Best things to do in Mauritius
Mauritius is an Indian Ocean island of sheltered lagoons, coral reefs and green volcanic peaks — as good for snorkelling and boat days as for hiking and waterfalls inland.
Mauritius at a glance
- What are the best things to do in Mauritius?
- Catamaran cruises to Île aux Cerfs, snorkelling the lagoons, hiking Le Morne Brabant and visiting Chamarel's coloured earths and waterfalls.
- Is Mauritius just a beach destination?
- No. Beyond the beaches there is hiking in Black River Gorges, waterfalls, tea estates and a distinctive Creole food culture.
- How many days do you need in Mauritius?
- Five to seven days is the sweet spot — enough for beach time plus a boat trip, a hike and a day exploring the island's interior.
Destinations in Mauritius
The highlights
1. Lagoons and boat trips
Catamaran cruises to Île aux Cerfs, snorkelling over coral gardens and swimming spots like Blue Bay are the island's signature days out.
2. Le Morne Brabant
The UNESCO-listed mountain peninsula at the island's southwest tip, with a famous hike to the summit and one of Mauritius's best kite-surfing lagoons below.
3. Inland: Chamarel and the south
The Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths and waterfall, Black River Gorges National Park's viewpoints and hiking trails, and tea estates show the island's greener side.
Planning your trip
How long to spend in Mauritius
A week lets you mix beach time with two or three excursions — a catamaran day, a Le Morne hike and an inland loop. The island is small enough that nowhere is more than about 90 minutes away.
When to go
Mauritius is a year-round destination. The warmer, wetter months run roughly November to April; May to October is cooler and drier, and popular for hiking and kite surfing.
Frequently asked questions about Mauritius
What are the best things to do in Mauritius?
Catamaran cruises to Île aux Cerfs, snorkelling the lagoons, hiking Le Morne Brabant and visiting Chamarel's coloured earths and waterfalls.
Is Mauritius just a beach destination?
No. Beyond the beaches there is hiking in Black River Gorges, waterfalls, tea estates and a distinctive Creole food culture.
How many days do you need in Mauritius?
Five to seven days is the sweet spot — enough for beach time plus a boat trip, a hike and a day exploring the island's interior.
Ready to plan? Browse things to do by destination or get trip ideas from our travel journal.