Mauritius must-dos: top 20 activities and sites not to miss
Updated: August 2026
What are the must-do things to do in Mauritius?
The top 5 absolutes: a lagoon beach, a catamaran trip, the dolphins of Tamarin, the coloured earth of Chamarel and the central market in Port-Louis. But Mauritius has 20 more to offer!
Mauritius: 20 must-do activities and sites
Mauritius is a destination bursting with unforgettable experiences. With an area of just over 2,000 km², it packs in a remarkable density of attractions: dream beaches, exceptional marine life, spectacular inland landscapes, rich culture and blended cuisine. If your trip is limited and you want to make the most of it, this ranking of the 20 must-dos is for you.
Whether you’re in Mauritius for a week, two weeks or longer, this guide helps you pinpoint the experiences that best match your interests and travel style.
At a glance
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Where | The whole island: north, west, south, east and centre |
| Price | From free (beaches, viewpoints) to around €100 (full-day excursions) |
| Time needed | 7 to 14 days to cover the essentials of this ranking |
| How to get around | Car rental recommended, otherwise a day taxi |
| Best time to go | May to December, see our best time to visit guide |
1. Swim in the turquoise lagoon
It might seem obvious, but it shouldn’t be overlooked: swimming in the lagoons of Mauritius is an experience in its own right. The colour of the water, ranging from emerald to deep turquoise depending on the area and the light, the clarity that lets you see the bottom several metres down, the ideal temperature (26 to 29°C) and the safety provided by the coral reef make it a uniquely wonderful place to swim.
Best spots: Blue Bay (south-east lagoon), Trou aux Biches beach (north), Flic en Flac beach (west), Belle Mare beach (east).
2. Catamaran excursion
A day on a catamaran is the quintessential Mauritian experience. Sailing across the lagoon, a snorkelling stop on a reef, a seafood barbecue on board, dolphin watching and a visit to an islet: it’s a complete day that sums up the best of Mauritius at sea.
Excursions depart from several points along the north, west and south coasts. Price: 70 to 100 euros per adult, all-inclusive. You can book your catamaran excursion to the northern islands or to Île aux Bénitiers with dolphins directly online.
3. Swim with dolphins at Tamarin
Tamarin bay, on the south-west coast, is the natural habitat of hundreds of spinner dolphins that come to rest there every morning. Setting out by boat early in the morning and diving into the water among these graceful, curious animals is one of the most magical experiences on the island.
Read our guide to swimming with dolphins for all the details. You can already book your outing to swim with dolphins in Tamarin online.
4. The Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel
In the south-west of the island, at Chamarel, a dune of volcanic earth with 7 natural shades (red, ochre, purple, green, blue, brown, mauve) is one of the most extraordinary geological phenomena in Mauritius. The explanation lies in the differential crystallisation of iron oxides at different temperatures. As incredible as it sounds, the colours don’t mix even in the rain.
Access: an entrance ticket is required (350 rupees for adults). The Chamarel waterfall (83 metres, the tallest on the island) is a 5-minute drive away. You can book the full southern excursion covering Chamarel and Grand Bassin with transport and a guide from your hotel.
5. Port-Louis central market
The central market in Port-Louis is one of the most colourful and lively markets in the Indian Ocean. Exotic vegetables, loose spices, fresh fish, tropical fruit, fabrics, medicinal herbs and Creole street food: it’s a total immersion into everyday Mauritian life.
The market’s street food section is one of the best places to eat a dholl puri or gâteaux piments for just a few dozen rupees.
6. Snorkelling in the Blue Bay marine park
The Blue Bay marine park, in the south-east of the island, protects one of the best-preserved coral reefs in Mauritius. Visibility here is exceptional, and marine biodiversity is remarkable (corals, tropical fish, turtles, rays). It’s the best snorkelling site accessible straight from the beach on the island.
Mask and snorkel can be rented on the beach for 200 rupees. You can also book a guided snorkelling excursion at Blue Bay with a guide and equipment included.
7. Watch the sunrise at Le Morne Brabant
Le Morne Brabant, a 556-metre volcanic promontory listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the iconic landscapes of Mauritius. The hike to the summit (about 2 hours one way) is demanding, but the panoramic views over the lagoon and ocean are worth every effort.
If hiking isn’t for you, the sunset viewed from Le Morne beach facing Le Morne Brabant is just as unforgettable.
8. Visit the Pamplemousses botanical garden
One of the oldest and most beautiful botanical gardens in the southern hemisphere, with its giant Victoria amazonica water lilies, its collection of rare palm trees, its giant tortoises and its peacocks. Two hours of botanical and historical strolling in an exceptional setting.
See our complete guide to Pamplemousses garden. You can book a northern Mauritius excursion with street food tasting that includes Pamplemousses and the best cultural sites in the north in a single organised day.
9. Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao): the sacred lake
In the highlands of the south-centre, this sacred volcanic lake is the spiritual heart of the Mauritian Hindu community. Its temples, monumental statues (including a 33-metre statue of Shiva) and atmosphere of devotion make it a unique cultural site. Best visited early in the morning for a particularly serene atmosphere.
10. Kitesurfing or a surf lesson
Le Morne is the mecca of kitesurfing in the Indian Ocean, and Tamarin is the temple of Mauritian surfing. Even if you’ve never tried it, taking a first kitesurfing or surfing lesson in this exceptional setting is an experience worth telling.
Certified schools welcome beginners in the most relaxed way possible. Price: 80 to 120 euros for a 3-hour lesson.
11. Excursion to Île aux Cerfs
Île aux Cerfs, on the east coast, is the quintessential tropical paradise island: immaculate white sand, turquoise waters, water sports and a postcard-perfect atmosphere. Accessible by boat from Trou d’Eau Douce (10 minutes), it’s a must for beach and lagoon lovers.
12. Excursion to Île aux Bénitiers and Crystal Rock
On the south-west coast, Île aux Bénitiers and the Crystal Rock formation in the lagoon make up one of the finest boat excursions in Mauritius. Often less crowded than Île aux Cerfs, it offers a more intimate experience and remarkable marine life.
See our complete guide to Île aux Bénitiers.
13. Scuba diving
With average visibility of 20 to 40 metres depending on the spot, historic wrecks (including the Stella Maru), underwater caves and exceptional marine life, Mauritius is a world-class diving destination. Beginners can start with an introductory dive without certification (discover scuba diving) from 50 euros.
14. Hiking in Black River Gorges National Park
The only inland national park in Mauritius covers 6,574 hectares of native tropical forest. It has trails for all fitness levels, from a gentle walk to the Tamarin waterfalls to the climb up Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (828 metres, the island’s highest point).
The endemic wildlife (birds, reptiles, plants) is remarkable and protected.
15. Visit the Chamarel distillery
Mauritian rum, particularly Chamarel’s agricultural rum, is one of the finest in the Indian Ocean. A visit to the Rhumerie de Chamarel combines learning about the production process (from fresh cane to bottling) with a tasting of several rums. A must for spirits lovers.
Visit price: about 400 rupees (8 euros). You can book your guided tour of the Rhumerie de Chamarel with tasting online and be sure to secure your slot in high season.
16. Safari at Casela park
Casela nature park, on the west coast, offers an unexpected safari experience on an ocean island: lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos and many African species in a lush setting. Lion interactions (walking alongside them) and camel or dromedary rides are also available.
Price: from 800 rupees (15 euros) for basic entry, up to 3,000 rupees for lion interactions.
17. Sunset from La Preneuse
The sunset on the west coast of Mauritius is one of the finest in the Indian Ocean. La Preneuse beach, facing Île aux Bénitiers and the open sea, offers a clear view to the west. The sky turns red, orange and purple as the sun disappears below the horizon: a free, unforgettable daily show.
Bring a bottle of local fruit juice or a glass of rum and settle in on the beach around 5:30-6pm.
18. A seafood meal on the beach
Mauritian beachside restaurants serve some of the best fish and seafood you’ll ever eat: grilled red snapper, sea urchin, lobster, squid, giant prawns. Enjoying these marine treasures with your feet in the sand, facing the lagoon, is a complete gastronomic experience.
The Mahébourg area (east coast) and Rivière Noire (west coast) are home to the best fish restaurants.
19. Whale watching (July to November)
If your trip falls between July and November, don’t miss the humpback whale watching trips off Tamarin. These ocean giants, sometimes spotted just a few dozen metres from the boat, are an encounter that leaves a lasting impression. See our complete guide to whale watching. You can book your whale watching trip in Mauritius with ethical, certified operators.
20. A night in an exceptional hotel
Mauritius is home to some of the finest luxury hotels in the world. One night (even just one) in an exceptional resort, with its impeccable service, infinity pool overlooking the lagoon, spa and Michelin-starred chef’s cuisine, can turn a good trip into an unforgettable experience. Last-minute deals and weekend offers sometimes make it possible to access these palaces at reduced rates.
Free or paid: the recap before you go
| Must-do | Free or paid |
|---|---|
| Lagoon and beaches (Blue Bay, Trou aux Biches, Flic en Flac, Belle Mare) | Free (public beaches) |
| Catamaran excursion | Paid (around 70-100 €) |
| Swimming with dolphins in Tamarin | Paid (organised excursion) |
| Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earths | Paid (entrance ticket) |
| Port-Louis central market | Free (you only pay for what you buy) |
| Snorkelling in Blue Bay marine park | Free on your own from the beach, paid on a guided excursion |
| Le Morne Brabant (hike) | Free, but a guided hike is mandatory for the summit section |
| Pamplemousses botanical garden | Paid |
| Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) | Free |
| Chamarel distillery | Paid |
| Casela park | Paid |
| Sunset at La Preneuse | Free |
This table complements our Mauritius budget guide, which details exactly how much to budget depending on your pace of travel.
Must-dos by travel style
As a couple: dolphins in Tamarin, sunset at La Preneuse, a dinner with your feet in the sand and a night in an exceptional hotel make up the perfect romantic stay. Our guide to couple activities expands on this selection.
As a family: the lagoon, Île aux Cerfs, Casela and Pamplemousses garden are particularly well suited to children. See our guide to Mauritius with family for a selection designed for all ages.
For snorkelling and diving enthusiasts: Blue Bay, Île aux Bénitiers and the west coast dive spots are must-dos. Our ranking of the best snorkelling beaches goes further into site-by-site detail.
For those who want to see it all without spreading themselves too thin: our guide to the best excursions in Mauritius organises the most popular day trips by region, to complement this ranking.
How to plan your trip around these must-dos
For a one-week stay
A week lets you comfortably cover 8 to 10 must-dos without wearing yourself out. Here’s a possible breakdown:
- Days 1-2: settling in, beaches and lagoon
- Day 3: catamaran excursion or Île aux Cerfs
- Day 4: dolphins in Tamarin + west coast (Le Morne, sunset)
- Day 5: Chamarel (coloured earths, waterfall, rum distillery)
- Day 6: Port-Louis (central market) + Pamplemousses
- Day 7: beach, snorkelling and last-minute shopping
For a two-week stay
Two weeks let you cover the essentials of this top 20 and add more specific experiences depending on your interests: hiking, diving, kitesurfing, spa or in-depth cultural discovery.
Final tip
Don’t over-plan your trip to Mauritius. The island invites you to slow down, take things in and stumble upon things by chance: the spiced-skewer vendor by the roadside, the little secret beach found by chance along a path, the unexpected chat with a fisherman who invites you aboard. These improvised moments often matter just as much as the ranked sites.
Mauritius reveals itself to those who take the time to get to know it.