Things to Do in Mauritius

While Mauritius might be known for its world-class beaches and temptingly turquoise waters, the island offers more adventure than just snorkeling, swimming, and diving. In Black River Gorges National Park on the island’s southwestern tip, 18 miles of hiking trails are embedded in a canopy of what’s regarded as the island’s last pristine section of forest. Between deforestation and invasive species, there was once a time when the forests seemed in danger of disappearing. In 1994, however, when Black River Gorges became the island of Mauritius’ only national park, it provided a 25 square mile home for endemic plants and wildlife still found in the forest today. When hiking the trails in the forested uplands, remember to look up in the rustling branches for pink pigeons and Mauritius kestrels that flit their way through the trees. There’s the chance you might spot mischievous monkeys when hiking to a viewpoint or waterfall, and while it’s still possible to see the coast from the various hilltop viewpoints, the cobalt shores seem miles away from this green, protected sanctuary.

The island of Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Archipelago, called Mascareignes in French. On the southern part of the island is an animal park called La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes.

Opened in 1985 near the town of Riviere des Anguilles, La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes is part nature park, part zoo, covering 3.5 hectares. Visitors can walk along trails through giant bamboo, palm and banana trees, while guides talk about the types of animals found on the three Mascarenes Islands – Mauritius, Reunion, and Rodrigues.

There are 1500 Nile crocodiles at La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes, as well as butterflies, geckos, iguanas, frogs, mongoose, and giant tortoises – including the oldest tortoise, which is 97 years old.

In a region full of beautiful beaches it can be difficult to name a true standout, but if there is one, the sandy shores of Ile aux Cerfs, may just take the title. This private island off the east coast of Mauritius in the Flacq district is owned by an exquisite five-star hotel and serves as a destination for travelers seeking island luxury.

Visitors can wander approximately 100 hectares of pristine beaches and lush tropical foliage, visit the gilded and magnificent halls of one of the country’s top hotels, play a round on the exclusive 18-hole golf course, dine at one of the island’s incredible restaurants or take a dip in the clear blue lagoon. Travelers and locals agree—Ile aux Cerfs is the perfect destination to relax, unwind and recharge. 

This massive crater in the heart of Mauritius measures more than 980 feet (300 meters) in diameter and some 260 feet (80 meters) deep. Known for its humid climate and expansive 360-degree views, Trou aux Cerfs Crater is a favorite spot among travelers seeking out natural beauty and quiet tranquility. While this dormant volcano hasn’t erupted in lifetimes, experts say it’s primed to blow any time in the next thousand years—a fact that lends a bit of edge to an otherwise peaceful excursion. Travelers can wander the scenic paths surrounding Trou aux Crefs Crater and take in epic views of incredible island countryside. 

Some believe the Grand Bassin, a natural lake at the top of another nearby volcano, is an extension of the Ganges River, so travelers can sometimes find Hindus from throughout Mauritius worshiping at its sacred waters.

The jagged black rocks of the remote island of Benitiers look a bit like the clam shells the stretch of land is named for. Travelers can navigate the crystal clear waters that lap against the shore in one of the small boats that travels between Mauritius and this breathtaking island off the country’s west coast. The shallow sea is almost always calm, and the views of nearby Le Morne are absolutely breathtaking. Plus, it’s even possible to spot dolphins and whales on the scenic trip between the mainland and Benitiers. 

At the southernmost point of the island of Mauritius is known as Gris Gris Cape, or Gris Gris Beach. It's a beautiful place to visit, but very dangerous for swimming.

The term “gris gris” has many meanings, including some associated with voodoo magic, and although the water here looks inviting that's deceptive. Waves here are much stronger than they are along other parts of the Mauritius coast, so swimming at Gris Gris is strongly discouraged.

Visiting Gris Gris, however, to soak in the natural beauty and watch the power of Mother Nature, is worth it. There's a trail behind the parking lot that leads to a spot from which you can watch waves beat against the rock repeatedly, making it look like the cliffs are weeping.

Some countries have wine or whisky routes – Mauritius has a tea route. And the island's biggest tea producer – the Bois Cheri Plantation – is a stop on that route.

The Bois Cheri Tea Plantation got its start on Mauritius in 1892, and today is the largest producer of tea on the island. The plantation covers 250 hectares, and includes the factory where the tea is made and a museum for visitors to explore the science and art of tea.

Visits to the plantation include guided tours of the tea factory plus a chance to see the plantation and explore the museum. At the end of your visit, you'll also get to take part in a tea tasting.

This private island located just south of Mauritius is a true tropical paradise. Its sandy beaches and palm shaded shores offer travelers pristine stretches of hawker-free white sands. Crystal clear, practically transparent waters are perfect for snorkeling, but it’s the private feel—not a laundry list of activities—that makes Ile des Deux Cocos a destination. 

Glass-bottom boats collect a limited number of passengers and shuttle them off through incredible coral reefs to this remote island, where a luxury hotel with its own private sands sits at the center. Though this excursion isn't ideal for the budget traveler, visitors agree that the strong tropical drinks, relaxing vibe and scenic sands are definitely an experience that’s worth the trip.

A small island covering just over 100 acres (42 hectares), Ilot Gabriel is a gem in the crystal clear waters near Grand Bay. Day trippers sail to Ilot Gabriel aboard catamarans from Grand Bay, and after a 90-minute journey, arrive on the unspoiled beaches of the island.

Geckos creep along the greenery lining the beach, and the gentle waters are popular for snorkeling and diving right off the beach. Since the island is part of a protected nature reserve, its natural habitats remain largely untouched. Most excursions to the island also include a BBQ lunch, served al fresco on the beach.

Located near the famed Chamarel Waterfall, Seven Coloured Earth is one of the most popular destinations in Mauritius. This natural geological formation, surrounded by lush greenery in the southwestern region of the country, is made up of colorful rolling sand dunes whose look is constantly shifting and changing with the winds. 

Layers of volcanic rock, rich with iron and aluminum, give the dunes their unique red and blue colors, and travelers agree Seven Coloured Earth is a must-see stop for those visiting the country. Although a relatively new wooden fence prevents people from climbing the dunes, it's still impossible to miss the unique beauty of one of Mauritius's famed natural wonders. 

The Black River District"”the third largest district in the country"”is home to one of the smallest populations in Mauritius. But its beautiful rural landscapes, dry climate and outdoor activities make it a favorite among travelers. 

Those in search of outdoor adventure can head to the area's coast and embark on a big-game fishing excursion. Nearby warm waters attract some of the best catches, and local charters know where to go to find tuna, sharks and even dolphins. Those looking to stay dry can head to the district's scenic Casela Nature Park, where a network of epic trails, steep mountain climbs and beautiful canyons make it the perfect destination for land-loving travelers. The shores of Tamarin, One Eye, Kei Sei and Flic-en-Flac offer the best of both worlds, with white sandy beaches and cool ocean waters perfect for surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and scuba diving, too.

Whether it's cruising the trails on board a quad bike or riding horseback through the quiet landscapes of this beautiful region, visitors will find plenty to do, see and experience in Savanne. La Vanille Crocodile Park offers travelers an alternative to surf and sand with an informative look at these giant reptiles, while the Grand Bassin, a tradition Hindu temple, offers a look at local spirituality and the historic Bois Cheri Tea Factory provides travelers with a literal taste of what this district has to offer. 

Travelers to this vintage 19th-century estate will get a true taste of colonial life washed down with a sip of strong rum. Built in 1819 from wood of dismantled ships, the plantation is an homage to a life in Mauritius that no longer exists. Guests can sample traditional island cuisine at the restaurant tucked inside the colonial home or spend an evening at the Creole-style Saint Aubin Inn. Relax in the pool, horseback ride through the well-manicured grounds or even bike through the plantation.

Tours of the old sugar mill and vanilla house are also available, giving travelers an opportunity to see how two of the nation’s sweetest delights were processed during the 1800s. But perhaps the most popular stop on a visit to Saint Aubin Sugar Plantation is to the Artisanal Distillery, where guests can learn how sugar is transformed into smooth sips of light, amber and dark rum.