Things to do in

Mauritius

Le Morne Brabant is a dramatic basaltic monolith on the Le Morne Peninsula in southwest Mauritius. Rising to about 556 m (1,824 ft) above sea level, the mountain is both a superb short but steep hike and a powerful cultural memorial — listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its association with runaway slaves (maroons) and their tragic history. The trail offers panoramic views over turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, the rugged southwest coast and the surrounding sugarcane fields.

Kitesurfing on the Le Morne Peninsula is a world-class wind- and water-sports experience on Mauritius' southwest coast. Backdropped by the UNESCO-listed Le Morne Brabant and protected by a wide coral reef, the area offers steady southeast trade winds, large shallow flat-water lagoons for beginners and expansive wave breaks for advanced riders. Suitable for all levels (with appropriate spots and instruction), sessions range from introductory lessons to guided freeride and wave-check days.

Le Morne Public Beach sits beneath the dramatic cliffs of Le Morne Brabant (a UNESCO World Heritage site) on Mauritius' southwest coast. It offers a long stretch of white sand, a calm turquoise lagoon protected by a reef, and sweeping views of the basaltic mountain. The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, light snorkeling along the shallow reef, and watching kitesurfers on the windier side. Entry is free and the spot combines natural beauty with relaxed, low-key facilities.

Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark is a striking geological attraction on the island of Mauritius featuring naturally occurring sand dunes of distinctly different colours — reds, browns, violets, blues, greens and yellows — created by the cooling and weathering of volcanic ash. The site includes a protected viewing platform, an interpretive centre, and is often visited together with the nearby Chamarel Waterfall and local rum distilleries. It's a short, family-friendly visit ideal for photography and learning about volcanic geology and the island's natural history.

Viewpoint over Chamarel Waterfall offers a dramatic panoramic outlook over one of Mauritius's most photographed natural sights — the Chamarel Waterfall plunging into lush, steep ravines framed by verdant rainforest. The viewpoint provides an accessible platform for travelers to enjoy sweeping vistas, take photographs, and combine the visit with nearby attractions like the Seven Coloured Earth and local rum distilleries.

Black River Gorges National Park is Mauritius's largest protected area, offering a mix of winding scenic drives, panoramic viewpoints and a network of trails through native forests, endemic flora and fauna, and waterfalls. Drives around the park (via Black River and Plaine Champagne approaches) give access to short lookouts and trailheads; trails range from easy forest walks to strenuous ascents to Black River Peak.

Macchabée Forest Trail is a peaceful forest hike in the heart of Black River Gorges National Park, offering rich endemic flora, chances to spot native birds (including the endangered Mauritius kestrel and pink pigeon), and rewarding viewpoints overlooking the park's valleys and ridges. The trail winds through indigenous forest, fern glades and occasional clearings with panoramic vistas — an excellent half-day trek for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

An adrenaline-packed half-day/full-day adventure through the Tamarind (Tamarin) Falls — a series of seven cascading waterfalls set in lush Mauritian rainforest. The activity combines hiking, abseiling (rappelling) down waterfalls, natural rock slides, jumps into clear pools (optional), and short swims. Guided by certified local instructors with safety equipment, this is a great way to explore one of Mauritius’ most scenic inland sites away from beaches.

Experience a magical sunrise while watching wild dolphins off Mauritius’ west coast. Small boats head out before dawn to encounter schools of spinner and bottlenose dolphins riding the bow, often close to the surface. The activity emphasizes responsible, non-intrusive wildlife viewing — most operators avoid forcing interactions and follow local guidelines. Sunrise light, calm seas and the backdrop of the Black River Gorges make this an excellent spot for photography and a memorable marine encounter.

Whale watching off the West Coast of Mauritius (departing from Tamarin / Black River) is a seasonal marine excursion focusing on migratory baleen whales — primarily humpbacks — with frequent sightings of dolphins and other marine life. Tours are typically half-day outings from the marina or beach launch sites and combine wildlife viewing with scenic cruising along the west coast. Operators follow local marine mammal guidelines to minimize disturbance and maximize viewing opportunities.

Blue Bay Marine Park near Mahebourg is one of Mauritius's most accessible and vibrant snorkel sites. Snorkel through shallow coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, spot sea turtles, and enjoy exceptionally clear water with good visibility. Suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike, guided trips typically launch from the Blue Bay jetty or nearby Mahebourg beaches.

A short, family-friendly glass-bottom boat cruise that takes you over the protected coral gardens of Blue Bay Marine Park, just off Mahebourg. From the comfort of a covered glass viewing area you can observe colorful corals, reef fish, and marine life without getting wet. Optional snorkel stops and short beach visits are often combined with the cruise. Great for non-swimmers, families with kids, and photographers.

Relaxing catamaran cruise from Trou d’Eau Douce to the famous Île aux Cerfs, combining snorkeling, swimming in a turquoise lagoon, a beachside BBQ lunch and optional watersports. Ideal for couples, families and groups who want a leisurely day on the water with scenic views of Mauritius’ east coast.

Experience thrilling watersports in the crystal-clear lagoon around Île aux Cerfs. Parasailing offers panoramic aerial views of the island and east-coast lagoon, while tube rides deliver fast, family-friendly excitement behind a speedboat. Both activities are short, high-adrenaline and typically combined with a boat transfer from Trou d'Eau Douce.

Operators run multiple daily departures; activities are weather-dependent and best enjoyed on calm, sunny days.

A spectacular offshore reef formation featuring dramatic swim-throughs and archways that give the site its ‘Cathedral’ name. The site is known for good visibility, healthy hard and soft corals, and a rich variety of reef fish, turtles and occasional rays. Suitable for certified divers with moderate experience due to depth and occasional currents.

A relaxing beach day on the white sandy shore of Flic‑en‑Flac on Mauritius's west coast, finishing with a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset. Activities include swimming in shallow lagoon waters, snorkeling over the fringing reef, sunbathing under casuarina trees, trying local snacks at beachfront stalls, and watching the sky change color as the sun dips below the horizon. Suitable for families, couples and solo travelers looking for easy-access coastal relaxation and photo opportunities.

Soar above the crystalline turquoise lagoon off Belle Mare on Mauritius' east coast for panoramic views of coral gardens, white-sand shoreline and the distant Indian Ocean horizon. Parasailing is a relaxed, family-friendly aerial experience where riders are harnessed to a parachute (parasail) towed by a boat. Flights are smooth and buoyant, offering unique photography opportunities and minimal physical strain — a perfect short adventure for non-swimmers and thrill-seekers alike.

An easy, scenic early‑morning walk along the east‑coast beaches of Belle Mare and Palmar. Experience the calm lagoon, pastel sunrise, local fishing boats heading out, and quiet coastal flora and birdlife. Suitable for most fitness levels and ideal for photographers, couples, and nature lovers.

Explore the sheltered mangrove channels and turquoise lagoon around Île d’Ambre (Amber Island) by sea kayak. This guided eco-adventure combines gentle paddling, wildlife viewing (birds, small reef fish), and a short beach/snorkel stop — ideal for nature lovers and all skill levels. Guides emphasize conservation and teach about the mangrove ecosystem and its role in coastal protection.

A guided conservation walk on a protected coral islet managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. The tour focuses on native-forest restoration, endemic plants and animals, and the island’s role in preserving Mauritius’ unique biodiversity. Led by trained guides, visitors learn about reintroduction projects (pink pigeon, echo parakeet, Mauritius kestrel), view Aldabra giant tortoises and endemic reptiles, and explore patches of original ebony forest and coastal scrub.