Mauritius is far more than a beach destination. Behind its postcard-perfect lagoons lies an island packed with adventure, culture, and natural beauty, from mountain hikes and sacred lakes to sunset cruises and vibrant local markets. Whether you’re visiting for a week or planning a longer stay, knowing which experiences to prioritise can make all the difference.
At Mauritius Holidays, we help travellers turn a simple beach trip into a complete island experience. Our team puts together tailored Mauritius holiday packages, arranges reliable Mauritius airport transfer services, and connects you with quality hotels in Mauritius, all alongside expertly planned tours and activities in Mauritius. Below, we’ve rounded up the top 10 things to do in Mauritius, along with practical tips to help you plan your trip.
1. Relax on Belle Mare and Trou aux Biches Beaches
No list of tourism activities in Mauritius would be complete without its beaches. Belle Mare on the east coast offers calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming, while Trou aux Biches in the north is known for its powdery white sand and excellent snorkelling just offshore. Both are popular for a reason, and a slow beach day remains one of the simplest, most rewarding activities to do in Mauritius.
2. Cruise to Île aux Cerfs by Catamaran
A full-day catamaran cruise to Île aux Cerfs is one of the most popular activities in Mauritius for tourists. The trip typically includes a stop at the Grand River South East Waterfall, snorkelling in crystal-clear lagoons, a barbecue lunch on board, and free time to explore the island’s beaches. It’s an easy way to combine sightseeing, water sports, and relaxation in a single outing.
3. Watch the Sunset on a Grand Baie Catamaran Cruise
For a shorter, equally memorable experience, a sunset catamaran cruise departing from Grand Baie takes you along the island’s scenic north coast as the sky turns gold over the Indian Ocean. It’s a favourite among couples and groups alike, and a great introduction to Mauritius’s laid-back sailing culture.
4. Hike Le Morne Brabant
Rising dramatically from the southwest coastline, Le Morne Brabant is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with deep historical significance and some of the island’s best panoramic views. The hike up is moderately challenging but rewards visitors with sweeping vistas over the lagoon below. It’s a must for travellers interested in both nature and Mauritian history.
5. Go Dolphin Watching in Tamarin
The waters off Tamarin, on the west coast, are known for regular dolphin sightings, particularly in the early morning. Boat tours here offer the chance to swim alongside spinner dolphins in their natural habitat, making it one of the more unique activities to do in Mauritius for wildlife lovers.
6. Visit Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earths and Waterfall
The Chamarel region is home to two of the island’s most photographed natural attractions: the Seven Coloured Earths, a geological formation of multicoloured sand dunes, and a nearby waterfall cascading over 100 metres. Both sites are easily combined into a single half-day outing and are among the top activities in Mauritius for tourists interested in nature.
7. Explore Black River Gorges National Park
For hikers and nature enthusiasts, Black River Gorges National Park offers trails through Mauritius’s largest area of native forest, with lookout points offering sweeping valley views. Keep an eye out for native bird species found nowhere else in the world.
8. Discover Ganga Talao, the Sacred Crater Lake
Located in Grand Bassin, Ganga Talao is one of the most spiritually significant sites on the island, particularly for the Hindu community. Surrounded by temples and towering deity statues, this crater lake makes for a peaceful, culturally rich stop that adds depth to any Mauritius itinerary.
9. Try Water Sports Along the Coast
From kitesurfing in Bel Ombre to jet skiing, parasailing, and glass-bottom boat tours in Grand Baie, water sports are a major draw for anyone planning tourism activities in Mauritius. Most coastal resort areas offer easy access to equipment rental and guided sessions for beginners and experienced adventurers alike.
10. Wander Local Markets in Port Louis and Flacq
To experience everyday Mauritian life, a visit to the markets in Port Louis or Flacq is essential. Expect stalls piled high with tropical fruit, spices, textiles, and handmade crafts, along with the chance to sample local street food. It’s an easy way to round out a trip with a dose of culture and colour.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Mauritius Activities
Most visitors receive a free 60-day tourist visa on arrival, though it’s worth confirming requirements for your nationality before travel. The Mauritian Rupee is the local currency, though credit cards are widely accepted. English and French are both commonly spoken, so getting around and booking activities is generally straightforward.
Since many of these activities are spread across different parts of the island, having a private car or arranging transfers between excursions saves considerable time compared to relying on public transport.
How Mauritius Holidays Can Help
Fitting all of these experiences into one trip takes a bit of planning, and that’s where we come in. At Mauritius Holidays, we design custom Mauritius holiday packages that combine your preferred hotels in Mauritius with a curated selection of tours and activities, so you’re not left piecing together bookings on your own. We also arrange dependable Mauritius airport transfer services, meaning you can head straight from the airport to your first adventure without delay.
Whether you’re after a beach-focused stay with the occasional excursion or a jam-packed itinerary covering hikes, cruises, and cultural sites, our local team can build a plan around your interests and travel dates.
Final Thoughts
Mauritius rewards travellers who venture beyond the beach. From the heights of Le Morne to the calm lagoons of Île aux Cerfs, these top 10 things to do in Mauritius showcase the island’s range, from adventure and nature to culture and relaxation. Ready to build your itinerary? Explore our Mauritius holiday packages or get in touch with our team to start planning your trip.