29 Best Places To Visit In Mauritius

Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean, offers white sandy beaches, a tropical climate, and a rich culture. It provides numerous activities such as scuba diving among coral reefs and marine life, and hiking trails through countryside and forests.

The island boasts diverse natural beauty, including beaches, forests, waterfalls, and mountains. Activities range from adventurous ATV tours to relaxing guided nature walks.

Historical insights can be gained at museums like the Museum of the Revolution, and cultural experiences can be found at local markets. Delicious food and drink are abundant.

Chamarel Colored Earth Park

The Seven Coloured Earths in Mauritius’ Rivière Noire District is a unique geological formation with sand displaying seven distinct shades, formed by cooling volcanic rock at different rates. This natural wonder is a popular tourist attraction, with Chamarel Geopark offering a viewing deck to appreciate the colorful landscape.

The park is open daily, with sunrise being the optimal time to see the dunes’ colors. Nearby is the Chamarel Waterfall, a 100-meter-high waterfall fed by three streams. Additionally, local shops sell products made from the colored earth.

Chamarel Waterfalls

Chamarel Waterfalls in Mauritius is a popular destination within Black River Gorges National Park. Fed by the St Denis River, the waterfalls offer clear, calm water for swimming and are surrounded by lush foliage, ideal for picnics.

The falls vary by season, with rainy months bringing a single, large stream, and dry months dividing it into multiple trickles. The waterfalls are accessible by foot or horse, with a nearby parking lot.

A trek through the surrounding canyon leads to a viewpoint offering panoramic views, perfect for photography. Additionally, abseiling activities are available at the waterfalls.

Le Pouce

Le Pouce, the third highest mountain in Mauritius at 812 meters, offers stunning 360-degree views of the island. Part of the Moka Mountain Ranges, it is known for its thumb-shaped peak and endemic plants like the Bois Dentelle.

Hiking Le Pouce is popular due to its proximity to Port Louis and moderate difficulty. The trail begins through sugarcane fields, leading to a grassy summit with views of the city skyline and surrounding plains. Proper hydration and nourishment are essential for the hike.

Ile aux Cerfs

Île aux Cerfs is a small, privately owned island off the east coast of Mauritius in the Flacq District, home to around 300 people. It offers tranquility and relaxation.

Accessible by speedboat or catamaran cruise, the island provides day tours with flexible start and end times. Boat transfers take about 15 minutes, with optional activities like snorkeling and an Indian lunch included. Boats depart from the mainland or Trou d’Eau Douce.

Ile Aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Aigrettes, an islet off the coast of Mauritius, serves as a nature reserve and scientific research station. It attracts tourists interested in learning about local wildlife and observing the beautiful landscape.

Accessible by boat in about 90 minutes, the islet offers guided walks led by qualified wardens, introducing visitors to endemic plants and animals. Various accommodations are available nearby, ranging from B&Bs to luxurious guesthouses.

Francois Leguat Park

Francois Leguat Park is a nature reserve on Rodrigues Island, known for its diverse native flora and fauna. Visitors can explore limestone caves, observe giant tortoises, and visit a museum showcasing the island’s history and geology.

The park has reintroduced giant tortoises, once hunted to near extinction. Guided tours of the caves and a museum featuring fossils and a life-size tortoise sculpture are available. The park also offers a café and souvenir shop.

Port Louis

Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is known for its French colonial architecture, horse-racing track, and the bustling Caudan Waterfront shopping and dining precinct.

The Central Market offers local produce and handicrafts, while the Blue Penny Museum showcases the island’s cultural heritage and colonial-era stamps.

The city has a vibrant nightlife with internationally recognized microbreweries and hosts festivals like Divali. Notable landmarks include St Louis Cathedral, a 17th-century church with beautiful stained glass windows, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.

Casela Nature Park

Safari World in Mauritius is an outdoor amusement park offering activities like zip lines, camel rides, and safari tours. It houses over 1500 exotic bird and animal species, with safari bus tours and a gold coaster ride for up-close animal encounters.

The park provides children’s activities such as camel rides, big cat encounters, and a kids’ playground. Additionally, it offers scenic views of the ocean and mountains, with Le Pounce mountain nearby for hiking and panoramic views of Port Louis.

Alexandra Waterfalls

Alexandra Waterfalls, located in Black River Gorges National Park, cascades from 700 meters above sea level, surrounded by lush vegetation and rare flora and fauna. The falls are easily accessible with a viewing platform, parking, and refreshments available.

A short hike leads to the waterfall and a trail to Cascade des Galets, offering beautiful views of the south coast. The area has picnic tables and a chance to spot monkeys.

Grand Baie Village

Grand Baie Village in northern Mauritius is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, excellent service, and superb accommodations. It offers various activities, including boat trips to offshore islands and nature reserves like Coin de Mire and Ile Plate.

Grand Baie is also a shopping and nightlife hub, with numerous shops, markets, and establishments like Buddha Bar and Zanzibar.

It provides a range of hotels and villas, with more developments underway. The area is accessible via Express 215 from the North Station, with a 30-minute journey to Port Louis.

The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

The Pamplemousses Botanic Garden, established in 1770, is a popular Mauritius attraction and the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere. Spanning 33 hectares, it features diverse native and introduced plants, including giant water lilies and lotuses.

The garden offers guided or self-guided tours, with golf buggies available for mobility-limited individuals. It houses various animals and birds, including giant tortoises. Notable landmarks include a monument to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Mauritius’ first Prime Minister.

Mauritius Aquarium

The Mauritius Aquarium houses over 150 marine species, including angel fish, sharks, and sea turtles. It features a 15-meter-long tank and a touch pool for interacting with non-dangerous marine life. Staff are highly knowledgeable.

Located near Mahebourg, the aquarium is close to the marine park on Iles des Deux Cocos and offers views of Lion Mountain. Guided tours last one to two hours, providing insights into various sea creatures. Mahebourg itself offers colonial architecture, a lively market, and waterfront food stalls.

Grand Bassin

Grand Bassin, located 550 meters above sea level in Savanne, offers spectacular views and is a popular tourist destination. It features a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife.

Nearby attractions include Black River Gorges National Park for hiking and trekking, and family-friendly sites like the Seven Coloured Earths and the Curious Corner of Chamarel. Visitors are advised not to feed the fish or eels in the sacred lake.

Rodrigues

Rodrigues Island offers a blend of culture and natural beauty, with a tropical climate and lush vegetation year-round. The island’s residents speak Creole, a mix of French and African dialects, and practice various faiths, including Catholicism and Hinduism.

Rodrigues is home to several endemic plant species and unique wildlife, such as giant tortoises and fruit bats. Visitors can explore caves to see endemic plants and birds, as well as the bones of the extinct Solitaire bird. The island is also known for its delicious Creole cuisine, featuring local meat, fish, and vegetables.

Le Morne Brabant

Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a dramatic mountain peninsula once used as a haven by escaped slaves. Today, it symbolizes Mauritius’ abolitionist movement and offers guided tours.

Located at the southwestern tip of Mauritius, Le Morne Brabant is surrounded by turquoise seas and several beaches, many owned and maintained by hotels. The peninsula is also a popular hiking destination, with the summit reachable in three to four hours.

Le Morne Beach

Le Morne Beach offers a peaceful retreat with pristine white sands and clear waters, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers. This UNESCO World Heritage site is popular for swimming and water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Nearby attractions include the Blue Penny Museum, wildlife safaris, and the town of Flic En Flac for souvenir shopping. The beach is conveniently located near several resorts, providing ample facilities for visitors.

Blue Bay Marine Park

Blue Bay Marine Park, a marine reserve southeast of Mauritius, covers 353 hectares and was designated a national park in 1997. It is home to rare corals, diverse marine life, and numerous fish species, making it ideal for diving and snorkeling.

Glass-bottom boat tours are popular for viewing the reef and marine life. The park, near Mahebourg, features over 40 types of coral and 70 species of tropical fish. With water depths of 10 to 20 feet, it is suitable for both experienced and inexperienced sea enthusiasts.

Tamarin Waterfalls

Tamarind Waterfalls, located on the Rivière Tamarin, features seven cataracts and offers a scenic destination for family outings or evening walks. Viewing platforms provide easy access to view the waterfalls.

Hikers can take half or full-day hikes to the top of the waterfall, with guides available for assistance. The trail is suitable for all ages, except children under 10.

The full-day trip offers ample time for exploration and photography, with stunning views of the waterfalls and surrounding landscape.

Rochester Falls

Rochester Falls, located in the Savanne district near Souillac, is known for its ten-meter drop and dramatic cliff surroundings. It is the widest waterfall in Mauritius, with rectangular flank rocks and turquoise water.

The waterfall is accessible via a one-kilometer hike through lush greenery and sugar cane plantations, taking up to two hours. The trek offers opportunities for swimming or jumping into the crystal-clear water.

Ilot Gabriel

Ilot Gabriel, a sandbar and turquoise lagoon off the northern coast of Mauritius, is ideal for snorkeling and hiking. It is known for its silence, beautiful flora, and stunning sunrises and sunsets.

Accessible by a 3-4 hour catamaran ride from Grand Baie, the 40-acre island is a nature preserve with diverse fish and wildlife. Boats typically depart at 9 am and return at 4 pm.

Fort Adelaide

Fort Adelaide, a 19th-century military fortress in Port Louis, offers guided tours and sweeping city views. Built by the British to protect the island, it overlooks the city and harbor from 240 feet above sea level.

The fort provides insight into Mauritius’ history and is a popular spot for jogging and sightseeing, with views of Champ de Mars and Chinatown. It is known for its beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

Le Caudan Waterfront

Le Caudan Waterfront, a nine-acre shopping and entertainment complex, features 170 boutiques, restaurants, banks, an amphitheater, and a game arena. It also includes duty-free shops, cinemas, artisanal stalls, and two business hotels, with ample parking and waterfront views.

Additionally, the complex houses a casino, museum, and the Blue Penny Museum, offering a unique shopping experience and historical insight. The adjacent Robert Edward Hart Garden is also worth exploring.

Eureka Creole House

Eureka Creole House, one of Mauritius’ oldest houses, offers a unique historical experience. Once a French colonial residence, it is now a museum and guesthouse filled with antiques and surrounded by lush gardens with palm and mango trees.

The main manor house has 109 windows and doors and features a museum showcasing antique maps and art. The on-site restaurant, La Maison Creole, serves local cuisine, including Mauritian tea and curries.

The museum provides insights into the island’s history, including sugar production, through interactive guides and models.

Albion Light House

Albion Lighthouse, a 30-meter-tall structure on Mauritius’ west coast, is a major navigation monument for Port Louis Harbour. It offers panoramic views and is popular with tourists and locals.

The lighthouse is accessible by stairs, with balconies and a dome, but caution is advised due to wild cliffs and bats.

Nearby is the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an interpretation center offering guided tours. The lighthouse area provides scenic walks, views of fishermen and divers, and an ideal sunset spot.

Flic En Flac Beach

Flic en Flac Beach in Mauritius offers various water sports, including banana boating, water skiing, parasailing, deep-sea fishing, and surfing. Scuba diving is also popular, with reputable operators and lessons available. The best time for surfing is from May to September.

Located on the less-developed west coast, Flic en Flac provides a quiet, relaxing tropical beach experience. It features long, white sand backed by casuarina trees. The best beach sections are near Wolmar, with fewer sellers and hawkers.

Belle Mare Beach

Belle Mare Beach, located on Mauritius’ east coast, is known for its stunning beauty and temperate breezes. It offers swimming, snorkeling, and diving, with a coral reef attracting diverse marine life. The beach is popular among locals and features an 18-hole golf course.

With pristine white sands and clear waters, Belle Mare is ideal for water sports and relaxation. It provides beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Additionally, the beach has several restaurants serving various cuisines, with many offering wine selections.

Pereybere Beach

Pereybere Beach in Mauritius offers turquoise waters and a calm sea, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The beach features shops, restaurants, and vendors selling fruit and ice cream. It is located near Grand Baie and is popular among locals and tourists.

The beach provides clear, deep water suitable for families with young children. Dining options range from five-star hotels to food trucks. Accommodations include resorts, guesthouses, and hotels catering to various tastes and budgets.

Trou Aux Biches Beach

Trou-aux-Biches, located in the Pamplemousses district of Mauritius, is a renowned public beach. It was named the World Leading Beach Destination in 2011 and offers clear waters for snorkeling and other water sports, despite the lack of coral reefs.

The beach provides opportunities for fishing, and nearby restaurants and ice cream shops are available. Scuba diving centers offer tours for beginners. Trou-aux-Biches is known for its turquoise water, idyllic atmosphere, and stunning sunsets.

Bois Cheri Tea Factory

Bois Cheri Tea Factory, located on Mauritius’ southern coast, offers a picturesque tea plantation surrounded by a crater lake. Its museum showcases the history of Mauritian tea production and old machinery. Guided tours explain the tea-making process.

After the tour, visitors can enjoy lunch at the on-site restaurant with indoor seating and stunning views of the southern coast. Bois Cheri, the largest tea producer in Mauritius, is a key destination on the Mauritian Tea Route, offering panoramic views and various tea varieties.

Takeaway

Mauritius, known for its beaches, lagoons, rainforests, and coral reefs, enjoys a pleasant climate year-round. The small island offers easy access to tourist attractions, with Port Louis housing museums, shops, and restaurants. Adventure seekers can enjoy water sports, hiking, and biking trails.

For relaxation, La Pirogue beach offers white sands and turquoise waters. Mauritius caters to various interests, from nature and culture to adventure and leisure.