James Ferdinando

James Ferdinando

Marketing Executive

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Perfectly placed in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is home to beautiful sandy beaches, magical coral reefs, undulating scenery and incredible resorts. With such an array of activities on offer, it can be difficult to decide how to spend your time in this tropical paradise. So read on for our guide to the best things to do in Mauritius.

1. Discover Mauritius’ underwater world

Diving and snorkelling are two of the most popular things to do in Mauritius, and for good reason; discover an incredible underwater world of breathtaking coral reefs, dramatic shipwrecks, and hundreds of brightly coloured fish. 

Mauritius offers dream diving locations for all qualification levels, and diving is possible year-round. With crystal clear waters and great visibility it’s the perfect location to explore the underwater world, and is also very popular with underwater photographers and filmmakers. 

The summer months of November to March are often regarded as the best time to dive in Mauritius due to the warmer waters which brings a wealth of marine life to the island’s surrounding ocean. This includes many exotic species such as parrotfish, angelfish and sergeant majors, as well as beautiful corals, sponges and sea anemones. 

There are diving and snorkelling sites located all around the island ranging from shallow areas which are perfect for beginners, to incredible cliffs, caverns, reefs and wrecks for the more adventurous and experienced divers and snorkellers to explore.

 

Fish on a coral reef in Mauritius

2. Try your hand at some watersports

Watersports are also a very popular thing to do in Mauritius, and with countless options available you’re bound to find something that suits you! 

Travel the seas in style, discover stunning lagoons and encounter dolphins in their natural habitat on our highly popular Dolphin Coast Catamaran Cruise. With snorkelling stops at lagoons, and a delicious barbeque lunch and drinks included, it’s the perfect way to explore the ocean for dolphins and observe the lives of these incredible mammals. 

For those looking for more of a challenge, you can try your hand at kitesurfing. Le Morne, in the south of Mauritius, is a world-renowned kitesurfing spot, so where better to try it! Lessons are available for all levels, from first timer to advanced, meaning this activity is open to everyone. 

You could also try some stand up paddleboarding (SUP). Mauritius’ lagoons are the perfect location for this, due to the calm waters making it easier to stay upright… hopefully! Explore the coast and lagoons at your leisure and admire the dramatic coastline from your paddleboard.

 

Stand up paddleboarding in Mauritius

3. Embark on some inland adventures

Inland Mauritius offers dramatic natural beauty, magnificent waterfalls, astonishing coloured sands, bustling towns and thrill seeking adventures. 

Our Wild South day tour is a fantastic way to experience the islands natural wonders, and is one of our most popular things to do in Mauritius. The trip involves a visit to the volcanic crater at Trou aux Cerfs, giving you breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and towns below. The next stop is the sacred lake, an absolute must-see in Mauritius, tucked away in the mountains and surrounded by colourful Hindu temples and statues. 

After continuing your journey through the Black River Gorges National Park, enjoy lunch at a rum distillery, followed by a distillery tour and rum tasting. The beautiful Chamarel Waterfall and incredible Seven Coloured Earths finish this trip in a spectacular finale. As well as being a brilliant stand-alone day tour, this trip could also be used as an unforgettable inter-hotel transfer if you’re staying at different properties in the north and the south of the island. 

Another popular thing to do in Mauritius is a visit to the Giant Tortoise Park, a great activity for adults and children alike. This activity involves a walk through the two kilometre trail amongst the magnificent tortoises and, for the eagle-eyed, a chance to see the rare Rodrigues fruit bat. This is followed by a visit to a plantation house and a delicious lunch and tour at Bois Cheri Tea Factory, where you’ll learn about the tea making process and sample some exotic Mauritian teas!

 

Chamarel Waterfall, Mauritius

4. Get your adrenaline pumping

For the thrill-seekers, Mauritius is a playground of courage testing, adrenaline charged activities, and it boasts a great range of things to do to suit all levels of bravery – there’s no excuse not to get involved! How about a half day of canyoning; exploring waterfalls and crystal-clear ponds as you navigate by abseiling, trekking and swimming? Test your courage by jumping into the waters, and finish on a high with a stunning view of the west coast from the hilltop. 

Or perhaps you’d like to fly through the skies on a ziplining trek through the tropical jungle? Enjoy jaw-dropping views as you traverse through the treetops using wooden ladders, knotted ropes and boardwalks, before experiencing the thrilling descents. There are numerous sites all over Mauritius, with the Valle des Couleurs being one of the most popular. 

If these aren’t challenging enough for you, you could also get your adrenaline pumping with a tandem skydive. Jump from 10,000 feet and, if you can keep your eyes open, admire the 360 degree views of the island’s stunning inland and coastal scenery!

 

Ziplining in Mauritius

5. Take to the skies

The sky proves to be no limit in Mauritius! Take to the skies in a spectacular helicopter flight over lagoons, sugarcane fields and undulating mountains, before heading to the coastline to take in the views of the beautiful beaches, cliffs and the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Weather permitting, there’s also the opportunity to head further out to sea to take a look at the incredible underwater waterfall illusion, a once-in-a-lifetime trip which would be sure to top off your holiday in an unforgettable way.

 

An aerial view of the island of Mauritius from a helicopter

There are things to do in Mauritius for every taste; whether that be cocktails by the pool, relaxation, rejuvenation, thrilling activities, or history and culture. The beauty and uniqueness of the country will amaze you at every turn, and the array of activities on offer make Mauritius and unforgettable trip. So what’s stopping you..?!

For more inspiration, take a look at our Mauritius Holidays pages.