Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and rich cultural diversity. This small tropical paradise offers a multitude of activities and sites to explore. Here are 10 must-see attractions to make the most of your stay on the island.
Explore Port Louis, the Capital
Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is a vibrant city worth visiting. Its architecture blends colonial and modern influences, creating a unique atmosphere. The city is home to numerous points of interest that reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage.
The Central Market of Port Louis is a must-visit spot to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. You’ll discover an impressive variety of local products, from exotic fruits and spices to Mauritian handicrafts. The bustling market aisles provide a glimpse into the daily life of the locals.
Not far from the market, the Chinatown district showcases the Asian influence on the island. Stroll through its lively streets, where you can admire colorful pagodas and savor Sino-Mauritian cuisine. The Kwan Tee Pagoda, dedicated to the god of war and wealth, is particularly interesting to visit for its architecture and decorations.
To conclude your visit to Port Louis, head to the waterfront. The Place d’Armes, lined with royal palms, is the city’s central hub. Here, you’ll find historical buildings such as the Government House, dating back to the French colonial era. The nearby Caudan Waterfront, a modern complex, offers a pleasant stroll along the port with shops, restaurants, and the Blue Penny Museum, home to rare stamps including the famous “Post Office.”
Dive into the Turquoise Waters of Flic en Flac
Located on the west coast of the island, Flic en Flac is famous for its stunning white sandy beach stretching over several kilometers. The lagoon, protected by a coral reef, offers ideal conditions for swimming and water activities.
Flic en Flac’s beach is particularly popular for its tranquility and natural beauty. The shallow, clear waters of the lagoon make it perfect for family swimming. Don’t miss a walk along the beach at sunset to enjoy a breathtaking natural spectacle.
For water sports enthusiasts, Flic en Flac has plenty of options. You can try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or windsurfing. Diving centers offer trips to explore the coral-rich underwater world teeming with tropical fish. Beginners can opt for snorkeling near the shore, where you’ll already encounter a beautiful variety of colorful fish.
One of the highlights of a stay in Flic en Flac is undoubtedly dolphin watching. Early morning boat trips take you offshore to spot these marine mammals in their natural habitat. With some luck, you might see long-beaked dolphins or spotted dolphins swimming and playing around the boat. Some excursions even offer the opportunity to get in the water and swim near the dolphins, a unique and memorable experience.
Explore the Black River Gorges National Park
The Black River Gorges National Park is a natural treasure that deserves a special place in your itinerary. This park, covering over 6,500 hectares, is home to remarkable biodiversity and offers breathtaking landscapes.
One of the most popular activities in the park is the hike to the Tamarin Falls. The well-marked trail takes you through lush tropical forest, where you’ll encounter dense and varied vegetation. Reaching the falls is a rewarding experience: a cascade of about 300 meters high pours into a natural pool where you can swim if the water level permits.
The park is a refuge for Mauritius’s endemic flora and fauna. During your visit, you might spot rare species such as the pink pigeon, the Guibe gecko, or the Mauritius fody. The flora is also notable, with unique species like the bois de natte or the white ebony. Naturalist guides offer tours to help you identify these species and learn more about the park’s unique ecosystem.
For a panoramic view of the park, head to the Macchabée viewpoint. Accessible after a two-hour hike, this lookout offers a stunning panorama of the gorges and surrounding mountains. On clear days, you can even glimpse the island’s west coast. Don’t forget your camera to capture this moment.
Admire the Colored Earths of Chamarel
The Chamarel Colored Earths is one of the most remarkable natural attractions in Mauritius. This unique geological phenomenon attracts many visitors, fascinated by its dunes in varied shades.
The Seven-Colored Earths, as they are often called, are the result of volcanic rock decomposition into clays. Erosion has exposed these different layers, creating a surreal landscape with hues ranging from red to violet, brown, green, and blue. Surprisingly, these colors do not mix, even under heavy rain, forming distinctive patterns.
To make the most of the site, follow the designated trails offering various viewpoints of the colorful dunes. Morning is generally the best time to visit when the sunlight highlights the contrasts. Don’t forget your camera to capture this unique natural spectacle.
Immerse Yourself in History at the Sugar Adventure Estate
To understand the history and economy of Mauritius, a visit to the Sugar Adventure Estate is essential. Located in the former Beau Plan sugar mill, this site immerses you in the fascinating world of sugarcane, which was long the cornerstone of the Mauritian economy.
The former sugar mill, now a museum, offers an immersive experience in the history of sugar production. The exhibits trace the evolution of sugarcane cultivation and processing techniques, from colonial times to the present day. You’ll also learn how this industry shaped Mauritian society, influencing its economic, social, and cultural development.
The museum also addresses related topics such as slavery and indentured labor, two systems that profoundly marked the island’s history. These exhibits provide a better understanding of Mauritius’s current cultural diversity.
After the museum visit, don’t miss the tasting of local rums. Mauritius produces high-quality rums, and you’ll have the opportunity to discover various types. Experts will guide you through the tasting, explaining the production subtleties and the different aromas.
Relax on the Paradise Beach of Trou aux Biches
Trou aux Biches, located on the island’s northwest coast, is considered one of Mauritius’s most beautiful beaches. Its calm lagoon with crystal-clear waters and fine white sand makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and beach activities.
Trou aux Biches beach stretches for several kilometers, offering plenty of space to settle down and enjoy the sun. The lagoon’s shallow waters are perfect for swimming, even for children. The casuarina trees lining the beach provide welcome shade during the hottest hours of the day.
One of Trou aux Biches’s main attractions is the quality of its snorkeling spots, accessible directly from the beach. The coral reef protecting the lagoon is home to a wide variety of tropical fish. With a mask and snorkel, you can observe clownfish, butterflyfish, and sometimes even sea turtles. For those wishing to explore further, boat excursions are available to discover other nearby diving sites.
In the evening, Trou aux Biches offers an idyllic setting to admire the sunset. The changing colors of the sky reflecting on the calm lagoon waters create a soothing natural spectacle.
The beach is lined with several seafood restaurants where you can enjoy local specialties with your feet in the sand. Don’t miss the grilled seafood, vindaye (a typical marinated fish dish), or octopus stew. These restaurants often offer stunning views of the lagoon, perfect for a romantic dinner at sunset.
Visit the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, officially named Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. This green haven offers a refreshing and educational break during your stay in Mauritius.
One of the garden’s main attractions is the giant water lilies, Victoria amazonica. These impressive aquatic plants can reach up to 3 meters in diameter and support the weight of a child. The best time to see them is late morning when their flowers open. The sight of these enormous leaves floating on the water is truly captivating.
The garden is home to a remarkable collection of trees and exotic plants from around the world. You’ll find baobabs, royal palms, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and numerous orchid varieties. Informational panels help you identify the different species and learn more about their origins and uses.
Another point of interest in the garden is the Mon Plaisir Castle. This 18th-century colonial mansion offers a glimpse of the island’s French colonial architecture. Although the interior is not open to the public, you can admire its elegant façade and imagine the lives of its past owners.
To fully enjoy your visit, take your time strolling through the garden’s shaded paths. You can observe various birds, including the mynah and red-whiskered bulbul, attracted by the garden’s diverse flora. The garden is also a popular spot for the giant fruit bats of Mauritius, which you might spot hanging from the large trees.
Discover Île aux Cerfs
Île aux Cerfs, located off the east coast of Mauritius, is often described as a small tropical paradise. This day trip allows you to enjoy idyllic beaches and a multitude of water activities.
The island owes its name to the deer introduced by Dutch settlers, although they no longer inhabit the island. Today, visitors are drawn to its white sandy beaches lined with palm trees and its crystal-clear lagoon. You’ll easily find a quiet spot to relax and soak up the sun.
For water sports enthusiasts, Île aux Cerfs is a true playground. You can try parasailing for a panoramic view of the island and lagoon, water skiing, tubing, or kayaking. Snorkeling is particularly enjoyable in the shallow waters around the island, where you can observe a variety of tropical fish.
A popular excursion from Île aux Cerfs is the visit to the Grande Rivière Sud-Est. You can admire the waterfalls cascading directly into the ocean, a stunning natural sight. Some excursions also include a visit to a private island where you can observe monkeys in their natural habitat.
To reach Île aux Cerfs, you’ll need to take a boat from the east coast of Mauritius, usually from Trou d’Eau Douce. Many operators offer day trips that include transportation, activities, and sometimes lunch.
Immerse Yourself in Hindu Culture at Grand Bassin
Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, is a sacred site for the Hindu community in Mauritius. This crater lake, located in the heart of the island, offers a fascinating glimpse into the Hindu culture and traditions that are integral to Mauritius’s identity.
The site is dominated by an enormous statue of Shiva, standing 33 meters tall, which greets visitors at the entrance to the complex. This impressive statue, one of the tallest representations of Shiva in the world, underscores the significance of the site for Hindu devotees.
Around the lake, you’ll find several colorful temples dedicated to various Hindu deities. These temples, adorned with detailed sculptures and paintings, offer a fine example of Hindu religious architecture. Feel free to visit them, but remember to respect the customs by removing your shoes before entering.
The lake itself is considered an extension of the Ganges River in India, which gives it a sacred status. You’ll often see devotees making offerings of flowers or food at the water’s edge. The peaceful atmosphere around the lake invites contemplation and meditation.
Grand Bassin takes on special significance during Maha Shivaratri, one of the largest Hindu festivals celebrated in Mauritius. Each year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims converge on the site, often walking from different parts of the island. If you’re lucky enough to be in Mauritius during this time (usually in February or March), you can witness an impressive display of devotion and religious fervor.
Savor Mauritian Cuisine
Mauritian cuisine, reflecting the island’s cultural melting pot, is a festival of flavors you shouldn’t miss during your stay. Influenced by Indian, Creole, Chinese, and European culinary traditions, it offers a diverse array of dishes that will delight your taste buds.
Among the must-try Creole specialties are rougaille, a tomato-based dish with onions and spices, often served with fish or meat. Vindaye, a dish of fried fish marinated in vinegar and spices, is another local specialty not to be missed. For curry lovers, dholl puri, a thin flatbread filled with split peas and served with curry, is a street food staple in Mauritius.
Seafood naturally plays a prominent role in the local cuisine. Along the beaches, you’ll find numerous restaurants offering grilled fish, lobsters, or fresh calamari. La Case du Pêcheur in Trou d’Eau Douce and Le Capitaine in Grand Baie are renowned for their seafood dishes.
To experience the Chinese influence on Mauritian cuisine, head to Chinatown in Port Louis. Here, you’ll find excellent restaurants serving dishes like mine frit (fried noodles) or boulettes (meat or fish dumplings).
Local markets are great places to sample the island’s exotic fruits. Don’t miss the chance to taste mangoes, Victoria pineapples (known for their sweetness), or passion fruits.
Mauritius is a paradise where cultural richness and natural beauty combine to offer an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant capital of Port Louis, relaxing on the pristine beaches, or immersing yourself in the island’s diverse traditions, Mauritius has something to captivate every traveler.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.