Top 8 best things to do in Mauritius

The Mauritius Island is a country of rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and beautiful beaches with stunning blue ocean surrounding it. Although it’s small, the island has so much to explore, and whether you’re seeking a holiday of tranquillity or one of adventure and exploration, you can do it all.

With the expert insights of our Travel Specialists, you can see our top 10 things to do on the island. From discovering hidden waterfalls and the enchanting world below the surface of the Indian Ocean to the extraordinary wildlife, stunning nature, national parks and myriad of trails and tropical forests of the south of the island, you can enjoy an exceptional holiday to Mauritius.

1. Uncover the beauty of Black River Gorges National Park

Discover the majestic allure of the south of Mauritius and visit the Black River Gorges National Park. Excellent for those who love an outdoor adventure, this incredibly picturesque national park is home to numerous unique wildlife species, miles of green rolling hills and a beautiful waterfall that you can see up close.

The Black River Gorges National Park is a tropical forest that is home to many bird species including Mauritius kestrels, pink pigeons and many more. Plus, you’ll come across some of the most fascinating tropical plants and trees. The entire trail to the Alexander Waterfall is one of the top activities in the park, especially for walking enthusiasts seeking some of the most beautiful sights of Mauritius Island.

Throughout your journey, you can hike to some of the viewpoints to capture the most breathtaking sights and panoramic views of the national park, black river gorges and the turquoise waters. Plus, on your visit you can marvel at the rainbow dunes of Chamarel, an experience that must not be missed.

Our Travel Specialists have brought together the ultimate tour of Mauritius’ Wild South for you see it all.

2. Snorkelling in Mauritius

There’s nothing quite like snorkelling in the crystal-clear Indian Ocean. Whilst taking a dip in the water, you can expect to see some of the tropical marine creatures that live beneath the surface. With 430 species, you’re likely to see a myriad of life, from the butterfly fish, parrotfish and mantis shrimp to the marlin, lionfish and the 200 different species of coral along the coral reefs.

You can find some of the best spots to snorkel by boat, sailing to the liveliest spots for the most exhilarating experience that makes for an incredible sea trip. One of the most beautiful areas for snorkelling is Turtle Bay, also home to a world-class snorkelling or learn to dive at the PADI-certified Maritim Diving Centre. You'll encounter all manner of fascinating creatures, from turtles to rare tropical fish.

Turtle Bay isn’t the only area with the most beautiful spots for seeing the magical underwater world. In fact, the coastlines that encircle the island are perfect for underwater activities, and you can take a private boat to experience it all. With our Mauritius Catamaran Private Charter, you can indulge in full-day trip of thrilling sailing across the north, east, southeast or west coast to discover the magic below the turquoise waters. Plus, you can feast on a delicious barbecue lunch onboard.

3. The taste of Mauritius

Excellent for foodies, Mauritius is a melting pot of different cuisine, with an amalgamation of French, English, Creole and Indian influences. There’s so much flavour to try on the island, and you can taste it all from the local markets, delicious restaurants and even during a Mauritius cooking masterclass.

With Inspiring Travel, you can savour the exquisite flavours that the island is known for with our unmissable Mauritian cooking experience. In this class, you’ll be learning all about the authentic cooking skills of Mauritius, and immerse yourself in the bustle of local markets to find fresh and tasty produce including fruit and vegetables.

4. Golfing in Mauritius

Mauritius is a beautiful place to enjoy a game of golf. Whether you’re an avid golfer or new to the game, you can thoroughly enjoy it surrounded by the ideal scenery. Home to some of the world-class golf courses, you can choose between courses such as Mont Choisy Golf Course, Heritage Golf Club and Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club. Designed by renowned architects, each course is placed in the nice spots that offer the most stunning views during your game.

There’s a wide range of high-quality courses that suite all abilities, and here at Inspiring Travel we can find the perfect course for you. Choose to play golf in Mauritius during your holiday with our extraordinary offer of a concierge service.

5. Port Louis

Be sure to visit Mauritius’ capital city, Port Louis to get a feel for the mix of cultures and diversities on the island. The city is located on the Northwest of the island, and it’s a fantastic way to explore the urban life of Mauritius. With influences of France, China, India and much more. Be sure to immerse in the buzz of the Central Market, and admire the vibrant street art in Chinatown.

With towering skyscrapers, historical charm, buildings that pay homage to its colonial heritage and it’s modern Caudan Waterfront, your trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the city. Plus, the city is home to Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the standing remnants of an immigration depot.

6. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

Mauritius is home to one of the world’s most fascinating and outstanding botanical gardens that you mustn’t leave off your must-do list. See some of the world’s rarest tropical plants and fruit trees (including the baobab trees) growing around the gardens, plus a large pond populated by the iconic Victoria Amazonica giant lily pads.

This botanical garden differs from the white sands of the coastline, but by no means is it any less beautiful and relaxing. The garden is often compared to Kew Gardens to give you an idea of what to expect.

7. Helicopter ride to Mauritius’ underwater waterfall

Take the thrilling journey to the skies for one of the most breath-taking views of Mauritius Island. From above, take in the panoramic views of the turquoise waters of the island’s hidden waterfall that is an illusion created by the strong currents of the water.

Although you can swim, surf and partake in many more watersports activities over the underwater waterfall, there’s nothing quite like seeing the phenomenon from above in a helicopter. Not only will you see this, but the surrounding coastlines and colourful waters offer stunning views.

8. Watersports and beach fun

The island is surrounded by beautiful waters, so why not enjoy it with endless watersports fun. Across the island, there are plenty of beaches that offer water activities including paddle boarding, surfing, snorkelling and even scuba diving. If you’re a lover of beach fun, there’s nothing like enjoying water activities in the Indian Ocean.