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Mauritius✨ 10 best things to do in Mauritius

Things to do in Mauritius

1. Snorkel Blue BayFloat over coral gardens and tropical fish in the protected marine park on the south-east coast.
2. Hike Le Morne BrabantClimb the UNESCO-listed mountain for views of the famous 'underwater waterfall' illusion off the coast.
3. See the Seven Coloured EarthsVisit Chamarel's rippling dunes of multi-coloured volcanic soil and a nearby waterfall.
4. Trek Black River GorgesWalk through native forest looking for pink pigeons, kestrels and sweeping valley views.
5. Swim with dolphinsTake an early boat trip off Tamarin Bay to spot dolphins in the wild with responsible operators.
6. Explore Port Louis marketTaste dholl puri, gâteaux piments and tropical fruit in the busy central market.
7. Visit Grand BassinSee the sacred crater lake and towering Hindu statues at Ganga Talao.
8. Sail to Île aux CerfsSpend a day on white-sand beaches and in turquoise lagoons off the east coast.
9. Kitesurf at Le MorneCatch the trade winds at one of the Indian Ocean's top kitesurfing spots.
10. Stroll the Pamplemousses gardenSee giant water lilies and rare palms in one of the oldest botanical gardens in the southern hemisphere.

Mauritius🗺️ Where to visit in Mauritius

Where to go in Mauritius

• 📍
  Port LouisNorth-west · capitalA busy harbour capital with markets, the waterfront, Aapravasi Ghat and the Citadel.
• 📍
  Le Morne PeninsulaSouth-west · beaches & heritageA dramatic mountain, lagoon and beaches with deep historical significance.
• 
  Black River Gorges National ParkSouth-west · rainforestThe island's largest national park, with trails, waterfalls and endemic wildlife.
• 
  ChamarelSouth-west · natureHome to the Seven Coloured Earths, Chamarel Falls and a rum distillery.
• 
  Grand BaieNorth · resort townA lively beach town with shopping, nightlife and boat trips to northern islets.
• 📍
  Blue BaySouth-east · marine parkClear, calm water and some of the best snorkelling on the island.
• 
  Île aux CerfsEast coast · islandA popular island for beaches, water sports and lagoon cruises.
• 📍
  RodriguesOuter island · slow travelA quiet sister island with a vast lagoon, hiking trails and traditional Creole life.

Mauritius🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Mauritius

Best time to visit Mauritius

Mauritius has a tropical climate with a warm, humid summer from November to April and a cooler, drier winter from May to October. The central plateau is cooler and wetter, while the west coast is the driest and sunniest.

Typical daytime highs and rain in Port Louis (approximate averages).

Mauritius🎉 Festivals & events in Mauritius

• February-March
  Maha ShivaratriHundreds of thousands of pilgrims walk to the sacred lake at Grand Bassin, many carrying decorated kanwars.
• January-February
  Thaipoosam CavadeeA Tamil festival of penance with colourful processions and devotees carrying cavadees.
• October-November
  DivaliHomes and streets glow with oil lamps and fairy lights for the Festival of Lights.
• February 1
  Abolition of Slavery DayCommemorations at Le Morne with sega music and dance.
• November-December
  Festival International KreolA celebration of Creole music, food and culture across the island.

Mauritius🧭 Mauritius itinerary ideas

How many days in Mauritius?

Mauritius🎒 Backpacking Mauritius – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $50–80 a day

• Public buses reach most corners of the island and are very cheap, though slow.
• Guesthouses and self-catering apartments in Flic en Flac, Grand Baie and Mahébourg are cheaper than resorts.
• Street food like dholl puri, roti and boulettes makes a filling meal for very little.
• Public beaches are free and many have shade from casuarina trees for picnics.
• Hiking trails such as those in Black River Gorges are free to access.

Mauritius🛡️ Safety & money in Mauritius

Emergency: 999 police · 114 ambulance · 115 fire

Mauritius🛬 Getting to Mauritius

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in the south-east is the main gateway, with flights from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Rodrigues is reached by domestic flight or ship.

✈️ Cheap flights to Mauritius: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Mauritius💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Mauritius

• The dodo, a flightless bird found only on Mauritius, became extinct within a century of human arrival.
• Mauritius was among the first countries to issue postage stamps, and its 1847 'Post Office' stamps are among the rarest in the world.
• The 'underwater waterfall' off Le Morne is an optical illusion created by sand and silt flowing over a drop.
• Mauritian Creole is spoken by most of the population, though English is the official language of government.
• The island is almost completely surrounded by coral reefs.

Mauritius❓ Mauritius travel FAQ

Mauritius travel questions