The top 15 sights and activities in Mauritius / Travel Guide
If you think about a holiday in Mauritius, the first thing that comes to mind are the many dream beaches on the Indian Ocean. But there is much more to discover on the dream island!
Our most beautiful sights and best travel tips for Mauritius make it clear that there is much more to discover in addition to the countless dream beaches. Go kite surfing in a picturesque setting, discover the island’s numerous animal species and immerse yourself in a unique culture!
1. Le Morne Brabant: Surfing in Mauritius
Below the table mountain of Mauritius, the Le Morne Brabant, is the island’s kite and surfer’s paradise. The many water sports enthusiasts who cavort in front of this special backdrop appreciate the perfect conditions with light winds on the Le Morne peninsula. These also prevail in Tamarin, about 20 kilometers away, which is why numerous surfers and kitesurfers can also be found on this section of the west coast.
2. Grand Bassin: Get to know foreign cultures
The Grand Bassin crater lake, also known as Ganga Talao, is one of the largest Hindu sanctuaries outside of India. In the spring, up to 400,000 believers regularly make the pilgrimage here to wash themselves in the water of the holy lake or to pray in the associated temple complex. Tourists are also allowed to enter the temple complex with its numerous shrines and Hindu statues. However, one should take off one’s shoes beforehand and behave considerately throughout the pilgrimage site.
3. The most beautiful beaches in Mauritius
It actually seems almost impossible to choose the most beautiful beach in Mauritius. There are too many paradisiacal stretches of coast to be discovered on almost every corner. If you still want to highlight a few, Blue Bay in the southeast, the kilometer-long sandy beach in the lively town of Flic en Flac or the coral sand island of Île aux Bénitiers should be mentioned. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quiet and romantic stretch of beach, you can simply hike to Trou d’Argent Beach or walk to the idyllic fishing village of Albion.
4. Underwater Sea Walk: Take an underwater walk
Why only diving and snorkeling? You can just as easily walk underwater and discover the beautiful coral reefs and exotic fish species. During the Underwater Sea Walk you put on a special diving helmet, which is always filled with fresh air. A waist belt with weights keeps your feet on the sea floor. The boat tours to the most beautiful spots start in Grand Baie, among other places, and lead you to a platform in the sea from which you can start your walk at a depth of several meters.
5. Climb the Pieter Both
Mountaineers and climbers looking for a real challenge in Mauritius can put their skills to the test on Mount Pieter Both. The mountain, which appears to be balancing another boulder on its summit, was named after a former Dutch governor and is now considered one of the symbols of Mauritius. In the nearby town of Port Louis, you can book guided tours that lead up to the summit. Here you can also get the necessary equipment for the ascent.
6. Dive into snorkeling paradise
Mauritius has long enjoyed a reputation as a true diving and snorkeling paradise. Especially between December and April you have the best chance to see the full biodiversity of the underwater world. Both Trou aux Biches beach and the nearby fishing village of Péreybère are among the best spots in Mauritius. But you can also find boats everywhere on the other parts of the coast of the island, which take you to the colorful coral reefs for little money.
7. Stroll through the capital, Port Louis
If you want to get to know the country and people of Mauritius better, a day trip to Port Louis is a good idea. Among the special sights of the island’s capital are the citadel with a far-reaching view of Port Louis and the Blue Penny Museum, which houses the most famous postage stamp in the world – the Blue Mauritius. A visit to the Central Market should also be on the agenda. In addition to local food and spices, you will certainly find an extraordinary souvenir for friends back home.
8. Experience lots of action with the zipline
In the Chazal mountains or in the Domaine de l’Etoile nature park, adventurous holidaymakers have the chance to take the zipline to dizzy heights and get a bird’s-eye view of Mauritius on a fast ride. On the huge cable car, you hang on a fixed steel cable and complete several stages of up to 750 meters in length while you are floating freely. These lead over river and mountain landscapes and guarantee an action-packed adventure for the whole family.
9. Go hiking in Mauritius
Holiday time in Mauritius is far too valuable to spend the entire holiday on the beach. Fortunately, the island’s mountainous volcanic landscape is ideal for long hikes, during which you get to know and love the landscape far away from the coast. Both beginners and experienced hikers should definitely tackle the path up to the summit of Le Pouce. Up there you will be rewarded with an unforgettable panoramic view over the whole of Mauritius. But active vacationers will also find some excellent routes in the Black River Gorges National Park in the southwest of the island.
10. Beware of crocodiles!
In the south of Mauritius, families with children will find a very special destination: on a former vanilla plantation, in the La Vanille Nature Park, around a thousand turtles, two thousand crocodiles and other native animal species such as iguanas, monkeys and beautiful butterflies cavort. In the tropical area with numerous palm trees and exotic plants, you almost feel like you are in the great outdoors. Feeding the hungry crocodiles is without a doubt one of the highlights in this unique nature park.
11. Looking into the crater of a volcano
Although the Trou aux Cerfs volcano is long extinct and the crater is now covered by a swampy lake, this is a must-see attraction in Mauritius. The trip to the central highlands of the island is worthwhile just for the view of the crater surrounded by dense forests and the surrounding landscape. While active vacationers walk around the edge of the crater, the vantage point can also be easily reached by rental car.
12. Speedboat rides for everyone
Bored of chilling on the beach? How about a fast ride on the red sea-karts, which you can steer yourself without a special driver’s license? Very close to Tamarin you get this unique opportunity! On the all-day excursions, you will race across the turquoise sea at full speed and, in doing so, you will reach the most beautiful spots on the south-west coast of Mauritius, such as Crystal Rock or the Île aux Bénitiers.
13. Discover the most beautiful waterfalls on the island
One of the most beautiful places in Mauritius is without a doubt the many waterfalls, which are best combined with a short hike. To get to the Rochester Falls, the Hesketh Bell Waterfall or the Chamarel Waterfall, which plunges 100 meters into the depths, you have to meander through narrow trails. The most famous waterfalls on the island, the seven Tamarin Falls, can also be reached with a rental car without any problems.
14. The Seven Colored Earth
The excursion to the Chamarel waterfall can be ideally combined with a visit to another natural spectacle in Mauritius – the Seven Colored Earth. The volcanic origin of the island is responsible for the creation of this extraordinary landscape. Especially when the sun is shining brightly, the reddish-brown hills give the impression of glowing in well over seven different colors.
15. For animal lovers: whale watching in Mauritius
The most beautiful thing is when you can watch whales and dolphins undisturbed in their natural habitat. For the perfect whale watching trip, where you might be lucky enough to see beaked whales or even sperm whales, all you have to do is join a guided tour out to sea. Reputable providers can be found in almost all tourist regions on Mauritius. From time to time you can even swim with the dolphins in the water – what an experience!
Best Time to Visit Mauritius
Discover Mauritius! / Mauritius Travel Guide
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