Things to Do in Mauritius: A Refreshingly Real Guide

Why Visit Mauritius?

This isn’t just a beach destination (although the beaches are out of this world). Think lush hiking trails, creole cuisine, historic estates, buzzing local markets, and diving spots that rival the Maldives. And it’s incredibly safe, welcoming, and easy to get around.

Mauritius has over 330 km of coastline—and yes, it’s just as dreamy as it sounds. Think soft white sand, crystal-clear blue waters, and palm trees swaying like they’re straight out of a screensaver.

If you’re into water sports, you’re in for a treat. Whether it’s paddleboarding, jet skiing, or just floating around with a snorkel, it’s all easy to arrange—especially at popular beaches like Grand Baie, Belle Mare, Trou aux Biches, and Pereybere. Most spots have equipment for hire right on the beach, so there’s no need to plan ahead. Just show up, pick your adventure, and dive in.

Go on a Cruise

One of the best ways to soak up the island vibes is by hopping on a catamaran cruise. It’s the perfect mix of chill and adventure—sailing across turquoise waters, stopping to snorkel over coral reefs, and maybe even spotting dolphins along the way. Most cruises include a barbecue lunch (yes, with fresh seafood!) and plenty of rum punch to keep things festive. You’ll find trips departing from places like Grand Baie or Black River, heading to dreamy spots like Île aux Cerfs or Île aux Bénitiers. Honestly, nothing beats lounging on deck with the sun on your face and the sea breeze in your hair. We loved the trip we did and were even lucky enough to swim with giant turtles. How special is that?

🤩 Recommended: Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles (this is the trip we did) OR Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Trip w/ Lunch & Transfer

Snorkel or Dive in the Coral Reefs

Mauritius is surrounded by coral reefs, making it a paradise for snorkelling and scuba diving. Blue Bay Marine Park in the south is one of the top spots, with calm, clear water and loads of marine life. You’ll spot colourful fish, coral formations, and maybe even sea turtles. For diving, head to Flic en Flac or Grand Baie, where you’ll find reef walls, caves, and wrecks.

🤩 Recommended: Île aux Bénitiers: Snorkeling w/Dolphins Boat Tour & Lunch – this is such a special experince.

Visit the Stunning Chamarel Waterfall

If you only see one waterfall in Mauritius, make it this one. Chamarel Waterfall is the island’s tallest, plunging nearly 100 metres into a lush green gorge—and yes, it’s just as impressive in real life as it is in the photos. Surrounded by dense tropical forest, the falls are especially dramatic after a bit of rain. You can view them from an upper platform (perfect for snapping pics) or take a short walk to the base for a closer look. It’s an easy stop if you’re already visiting the Seven Coloured Earths nearby, and a great way to break up the beach days with a dose of nature.

🤩 Recommended: Private Southwest Coast Highlights Tour – full-day tour. Including the Seven Coloured Earths in Chamarel. We went on this tour as well! It was brilliant.

See the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel

This strange and beautiful geological phenomenon looks like a rainbow melted into the earth and is one of the top places to see in Mauritius. Swirling sands of red, purple, yellow, and brown lie in soft dunes in the middle of a lush forest. Nearby, you’ll find Chamarel Waterfall—a spectacular single-drop cascade. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in Mauritius, and easy to combine with a visit to the rum distillery just down the road.

Sip Your Way Through Bois Chéri Tea Plantation

If you fancy a break from the beach (and a cuppa with a view), head to the Bois Chéri Tea Plantation in the island’s lush south. It’s the oldest and most famous tea estate in Mauritius, and the drive there alone—winding through rolling green hills and swaying palms—is half the fun.

Start with a visit to the tea museum to get a sense of the island’s colonial history and tea-making traditions. Then head to the tasting pavilion, perched on a hill with panoramic views over the tea fields and all the way down to the southern coast. The vanilla and coconut-infused teas are local favourites, but I’m partial to the classic black with a splash of milk, but I also love the vanilla tea. You can also have lunch at their on-site restaurant, which serves up Mauritian dishes with a killer view.

Insider tip: Try to visit in the morning before the clouds roll in over the plateau, and don’t skip the shop—they sell blends you won’t easily find elsewhere. If you’re driving, pair this with a stop at Ganga Talao or La Vanille Nature Park for a perfect inland adventure.

Go Rum Tasting at Rhumerie de Chamarel

Mauritius produces excellent rum, and this scenic distillery in the south-west is a great place to learn how it’s made. Take a guided tour, followed by tastings of everything from vanilla-infused to coffee-flavoured varieties. The views over the sugarcane fields are a bonus. There’s also a lovely restaurant onsite if you want to turn it into a long, lazy lunch stop, and of course, it was accompanied by a number of delicious rum cocktails. I enjoyed more than a few and I don’t even really like rum.

Explore Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

One of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere and a must for plant lovers. You’ll find towering palms, spice trees, and the famous giant water lilies that look like something out of a fantasy film. It’s peaceful, shady, and a lovely contrast to the beach. Hire a local guide at the entrance for the best experience—they know their stuff.

🤩 Recommended: Private Full-Day Instagram Tour – this is a fun way of seeing some of the amazing things to do in Mauritius

Visit the Trou aux Cerfs Crater

This extinct volcanic crater in Curepipe is an easy detour if you’re exploring the island’s interior. It’s surrounded by lush forest and offers panoramic views of the central plateau. It’s not a long stop—but it’s one of those cool “only in Mauritius” sights that adds some variety to your itinerary.

Visit Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin)

Tucked away in the lush highlands of Mauritius, Ganga Talao—also known as Grand Bassin—is one of the most sacred Hindu sites outside of India. Even if you’re not religious, the peaceful atmosphere and striking setting make it well worth a visit. The lake itself sits in the crater of an extinct volcano and is believed to be connected spiritually to the Ganges River in India.

You’ll see towering statues of Shiva and Durga at the entrance, and the temple complex around the lake is dotted with shrines, incense offerings, and pilgrims dressed in bright colours—especially during the Maha Shivaratri festival, when it’s buzzing with activity. It’s a quiet, reflective place the rest of the year and offers a totally different side of Mauritius, away from the coast and the crowds.

Where to eat in Grand Baie

La Rougaille Creole

This restaurant is tucked away, in a busy little street, just off the main drag in Grand Baie. The food was delicious with a wonderful fusion of flavours and some stunning seafood.

The Happy Rajah

If you love Indian curry, then you must visit this restaurant. You can choose from authentic Indian styled curry as well as local versions. The Happy Rajah is in a shopping complex, about a block and a half back from the main road in Grand Baie. There is another branch in Phoenix.

Le Capitaine

For something special this is the place to go.  We had a fabulous modern lunch which was beautifully presented. The views of the ocean were sublime.

FAQs About Visiting Mauritius

When is the best time to visit Mauritius?
May to December is ideal—think warm, dry, and sunny without the intense heat or humidity. Avoid January to March if you want to steer clear of cyclone season.

Do I need a visa to visit Mauritius?
Many nationalities (including UK, EU, and US passport holders) don’t need a visa for stays up to 60 or 90 days. But always double-check before you fly.

What’s the currency in Mauritius?
The local currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s handy to carry some cash for markets and small beach vendors.

Is Mauritius safe for travellers?
Yes, it’s generally very safe, especially in tourist areas. Just use common sense in cities like Port Louis—watch your bags in crowded places.

Can you drink the tap water?
Technically yes, but most visitors (myself included) stick to bottled water, especially outside major resorts.

Where to stay in Mauritius

One&Only Le Saint Géran

A luxury icon perched on its own private peninsula, this resort blends modern elegance with beachfront grandeur. With a mile of powder-white sand, sleek spa, and six world-class restaurants, it’s ideal for both luxe relaxation and island adventure.

⭐️ RATING: 5 | 📍 LOCATION: Belle Mare | ✅ Check Prices / Availability / Book it!

Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel

An adults-only tropical hideaway with just over 50 elegant rooms perched along a private beach, lush gardens, and a sparkling infinity pool. It’s peaceful yet stylish—perfect for honeymooners or anyone craving calm—and with a glass‑bottom boat on-site, you can easily slip into private snorkeling sessions.

⭐️ RATING: 5 | 📍 LOCATION: Cap Malheureux| ✅ Check Prices / Availability / Book it!

The Oberoi Beach Resort

Classically luxurious and boutique-sized, this north-coast hideaway prides itself on warm, attentive service. Set in 20 acres of tropical gardens, it offers stunning beach access, elegant villas, a refined spa—and consistently glowing reviews

⭐️ RATING: 5| 📍 LOCATION: Turtle Bay| ✅ Check Prices / Availability / Book it!

La Pirogue

Set on 14 acres of coconut groves along Flic‑en‑Flac’s white‑sand beach, La Pirogue feels like a laid‑back seaside village—with charming thatched bungalows, swaying hammocks, and a relaxed Boho‑Chic vibe. You’ll find endless leisure—from complimentary kayaking, snorkelling and glass‑bottom‑boat rides to a soothing spa, vibrant beachfront BBQ nights, glass‑by‑the‑sea wine tastings, and a buzzing kids’ club—making it equally perfect for families, couples, and chill‑seekers alike. On one of my visits, I stayed here and loved it.

⭐️ RATING: 4 | 📍 LOCATION:  Flic-en-Flac| ✅ Check Prices / Availability / Book it!

Mauritius isn’t just a pretty place—it’s a full-on experience. From epic waterfalls and colourful temples to tea tastings in the hills and beach days that blur into dreamy sunsets, it’s the kind of place that keeps calling you back (I should know—I’ve been four times!). Whether you’re sailing off on a catamaran, devouring dholl puri at a market stall, or just soaking up that turquoise view with a cocktail in hand, one thing’s for sure: you’ll never want to leave.