Things to Do in Mauritius: 8 Must-Visit Spots

Mauritius is a small island in the Indian Ocean, about 900 km east of Madagascar. It covers around 1,865 square kilometres and offers beaches, national parks, marine reserves, and a blend of Creole, Indian, Chinese, and French cultures. There is a lot to do beyond the shoreline. From the optical illusion of the underwater waterfall Mauritius is known for, to coral gardens and mountain trails, the things to do in Mauritius span nature, history, food, and water activities.

This guide covers hiking in Black River Gorges National Park, snorkelling at Blue Bay Marine Park, seeing the underwater waterfall illusion, and walking the markets of Port Louis, Mauritius. We also cover Chamarel, water sports, street food sampling, and the botanical garden in this Mauritius city guide.

Hike Through Black River Gorges National Park

Black River Gorges National Park is the largest protected forest in Mauritius. It opened in June 1994 and covers 6,574 hectares in the island’s southwest. Entry is free, and you can pick up trail maps at the visitor centres in Black River and Petrin.

The park has more than 60 km of trails and is home to rare birds like the Mauritius Kestrel, Echo Parakeet, and Pink Pigeon, as well as over 300 types of flowering plants.

Popular Trails:

Don't miss:

• Alexandra Falls viewpoint: Short walk, great views
• Black River Peak: 828 m, the highest point in Mauritius

Nature lovers will find this one of the most rewarding things to do in Mauritius.

Snorkel and Dive at Blue Bay Marine Park

Blue Bay Marine Park is on the southeastern coast of Mauritius. This 353-hectare marine reserve became a national park in 1997 and was named a Wetland of International Importance in 2008 under the Ramsar Convention.

The park is home to 108 types of coral, 233 fish species, and 201 kinds of molluscs. You can also see a huge brain coral, about 6 to 7 metres wide. The water is so clear you can see the reef even without diving.

If you love marine life, this is one of the top things to do in Mauritius.

Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Tribe Travel Tip: Book a guided snorkel tour at Blue Bay Marine Park for the best coral viewing experience.

See the Underwater Waterfall Illusion at Le Morne

The famous underwater waterfall in Mauritius isn’t a real waterfall. It’s actually an optical illusion.

Near the Le Morne Peninsula, the seabed drops steeply from a shallow shelf to more than 4,000 metres deep. Ocean currents move sand and silt over this edge, making it look like a waterfall from above.

Tribe Travel Tip: Is the underwater waterfall real? No. It is a visual illusion caused by sand and silt sliding off the ocean shelf. No water is actually falling.

You can’t see the illusion from the beach or a boat. The best way to view the underwater waterfall is from a helicopter or seaplane.

Le Morne Brabant, at the base of this illusion, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 and rises more than 550 metres above sea level. The best time for clear aerial views is from September to December.

Walk the Streets and Markets of Port Louis

Port Louis, Mauritius, is the capital city and the cultural heart of the island. It sits on the north-west coast and is the busiest Mauritius city you will visit.

The city’s architecture, food stalls, and street life show a blend of Creole, Indian, Chinese, and French influences. Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds.

Top 5 spots in Port Louis:

Spending half a day in the Mauritius city of Port Louis is one of the best things to do in Mauritius.

Visit the Seven Coloured Earths at Chamarel

The Seven Coloured Earths is a unique geological site in the Rivière Noire District of southwest Mauritius. Volcanic activity millions of years ago formed sand dunes in seven different colours.

The seven colours: Red, Brown, Violet, Green, Blue, Yellow, and Purple.

What’s special is that the colours never fully blend, even after it rains. Go on a clear, sunny day to see all seven shades at their brightest.

Combine it into a half-day loop:

• Seven Coloured Earths: The main stop
• Chamarel Waterfall: Drops 83 metres into a gorge below
• Rhumerie de Chamarel: A local rum distillery worth a short stop

If you’re staying in Port Louis or elsewhere on the island, Chamarel is about a 1.5-hour drive south. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Mauritius, especially for nature lovers.

Try Water Sports Along the Coast

Mauritius has a long coastline with calm lagoons on one side and open ocean on the other, making it great for both beginners and experienced water sports fans.

Le Morne, on the southwest coast, is one of the world’s top kite-surfing spots. Steady trade winds make it ideal all year.

The island offers several excellent snorkelling spots, with Blue Bay Marine Park being the most famous. The water is clear, and marine life is easy to spot.

You can also try parasailing, underwater walks, deep-sea fishing, and catamaran cruises. Dolphin watching near Black River is a great addition to a day at Black River Gorges National Park.

Eat Mauritian Street Food and Local Cuisine

Mauritian food is one of the best-value things to do in Mauritius. The cuisine pulls from Creole, Indian, Chinese, and African cooking traditions, and the result is bold, spiced, and very affordable.

Must-try street foods:

• Dholl puri: A soft flatbread filled with ground split peas, served with curry
• Gateau piment: Deep-fried chilli cakes, great as a snack
• Alouda: A sweet milk drink with basil seeds and syrup
• Fresh sugarcane juice: Sold at roadside stalls across the island

For the best variety, visit the Central Market in Port Louis, Mauritius. It sells fresh produce, spices, and street food all in one spot. Flacq Market, open on Wednesdays and Sundays, is another great choice.

Visit the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

Located in Pamplemousses, about 10 km northeast of Port Louis, Mauritius, this is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. It was founded in 1770 and covers 37.5 hectares.

The garden is one of the quieter yet rewarding things to do in Mauritius, especially for those who want a break from the coast.

What you will see here:

Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily

Entry fee: Paid entry for international visitors (check the latest rates before visiting). 

You can start your Mauritius city tour at the garden, then head into Port Louis for the Central Market and waterfront.

Quick Planning Tips for Mauritius

Before you pack your bags, here are a few basics to keep in mind. These will help you plan your time and budget better for all the things to do in Mauritius.

A few extra tips:

• Start your visit in Port Louis. As the capital and largest Mauritius city, it is the best entry point and base for day visits across the island.
• Rent a car if you want to visit places like Black River Gorges or Chamarel at your own pace.
• Bring cash for markets and street food stalls, since many small vendors don’t accept cards.

Conclusion

There’s much more to Mauritius than just its beaches. You can hike in Black River Gorges National Park, snorkel in the coral gardens at Blue Bay Marine Park, watch sand cascade into the deep ocean at the underwater waterfall Mauritius is famous for, and eat your way through the markets of Port Louis. Every part of the island has something unique to offer.

The things to do in Mauritius suit all kinds of travellers, from outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs to food lovers and water sports fans.

Ready to plan your next tour to Mauritius? Check out Holiday Tribe's Mauritius packages and book your next getaway.