The best things to do in Mauritius
Mauritius is a dream destination for everbody. Whether you're seeking breathtaking hikes, culture or simply the best beaches to relax, this island offers it all. Here’s my ultimate list of the best things to do in Mauritius, based on our personal experiences exploring this tropical paradise!
1. Relax on Mauritius’ stunning Beaches
Mauritius is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The white sand, turquoise waters and palm trees make it the perfect place to unwind. Some of my favorite beaches include:
Trou aux biches: a paradise for snorkeling and sunset views.
Le Morne beach: This beach is breathtaking with the iconic Le Morne mountain as a backdrop.
Flic and Flac: ideal for a relaxing beach day with calm waters and food trucks on the side.
Gris Gris Beach: this beach is known for its wild waves and dramatic cliffs. Perfect for nature lovers!
2. Fly over Le Morne with Lagoon flight
One of the most unforgettable experiences we did in Mauritius, was the lagoon flight. Seeing the famous underwater waterfall illusion from above is a once-in-a-lifetime sight! The view of the island’s and the ocean, with endless shades of blue is truly wonderful. You can get your ticket at Lagoonflight.
3. Hike Pieter Both for an Epic View
If you're up for a thrilling adventure, hiking Pieter Both is a must. It’s one of the tallest mountains in Mauritius, and the panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth the climb. The hike is challenging but rewarding, offering stunning views of the island’s.
Important tip: do not attempt to climb the mountain on your own! We found the organisation of Motrek adventures, who organise guided walks. Sadly, due to the heavy rainfall of the last couple of days, the trail was closed and couldn’t make the climb. If we’re ever going back, then we’ll try again.
4. Explore the capital, Port Louis
A trip to Mauritius wouldn’t be complete without visiting its capital, Port Louis. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
The central market: a bustling spot where you can taste fresh tropical fruits, spices and local street food. Try the Dholl puri, a typical Mauritian dish. We ate a Dholl puri for 0,50 eurocents, which we couldn’t get over because it was so cheap.
Le Caudan waterfront: an area with shops and restaurants.
5. Discover Ebony forest
For nature and hike lovers, a visit to Ebony Forest is a must. This eco-reserve is dedicated to protecting the island’s unique flora and fauna. The trails take you through the forest and from the top, you’ll get a breathtaking view. We were thrilled to see land turtles along the way, adding a touch of magic to our hike. The Ebony Forest is not only a natural wonder but also a conservation success story, making it a must-visit for nature lovers. Be aware: you will also see some big spiders!
6. Visit the 7 coloured earth in Chamarel
The seven coloured earth is one of Mauritius' most famous natural wonders. The dunes have a mix of colors, from deep reds and purples to blues and yellows. Although the entrance fee is 12 euros, we found it somewhat overrated. The site is indeed pretty, and since it was close to our hotel, we didn't mind stopping by. However, we wouldn't recommend driving long distances solely for this attraction. It's interesting, but perhaps not worth the extra effort if you're on a tight schedule or budget.
Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and get your tickets beforehand on getyourguide.
7. Admire the majestic Chamarel waterfall
Another must-visit spot is Chamarel waterfall, close to the Seven coloured earth. This 100-meter-high waterfall is the tallest in Mauritius. You can admire it from the viewpoint and is free to visit. Tip: we highly recommend planning your visit for the late afternoon. At this time, the usual crowds are gone, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful views in peace.
8. Explore Black River Gorges National Park
The best place to experience the island’s wild side it Black River Gorges. Here you can find rare birds, beautiful waterfalls and some of the best trails to hike. You can hike the Macchabée viewpoint trail and the Alexandra falls trail, offering stunning panoramic views. Due to a cyclone on the island, everything was closed for you safety. So we couldn’t do the hikes but we would definitly recommend you to do something adventureous like this.
9. Experience the Power of La Roche Qui Pleure
A small 2 km hike from Gris Gris beach you will find La roche qui pleure. Here, the waves crash against the cliffs, creating a powerful spectacle that looks like the rock is ‘crying’. Enjoy the raw beauty of nature and sit back to relax and enjoy the quietness. Tip: Visit the rock at sunset for a magical view over the ocean.
Want to know more about Mauritius? Read my other blogpost ‘Best beaches of Mauritius’ and ‘The ultimate travel quide to Mauritius’