Mauritius is one of Africa's most captivating island destinations, renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, lush mountains and vibrant cultural heritage.
Whether you are seeking relaxation, adventure, or a romantic getaway, discovering the best things to do in Mauritius offers an unforgettable travel experience filled with natural beauty and unique attractions.
For travelers exploring Africa, Mauritius is often combined with Uganda safaris to create the perfect bush-and-beach holiday. After exciting wildlife encounters, gorilla trekking adventures and game drives in Uganda's national parks, visitors can unwind on the stunning shores of Mauritius.
From snorkeling and dolphin watching to hiking scenic trails and exploring cultural landmarks, Mauritius provides the ideal complement to an East African safari.
This tropical paradise offers something for every traveler, making it one of the most rewarding destinations to add to your African travel itinerary.
Best Things to Do in Mauritius: The Ultimate Activity Guide
Mauritius has a reputation as a honeymoon destination — all beach, sunshine, and pool cocktails. And while that version of Mauritius absolutely exists, it only scratches the surface of what this extraordinary Indian Ocean island has to offer.
The best things to do in Mauritius go well beyond the shoreline. From hiking dormant volcanic gorges and diving into coral-rich marine parks, to exploring a capital city bursting with colour and sampling Creole cuisine that reflects centuries of cultural blending — Mauritius rewards the curious traveller who takes the time to look further.
Whether you're visiting on a romantic honeymoon, a family holiday, a solo adventure, or a group tour, this guide covers the best things to do in Mauritius so you can make the most of every day on the island.
1. Tour Port Louis is among best things to do in mauritius — The Colourful Capital City
No visit to Mauritius is complete without spending at least half a day in Port Louis. Many visitors bypass the capital in favour of their resort, which is a mistake — the city has real character and is one of the most rewarding things to do in Mauritius for travellers who want to experience authentic island life.
Start at the Central Market, one of the most vibrant in the Indian Ocean. Stalls overflow with exotic fruits, fresh vegetables, spices, handicrafts, and street food. It's noisy, colourful, and completely genuine — a world away from the resort bubble.
Other highlights in Port Louis:
- Blue Penny Museum — one of the best small museums in Africa, exploring Mauritius history through maps, paintings, and the famous Blue Penny stamp
- Aapravasi Ghat — a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking the arrival point of indentured labourers who shaped the island's culture and identity.
- Le Caudan Waterfront — a lively harbourfront area with restaurants, craft shops, and great views of the port
- Street food — roti, dholl puri, gateaux piment (chilli cakes), and fresh sugarcane juice are all must-tries
Port Louis is best visited in the morning before the midday heat peaks. Combine it with a drive through the surrounding hills for sweeping views back over the harbour.
2. Relax on the Best Beaches in Mauritius
Yes, the beaches deserve their own entry — because not all Mauritius beaches are equal, and choosing the right one for your style of travel matters. With over 1,150 kilometres of coastline, you are never far from a stretch of sand that suits you perfectly.
Top beaches in Mauritius:
- Belle Mare (east coast) — the finest, whitest sand on the island; calm lagoon; best for swimming and pure relaxation
- Le Morne (south-west) — dramatic mountain backdrop, reef-protected lagoon, world-class kite surfing; arguably the most photogenic beach in Mauritius
- Trou aux Biches (north-west) — crystal-clear water, coral reef close to shore; excellent for families and snorkellers
- Flic-en-Flac (west coast) — the longest beach on the island; lively, palm-lined, great for water sports and sunset watching
- Blue Bay (south) — inside a marine park; outstanding snorkelling and diving; one of the healthiest coral reefs in the Indian Ocean
- Île aux Cerfs — a small island off the east coast with beautiful beaches, accessible by boat; popular for day trips and water sports
- Tamarin (west) — a quieter, more local feel; popular with surfers
- La Cuvette, Grand Baie (north) — sheltered, calm, ideal for a casual beach day near the resort town
The west coast has the calmest waters for swimming; the east coast has the most pristine beaches; the south is for those who want wild, uncrowded coastline.
3. Water Sports and Ocean Adventures are also the best things to do in mauritius
The warm Indian Ocean surrounding Mauritius is one of the world's great playgrounds for water-based activities. Whether you prefer something adrenaline-fuelled or simply floating above a coral garden, there is something on the water for everyone.
Best water activities in Mauritius:
- Catamaran cruises — a full-day or sunset cruise is one of the quintessential Mauritius experiences; most include snorkelling stops and a fresh seafood lunch on board
- Scuba diving — Mauritius has numerous dive sites including shipwrecks, coral gardens, and underwater caves; Blue Bay Marine Park and the west coast are particularly popular
- Snorkelling — accessible from the beach at Trou aux Biches, Blue Bay and Île aux Cerfs; no experience needed
- Dolphin watching and swimming with dolphins — the west coast around Tamarin Bay is one of the best places in the world to swim with wild spinner dolphins in the open ocean
- Whale watching — humpback whales pass through Mauritius waters between July and September
- Kite surfing and windsurfing — Le Morne is an internationally recognised kite surfing destination; consistent winds and shallow lagoon water make it ideal for both beginners and pros
- Deep sea fishing — Mauritius waters hold blue marlin, yellow fin tuna, and wahoo; several operators run half-day and full-day fishing charters
- Underwater sea walk — a guided walk along the ocean floor wearing a pressurized helmet; no diving experience required; a great option for non-swimmers
- Submarine safari — descend in a real submarine to observe coral reefs and marine life up close; available in Grand Baie
- Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding — widely available at most beach hotels and water sport centres
- Parasailing — available along the north and west coasts for panoramic aerial views of the lagoon
4. Explore Île aux Aigrettes as one of the best things to do in mauritius — A Living Conservation Project
Just off the south-east coast near Mahebourg, Île aux Aigrettes is a small coral island that has been painstakingly restored to its pre-human state. Declared a nature reserve in 1965 and managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, it is home to several endemic plant and animal species found nowhere else on earth.
Guided tours take you through the restored ebony forest to see giant Aldabra tortoises, pink pigeons, and rare native plants. It's a genuinely moving experience — a small but successful attempt to turn back the clock on centuries of ecological damage.
The island is accessible by a short boat ride from Pointe Jerome near Mahebourg. Allow around two hours for the visit.
5. Hiking Black River Gorges National Park is also among the best things to do in mauritius
The Black River Gorges National Park covers about two percent of the island's total land area and is Mauritius' most important protected forest. It's the best place on the island for hiking, birdwatching, and experiencing the interior landscape that most beach-goers never see.
Trails range from easy forest walks to more challenging full-day hikes with spectacular gorge viewpoints. The park is home to some of Mauritius' rarest endemic birds, including the Mauritius kestrel (once the rarest bird on earth), the echo parakeet, and the pink pigeon.
Tips for visiting Black River Gorges:
- Start early — the trails can be hot and exposed by mid-morning
- The Black River Peak viewpoint is one of the most rewarding hikes on the island
- Carry water; facilities are limited inside the park
- Combine with a visit to Chamarel village, which borders the park
6. Visit Chamarel — The Seven Coloured Earths and Waterfall
Chamarel is one of the most visited inland destinations in Mauritius and rightfully so. Two natural attractions here are genuinely extraordinary.
The Seven Coloured Earths are a series of volcanic sand dunes estimated to be around seven million years old. What makes them remarkable is the way the soil has solidified into distinct bands of red, brown, yellow, violet, green, blue, and purple — colours that remain distinct even in heavy rainfall and never seem to mix despite sitting side by side for millennia.
The Chamarel Waterfall drops around 95 metres into a lush ravine and is the tallest on the island. It can be viewed from a platform, or for the adventurous, abseil descents are available — a dramatic, heart-in-mouth experience.
Chamarel village itself is worth exploring for its rum distillery, coffee plantation, and local farm stalls selling fresh pineapples, sugarcane products, and Chamarel coffee.
7. Hike or Climb Le Morne Brabant to experience the best things to do in mauritius
Le Morne Brabant is a basaltic monolith rising 556 metres from the south-western tip of the island, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. It holds deep historical significance as a refuge for escaped enslaved people during the colonial era — those who hid here rather than return to enslavement.
The hike to the summit is challenging — the final section involves scrambling over rock — but the 360-degree views from the top over the lagoon, the island, and the open ocean are among the best in Mauritius. Guides are available and recommended for the upper section.
Even if you don't hike, the Le Morne Peninsula at the mountain's base is one of the most beautiful corners of the island.
8. Visit Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens as part of the best things to do in mauritius
Known locally as the Jardin de Pamplemousses, these are among the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere and make for a wonderfully peaceful morning visit, especially in the north of the island.
The gardens are famous for their giant Victoria amazonica water lilies, their extraordinary collection of palms from around the world, and the large tortoises that wander freely through the grounds. There are over 85 varieties of palm tree alone.
Entry is free, although guided tours are available and worthwhile. Go in the early morning before tour groups arrive and the heat builds.
9. Sample Authentic Creole Cuisine and Street Food
Mauritian food is one of the island's great pleasures and one of the most underrated things to do in Mauritius. The cuisine reflects the island's remarkable cultural heritage — Indian, French, Chinese, Creole, and African influences layered over centuries into something unique.
Must-try foods in Mauritius:
- Dholl puri — thin flatbread filled with split yellow peas, rougaille sauce, and pickled vegetables; the unofficial national street food
- Gateaux piment (chilli cakes) — deep-fried lentil fritters with a gentle heat; sold from street vendors everywhere
- Rougaille — a rich tomato-based sauce used with fish, chicken, or sausage; quintessentially Mauritian
- Octopus curry — a local speciality on the south coast; best eaten at a simple restaurant by the water
- Fresh seafood — grilled fish, lobster, and prawns served beachside, particularly in Mahebourg and along the south coast
- Alouda — a sweet, creamy milk drink with basil seeds and rose syrup; refreshing and unlike anything else
Skip the resort buffets for at least one meal and eat where locals eat. The savings and the flavours are both worth it.
10. Explore Mauritius' Sacred and Religious Sites
Mauritius is a remarkably multi-faith island, and its religious sites reflect the depth of that diversity. Visiting them is one of the most culturally enriching things to do in Mauritius.
- Grand Bassin / Ganga Talao — a sacred crater lake in the Black River District, considered the most holy Hindu site in Mauritius. Giant statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Ganga stand at the entrance. During the Maha Shivaratri festival, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walk barefoot from across the island to collect water from the lake.
- Père Laval's Shrine, Sainte Croix — a Catholic pilgrimage site honouring a French missionary who worked among the poor and enslaved. The shrine attracts pilgrims from across the Indian Ocean.
- Maheswarnath Temple, Triolet — the largest Hindu temple in Mauritius, elaborately decorated and a remarkable example of South Indian temple architecture.
- Jummah Mosque, Port Louis — the oldest mosque in Mauritius, built in 1852; an elegant building in the heart of the capital.
11. Historical and Cultural Tours
Mauritius has a complex and often painful history — colonised by the Dutch, French, and British in succession, built on the labour of enslaved Africans and indentured workers from India, China, and elsewhere. Understanding this history makes the island far more meaningful to visit.
Recommended historical experiences:
- L'Aventure du Sucre (Sugar Museum) — housed in an old sugar factory in Pamplemousses; excellent interactive museum covering the history of sugar production and the island's colonial past
- Eureka House, Moka — a beautifully preserved 19th-century Creole mansion surrounded by lush gardens and rivers; one of the finest examples of colonial architecture on the island
- International Slave Route Monument, Cap Malheureux — a powerful memorial to the enslaved people who were brought to Mauritius
- Mahebourg Historical Museum — traces the history of the island from Dutch settlement to the present; particularly strong on the Battle of Grand Port, the only Napoleonic naval battle won by the French
12. Quad Biking, Zip lining and Adventure Activities to make the best things to do in mauritius exciting
For travellers who want their adrenaline fix on land, Mauritius has a growing adventure activity scene.
- Quad biking — guided off-road quad bike tours through sugar cane fields and forest trails are available in several parts of the island; a fun way to explore the interior
- Zip lining — canopy zip line experiences through forest areas in the south and west of the island
- Casela World of Adventures — a wildlife and adventure park in Cascavelle offering zip lines, safari experiences, rhino encounters, and zip-through cable car rides; a good option for families
- Photography tours — guided tours focused on capturing the island's landscapes, wildlife, and culture; available through specialist operators in Grand Baie and Port Louis
13. Day Trip to Rodrigues Island
If you have ten days or more in Mauritius, consider a short flight to Rodrigues — a smaller, quieter and largely undeveloped island about 560 kilometres to the north-east. Sometimes described as what Mauritius was like 40 years ago, Rodrigues is exceptional for hiking coastal trails, snorkelling in its vast lagoon and experiencing a genuinely off-the-beaten-track pace of life. Air Mauritius operates regular flights from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.
Practical Tips for Planning the best things to do Mauritius
- Book popular activities in advance — dolphin swimming, submarine safaris, and catamaran cruises fill up quickly during peak season (October to April)
- Get out of the resort — many activities can be booked through your hotel, but independent operators are often cheaper and more flexible
- Combine inland and coastal — the island is small enough to do a morning beach activity and an inland excursion in the same day
- Respect sacred sites — dress modestly when visiting temples, mosques, and shrines; remove shoes where required
Frequently Asked Questions — Best Things to Do in Mauritius
What are the best free things to do in Mauritius?
Several of the island's best experiences cost nothing: visiting Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin), walking the public beaches, exploring Port Louis Central Market, hiking the trails in Black River Gorges National Park, and visiting the Jardin de Pamplemousses (entry is free, though a donation is appreciated).
What are the best things to do in Mauritius for couples?
Mauritius is genuinely one of the world's great romantic destinations. Top experiences for couples include a sunset catamaran cruise, swimming with dolphins at Tamarin Bay, a private beach dinner, an underwater sea walk, kayaking at sunrise, and a spa day at one of the island's luxury resorts.
What is Mauritius best known for?
Mauritius is best known for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and the dramatic Le Morne Brabant mountain. It is also renowned for its extraordinary cultural diversity — a blend of African, Indian, French, Chinese, and Creole influences that makes it unlike any other island destination in the world.
How many days do you need to see the best things to do in Mauritius properly?
A minimum of 7 days gives you enough time to cover the main beaches, an inland excursion, and Port Louis. 10–14 days allows you to explore the south coast, visit Rodrigues, and slow down enough to truly appreciate the island. Two weeks is ideal.
Is Mauritius expensive?
Mauritius has options at every budget. Luxury resorts are among the most expensive in the world, but guesthouses, local restaurants, and public beaches make a mid-budget trip very achievable. Street food and local transport are inexpensive; activities like scuba diving and catamaran cruises are a significant but worthwhile cost.
What is the best time of year to visit Mauritius?
October to April is the warmest and driest season the best time for beaches and water sports. May to September is cooler and windier, with occasional rough seas on the east coast, but the island is quieter and accommodation is cheaper. Cyclone season runs from December to March.
The best things to do in Mauritius showcase the island's incredible blend of natural beauty, adventure and cultural richness. Whether you're exploring turquoise lagoons, hiking scenic landscapes or relaxing on world-class beaches, Mauritius delivers a memorable travel experience.
When combined with a Uganda safari featuring gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing and cultural encounters, Mauritius creates the perfect African holiday that balances adventure with relaxation.
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