Things to Do in Mauritius: Must-Visit Places & Top Attractions

Things to do in Mauritius include exploring pristine beaches with turquoise lagoons, hiking in lush national parks, discovering volcanic landscapes, and enjoying unique cultural and adventure experiences. This Indian Ocean island blends Creole culture, tropical scenery, and diverse wildlife to offer unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

Whether you’re seeking ocean relaxation, thrilling outdoor activities, or immersive local culture, Mauritius has something for you. This guide lists the top attractions with research-backed highlights to help plan your trip confidently. 

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1. Visit Île aux Cerfs & Lagoon – East Coast

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Île aux Cerfs is one of Mauritius’s most iconic island destinations, located off the east coast near Trou d’Eau Douce. Famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear lagoon waters, and lush tropical backdrop, the island is ideal for a full-day escape from the mainland. Activities include snorkelling, watersports, golf on an 18-hole course, and beach picnics. 

Highlights

• Google Rating: 4.1/5 (based on visitor reviews)
• Location:East Coast, Mauritius
• Timings: Typically 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (boat tours)
• Price: Cruise & lunch packages vary (approx. from INR 5,000+)

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2. Discover Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths – Southwest Mauritius

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The Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths is a geological wonder in the southwest of Mauritius, where dunes naturally display seven distinct colors, red, brown, violet, blue, green, yellow, and purple, formed through volcanic activity and mineral deposition. This surreal landscape is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and paired with nearby attractions like Chamarel Waterfall. 

Highlights

• Google Rating: 4.7/5
• Location:Chamarel Village, Mauritius
• Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Price: Entry ticket required

3. Hike Black River Gorges National Park – Southwest Mauritius

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Black River Gorges National Park covers a large portion of southwest Mauritius and is a prime destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The park protects over 60 miles (≈100 km) of trails, endemic flora, and rare bird species such as the pink pigeon. Popular hikes lead to viewpoints like Alexandra Falls and the Gorges Lookout, with panoramic views of mountains, forest canopy, and valleys. 

Highlights

• Google Rating: 4.6/5
• Location: Southwest Mauritius
• Timings: Daylight hours (weather dependent)
• Price: Free entry (guided hikes may cost extra)

4. Relax on Flic en Flac Beach – West Coast

Flic en Flac Beach is one of Mauritius’s most popular and longest beaches, stretching several kilometers along the west coast. Known for its soft white sand and reef-protected lagoon, it’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. The west coast’s calm waters at sunset create stunning views, while nearby cafes and bars provide refreshments and beachside dining. 

Highlights

• Google Rating: 4.5/5
• Location:West Coast, Mauritius
• Timings: Open all day
• Price: Free

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5. Explore Le Morne Brabant – UNESCO Heritage

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Le Morne Brabant is a dramatic basaltic mountain rising over the southwest peninsula of Mauritius. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as a symbol of resistance and freedom, historically linked to escaped slaves who sought refuge there. Today, visitors can enjoy guided hikes to its summit for panoramic ocean and lagoon views, while the surrounding beaches are popular for kitesurfing.

Highlights

• Google Rating: 4.7/5
• Location: Southwest Mauritius
• Timings: Early morning hikes recommended
• Price: Free entry; guided hike costs vary

6. Visit Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) – Sacred Crater Lake

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Grand Bassin, locally known as Ganga Talao, is a sacred crater lake nestled amid lush greenery in the mountainous southwest. It’s a major site of Hindu pilgrimage, especially during the Maha Shivaratri festival, and features colossal statues of Hindu deities, temples, and peaceful walking paths. The lake’s serene environment and cultural importance make it one of Mauritius’s most meaningful inland attractions, offering a spiritual dimension to your island exploration.

Highlights

• Google Rating: 4.6/5
• Location:Savanne District, Mauritius
• Timings: Daily daylight access
• Price: Free

7. Snorkel at Blue Bay Marine Park – Southeast Mauritius

Blue Bay Marine Park is one of Mauritius’s most important protected marine areas, covering approximately 353 hectares of shallow lagoon and coral reefs. Declared a marine park in 2000, it is home to over 50 coral species and a wide variety of tropical fish. The calm, crystal-clear waters make it ideal for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours, even for beginners. 

Highlights

• Google Rating: 4.6/5
• Location:Southeast Mauritius, near Mahébourg
• Timings: Daytime access (best visibility mornings)
• Price: Entry is free; snorkeling and boat tours are paid

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8. Catamaran Cruise & Dolphin Watching – West Coast

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Catamaran cruises along Mauritius’s west coast are among the island’s most popular ocean experiences. Early-morning tours depart from areas like Tamarin and Black River, where spinner and bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted in their natural habitat. Cruises typically include swimming stops, snorkeling, scenic coastal sailing, and onboard meals. 

Highlights

• Google Rating: 4.5/5
• Location:West Coast (Tamarin, Black River)
• Timings: Early morning departures
• Price: Cruise packages vary (approx. from INR 6,000+)

9. Explore Port Louis & Caudan Waterfront – Capital City

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Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, offers insight into the island’s colonial history, cultural diversity, and modern commercial life. Key attractions include the Caudan Waterfront, a harborfront complex with shops, cafés, and craft markets, as well as the Central Market, where spices, fruits, and local goods are sold. Visitors can also explore heritage buildings, museums, and historic streets that reflect French and British influences, making Port Louis a cultural and urban contrast to Mauritius’s beaches.

Highlights

• Google Rating: 4.4/5
• Location:Northwest Mauritius
• Timings: Markets are best visited in the morning
• Price: Free to explore

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10. Visit Trou aux Cerfs Volcano – Curepipe

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Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcanic crater located in Curepipe, rising about 605 meters above sea level. Measuring roughly 300 meters wide, it provides panoramic views across central Mauritius and, on clear days, toward the coast. A circular walking path surrounds the crater, making it a peaceful spot for short walks and photography. 

Highlights

• Google Rating: 4.5/5
• Location:Curepipe, Central Mauritius
• Timings: Open daily
• Price: Free

11. Discover La Vanille Nature Park – Southern Mauritius

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La Vanille Nature Park is a wildlife reserve dedicated to conservation and education, best known for its giant Aldabra tortoises and crocodile breeding program. The park also houses reptiles, insects, mammals, and a fossil museum. Set within lush tropical vegetation, it offers family-friendly walking trails and interactive exhibits. La Vanille plays an important role in protecting endangered species and provides an educational wildlife experience distinct from traditional zoos.

Highlights

• Google Rating: ~4.5/5
• Location:Rivière des Anguilles, Southern Mauritius
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Price: Entry ticket required

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12. Experience Casela World of Adventures – West Mauritius

Casela World of Adventures is a large nature and adventure park offering a mix of wildlife encounters and outdoor activities. Visitors can see animals such as lions, zebras, giraffes, and birds, while also enjoying ziplining, canyon swings, and off-road safaris. The park emphasizes responsible animal interaction and offers guided experiences rather than unrestricted access. 

Highlights

• Google Rating: 4.4/5
• Location:West Mauritius, near Flic en Flac
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Price: Activity-based pricing

13. Visit Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden (Pamplemousses)

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The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, commonly known as Pamplemousses Garden, is the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere, established in 1770. Spanning nearly 37 hectares, it is world-famous for its giant Amazon water lilies, spice plants, medicinal herbs, and rare palm species from across the globe. The garden also houses statues, colonial-era structures, and the tomb of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Mauritius’s first Prime Minister. 

Highlights

• Google Rating: 4.6/5
• Location:Pamplemousses, Northern Mauritius
• Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Price: Entry ticket required

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14. Explore Grand Baie & Water Sports – North Mauritius

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Grand Baie is Mauritius’s most vibrant coastal town, known for its lively beaches, shopping, nightlife, and wide range of water sports. The calm lagoon supports activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing. Grand Baie also serves as a departure point for island-hopping cruises to nearby islets. 

Highlights

• Google Rating: 4.5/5
• Location:Northern Mauritius
• Timings: Water sports during daylight hours
• Price: Activity-based pricing

15. Experience Mauritius Local Food Culture

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Mauritius’s food culture reflects its multicultural population, blending Creole, Indian, Chinese, and French influences. Signature dishes include dholl puri, boulettes (dumplings), seafood curries, rougaille, and gateaux piments. Street food stalls, beach shacks, and local markets provide affordable and authentic tasting experiences, while upscale restaurants offer refined Creole cuisine. 

Highlights

• Google Rating: 4.7/5 (average food tours)
• Location: Island-wide
• Timings: All day (street food best mornings & evenings)
• Price: Budget-friendly to fine dining

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FAQs

What are the best things to do in Mauritius for first-time visitors?

You should visit Île aux Cerfs, explore Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths, relax on Flic en Flac Beach, hike Black River Gorges National Park, and experience a catamaran cruise with snorkeling.

What shouldn’t you miss in Mauritius?

You shouldn’t miss Le Morne Brabant (UNESCO site), Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling, Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, dolphin watching on the west coast, and local street food.

What are the best things to do in Mauritius during the day?

During the day, you can snorkel in marine parks, hike nature trails, explore botanical gardens, visit volcanic craters, and enjoy water sports in Grand Baie.

What are the best things to do in Mauritius at night?

At night, enjoy beachfront dining, sunset cruises, local music performances, cultural shows, or relaxed walks in coastal towns like Grand Baie and Flic en Flac.

What are the most kid-friendly activities in Mauritius?

Yes. Mauritius offers kid-friendly activities such as Casela World of Adventures, La Vanille Nature Park, glass-bottom boat rides, calm lagoon beaches, and family resorts.

What are the best cultural things to do in Mauritius?

You can visit Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao), explore Port Louis markets, attend local festivals, visit colonial-era gardens, and experience traditional Sega dance performances.

What are the top food experiences in Mauritius?

Top food experiences include tasting dholl puri, seafood curries, Creole dishes, street snacks, and fusion cuisine influenced by Indian, African, Chinese, and European cultures.

What are the best shopping areas in Mauritius?

You can shop at Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis Central Market, Grand Baie shopping streets, and local craft markets for souvenirs and handmade goods.

What’s the best time of year to visit Mauritius for sightseeing?

The best time to visit Mauritius is May to November, when the weather is cooler, drier, and ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and beach activities.