Best things to do in Mauritius

Mauritius is known for beaches and luxury resorts - but there’s much more to explore. Hike Black River Gorges, spot wildlife at Casela Nature Parks, or visit coastal villages like Grand Baie for local charm.

Discover the island’s culture through temples, markets, and historic sites. Love the ocean? Try snorkeling, diving, or kitesurfing. After a thrill? Go quad biking, canyoning, or ziplining.

Here are the top 10 things to do in Mauritius - beyond the beach.

Visit the Capital, Port Louis

Port Louis blends history, culture, and energy in one unforgettable stop. Wander past colonial buildings, temples, mosques, and markets- a true reflection of Mauritius' rich heritage.

• Visit the Blue Penny Museum to see the rarest stamp in the world, or spot a dodo skeleton at the Natural History Museum. For a panoramic view of the capital, hike up Signal Mountain - especially at sunset.
• Want to feel the real heartbeat of the city? Head to the Central Market. It’s packed with fresh produce, spices, local street food, and photo-worthy moments. Great spot for a local tour or a spontaneous shopping spree.
• Nearby, the Caudan Waterfront is perfect for browsing boutiques, trying Mauritian seafood, or catching a few snaps at the famous umbrella-lined promenade.
• For a deeper dive into history, visit the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO site telling the story of over 500,000 indentured laborers who helped shape modern Mauritius.

Whether you're planning a cultural tour, a food walk, or just soaking it all in, the Mauritius North Tour is the perfect way to experience it all.

Swimming with dolphins

A once-in-a-lifetime experience, swimming with dolphins is one of the most unforgettable things you can do in Mauritius. Unlike controlled dolphin centers, this adventure happens in the open sea - where the dolphins actually live. No pools. No artificial setting. Just you, the ocean, and these incredible marine mammals in their natural habitat.

You’ll head out early in the morning, when dolphins are most active, and get the rare chance to observe and swim alongside them in the wild. It’s raw, real, and absolutely breathtaking.

Top Spots to Swim with Dolphins:

• Tamarin/Black River (West Coast): Around 20 dolphins are often seen here early in the morning, near Tamarin village.
• Coin de Mire (North Coast): Dolphins are frequently spotted near this offshore island - catamaran trips to the northern isles often stop for a swim.
• Ile aux Benitiers (South-West Coast): Calm waters near La Gaulette make this a popular spot for dolphin encounters, often paired with island lunch excursions.

Whether you're after adventure or a peaceful moment in nature, swimming with dolphins is an experience you won’t want to miss - book now!

Hiking in Mauritius: Le Morne Brabant & Black River Gorges

Experience the natural beauty of Mauritius with two of the island’s most iconic hikes, offering unforgettable views, lush landscapes, and a chance to explore the island’s wild and scenic side.

Hike Le Morne Brabant

Located on the southwestern coast, Le Morne Brabant rises 556 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of turquoise lagoons and lush landscapes. The trail takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete and features dramatic cliffs, caves, and rare plant species like the Mandrinette and wild thyme.

Tip: After your hike, unwind with a swim at Le Morne Beach - one of the island’s most scenic spots.

Hike through the Black River Gorges National Park

Stretching across Mauritius’ southwest, this national park features over 60 km of trails through diverse landscapes, from humid upland forests to drier lowland areas.

Highlights include Alexandra Falls, Macchabée Viewpoint, Gorges Viewpoint, and Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, the island’s highest peak. The park is home to many endemic species, including the Mauritian flying fox and several native bird species.

Beach-Hopping in Mauritius

Mauritius is surrounded by stunning beaches with soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and coral reefs. Beach-hopping is one of the best ways to explore the island- whether you rent a car or book a tour, each coast offers something unique.

Top Beaches to Visit:

• Flic en Flac - Beautiful sunsets and relaxed atmosphere
• Belle Mare - Quiet and perfect for long walks
• Grand Baie - Lively with shops and restaurants
• Le Morne - Scenic with mountain views
• Trou aux Biches - Calm waters, great for swimming
• Mont Choisy - Long beach, ideal for families
• Blue Bay - Best for snorkeling
• Tamarin - Surfing and dolphin spotting

Water Activities:

Snorkelling, diving, kayaking, parasailing, and dolphin or whale watching are popular across the island. Blue Bay Marine Park is a top snorkelling spot, and diving centers offer courses for all skill levels.

Savour the Mauritius Cuisine

Mauritius offers a rich culinary mix of French, Indian, Chinese, and Creole influences. From street food to fine dining, the island serves bold flavours and unique combinations.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Dholl Puri - A popular street food made from wheat bread stuffed with ground split peas, often served with curry and chutney.
• Farata - Similar to Indian paratha, commonly eaten with spicy fillings or sauces.
• Vindaye - A tangy dish made with mustard, vinegar, and spices, typically served cold with fish.
• Rougail - A rich tomato-based stew flavored with garlic, ginger, and a choice of meat or seafood like sausage, squid, or prawns.

Read more here.

Visit Grand Bassin Sacred Lake

Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) is a sacred Hindu lake in the mountains of Mauritius, surrounded by temples, giant statues of gods, and the occasional monkey. It’s a peaceful spot for a walk, meditation, or just taking in the scenery.

A short hike leads to a nearby peak with great views, and the statues are especially striking up close. During Maha Shivaratri (Feb - March), the lake becomes the heart of a huge festival, drawing around half a million people.

Close by, Black River Gorges National Park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and a taste of Mauritius’ wilder side.

The South West Private Tour is an easy way to visit Grand Bassin and nearby attractions without the hassle of planning it all yourself.

Catamaran cruise

Catamaran cruises are one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Mauritius. These spacious, stable boats are perfect for groups and can anchor close to the island’s stunning beaches and islets.

There’s a wide choice of routes - cruise north to Gabriel Island or Flat Island, head east to Ile aux Cerfs, or sail along the west coast to Ile aux Benitiers with the chance to swim with dolphins.

Whether it’s a full-day trip, a romantic sunset cruise, or a private charter, booking a catamaran tour is a guaranteed highlight of any Mauritius holiday.

Good to know: Most cruises come with food & drinks!

Enjoy Chamarel’s Stunning Landscape

Located in southwest Mauritius, Chamarel is a must-visit village packed with natural wonders.

• 7 Coloured Earth Geopark
  Famous for its rainbow-colored dunes - red, brown, violet, blue, green, and yellow. The colors pop in the sunlight and make for unreal photos.
• Giant Tortoise Park
  On-site at the geopark. Home to six slow-moving legends from the Seychelles, each around 150 years old.
• Chamarel Waterfall
  The island’s tallest single-drop waterfall (100m). Drive to the viewpoint or hike down to the base and take a dip.
• Ebony Forest
  A quieter gem nearby. Explore the native forest on foot or by jeep, spot rare birds and bright blue geckos, and enjoy stunning views over Le Morne.

To experience it all in one go, check out the Chamarel: Ultimate Discovery Tour - a stress-free way to hit all the highlights.

Spend a day at Casela Nature Parks

Casela Nature Parks is one of the top attractions in Mauritius - part animal park, part adventure zone, and fully packed with things to do for both kids and adults.

• Wildlife Encounters
  Home to over 140 bird species from around the world, plus tortoises, deer, monkeys, and big cats like lions and tigers. Get up close - feed, pet, or even hold some of the animals under supervision.
• Adrenaline Activities
  For the thrill-seekers, Casela offers zip lines, canyoning, a giant slide, and quad-bike safaris through scenic landscapes.
• Walk with Lions
  A major highlight - take a guided walk beside lions, led by expert handlers. Or, choose the Big Cats Drive Thru for a close (but safe) look at lions in a more natural setting

Beautifully landscaped and full of variety, the park blends adventure, wildlife, and discovery into one unforgettable day - book your Casela Adventure and experience it all.

Visit Ile aux Aigrettes

Located just off the southeast coast of Mauritius, Ile aux Aigrettes is a small islet made from ancient coral and covered in rare coastal forest. Declared a nature reserve in 1965, it's home to some of the world’s rarest plants and animals - many found nowhere else on Earth.

You’ll spot species like the Mauritian kestrel, the pink pigeon, Aldabra giant tortoises, and the bright green Phelsuma gecko as you explore the island’s carefully protected habitat.

Daily boat tours leave from Pointe Jerome, near Mahebourg. The full experience takes about 1.5 hours, with a quick 10-minute ride each way. Book your visit and explore this unique slice of Mauritius’ natural heritage.

Aerial view of Mauritius

For one of the most unforgettable experiences in Mauritius, take to the skies. Whether by helicopter, seaplane, or tandem skydiving, seeing the island from above offers a breathtaking view of its lagoons, reefs, beaches, and green mountain ranges.

• Helicopter tour
  The perfect way of soaking in panoramic views of Mauritius’ coastline, crystal-clear lagoons, and lush interiors - all from a smooth, high-flying perspective.
• Seaplane Tours
  Take off directly from the lagoon and get an up-close look at the shoreline and coral reefs. A major highlight? The iconic Underwater Waterfall illusion near Le Morne is one of the most photographed natural wonders of the island.
• Skydiving
  For thrill-seekers, skydiving over Mauritius combines the ultimate adrenaline rush with stunning views during your descent. The feeling of free-falling above such a picture-perfect island? Pretty hard to forget.

Book your aerial experience and witness Mauritius from a whole new perspective.