Are you going to Mauritius? You’re in luck ! Here is a mini-guide of the essential things to do when visiting Mauritius!
Summary
- 1. Ile aux Cerfs
- 2. The Tea Route
- 3. A boat trip
- 4. Black River Gorges National Park
- 5. Belle Mare Beach
- 6. Flic en Flac Beach
- 7. Trou aux Biches Beach
- 8. Le Morne Brabant
- 9. Port Louis
And yes, what to do in Mauritius? This is a question that has motivated your internet searches since you took your plane ticket for this dream destination. How to visit Mauritius once you have arrived at Sir-Seewoosagur-Ramgoolam airport? The Republic of Mauritius is an island state in the Indian Ocean, 870 kilometers east of Madagascar and 170 kilometers from Réunion .
As part of the Mascarene Islands, Mauritius was, throughout its history, subject to European covetousness: Dutch ( Mauritius , 1638-1710), French ( L’Isle de France , 1715-1810) and English ( Mauritius , 1810 -1968) before its independence in 1968. As a result, French and English are the two official languages, used by the majority of the 1,259,838 people who make up the Mauritian population.
This volcanic island of 2,040 km² and its 177 kilometers of coastline surrounded by a coral reef, its heavenly beaches, its hikes and its tropical climate dominated by the trade winds, will not fail to seduce those who come to visit Mauritius.
Are you looking for what to do in Mauritius? Here is our presentation of the essentials to do when visiting Mauritius.
1. Ile aux Cerfs
Ile aux Cerfs is one of the jewels of the Trou d’Eau Douce lagoon, in the east of the island. Visiting Mauritius without going there would be a shame. The islet is uninhabited and it is one of the most beautiful on the island. Do you want to relax while watching the time pass on a heavenly beach of fine sand and in front of a lagoon of turquoise water? You’ve come to the right place: idleness, swimming, water sports, walks in a mangrove setting: although very touristy, it’s the quintessence of well-being! You can even enjoy this excursion on an all-inclusive tour that includes round-trip transportation to the Island, a welcome cocktail, and lunch at a seafood restaurant. order therefore: idleness!
2. The Tea Route
What to do in Mauritius after the beaches? Take a culinary and cultural stay at the time of colonial Mauritius by rediscovering the culture of tea! On the program, an 8-hour excursion that takes you to the south of the island for several stops including the Domaine des Aubineaux, a former colonial residence (from 1872), former stables, an essential oil distillery, then the Bois Chéri : harvesting and cultivation of tea, visit of the tea factory and production processes. Finally, after the residence of Saint-Aubin, discover the sugar factory and the rum distillery, then finally finish with the Maison de la vanilla: our taste buds are already salivating!
3. A boat trip
If you are passing through the Mauritian coast, there is a step that you should not miss under any circumstances: boat rental . Indeed, a trip on the Indian Ocean will allow you to fully enjoy the dreamy setting of the island.
You could thus go around the island, unless an excursion to Mauritius is more tempting? In any case, the moment will certainly be enchanting!
4. Black River Gorges National Park
It is the largest natural park on the island , a must for you who come to visit Mauritius. Spread over 6,754 hectares, it is the ideal haven for nature lovers and hikers. Tropical forest, waterfalls, turbulent and calm rivers and splendid views from above: the forest is home to 300 endemic plant species and 9 endemic bird species.
On the coast, set off to meet dolphins and cetaceans! Swim, observe, live the moment… Take advantage of this unique and privileged moment around a 6-hour excursion which, for sure, will not leave you anytime soon.
5. Belle Mare Beach
Located in the northeast of the island, Belle Mare beach is one of the essential paradise beaches to see when visiting Mauritius. Several luxury hotels dot the ten kilometers of beach and somewhat distort the idyllic landscape, but it offers a well-preserved nature. No violence, it’s the holidays!
6. Flic en Flac Beach
Head for the west coast, at Flic en Flac Plage . Flic en Flac is one of the most touristic towns in Mauritius. The beach of Flic en Flac is a long strip of white and fine sand of about ten kilometers, wet by a turquoise water which will make more than one dream. It is a very popular beach and very frequented by locals and tourists. The surrounding area is dotted with hotels, bars and restaurants.
7. Trou aux Biches Beach
A few hotels, shops, and above all a heavenly beach in the northwest of Mauritius: yes, you are at Trou aux Biches beach , lounging in a postcard setting made up of coconut palms, immaculate white sand bordered by a piercing blue lagoon and calm like stagnant water. What else to do in Mauritius, if not rest and laze in the sun?
8. Le Morne Brabant
Located in the southwest of the island, the Morne Brabant mountain rises 555 meters above sea level on a peninsula above the sea, and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, under the designation “Cultural Landscape of Le Morne”. A former sanctuary for maroon slaves, the site has become a place of commemoration of the colonial period of Mauritius. The public beach – many are private and belong to the hotels – is wilder than the tourist beaches in the north of the island, which makes it an ideal place to rest.
9. Port Louis
Continuing the tour to visit Mauritius, do not miss to visit Port-Louis , the capital. Strolling around Port Louis will allow you less to see unmissable historical monuments than to enjoy local life. The streets and monuments still trace the history and culture of Mauritius. To see to visit Port Louis: the museum of Aapeavasi Ghat, the Citadel Port Louis, the markets, some museums, hiking on Mont Pouce, strolling on the Place d’Armes and seeing the central market.
For the more athletic, opt for the visit in the Dodo Trail format which offers a 10-hour course in the footsteps of the famous race in the capital. On the program, the discovery of all the essentials of Port-Louis, the trail side in less of course.