6 Amazing Things To Do in Mauritius

Once famous for being the only habitat of the now-extinct dodo bird, Mauritius is a much-desired holiday destination in the Indian Ocean. First-time visitors particularly find the island’s diverse topography consisting of mountains, rainforests, and stunning beaches to be an awe-inspiring surprise. Adding to Mauritius’ natural charm are its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, colonial architecture, laidback ambience, and friendly locals. 

Forever impressive, the highlight of any vacation in Mauritius is its marine life, best experienced through snorkelling and diving adventures around the many island reefs. Moreover, the beaches of Mauritius, when combined with its tropical weather, have an unavoidable magnetic pull that continues to attract thousands of sunseekers every year.

However, there is much to Mauritius beyond the sand and the sea. An island rich in culture, its contemporary persona gives it a non-traditional appeal. As a result, the most amazing things to do in Mauritius shine a spotlight on diverse aspects of its identity, from the island’s intrinsic beauty to its uniqueness and historical importance. 

Visit Charmel Geopark

A must-visit for nature lovers, Charmel’s 7 Coloured Earth Geopark is a visually spectacular excursion that is both educational and exciting. The park is home to a natural phenomenon wherein the sand on a series of hills alternates between seven different colours, from purple, yellow, and violet to green, blue, brown, and red. However, plan to visit the park in the afternoon, when the sun is bright, to experience all the colours in their vibrancy.

The magic of this 8.5 hectares geopark doesn’t just end with coloured sand. Charmel is also where you’ll find a Tortoise Park that houses six giant Aldabra turtles, who typically live till they are 150 years old.

For adventurous travellers visiting the geopark, beauty awaits in the form of Charmel Waterfalls. The 100-meter-high single-drop waterfalls are the tallest in Mauritius. Although you can view this natural wonder from afar, one can also take a 3-hour hike for an unforgettably refreshing swim in the plunge pool at the base of the fall.

Take a Boat Trip to Île aux Cerfs

There are plentiful things to do in Mauritius with the family, but a day trip to Île aux Cerfs is by far the most popular attraction. The incredibly gorgeous private island is a 15-minute speedboat ride from the Trou d’Eau Douce jetty. However, you can also take a full-day catamaran tour that includes stops at Île aux Fouquets and various snorkelling locations along the way.

Once on Île aux Cerfs, you can partake in several activities or do nothing at all except lounge and take in the rays. Boasting an expansive white sandy beach, the island’s lagoon stays shallow for miles, making it safe for children. Other facilities here include restaurants, beach bars, water sports, and even an 18-hole golf course.  

Go Sub Scooter Diving

A couple of decades ago, Mauritius was one of the few places in the world offering the Underwater Sea Walk. While the same is still doable, the island now has a new and novel attraction that allows you to appreciate its marine life from up-close. 

Sub Scooter Diving is among the essential things to do in Mauritius today, partly because you cannot enjoy this thrilling ride anywhere else on the planet. Ideal for people who cannot go scuba diving, the scooter is a contraption where you sit comfortably, placing your head in a glass dome that stays water-free. 

Similar to an on-land moped, the Sub Scooter accommodates two passengers and has a steering wheel for underwater manoeuvrability. It can go down to 3 meters and ride up to 4km/hour. This 30-minute excursion is available only through Blue Safari in Trou-aux-Biches.     

Take a Helicopter Island Tour

When landing on the island, most tourists manage to only catch a fleeting glimpse of Mauritius from high above. However, for a memorable bird’s eye view of Mauritius’ coastline and topography, nothing beats the excitement of a helicopter island tour. Although slightly expensive, it is unquestionably one of the most romantic things to do in Mauritius.     

There are several helicopter tour operators around the island. The pilot acts as a guide during the flight, pointing out the island’s many wonders. Helicopter rides typically last anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. While every tour has a different route, they all cover some of the major tourist attractions of Mauritius.

Now, we know that the entire island of Mauritius is paradisiacal, especially when observed from the clouds. Nevertheless, when booking your helicopter tour in Mauritius, make sure that it includes flying over Blue Bay, Black River Gorge, Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse, and the Le Morne underwater waterfalls.  

Shop at the Port Louis Central Market

The Central Market of Port Louis is a little chaotic, but it presents a wonderful occasion to immerse yourself into everyday Mauritian life. Constructed by the French in the 18th century, the market spreads over several floors, with each section designated to a different product. 

For tourists, the Central Market is the go-to place to purchase everything from local produce, artisanal goods, and clothing to watches, shoes, and unique handicrafts. A day shopping in the market is also the perfect opportunity to test your bargaining skills.

While in Port Louis and looking to shop, also remember to visit Le Caudan Waterfront. It is the oldest shopping centre in Mauritius, with an idyllic harbourside location. Furthermore, Le Caudan Waterfront has some of the city’s best boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.    

Win Big at Champs de Mars

You might be in one of the most beautiful destinations of the world with a loved one, but is Lady Luck also travelling with you? Find out at Champs de Mars, the oldest racing track in the Southern Hemisphere.

Established in 1812 and located in Port Louis, the racecourse is also a historic destination. For it was on these grounds in 1968 that Mauritius finally declared its independence from the British. Additionally, it is home to a statue of King Edward the VII and the Malartic Tomb. The latter is an obelisk honouring Anne Joseph Hippolyte de Maurès, the island’s French Governor, from 1792 to 1800. 

Nowadays, horse racing takes place at Champs de Mars every weekend from April to November. Even if you are not interested in gambling, it is worth visiting the track on race days to relish its lively atmosphere.