Mauritius is a beautiful island nation in East Africa that blends Creole and South Asian cultures together into a diverse destination that is a haven for foodies. Mauritius is the perfect island getaway for couples or families looking for an active vacation full of fun and adventure. These are some top things to do in this dreamy island paradise.
10 Hiking In Black River Gorges National Park
Black River Gorges National Park is a hilly nature area in the southwestern part of the island of Mauritius. There are different terrains throughout the park ranging from a humid upland forest, a dry lowland forest, and a marshy heathland. The park spans 6,574 hectares, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore.
9 See Le Morne Brabant
The Le Morne Brabant is a peninsula on the southwestern tip of the Indian Ocean. The peninsula juts out into the ocean at the base of Morne Brabant Mountain, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning spot is worth visiting for the clear turquoise waters and tranquil surroundings.
8 Visit Il Aux Cerfs
Il aux Cerfs is a privately owned island off the coast of Mauritius. It covers 87 hectares of virtually untouched nature and boasts white sand beaches that are synonymous with paradise. The island is the perfect place to relax on the beach or complete the 18-hole golf course designed by two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer. Travelers can get to Il Aux Cerfs from Mauritius by catching a jetty from Pointe Maurice.
7 Canyoning At Tamarind Falls
Mauritius is an island full of adventure opportunities, but one of the greatest is the chance to go canyoning at Tamarind Falls. Tamarind Falls is approximately one hour away from Port Louis and is a lush oasis on the island with cascading waterfalls and dense greenery surrounding them. Canyoning is a type of mountaineering where travelers can book an excursion with a tour company and descend the falls on topes, wearing a harness and other safety gear. It’s the best way to see the falls up close and appreciate their beauty.
6 Try The Local Cuisine
Mauritius is the perfect destination to book a food tour as part of your travel plans. Because of its location off the East Coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, there are various cultural influences in Mauritius, including Indian, Creole, African, and Chinese. This merging of cultures has resulted in an incredibly diverse food scene in Mauritius that travelers should take advantage of. Mauritian variations of curry, dim sum, and biryani are some must-try menu items.
5 Swim With Dolphins
Travelers who have always dreamed of swimming with wild dolphins will have a tough time finding a more idyllic destination for this adventure. There are a variety of tour options available where travelers can board a boat from Port Louis and enjoy a four to six-hour excursion on the water. The tour operators are experienced in navigating to areas frequented by the dolphins, bettering the chances of seeing them and swimming alongside them safely.
4 Go On A Blue Safari
Mauritius is a gorgeous island in the Indian Ocean, so it's no surprise there are crystal clear blue waters teeming with marine life. Many travelers plan to go to Africa for a safari experience, but the idea of attending an underwater safari is often not on people’s radar. These excursions take visitors underwater in a mini-submarine allowing them to safely get up close to fish and other marine animals to admire their beauty.
3 Snorkeling At Flic En Flac
Travelers who want a more affordable and low-key way to see the marine life in Mauritius can head to Flic En Flac Beach for snorkeling. This is a great area for beginners to try snorkeling in gentle, clear waters with excellent visibility. The beach has pristine white sand, and below the water, there are coral reefs brimming with life.
2 Visit La Vanille Nature Park
To see some wildlife on land, travelers can spend an afternoon at La Vanille Nature Park. This lush nature reserve covers 3.5 hectares and is home to various animal species, including Nile crocodiles, tortoises, and lemurs. The park has massive palm trees and bamboo providing some shade for a comfortable time walking around and visiting the animals. There are iguanas and turtles from the Seychelles and Madagascar among the 1000 creatures living in the park. One of the oldest and biggest tortoises in the world lives there, among the biggest colony of tortoises in captivity in the world. Travelers will also have a chance to view fossils and learn about animals that are no longer in existence in Mauritius.
1 Go Ziplining
Mauritius is an adventure destination, and there’s no better way to experience the natural wonders of the island than whipping through the trees on a zipline. Ziplining tours and packages are available from many local providers, specifically in La Vallee Des Couleurs Nature Park. Ziplining can be fun for the whole family, with many of these activities available to kids as young as eight years old.