Mauritius, a paradise in the Indian Ocean, is a dream destination for Indian travelers. From pristine beaches to adventurous activities, this island offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for luxury resorts, cultural experiences, or thrilling water sports, Mauritius has it all.
In this guide, we’ll explore 25 amazing things to do in Mauritius, including top tourist attractions, hidden gems, and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable. Plus, we’ll share Pro Tips, best times to visit, and estimated costs for each experience.
For a seamless and luxurious trip, Smiles Holidays is your perfect travel partner. With over 10 years of experience, 10,000+ happy travelers, and exclusive partnerships, we ensure a hassle-free and personalized vacation. Call us today at +91 907 501 8293 to book your Mauritius tour package from India!
1. Explore the Stunning Beaches of Mauritius
Mauritius is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, offering crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and breathtaking sunsets. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, the beaches here are perfect for both.
Best Beaches to Visit in Mauritius
- Flic en Flac Beach – Known for its long shoreline and vibrant nightlife. Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Location: West Coast, Mauritius
Cost: Free Entry
- Belle Mare Beach – A paradise for early risers. This beach offers stunning sunrises and great conditions for water sports like windsurfing.
Location: East Coast, Mauritius
Cost: Free Entry
- Le Morne Beach – Surrounded by the majestic Le Morne Brabant Mountain, this beach is perfect for kite surfing and relaxation.
Location: South West, Mauritius
Cost: Free Entry
Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best photos of the turquoise waters.
2. Witness the Breathtaking Underwater Waterfall
One of Mauritius’ most famous natural wonders, the Underwater Waterfall, is a stunning optical illusion that looks like a waterfall beneath the ocean. This surreal sight is best viewed from a helicopter ride, giving you a panoramic view of the island’s beauty.
Location: Near Le Morne Brabant
Cost: Helicopter ride starts from ₹15,000 per person
Pro Tip: Book your helicopter ride in advance, as slots fill up quickly during peak tourist season.
3. Discover the Charm of Port Louis
The capital city, Port Louis, offers a mix of history, culture, and shopping. Here, you can explore colonial architecture, street markets, and delicious local cuisine.
- Caudan Waterfront – A lively shopping and dining hub with breathtaking sea views.
Location: Port Louis
Cost: Free Entry - Aapravasi Ghat – A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the island’s rich history.
Location: Port Louis
Cost: Free Entry - Central Market – The best place to buy local spices, souvenirs, and street food.
Location: Port Louis
Cost: Depends on purchases
Pro Tip: Try the famous Dholl Puri, a popular Mauritian street food, for an authentic local experience.
4. Experience the Surreal Beauty of Chamarel’s Seven-Colored Earth
Hidden deep within the tropical landscapes of Mauritius, Chamarel’s Seven-Colored Earth is a natural wonder unlike anything else on the island. The rolling sand dunes, displaying shades of red, brown, violet, and purple, create an otherworldly view. What makes it even more fascinating is that even after heavy rains, the colors remain distinct due to the unique mineral composition of the soil.
Beyond the dunes, Chamarel offers more to explore, including a giant tortoise park and the breathtaking Chamarel Waterfall, which plunges 100 meters into the valley below.
Location: Chamarel, South Mauritius
Cost: ₹500 per person
Pro Tip: The best time to visit is mid-morning when the sunlight enhances the vibrancy of the colors. Pair this trip with a visit to the nearby rum distillery to taste locally crafted Mauritian rum.
5. Trek Through the Wild Trails of Black River Gorges National Park
Far from the beaches and resorts, the Black River Gorges National Park reveals the wild, untouched side of Mauritius. Covering over 6,500 hectares, it is home to dense rainforests, waterfalls, and rare bird species. The hiking trails here range from easy walks to challenging treks, offering panoramic views of the lush valleys and rugged mountains.
For those interested in wildlife, the park protects some of the world’s rarest species, including the Mauritian kestrel and pink pigeon, once on the brink of extinction.
Top Trails to Explore:
- Macchabée Trail – A moderate hike leading to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the gorges
- Trois Mamelles Trail – A more challenging route with breathtaking summit views
- Alexandra Falls Viewpoint – A short, easy walk leading to one of the most scenic waterfalls on the island
Location: South West Mauritius
Cost: Free Entry
Pro Tip: Early morning is the best time to visit, as the mist-covered forests create a mystical atmosphere and increase chances of spotting wildlife.
6. Swim with Wild Dolphins in Tamarin Bay
Mauritius offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Unlike marine parks, where animals are kept in captivity, Tamarin Bay allows visitors to witness spinner and bottlenose dolphins in the open ocean.
A guided boat tour takes you into the bay at sunrise, where pods of dolphins playfully leap through the waves. Some tours even offer snorkeling, allowing you to observe these intelligent creatures up close while respecting their natural environment.
For those looking for a more laid-back experience, catamaran cruises offer a relaxing way to enjoy the bay, complete with snorkeling stops and a BBQ lunch on board.
Location: Tamarin Bay, West Mauritius
Cost: ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 per person, depending on the tour package
Pro Tip: Opt for a responsible tour operator that follows ethical wildlife guidelines, ensuring no disturbance to the dolphins’ natural behavior.
Would you like me to continue with the next three experiences? Let me know if you need any refinements.
7. Explore the Crystal-Clear Waters of Blue Bay Marine Park
For those fascinated by marine life and coral reefs, Blue Bay Marine Park is one of the best places to visit in Mauritius. The underwater biodiversity here is breathtaking, with over 50 species of coral and vibrant tropical fish. It is an ideal spot for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours, allowing visitors to witness the beauty of the protected marine ecosystem.
One of the highlights of this marine park is the brain coral formations, some of which are hundreds of years old. The shallow waters make it perfect for beginners who want to experience snorkeling without deep diving.
Location: South East Mauritius
Cost: Snorkeling tours start from ₹1,500 per person
Pro Tip: Choose an early morning tour when the water is clearest for the best visibility of marine life.
8. Take a Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs
A trip to Mauritius isn’t complete without visiting Île aux Cerfs, a private island known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and thrilling water activities. A catamaran cruise is the best way to reach this paradise, offering a scenic boat ride, dolphin spotting, and onboard BBQ lunch.
Once you arrive, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including parasailing, speed boating, and underwater walking. If you prefer a more relaxing experience, simply unwind on the pristine beaches and soak in the tropical beauty.
Location: East Mauritius
Cost: Catamaran tours start from ₹3,000 per person
Pro Tip: Stay until late afternoon to witness the stunning sunset over the island before heading back.
9. Walk Among Giant Tortoises at La Vanille Nature Park
La Vanille Nature Park is a wildlife sanctuary that offers a chance to see giant Aldabra tortoises, Nile crocodiles, and exotic reptiles up close. Home to over 1,000 tortoises, some more than 100 years old, the park allows visitors to feed and interact with these gentle creatures.
The park also has a fossil museum, an insectarium with over 20,000 species of butterflies and beetles, and a crocodile breeding center. It’s a perfect spot for families and nature enthusiasts looking to experience the rich biodiversity of Mauritius.
Location: South Mauritius
Cost: ₹700 per person
Pro Tip: Visit during feeding time for tortoises and crocodiles to see these creatures in action.
10. Visit the Historic Château de Labourdonnais
Mauritius is not just about beaches and adventure; it also has a rich colonial history. The Château de Labourdonnais, a restored 19th-century colonial mansion, offers a glimpse into the island’s past with its vintage architecture, antique furniture, and lush gardens.
The estate also features a rum distillery, where visitors can learn about the traditional rum-making process and sample locally produced Mauritian rum. The on-site restaurant serves authentic Creole dishes, making it a great place to enjoy a historical and culinary experience.
Location: North Mauritius
Cost: ₹500 per person
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the tasting session at the distillery, where you can try different flavors of Mauritian rum.
11. Enjoy a Sunset at Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)
For those looking for a spiritual experience, a visit to Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, is a must. This sacred crater lake is an important Hindu pilgrimage site in Mauritius, surrounded by temples and towering statues of Hindu deities.
The 33-meter-tall statue of Lord Shiva at the entrance is one of the most impressive landmarks on the island. Every year, thousands of devotees walk barefoot to this holy site during Maha Shivaratri, making it a deeply cultural and religious place.
Location: Central Mauritius
Cost: Free Entry
Pro Tip: Visit in the evening to experience the peaceful sunset reflection over the lake and witness devotees offering prayers.
12. Explore the Ruins of Balaclava and Visit Sugar Factories
Mauritius has a long history of sugar production, and exploring old sugar estates and rum distilleries offers insight into the island’s colonial past. The Balaclava Ruins, located near Turtle Bay, are remnants of a 17th-century sugar mill, giving visitors a glimpse of the island’s past industries.
For a more immersive experience, visit the L’Aventure du Sucre Museum, where you can learn about the sugar-making process, its impact on the economy, and enjoy a variety of sugar and rum tastings.
Location: Pamplemousses, North Mauritius
Cost: ₹800 per person
Pro Tip: Try the sugar-infused rum, a local delicacy that blends the island’s history with its flavors.
13. Visit the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is a paradise for plant lovers. Spanning over 37 hectares, it is home to giant water lilies, rare palm species, and spice trees.
The highlight of the garden is the Talipot Palm, which blooms only once every 30 to 80 years before dying. Other notable plants include ebony trees, teakwood, and medicinal plants used in traditional Mauritian remedies.
Location: Pamplemousses, North Mauritius
Cost: ₹400 per person
Pro Tip: Hire a local guide to learn about the fascinating stories behind the unique plant species in the garden.
14. Discover the Island’s Secret Caves at Gris Gris
Unlike the calm lagoons and beaches of Mauritius, Gris Gris Beach is known for its dramatic cliffs and wild waves. This lesser-known spot is perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, with hidden caves and rock formations waiting to be explored.
The Roche Qui Pleure (Weeping Rock) is one of the highlights, where waves crash against the cliffs, making it look like the rocks are shedding tears.
Location: South Mauritius
Cost: Free Entry
Pro Tip: Avoid swimming here due to strong currents, but visit during high tide for the most dramatic views.
Conclusion
Mauritius is more than just a beach destination; it is a blend of natural wonders, adventure, history, and culture. From vibrant marine parks and waterfalls to spiritual sites and colonial estates, the island offers something for every traveller.
With Smiles Holidays, you can experience luxury, exclusivity, and personalized travel planning to make your Mauritius vacation truly unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, our expert team ensures a seamless and memorable journey. Plan your dream Mauritius vacation today. Call Smiles Holidays at +91 907 501 8293 for exclusive packages and tailored travel experiences.
