White sands, lush forests, and sparkling blue water in the bright sun.
What more do you want when you are looking for a vacation? After all, a holiday by the beach is all you need for a little escape.
And when we talk about a trip to take some time off, nothing can ever go wrong when you choose Mauritius.
A country in East Africa, Mauritius is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal waters, and luxury resorts.
So, what is stopping you from traveling to this beautiful island? Book your package from the leading
travel agency, Next Holidays, and get ready for the best adventure ever!
Now, if you’re wondering about the stuff to do in Mauritius, this blog covers it all. We have discussed the top 11 things to do in Mauritius.
Also,
suppose you’re looking for Mauritius tour packages from the UAE. In that case, we know just the right agency for you—the top travel agency, Next Holidays, offers a wide variety of packages based on the requirements of travelers.
Let's explore Mauritius together!
Excursion to Ile Aux Cerfs
Perfect for a Day Out
The Deer Island or Ile Aux Cerfs is one of the largely popular attractions in Mauritius due to its range of facilities and activities, lagoons, and beaches. Sadly, there aren’t any more deer left here.
If you’re visiting the country for a short period, we recommend a day out here. However, if you have time, we recommend you stay here for a couple of days. The hotels and homestays on this island are perfect for longer stays.
Once you are in the country, you can reach Ile Aux Cerfs by boat. And, if you have a thing for adventures, we highly recommend the most popular things to do in Mauritius: snorkeling, parasailing, and jet skiing!
You can also get an Ile Aux Serfs package, which includes boat transfers, a buffet/BBQ lunch, a local beer/soft drink, and a bottle of water.
Alternatively, if you are looking for more places to explore in Mauritius, you can also choose separate boat transfers and have lunch at a place of your choice.
Weekday Package Price: 64.27 AED for an adult | 48.22 AED for children 3-11 years
Weekend Package Price: 52.87 AED for an adult | 39.76 AED for children 3-9 years
Boat Transfers: 17 to 21 AED from Trou D’Eau Douce (takes approximately 15 minutes) | Available 9 AM to 6:30 PM
Distance from City Centre: 47 km
Visit Bois Chéri Tea Plantations
Best for Heritage Lovers
One of Mauritius’s oldest tea estates, Bois Chéri demonstrates the history of tea plantations in the country. Sounds fascinating, right?
When you take a tour of this beautiful tea estate, you will be paying a visit to the gorgeous tea gardens, observing the traditional techniques of processing tea, and getting samples of various regional teas.
The scenic views of plantations and hills will leave you in awe. Besides, if you are someone who loves tea, Bois Chéri is going to feel like heaven to you!
Different packages include different things to do in Mauritius during the tour and the prices vary accordingly. Most packages generally include a tea factory, tea museum, and tea tasting, which last nearly 1-2 hours.
If you are swept away by the beauty of this place that you wish to stay here, the Bubble Lodge is a perfectly suitable place for you. It is among the Mauritius best things to do since the views are perfect. Besides, you’ll be surrounded by nature, which will make you feel really good.
Visiting Hours: 9:30 AM to 2 PM (Mon, Tue, Thu, & Fri) | 9 AM to 11 AM (Wed & Sat) | Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays
Visit & Tour Fees (Visit Only): 70 AED for adults | 35 AED for children aged 5-12 years | Free for children aged 0 to 4 years
Visit & Tour Fees (Visit & Lunch): 188.6 AED for adults | 96.22 AED for children aged 5-12 years
Distance from City Centre: 41 km
Watch Waterfall at Cascade De Chamarel
Beautiful Picturesque Views
Cascade De Chamarel is Mauritius’ highest waterfall, which plunges 272 feet. Can you imagine what a wonderful experience watching this waterfall would be?
And, if you are a risk-taker, picture this: you pick a trail for hiking (ranging from 3.26 km to 15.5 km), reach the top, watch the breathtaking waterfalls, and then jump into the clear water. That is going to be adventurous!
In case you don’t see yourself as someone who’d jump in, Chamarel Waterfalls is still one of the best things to see in Mauritius. Moreover, it’s a popular photography spot—you’re sure to get some of your best pictures here!
Here comes the best part: the Chamarel Seven Colored Earths is near Cascade de Chamarel, which means you can experience the beauty of colored dunes. Wait, what?
A popular Mauritius thing to see, Seven Colored Earths has dunes that reflect various colors, including shades of violet, green, blue, brown, and red. This is a result of certain mineral compositions of the soil.
Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Nov to Apr) | 8:30 AM to 5 PM (May to Oct)
Visiting Fees: 40 AED for non-residents (Includes Chamarel Waterfall viewpoints, geopark, souvenir shop, and coffee shop)
Distance from City Centre: 54 km
Hike to Black River Peak
Suitable for Family Outings
Piton De La Petite Rivière Noire, also known as the Black River Peak, is the highest hill in Mauritius, 2,717 feet above sea level. Since you’re looking for the top places to visit in Mauritius, we recommend hiking to the top of Mauritius’ highest hill.
It is among the best activities to do in Mauritius but this isn’t it—when you reach the peak, you’ll get a beautiful view. And if you love nature, looking at these panoramic views will be one of your happiest moments ever.
There are a number of ways to reach the top, but the most popular one is through the Plaine Champagne route. Don’t worry if you’re not into working out or hiking—this one is known to be relatively easy. And trust us, it's going to be the experience of a lifetime.
Also, if you’re looking for family activities in Mauritius, this hike is still going to be a part of the list. All you need to do is take the shortest route (3.1 km only), which is the Black River Peak southeastern trail, beginning at the Black River Gorges Viewpoint. It is also the easiest one because it has an elevation gain of 171 meters.
On the other hand, if you want a good workout, consider taking the Machabee Trail from the north, beginning at Black River headwaters. It is 4.6 km long and has an elevation gain of 721 meters. Ughh!
If you end up liking this adventure and are looking for more hikes to do Mauritius, you can consider hiking Corps De Garde, Le Pouce, Le Morne Brabant, or Trois Mamelles.
Fees: Free Entry | Free Car Parking at Trailheads
Time: 3-4 hours (hiking from Black River Gorges Viewpoint Public Parking in Plaine Champagne to the top, staying, and coming back)
Best Time to Hike: 7 AM to 10 AM
Distance from City Centre: 44 km
Become Adventurous at Casela World of Adventures
Perfect for Adventure-Lovers
Pony rides, feeding tortoises, quad biking, ziplining, and touring on safari.
If that’s what an escape sounds like to you, then let’s work on planning a perfect escape for you!
Casela World of Adventures or Casela Nature Park is one of the nice places to visit in Mauritius. Located in Cascaville, this place is popular for its adventurous activities.
During your visit, you’ll find exotic animal species, such as Fruit Bats, Hares, Wild Boars, Macaque Monkeys, and Java Deer. There are some indigenous plant species here too, including Tamarind, Pink Pepper, Ebony, and Cassias.
What’s more, the park is separated into four kingdoms, which is why it is among the popular places to roam in Mauritius. These kingdoms are:
- Mountain Kingdom: Adventurous pursuits like wall climbing, ziplining, and canyoning.
- Middle Kingdom: All about activities involving adrenaline rush, such as mud karting.
- Nature Kingdom: Enjoy the animal show, take pictures at the canopy, and watch birds in the park.
- Safari Kingdom: Watch giraffes and big cats in some areas of the park. In other parts, you can go on a photo safari and quad biking.
Each activity has different age requirements and charges. So, once you decide which activities in Mauritius you'd like to go for, look for the fees for that particular sport. Remember to book activities that are at least 30 minutes apart.
Entry Fees: 60 AED for adults (non-residents) | 50 AED for children aged 4-12 years (non-residents)
Visiting Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Distance from City Centre: 23 km
Stay at a Beach Resort
A Must-Have Experience
Oh wait, are you visiting Mauritius for the first time? Then the above-mentioned things to do in Mauritius, like adventure sports and hiking, are not going to suffice. You have to experience the beauty of beaches!
The tranquility, the calm, the beauty, the sound of waves, and the cool breeze—you have to experience it all! And just sipping a drink by the beach or sunbathing will not be enough. So, how do we do it then? What will count as the PERFECT BEACH EXPERIENCE?
Staying at a beach resort. That's how you will do exploring this country, right.
You will wake up to the sound of the waves crashing, the warmth of the bright sun, and the breathtaking views. What's more, you don’t even have to specifically go to a beach—you already have easy access to it.
And this keeps getting better: the resort will provide you with several activities and adventures that will enhance your overall experience of staying at a beach resort.
Also, if you’re traveling with your partner, this is a must do in Mauritius. Not only will you get quality time with one another, but you will also get to make memories in peace, without anyone disturbing you.
Where: Presently, there are 48 beach resorts in Mauritius.
Price: 1200 AED to 10,000+ AED
Go To Port Louis
Enjoy the Island’s Capital
Visiting Mauritius without roaming in its capital does not make sense.
So, when you land at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, we recommend you first go to Port Louis, which is just 48 km away. Or you can consider visiting it on your way back. Whatever works for you.
Port Louis has the best Mauritius sightseeing places. Watch the 85 varieties of palm trees at Mauritius National Botanical Garden, visit the Natural History Museum, and enjoy the city’s panoramic views at Le Caudan Waterfront.
This city is perfect for shopping—everything ranging from high-class fashion to local handicrafts can be bought here. Besides, the bazaars here are perfect for some souvenir shopping. Don't forget to buy gifts for your friends and family.
And, when you’re tired while shopping or roaming around, you can stop by a cafe serving local beverages and food items. Among the best things to do in Mauritius is try the Mauritius cuisine. We are not going to explain it in this blog; let’s keep it a surprise for you!
Entry Fees: Free for All at Natural History Museum | Free for children aged under 12 years (several places) | Fees for Adults can be different at other places (Botanical Garden: 12.61 AED for adults)
Timings: Opening hours may differ for all venues
Live the Nightlife
Best for Couples
The north and the west are popular for nightlife. The other regions are quieter. So, when you are in these parts of the country, you have to experience the nightlife here!
And if you already are a fan of bars and clubs, you love it here—there’s no closing time for these places in Mauritius. Damn, right? Maybe you might even end up liking it so much that you feel like moving here!
There are so many Mauritius tourist attractions when we talk about the nightlife. These include the C Beach Club, The Irish, Big Willy’s, Kenzi Bar, Banana Beach Club, Buddha-Bar Beach, Lucky Strike Grand Bay, and many more!
What's more, if you’re here to enjoy with your partner, we highly recommend bar-hopping. In fact, this is one of the must-do experiences in Mauritius!
Bars and clubs are not the only options you have. You can also try going to a casino, where you can give gambling a shot. What's the harm in a little fun? Also, for a friendly environment, consider going to Flic en Flac Casino, which is situated in the Rivière Noire District.
Most importantly, don’t get anxious about going out at night. The clubs, bars, and casinos in Mauritius are known to be safe.
Age Requirement: 18+ to visit any bar, club, or casino serving alcohol
Casino Entry Fees: Generally 40 AED to 80 AED
Prices at Bars & Clubs: Drinks start at 8 AED | Average meal is 30 AED for one
Opening Hours: 8 PM to 4 AM for Casinos | 6 PM to 3 AM for Bars
Go Surfing
Must Do Things in Mauritius
For more than six decades, surfing has been one of the greatest Mauritius tourist attractions. People from across the globe visit Mauritius for its aquatic life, including surfing.
Whether you have tried surfing earlier or not, let’s tell you – you cannot not surf here. Crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and calm atmosphere. These are clear signs of the perfect place for some adventure sports.
Depending on your level of experience, you can choose from numerous surfing spots like Tamarin Bay, Harbour Rivière Noire, Maconde, Graveyards, Darne, Souillac, Black Rocks, Rivière des Galets, and Le Morne.
For instance, if you’re looking for the best place to go in Mauritius for surfing as an intermediate surfer, Harbour Rivière Noire is perfect for you. However, if you’re new to this, Souillac is the place for you.
Remember, Mauritius gets moderate to high rainfall all year round. This is why it is ideal to consider surfing between June and November when the precipitation rate is relatively lower.
For more information regarding the safety and rules related to surfing, your guide will help you.
Price: Depends on the type of lesson (Group/Semi-Private/Private), number of days, and surf school
Surfboard Rent: From 60 AED to 85 AED
Parasailing in Mauritius
Great for adventure-seekers
Picturesque lagoons and clear waters.
What do you think about experiencing these from an aerial view? Can you imagine a better way to explore the places to see in Mauritius?
When you go parasailing in this gorgeous country, you’ll see Mauritius’ beautiful coastline, majestic mountains, and pristine beaches. In fact, it mainly depends on the spot you pick for parasailing.
While parasailing in Grand Baie, you’ll be viewing Mauritius’ beautiful beaches and mountains from a height of 60 meters. For a bird’s eye view of lush greenery and sandy beaches, choose Île aux Cerfs off Trou d’eau Douce for the activity.
For a short duration of parasailing, you can consider Belle Mare for the same. It lasts nearly 35 minutes, including the boat ride.
If this adventure sport excites you, you must visit the country during the months of October and November since the precipitation rate is the lowest at this time and the wind speed is ideal.
Price: Starts at 90 AED
Distance from the City Centre
Grand Baie: 25 km
Île aux Cerfs: 50 km
Belle Mare: 41 km
Age Requirement: 5-8 years depending on the operator
Take a Rum Tasting Tour
Ideal for Couples
Built in the 1800s, Chateau Domaine de Labourdonnais, was owned by Christian Wiehe and is now one of the best Mauritius tourist spots, being a great Creole mansion.
A restored Victorian house, Chateau Domaine de Labourdonnais is nestled in a sugarcane plantation and provides rum tasting.
So, if you’re looking for Mauritius places to visit with your partner, this is a great place to begin with. Not only will you get a tour of the heritage site but will also get to taste local rum. What an experience it will be!
Also, people traveling with their families can drop by this place, too. The interiors and exteriors of the mansion are great for photographs giving off the Victorian vibe.
The place also has activities to indulge kids, such as interactive garden experiences, farm visits, and animal encounters.
Finally, you will also get a guided tour upon your visit to Chateau Domaine de Labourdonnais. Learn everything about the history of this mansion and sugarcane plantation.
Now, you don’t have to think about the best place to go in Mauritius. You have the perfect list of the top things to do in Mauritius.
Entry Fees (Visit & Tour): Free access to general estate | 70 AED for adults | 39 AED for children aged 4-12 years
Entry Fees (Chateau, Animal Farm (including Classic Tasting), & Underground Museum): 93 AED for adults | 62 AED for children aged 4-12 years
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM
Duration: 1 Hour