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Soft sands lead into crystalline waters around a palm-fringed coastline: Mauritius is justifiably esteemed as a beach getaway. Having explored the island in detail, our specialists can tailor a holiday to Mauritius to suit your individual tastes, but our recommendations go well beyond lounging in the sun. We can also suggest ways to experience lesser-discovered corners of the island, from Creole villages to volcanic mountains.
Dolphins glide and turtles feed in the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean surrounding Mauritius. You can snorkel over coral seascapes and, helped by a dramatic ocean drop-off, explore some memorable dive sites. Inland, hiking trails weave through the rainforest of the Chamarel Mountains, opening out onto waterfalls and inky lagoons. A rich tapestry of Indian, French, African and Chinese influences have made their way to the island, creating a nuanced culinary identity. And, the streets of Port Louis are flanked by colonial villas, while smaller villages host busy markets and cosy cafés.
Though Mauritius is blessed with sparkling white sands that shelve into aquamarine waters, it’s much more than a tropical island paradise. Our carefully chosen experiences aim to offer you a local perspective on island life and a deeper insight into Mauritius’s rich, multicultural heritage — as well as showing off its natural beauty.
You can sit down to lunch with a Creole family, walk the streets of Port Louis with a local guide or watch the fine art of rum distillation. There are French-colonial homes and botanical gardens to explore, as well as tea and sugar museums that introduce you to the island’s heritage. Active pursuits include hiking through the Chamarel Mountains and learning a new water sport. Or, you could take a leisurely boat trip out along the coast, stopping to snorkel as you go.
Experiences you have as you travel often hold the longest memories. As part of their research trips, our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know Mauritius, and the best local guides. These activities reflect some of their best-loved experiences.
Boat Trips Around Mauritius
Mauritius’s coastline is arguably best viewed from the deck of a boat, where you can see the silvery sands stretching into the distance, the Black River Mountains rising above. There are various boat trips available across the island, from short trips out to the reef to longer full-day excursions.
Watersports in Mauritius
While most Indian Ocean destinations offer watersports, Mauritius leads the way in the range of ways you can sail, paddle and surf along the water. For most sports there’s a specific area of the coast allocated to your chosen activity, so you can test out new skills in safety. Larger hotels have their own equipment and there are a number of well-reputed independent companies which are good for more niche activities.
Private Tour of South Mauritius
While Mauritius may draw visitors with talcum-white, gently sloping beaches, this full-day guided tour takes you inland to some of the island’s other natural highlights. You’ll explore with a private driver-guide, stopping to see key features including the Chamarel Waterfall and Seven Coloured Earth. There’s also the chance to learn more about the island’s sugarcane, rum and tea production.
Hiking in Black River Gorges National Park
Covering almost three percent of the island, Black River Gorges National Park is named after the black stones that line its river. Located in south-west Mauritius, the park covers lowland forest, marshy heathland and the last portion of ebony forest that once covered the entire island. It’s laced with hiking trails that range from half-hour rambles to more challenging day-long routes.
Snorkeling and Diving in Mauritius
Mauritius is surrounded by a halo of coral which protects many of its bays and coves (particularly on the east coast). This creates a series of placid lagoons and shallows where you can snorkel in calm, clear waters where the fish aren’t hard to find. Divers can explore an underwater seascape of caverns and arches created by ancient lava flows.
Port Louis and Eureka Colonial Mansion Tour
Mauritius has been shaped by colonial rule. Becoming a French colony in 1715, the island was administered by the French East India Company until it was captured by the British in 1810 during the Napoleonic Wars. On this full day private tour you can explore a well-preserved Franco-Mauritian colonial house, learn about Creole cooking techniques and, on visiting a local market, the ingredients used to create this traditional island cuisine.
Exploring Mauritius' Culture and Heritage
Mauritius isn’t simply a beach destination. One of the key draws of the island is its rich heritage, from Indian culture brought over by late 19th-century indentured workers to a colonial legacy that brought tea plantations and sugar cultivation. It’s a small island so you can visit colonial homes, Hindu temples and rum distilleries within a day.
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