Things to do in Mauritius
Not sure how to spend your time in Mauritius? From exploring famous attractions to trying unique local activities, our guide to the top things to do will make your trip unforgettable.
Top 66 curated things to do in Mauritius

Albion Lighthouse sunset viewpoint
Albion Lighthouse (Phare d'Albion) sits on the rugged west coast of Mauritius and is one of the island's most-loved sunset vantage points. The white tower stands against black volcanic rock and wide-open ocean, offering unobstructed views of the horizon, dramatic waves and vibrant evening skies. The spot is popular with photographers, couples and locals looking for a calm, scenic way to end the day.

Snorkeling from the beach
Snorkeling from the beach at Trou‑aux‑Biches is a gentle, family‑friendly way to explore Mauritius’ northwest reef system directly from the shore. The long, sandy beach shelves gently into clear, turquoise water with a nearshore coral reef that shelters abundant reef fish, small coral bommies and sea grasses. Suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers who want easy access, calm water (especially early morning) and the chance to see turtles, angelfish, parrotfish and colorful reef life.

Nightlife and boutique shopping
An evening and shopping experience in Grand Baie — the lively northern hub of Mauritius known for its seaside bars, clubs and a compact cluster of fashionable boutiques and malls. Blend relaxed beachside sundowners and energetic late-night venues with curated local and international retail finds, from designer labels and resortwear to handcrafted souvenirs.

Undersea walk experience
Undersea walk in Grand Baie lets non-divers walk on the seabed wearing a clear, air-filled helmet while breathing normally. Guided by trained instructors, participants stroll at shallow depths (typically 4–6 m) among coral bommies and tropical fish for a close-up marine experience without needing scuba certification or strong swimming skills.

Submarine or subscooter ride
Experience Mauritius' coral world without getting wet (semi-submarine) or with an exhilarating assisted underwater ride (subscooter). Choose a glass/semi-submarine for relaxed, dry underwater sightseeing ideal for families and non-swimmers, or a subscooter (diver-propulsion vehicle) for a guided, hands-on underwater adventure for confident snorkelers/divers.

Deep‑sea big‑game fishing
Experience adrenaline-packed, offshore angling from Mauritius' prime marlin grounds. Charter experienced crews and fast sportfishing boats to troll for blue and black marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and mahi‑mahi across deepwater reefs, drop-offs and seamounts. Trips launch from tourist hubs and offer both private and shared options suitable for beginners through to experienced anglers.

Golf at Île aux Cerfs Golf Club
Île aux Cerfs Golf Club is a championship 18‑hole course designed by Bernhard Langer, set on a private island off the east coast of Mauritius near Trou d’Eau Douce. The layout combines undulating fairways, well‑planted tropical vegetation and dramatic sea views — several holes play close to or over the lagoon — creating one of the most scenic golf experiences in the Indian Ocean. The course is known for its immaculate greens, strategic bunkering and a relaxed island atmosphere. Access is by short boat transfer from Trou d’Eau Douce jetty.

Golf at Heritage Golf Club
Heritage Golf Club is a premier championship golf facility set in the scenic Bel Ombre estate on Mauritius’s southwest coast. The course weaves through restored sugar‑cane landscapes, wetlands and coastal dunes, offering challenging play, spectacular ocean and mountain views, and excellent practice and clubhouse facilities. The setting blends sporting quality with resort amenities—ideal for visitors wanting a world‑class round in a relaxed tropical environment.

Hike in Ferney Valley Nature Reserve
A guided or self-guided hike through Ferney Valley Nature Reserve in Vieux Grand Port, southeastern Mauritius. The trail follows native forest tracks and lowland ridges to viewpoints overlooking the coastal plain and ocean, showcasing endemic flora and fauna and conservation projects. The hike emphasizes nature appreciation and conservation awareness and is suitable for moderately fit walkers.

Sea kayaking to Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin)
Sea kayaking from Cap Malheureux to the offshore islet of Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin) is a scenic, moderate paddling excursion through clear tropical waters, with views of the iconic red-roofed church of Cap Malheureux and the northern reefline. Participants paddle across shallow lagoon waters and around coral outcrops, with opportunities to snorkel over reefs, watch seabirds, and — with luck — spot turtles and dolphins. This trip is usually guided and available as a half-day (morning) or a full-day experience. Landing on Coin de Mire may be restricted at times — operators often do a circumnavigation and snorkeling stops instead.

West‑coast sunset catamaran cruise
A relaxed sunset catamaran cruise departing from Black River/Tamarin on Mauritius's dramatic west coast. Guests enjoy coastal panoramas, frequent dolphin encounters, a swim/snorkel stop in clear waters, light refreshments and a sunset cocktail while sailing along mangroves, cliffs and sandy bays. The vibe is casual — great for couples, families and photographers seeking romantic golden-hour views and marine wildlife.

Sega dance and drumming show on the beach
Sega is the traditional Creole music and dance of Mauritius. Performed on sandy shores at sunset, the Sega beach show combines hypnotic drumming (ravanne, maravanne, triangle), call-and-response singing, colourful costumes and energetic dancing. Shows are staged island‑wide at public beaches and in most resorts — often as an evening entertainment or part of a dinner package. The performance celebrates Mauritian Creole culture and the island's history, and typically invites audience participation for a lively, memorable experience.

Spa day with Mauritian essential oils
A restorative spa experience that showcases Mauritius's aromatic heritage using locally produced essential oils — notably vetiver, ylang-ylang, lemongrass, vanilla and frangipani. Guests enjoy a personalised aromatherapy consultation followed by body scrubs, wraps, and signature massages infused with Mauritian oils, in beachfront pavilions, garden salas or luxury spa suites. Ideal for couples, solo travellers and wellness seekers looking for sensory relaxation and a taste of local botanicals.

Explore Roches Noires lava tubes
Explore the coastal lava tubes at Roches Noires — a dramatic set of basalt sea caves and collapsed lava conduits on Mauritius’s east coast. This guided half-day walk takes you along rocky headlands into shallow lava tubes carved by ancient flows and shaped by ocean erosion. The experience combines easy scrambling, short sections of low-ceiling cave passage, coastal views, and opportunities to spot intertidal life and seabirds. Suitable for adventurous day-trippers and photographers.

Mahebourg Waterfront and National History Museum
A relaxed cultural and seaside visit combining a stroll along the scenic Mahebourg Waterfront and a focused visit to the National History Museum (Mahebourg). The walk offers lagoon views, local markets, and seafood restaurants; the museum presents Mauritius’s colonial, maritime and natural history through maps, shipwreck artefacts and natural specimens (including dodo-related displays). This activity is ideal for history lovers, photographers and travelers seeking an authentic local atmosphere.

Salt pans and viewpoints
Tamarin Salt Pans on Mauritius’s west coast are broad, shallow evaporation flats and adjacent coastal viewpoints that offer dramatic seascapes, rich birdlife and excellent photographic opportunities. The site is best experienced at low tide and in the late afternoon—when salt pans can produce mirror-like pools and the coastal viewpoints deliver stunning sunset colors and panoramic views across the bay (often including a silhouette of Le Morne on clear days). The area mixes natural scenery with small-scale local salt-harvesting activity and is ideal for short walks, birdwatching and landscape photography.

Photography of red‑roof church
A photography-focused visit to the iconic red-roof church in Cap Malheureux, capturing classic Mauritian coastal panoramas, colorful foregrounds of boats and bougainvillea, and the dramatic light of sunrise or golden hour. Ideal for landscape, travel and architectural photographers of all levels.

La Vallée de Ferney conservation birding
La Vallée de Ferney is a restored native forest reserve in Vieux Grand Port managed for conservation and environmental education. The reserve is an excellent site for guided birding focused on Mauritius' endemic and rare species, combined with learning about forest restoration and native flora. Visits are typically run as guided walks by conservation staff or approved guides — booking in advance is recommended.

Gris‑Gris cliffs and La Roche qui Pleure
A dramatic southern coastline attraction where waves crash against bare basalt cliffs producing thunderous surf and a distinctive roaring sound. Gris‑Gris is famed for its raw, wind‑swept cliffs with no protective reef, while nearby La Roche qui Pleure ("The Weeping Rock") is a sculpted rock face where seawater spouts and trickles, resembling tears. The site is popular for sightseeing, photography and short coastal walks.

Rochester Falls visit
Rochester Falls is a scenic waterfall near Souillac in southern Mauritius, famous for its striking basalt rock formations and wide horseshoe-shaped cascade. The falls are set in a lush, rural landscape and are a popular short excursion for nature lovers, photographers and swimmers (where conditions allow).
