Mauritius Must-See Attractions
Mauritius is a paradisiacal destination with its crystal-clear waters, multicolored landscapes, white-sand beaches, and unique culture.
Mauritius is a paradisiacal destination with crystal-clear waters, multicolored landscapes, white-sand beaches, and a unique culture. Here are the top places to visit during a journey to Mauritius to appreciate the island's spectacular beauty :
Blue Bay Lagoon
For a journey into the heart of the sea, to discover the colors of the seabed, nothing beats an escape to Blue Bay ! This marine park is the ideal place for snorkeling and diving, as the lagoon offers warm, azure, and transparent waters perfect for encountering marine life. Colorful corals of all hues decorate the lagoon floor, giving it the appearance of a fairy tale. The park can be explored by glass-bottomed boat, which allows you to appreciate this rainbow of colors and life. And don't forget to enjoy its paradisiacal beach with fine white sand and coconut palms !
Morne Brabant Mountain
Dominating Mauritius from a peninsula, Morne Brabant Mountain, which rises to 555 meters in altitude, is an unmissable destination in this country. A former sanctuary for escaped slaves, it is rich both historically and naturally. Take a guide to climb to its summit and enjoy panoramic views over the ocean and its islands. Moreover, the beaches surrounding it are quite wild and very pleasant for swimming or surfing.
Seven Waterfalls
The Seven Waterfalls, also called the Tamarind Falls, are of exceptional beauty. This is one of the most stunning hikes to do in Mauritius, and if you want to escape into nature, far from crowded beaches and scorching sun, this is where you should head. Seven waterfalls cascade into the river amid lush tropical vegetation, and often the water mingling with the sun's rays creates sublime rainbows. Note that it's best to bring an English-speaking guide for this walk, which is not easy, slippery, and poorly marked.
Chamarel Lands
In the southwest of Mauritius, Chamarel continues to contrast with the rest of the landscape and adds diversity to this spectacle of nature. Here, volcanic rocks create a unique tableau known as the « seven colors » - shades of brown, orange, and ochre that shimmer amid the surrounding greenery. A large waterfall nearby adds a magical touch to this scene, which seems almost unreal it is so beautiful !
Grand Bassin
To immerse yourself in Mauritius's cultural richness, nothing beats a visit to Grand Bassin (or Ganga Talao). This natural lake is the most important sacred site in Mauritius. Nestled within the crater of a former volcano, Grand Bassin attracts many Hindu pilgrims because it is believed to be a source of the Ganges. Beyond immersing yourself in this culture and religion, you can enjoy observing the local wildlife, which includes numerous monkeys.
Pamplemousses Garden
Also known as the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, the Pamplemousses Garden is a massive colorful garden spanning 37 hectares where you can appreciate nature's beauty from around the world. If you want to travel around the world at a glance, this is a place not to miss. Here you'll find everything from coconut palms to Amazon water lilies and talipot palms: in short, a beautiful mix of ecosystems to discover with all five senses.
Deer Island
This uninhabited islet off the east coast of Mauritius is a must-visit. Very wild, though touristy, Deer Island offers everything beautiful about Mauritius : white-sand beaches, coconut palms, turquoise waters, and a true vacation atmosphere.
Belle Mare Beach
Finally, if you want to stay in this vacation atmosphere, plan a day at Belle Mare Beach, surely the most famous beach in Mauritius and the locals' favorite. Surrounded by luxury hotels offering massages, excursions, and swimming pools, Belle Mare Beach is typical of Mauritius postcards, with its fine, warm sand stretching for nearly 1.5 kilometers.
Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit Mauritius is between May and December, outside of the cyclone season. The months from May to October offer dry and sunny weather, ideal for enjoying the beaches, snorkeling at Blue Bay, and hikes like the Seven Waterfalls.
It is highly recommended to hire a local English-speaking guide to climb Morne Brabant and for the Seven Waterfalls (Tamarind Falls) hike. These trails are poorly marked, sometimes slippery, and potentially dangerous without accompaniment. A local guide also provides valuable historical and cultural insights.
Deer Island is located off the east coast of Mauritius. To reach it, you must take a boat or ferry from the Trou d'Eau Douce embarkation point. The crossing takes about 10 minutes. Boat excursions including Deer Island are also offered by many tourism operators.
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden (Pamplemousses Garden) is open to the public. Admission is free for Mauritian residents, but a symbolic fee may be requested from foreign tourists. It is recommended to check current rates with the tourism office before your visit.
Yes, Blue Bay Lagoon is one of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots in Mauritius. This protected marine park is home to a wide diversity of colorful corals and tropical fish. Local operators offer glass-bottomed boat trips, snorkeling equipment, and diving training for all levels.
Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) is the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage site on the island of Mauritius. Nestled in the crater of a former volcano, this natural lake is believed to be a source of the Ganges. Every year, during the Maha Shivaratri festival, thousands of pilgrims walk to collect the sacred water.
