and plenty of beachside bars. There’s a beach for every occasion in Mauritius!
Cap Malheureux Beach is famous for its striking red-roofed church and offers a peaceful atmosphere that’s great for a lazy picnic. If you’d like to try snorkelling, Trou-aux-Biches Beach is an excellent choice. Vibrant coral reefs are just a short swim from the shore and turtles are often seen in the waters.
If you’re looking for a truly exclusive setting, the island of Île aux Cerfs is just a short boat trip away. The beach here looks over the largest lagoon in Mauritius and its tranquil waters stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s the perfect location for a romantic beachside dinner.
3. Get a thrill from adventure sports
For adrenaline junkies, Mauritius has plenty of adventure sports to offer.
In Grand Bay, a vibrant coastal village in the north, you’ll find windsurfing, parasailing or jet skiing, led by experienced guides. Mauritius is also a top destination for scuba diving, and if you have the time to learn, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a better diving course than the ones here. While available year-round, the best time to enjoy water sports in Mauritius is during the dry season from May to December when the waters are calmer.
If you prefer heights, Mauritius offers helicopter sightseeing tours. While on the pricier side, these bucket-list flights give you a bird’s-eye look over the island’s tropical forests, clear lagoons, and sandy beaches. Alternatively, head to Long Beach Mauritius, where you can rock climb with the ocean as your backdrop. The resort also offers tennis, archery, and kayaking.
4. Shop in Port Louis
The vibrant capital of Mauritius, Port Louis, is a fantastic place to visit if you’re looking to pair shopping with a bit of culture.
Start your day at the Central Market for a taste of local life. Here, you can peruse the stalls selling locally grown fruit and vegetables, aromatic spices, and local handicrafts. The market also has a fantastic street food offering and foodies will likely enjoy a stop-off for a freshly made samosa.
At Caudan Waterfront, just a short walk away from the market, you’ll find an array of upscale shops and boutiques, from Hugo Boss to Le Trefle – as well as unique handcrafted souvenirs in the Mauritius Glass Gallery. The nearby cheerful Umbrella Alley is also the perfect spot for a holiday photo.
When you’re ready for a break, the waterfront has plenty of cafes and restaurants offering delicious food to round off your visit. Brasserie Chic is a great spot for brunch, and Namaste is perfect if you’re looking for a fine-dining North Indian meal.
5. Discover Mauritius’ rich and complex history
Mauritius has a rich and complex history, shaped by its changing colonial authorities and strategic location for trade.
A visit to L’Aventure du Sucre (the Sugar Museum and Factory) offers a deep dive into the island’s sugar heritage. Once a working sugar factory, it’s now an interactive museum where you can learn about the important role that sugar played in the island’s economy and culture. What a sweet way to spend a morning!
In Port Louis, you can soak up Mauritian history at the Blue Penny Museum, home to rare colonial stamps and exhibits on the island’s maritime past. Eureka House is another window to colonial life. This well-preserved colonial mansion has classical Creole style architecture and showcases antique furniture and photographs of 19th-century plantation living.
Le Morne Brabant is a meaningful and sombre visit. A monument to runaway slaves who sought refuge from exploitation in the mountains, it’s an important reminder of the Mauritian people’s fight for freedom and dignity.
If you can’t help but learn about history everywhere you travel, check out our picks for the best countries to visit for history lovers.
6. Marvel at beautiful temples
Mauritius is known for its religious diversity and tolerance, and Hinduism plays a significant role in the island’s culture. A large Indian population settled here during the colonial era and the island offers visitors a chance to explore many tranquil Hindu temples.
Sagar Shiv Mandir is a serene temple set on a tiny island in Ganga Talao. Its incredibly picturesque setting is the perfect place for peaceful reflection as you look over the surrounding waters.
For a more dramatic setting, Sri Siva Subramanya Kovil is worth a visit. Located on the slope of a mountain, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the valleys below as you walk among the temple’s intricate and colourful depictions of Hindu deities.
The Sockalingum Meenatchee Ammen Kovil temple in Saint Louis is also famous for its colourful architecture. It’s the oldest Tamil temple on the island and peacocks often wander its grounds, adding to its charm.
7. Get a taste for the local cuisine
Mauritian cuisine is vibrant in its diversity, influenced by Indian, African, French, and Chinese cultures. Due to its coastal location, the island is renowned for fresh seafood, and unique ingredients like curry leaves, tamarind, and chilli paste are used to add distinct flavour.
For those interested in tasting local street food, you won’t be short of options in Mauritius. The famous Dholl Puri is a soft flatbread filled with ground yellow split peas, and the Boulettes are steamed dumplings served in a flavorful broth. If you’re short on time or would like to follow a local’s lead, consider booking a street food tour in Port Louis.
For a luxurious dining experience, head to Le Pavillon Le Chamarel where you can enjoy Creole fine dining amidst beautiful scenery. Le Capitaine Restaurant is well-known for its high-end seafood; and locals swear by La Marmite Mauricienne for delicious creole offerings at reasonable prices.
8. Explore National Botanical Gardens
Founded in 1770, the Mauritius National Botanical Gardens in Pamplemousses is a fantastic visit for nature lovers. It’s home to a vast collection of indigenous plants – including talipot palms, so-called upside-down trees and a variety of spice plants.
The most iconic feature of the gardens is the pond of giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies. The leaves of these beauties can grow over two metres wide and they make the perfect backdrop for a striking photo.
You can easily combine a visit to the Botanical Gardens with a trip to the nearby Pamplemousses Village. The village is a lovely slice of local life where you can enjoy the markets, quaint cafes, and a relaxed Mauritian atmosphere.
9. Go whale watching or walk with lions
Mauritius offers incredible wildlife encounters, and there are plenty of ethical tour providers that ensure animals are protected.
On the west coast, you can take a whale-watching trip with tour companies that focus on sustainability. If you’re lucky, you might spot sperm whales, pilot whales, or the fun-loving spinner dolphins. Between June and September, you might even see humpback whales passing through on their migration.
Casela Nature Parks offers a unique safari experience where you can walk with lions in a controlled and ethical environment. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to observe these magnificent animals up close, guided by professional trainers.
The nature park also offers a chance to feed giant tortoises and see the island’s unique flying foxes. These large fruit bats are amazing to watch soar through the air – if a little creepy!
Final thoughts…
Mauritius is a destination that truly has it all – from its world-renowned beaches and vibrant marine life to lush national parks and fascinating cultural heritage. Whether you’re lounging on a beach, hiking through mountainous terrain, or exploring the island’s colonial history, there’s always something exciting to discover.
For more inspiration, head over to the travel section of our website where you’ll find other gorgeous Indian Ocean destinations and beautiful islands for a slice of paradise.