What to Do in Mauritius
Looking for the best things to do in Mauritius? Explore local hikes, beaches, cultural sites, and authentic experiences with this insider guide.
This is part of my “Mauritius Unlocked” series — a local’s guide to staying, doing, and eating on the island I call home.
Some days in Mauritius are best left unplanned. You can hike, swim under waterfalls, or just wander until you find a small roadside café serving something that smells too good to ignore.
When I go back now, I try to do a little of everything: adventure for the kids, food for me, and plenty of space to breathe.
Here are my favourite things to do – the places I always recommend, and the ones I still go back to myself.
Get Into Nature
Mauritius is known for its beaches, but its landscapes go far beyond the shoreline.
Black River Gorges & 7 Waterfalls
The island’s largest national park feels almost prehistoric – thick forest, birdsong, mist hanging in the valleys. The 7 Cascades (7 Waterfalls) trail is a local favourite: challenging, muddy, and breathtaking. You’ll need good shoes and a guide unless you know the terrain, but every step feels worth it.
Climb Le Pouce
Le Pouce, “the Thumb,” is a relatively moderate climb (about 90-120 minutes) with one of the best views on the island: Port Louis on one side, the ocean and horizon on the other. On a clear day, you feel like you’re standing on top of Mauritius. Be sure to start early enough so you can come back down in the daylight (it gets dark at around 6 pm) – we made it back down just before nightfall last time.
Rochester Falls
One of my personal favourites. A wide waterfall tumbling over volcanic rock, with a natural pool at the base. Locals dive in from the rocks (we stick to the water below!). When we went with our kids last year, we swam and chilled out for hours – it’s raw, fun, and feels like a secret spot.
To get there, you’ll walk through sugar cane fields, and it'll honestly feel like you’ve gone the wrong way. Don’t give up – just check with locals or Google Maps to make sure you’re headed in the right direction. Push through, and the falls suddenly open up in front of you, like a hidden world revealed. It’s one of those places that feels like it belongs to another time.
On the Water
Mauritius is almost defined by its lagoons – calm, shallow, and ringed by coral reefs. Each coast has its own feel, and if you want a sense of what they’re like, my Where to Stay in Mauritius guide breaks them down in more detail.
Catamaran Trips
A must-do. Sailing in Mauritius is an experience in itself. Spend the day snorkelling, stopping at tiny islets, and enjoying a barbecue lunch on deck. The east coast’s Île aux Cerfs and the west’s Île aux Bénitiers are the classics – both show off the island’s turquoise calm.
Dolphin and Whale Watching
An early-morning outing worth the wake-up. Choose a responsible operator and you’ll get the magic without the chaos – dolphins gliding just metres away. We keep meaning to do this one, so I have no photos to offer here but have heard from many others who have been lucky enough to tick this off their bucket list already!
Wildlife & Adventure
La Vanille Nature Park
Still affectionately called “the Crocodile Park.” You’ll walk among giant tortoises, spot crocodiles basking, and wander through one of the most beautiful butterfly collections. Personally, I find La Vanille far more rewarding than Chamarel – it feels alive, not just a photo stop.
Casela World of Adventures
Ziplining, safari rides, quad biking – Casela is where you go for a dose of adrenaline. Fun for families or if you want to break up a week of lounging with something different.
Culture & History
Aapravasi Ghat
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Port Louis, and a cornerstone of Mauritian history. It tells the story of the indentured labourers who arrived from India in the 19th century – an experience that shaped the island’s identity.
Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)
High in the mountains, Grand Bassin is a serene crater lake and one of Mauritius’ most sacred Hindu sites. Even if you’re not religious, it’s hard not to be moved by the scale of the statues, the smell of incense, and the peaceful hum of prayer.
SSR Botanic Garden (Pamplemousses)
More than a botanical garden – it’s a living archive of Mauritian history. Giant water lilies float in mirror-still ponds, palm trees tower overhead, and tucked among them are plants that arrived from every corner of the world. Many of the spices and crops that shaped Mauritian cuisine first took root here.
Château de Labourdonnais
A beautifully restored 19th-century home surrounded by orchards and rum distilleries. It’s elegant without being grand – a window into a quieter, gracious version of Mauritius.
Caudan Waterfront
Where history and modern life meet. Set against the Port Louis harbour, it’s part cultural space, part shopping hub, part hangout. You’ll find local craft stalls, restaurants, and pastel buildings that make for the perfect late-afternoon stroll.
Markets
No visit feels complete without one. The Central Market in Port Louis is chaotic and colourful, a blur of fruit, spices, and voices. If you prefer something slower, head to Quatre Bornes for fabric shopping or Flacq for a true local market experience.
Wander Off the Beaten Track
The real Mauritius often hides in plain sight. Wander beyond your hotel or itinerary and let the island set the pace. The Otentik app is a great companion – it points you towards lesser-known trails and local experiences, from village routes to secret viewpoints.
Remember...
Mauritius isn’t just for beach days. It’s an island of hikes, markets, sacred lakes, waterfalls, and fishing villages where life moves more slowly. For me, the best trips are the ones where you mix it up – a climb in the morning, a wander through Pamplemousses in the afternoon, grilled fish by the sea in the evening.
And if you’re a foodie, my next guide – Eating Your Way Around Mauritius – is where the island really comes alive.
About me...I'm Lorna Rose and, by day, I work in the tech industry, but in my heart of hearts, I've always been fascinated by the story that food tells. The magic of a well-cooked meal, the way a simple dish can bring people together, spark conversation, and create lasting memories. On Happy Bellies, I set out to explore and find hidden gems, so that I can indulge in telling stories around food that will make you want to go out and create your own foodie adventures.
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