Visiting Mauritius: 20 unmissable activities to discover

Located in the north of the island, Gabriel islet is a stopover not to be missed if you want to relax and discover! Indeed, it is a protected nature reserve with crystal clear waters that you can discover by snorkeling with superb unspoilt white sand beaches! You can do this by booking a catamaran trip to explore the northern islands and enjoy a good grill on the beach.

If you are in Port-Louis or in the North of the island, visiting the Jardin de Pamplemousses is one of the things to do in Mauritius. If like me you like to walk in the middle of nature, you will be delighted to discover dozens of plant species from all over the world and especially the highlight of the garden: the large pond covered with huge water lilies.

During your stay in Mauritius, consider visiting Grand Bassin, in the center of the island. This sacred lake, lined with temples and statues of Hindu deities, is a very important place for Hindus. But regardless of religious beliefs, this place is very popular with visitors for its tranquility, beauty and mystical side.

I wandered around the lake a bit: you can see fruits and coconuts that were put there by the faithful as offerings. And they attract lots of monkeys and cats, which are part of the landscape.

If you are in Mauritius, don’t miss snorkeling With a mask and a snorkel, you can admire the seabed very easily. I love little rocky corners, you will find your happiness there 

In most hotels, you can borrow masks and snorkels to enjoy both the beach and the sea. And during boat and catamaran trips, you will also be provided with all the necessary equipment.

I have never been a big fan of animal parks but I know that many of you go to Mauritius with your family. If you are looking for what to do in Mauritius with your children, there are two main addresses to remember:

Casela is undoubtedly the best known animal park in Mauritius: there are many animals there, especially from the African continent. You can even go on safaris, walk with lions, have lunch with giraffes!

At the base there were only birds but gradually, the park grew to accommodate many animals. You can also do many activities there, such as zip-lining, quad biking, canyoning or summer tobogganing.

Further south of Mauritius, La Vanille Nature Park will make you discover lots of reptiles and mainly Nile crocodiles! The park is in the middle of nature and we discover the green nature of the wild South.

If you go there at crocodile feeding time, you will witness a captivating but frightening sight. And if you are also hungry and the sight of crocodiles has not moved you, the restaurant offers dishes based on crocodile… I did not really want to try but there are also other dishes! You can book an excursion to discover La Vanille Crocodile Park as well as the wild beaches of the South.

If you want to recharge your batteries in the heart of nature during your stay in Mauritius, I advise you to go to the Vallée de Ferney, which is home to one of the last endemic forests on the island! In the southeast, facing the Bay of Mahébourg, at the foot of the Lion Mountain, is this nature reserve where a wide variety of native animal and floral species live, some of which are rare or endangered. Every year, many endemic plants and birds are reintroduced to this conservation area.

If you are a nature lover, I strongly advise you to take a guided tour of this reserve, you will learn a lot about the local fauna and flora and you can ask your questions to the guides who will be happy to discuss with you. . You will also see the conservation area with the nursery, the turtle park and the kestrels! You have three options to discover the Vallée de Ferney: the free walk on the trails, the guided tour, the 4×4 ride, during which you will have superb views of the coast. You will probably encounter wild boars, deer and most certainly bats during your visit! After this walk in the heart of the Mauritian nature, I advise you to have lunch at the restaurant La Falaise Rouge which is located right next to a small cliff and offers an incredible view of the sea. You can taste delicious dishes creole 

If you want to discover Mauritius differently, do not hesitate to take a quad ride on the cliffs of the wild south of the island. You will see that in Mauritius, there are not only white sand beaches but that there is also a less tame side.

You will have superb views of the cliffs and the stormy sea, you will pass through cane fields and come across herds of goats. Don’t be surprised when you see cows taking a dip in the lagoon! You will also have the opportunity to see some wild and less accessible beaches such as La Cambuse.

If you like horses, I advise you to take a horseback ride, either on the beach or in the middle of nature. Indeed, the paradisiacal setting of Mauritius lends itself perfectly to this. Moreover, if you plan to do so, I recommend Les Haras du Morne: they have very beautiful horses, well maintained and the staff is very friendly. We went horseback riding on the beach with them one morning and it was an exceptional experience at the foot of Morne Brabant. After the ride, which lasts about an hour, we bathed in the sea with the horses, it’s a memory we won’t soon forget!

For lovers of thrilling activities, you will have the opportunity to do so during your trip to Mauritius!

If you have never done one, I advise you to try it in Mauritius, you will be able to see the different shades of blue of the sea from your parachute! It’s just magic. 

You can do it in different places, but I recommend Grand Baie, Ile aux Cerfs or Belle Mare. Flying over this turquoise water is exceptional. Looking back on it makes me want to go back!

If you’re not scared (yes I’ve done it before, but I’m not sure I want to do it again) you can always skydive in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

I promise you adrenaline and thrills! You will be able to take beautiful photos during your tandem jump!

The experience is incredible and it remains for me, the greatest thrill to date 

Mauritius is also known for its kitesurfing spots! And it must be said that the lagoons of the island really make you want to try this activity. The best season for kitesurfing is from March to November.

The most famous place is Le Morne beach, because there is a good wind in winter and above all little depth in the lagoon, perfect for trying out this sport! It is the most complete spot on the island and there is enough to satisfy amateurs and pros. We find the Kite Lagoon with shallow water for beginners but also two legendary wave spots: Manawa and One-Eye.

Pointe d’Esny, in the southeast, is also a very nice place to practice kitesurfing. If you don’t know what to do in Mauritius, why not try a new sport in the best conditions? 

If you are planning to go to Mauritius, you have certainly already heard of the famous optical illusion of the underwater waterfall in the southwest of the island! This phenomenon is caused by ocean currents that push beach sand out of the underwater plateau on which the island sits, producing the effect of a waterfall.

You can see this “fall” from above, by helicopter or seaplane. We chose this second option, we left with Lagoon Flight and it was a great experience! In addition to the waterfall, we also had the opportunity to admire Le Morne Brabant and the entire southwest coast of the island and I can tell you, it’s really worth it, especially if the weather is nice!

If you want to taste authentic Mauritian dishes, I have some good addresses to give you. We do not find the typical cuisine in all corners of the island. Yes, you will find “fried mines” and “faratas” on every street corner but for real Mauritian cuisine, you can go to Escale Créole in the center of the island at Moka, at Tante Athalie in the North, La Roche Cari in the South or in Chamarel. You will enjoy dishes with many condiments and sauces.

Mauritius is not known for its vines but that does not mean that there is no wine! For several years, a Mauritian oenology expert has been offering delicious wines with particularly tropical aromas. He makes lychee wine and as a lover of good wine, I can tell you that he is surprising but delicious! You can visit the Takamaka winery to have the process explained to you, have a tasting and even eat dishes made with local products at the restaurant!

Lovers of Brittany and Breton shortbread must absolutely visit the Rault biscuit factory during their stay in Mauritius. Cassava biscuits have been made there since the beginning of the 19th century, inspired by the recipe for Breton shortbread. Visiting the factory is a timeless experience as the manufacturing method has remained the same for a century and a half. And after tasting the biscuits with a tea or coffee, you will discover a whole new snack!