Top Things to do in Mauritius
Mauritius is a beautiful island with so many exciting things to offer. You can enjoy the incredible landscape, relax on the pristine white beaches, wander around the National Parks or experience different cuisines from around the world. I have gathered top things to do in Mauritius, to help you plan your next vacation.
1. Drive Around the Island
If you are asking yourself how to get around in Mauritius, the best thing would be renting a car. The island has an extensive motorway and widespread coastal roads, so you can easily drive around. Taxis can be very expensive and time-consuming that’s why most tourists prefer to drive. You can also hire a local driver, that will show you the best spots on the Mauritian coast. But I believe that nothing compares to discovering the island by yourself. You can stop at sugarcane plantations, visit the capital of Port Louis, discover secret beaches or take a bite at one of the restaurants in the villages. Try renting a car with a local Mauritian company to save money (around €25/day).
2. Explore Chamarel and Seven Colored Earth
The Little village of Chamarel is one of the most famous Mauritian attractions. It is known for the wonder of the Seven Colored Earth. Purple, yellow, orange, brown and red colors combined to form an uneven volcanic surface. The dunes were created by volcanic rocks which cooled at different temperatures and became crushed into sand which then settled into different colors. The place is also home to the highest waterfall in Mauritius (at 100 meters). You can climb a few stairs to the viewing platform at the top where you will have breathtaking views of the waterfall.
3. Explore the Beaches
Mauritius has some of the finest beaches in the world. You must take a dip in the azure clear waters of the Indian Ocean and spend a few days on the silky white sand beach. In the North, the beaches are mainly white with fine sand, but as you go East, the beaches change color and texture and the sea changes from a calm lagoon to roaring ocean. Some of the favorites include the Belle Mare Beach on the East side, La Cuvette beach in the North, Grand Baie on the West side and the rugged beaches of the South, especially Le Morne, with spectacular views. If you love kite-surfing, Le Morne is the place for you.
4. Try Mauritian Rum
Your visit to Mauritius is incomplete without having tasted the variety of rums they offer. The island has expansive sugarcane fields with rum being produced on site. We visited the famous Rhumerie De Chamarel and sampled white rums with different flavors and a few premium rums which are matured in oak barrels for years.
5. Try Unique Water Sports
The island of Mauritius offers a variety of water sports and activities. From snorkeling, kayaking, diving, deep-sea fishing, parasailing, zip lining to skydiving and seaplane rides. We also tried one of the most exciting things on the island – a ride with a Seakart.
6. Visit the Island Ile Aux Cerfs
A Mauritius attraction you just cannot afford to miss is the Ile aux Cerfs, an island located off the East coast. Popularly known as the Treasure Island, this picturesque getaway is famous for its spectacular white sandy beaches, palm trees, and turquoise blue water. You can relax on the beach, enjoy a BBQ and have a go at parasailing to enjoy aerial views of this pristine isle. The island’s main beach has facilities including restaurants serving tasty food.
7. Take a Seaplane Ride
One of the most memorable experiences is definitely a ride with a seaplane. You can choose from different tours wich last from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The views from the seaplane are fantastic and you can even spot big sea turtles swimming around the ocean. It is amazing to see the coast with beautiful crystal clear turquoise water, the reef, the land and incredible scenery from above.
8. Enjoy Fine Dining
The Mauritian cuisine is a unique mix of Creole, African, Indian and Chinese influences. You can find delicious gourmet cuisine in some of the top resorts on the island like The Maradiva Villas or The Residence Mauritius. They also offer private romantic dinner experience on the beach with your loved one.
Additional Tips
Need some inspiration? 10 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Mauritius
Want to do something unforgettable? 10 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Mauritius
Looking for a gorgeous place to stay? Checking in: The Residence Mauritius
Did you enjoy the review? Have you been to Mauritius? What are your favorite spots? We would love to hear from you!
This article first appeared on Our World Travel Selfies. Thank you for reading Top Things to do in Mauritius.
Photos are courtesy of Our World Travel Selfies, The Residence Mauritius, and Seakart.