Mauritius is a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean. It is full of natural beauty, sandy beaches, and friendly people. This island is perfect for a relaxing vacation or an adventurous trip. From waterfalls to wildlife, there’s something for everyone. I visited Mauritius recently and was amazed by how many unique things there are to explore. In this blog, I will share the 15 best things to do in Mauritius based on my personal experience.
Let’s begin the journey.
1. Visit the Seven Colored Earths in Chamarel
This is one of the most famous attractions in Mauritius. The Seven Colored Earths are sand dunes with natural colors like red, brown, violet, blue, and yellow. It’s strange but beautiful. Scientists say it happened because of volcanic activity long ago.
You can walk on a wooden path and look at the colors from a viewpoint. Nearby, there is also a giant tortoise park. These gentle animals are fun to watch and even feed.
2. Relax at Flic en Flac Beach
This beach is one of the longest in Mauritius. It has white sand and calm blue waters. It’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing. You will find many food trucks and restaurants nearby serving local snacks and seafood.
The sunsets here are breathtaking. You can sit with your feet in the sand and watch the sky turn orange and pink. It’s peaceful and very romantic.
3. Explore Black River Gorges National Park
If you love nature, this park is a must-visit. It’s full of hiking trails, waterfalls, and green forests. You can see rare birds and wild monkeys. The views from the top of the hills are amazing.
There are several walking routes. Some are short and easy while others take a few hours. Bring water, comfortable shoes, and a camera. The forest feels fresh and pure.
4. Discover the Underwater Waterfall Illusion
Off the coast of Le Morne, you can see a natural optical illusion. It looks like water is falling into the ocean. But it’s just sand and water mixing in a way that tricks your eyes.
You can only see it from a helicopter or plane. Many tour companies offer helicopter rides. It’s not cheap, but the view is unforgettable.
5. Visit the Curious Corner of Chamarel
This is a fun and strange museum. It has optical illusions and puzzles. There are mirrors that make you look tiny or tall. You can walk in rooms that play tricks on your brain.
It’s a great place to visit with kids or friends. Everyone laughs and takes funny photos. It doesn’t take long to visit, maybe one or two hours.
6. Enjoy Water Sports at Grand Baie
Grand Baie is a lively beach town. It’s known for its nightlife, shopping, and water sports. You can try parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing, or take a boat ride.
There are also glass-bottom boat tours. These are perfect if you want to see colorful fish and coral without diving. The sea is clear and calm here.
7. Snorkel at Blue Bay Marine Park
Blue Bay is on the southeast coast. It has some of the best coral reefs in Mauritius. The marine park protects many kinds of fish, corals, and sea creatures.
Snorkeling here is easy and safe. You don’t need to go deep. Just float and enjoy the underwater world. Some boats also take you to deeper spots if you want to explore more.
8. Walk with Lions at Casela Nature Parks
This is a thrilling and once-in-a-lifetime experience. At Casela, you can walk with real lions under the watch of expert guides. It may sound scary, but it’s very safe.
The park also has zip lines, a safari tour, and a petting farm. You can feed giraffes and see zebras up close. It’s a good mix of fun and education.
9. Visit the Capital City, Port Louis
Port Louis is full of life and color. It’s a busy city with local markets, colonial buildings, and street food. Visit the Central Market to buy spices, clothes, and handmade items.
You can also see the Caudan Waterfront, a shopping area by the harbor. There are museums and old churches nearby too. It’s a nice place to walk and learn about Mauritian culture.
10. Explore Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
This garden is over 300 years old. It has plants from all over the world. You’ll find giant lily ponds, tall palm trees, and sweet-smelling flowers.
One of the famous trees here is the talipot palm. It blooms only once in its life. You can walk slowly through the garden and enjoy the peace and shade.
11. Take a Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs
Île aux Cerfs is a small island known for its beauty. It has white sand beaches and crystal-clear water. Many catamaran tours leave from the main island and take you there.
The boat ride is fun with food, drinks, and music. You can swim, snorkel, or just relax on the beach once you arrive. It’s perfect for a full-day trip.
12. Try Local Mauritian Food
Food in Mauritius is a mix of Indian, Creole, Chinese, and French flavors. Try dishes like dholl puri, samosas, fish vindaye, and rougaille. Street food is cheap and delicious.
Don’t forget to try local desserts like gateau patate (sweet potato cake) and napolitaines (jam-filled cookies). Fresh sugarcane juice and Alouda (sweet milk drink) are also local favorites.
13. Climb Le Morne Brabant
Le Morne is a mountain with deep history. It was once a hiding place for escaped slaves. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. The climb takes about 3 to 4 hours.
The path is steep but safe. The view from the top is worth it. You can see the ocean, forests, and nearby islands. It’s a mix of adventure and learning.
14. Explore Mahébourg Village
This small village has a rich history. It’s located in the south and was one of the first settlements on the island. Walk along the waterfront or visit the Naval Museum to learn about colonial battles.
The village has a quiet, old-world charm. It’s a good place to buy souvenirs, eat seafood, and meet local people. Not many tourists come here, so it feels special.
15. Visit Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin)
This is a sacred Hindu site in the mountains. It’s a peaceful lake with giant statues of gods like Shiva and Durga. People come here to pray and celebrate festivals.
Even if you’re not religious, the place feels calm and spiritual. The monkeys in the area add a fun touch to the visit. Just don’t feed them directly.
Final Thoughts
Mauritius is much more than just beaches. It has history, culture, wildlife, and adventure. Every place I visited gave me a new memory. The people are kind and always ready to help.
Whether you like hiking, relaxing, or exploring, Mauritius has something for you. It’s a small island with a big heart. I hope this list helps you plan your perfect trip.
Safe travels and enjoy the beauty of Mauritius.
