Fine white sandy beaches surrounded by towering palm trees. Crystal-clear, turquoise water with a colorful and breathtaking underwater world.
Untouched nature that couldn’t be more beautiful.
A mix of different cultures, plenty of sights, and the wonderful aromas everywhere – this is what comes to mind when we think back to our trip to Mauritius.
In this post, we want to show you why we feel all these wonderful emotions when we think of the paradise island in the Indian Ocean and give you plenty of tips and inspiration for your trip to Mauritius.
At the end of May, the time finally came. We began our 17-day trip to Mauritius. To say it upfront: 17 days are enough to get to know the island. Many tourists visit Mauritius in just one week. That’s doable but only with a tight schedule. That's why we opted for the more relaxed version.
We spent the entire time at the Maritim Crystals Beach Hotel in the east of the island, which served as the starting point for all our day trips during our stay.
We never regretted this decision, because on the slightly rainy or windy days, we were glad we didn’t have to leave the hotel.
Plus, it was relaxing not to have to constantly unpack and repack our suitcases to change hotels.
Mauritius is a relatively manageable island, but it has far more to offer than just fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear water.
As tempting as it sounds to lie lazily on the beach for days and do nothing, you’d really regret not having checked out at least some of the island’s highlights later on.
We planned most of our sightseeing program and various excursions by cardinal directions.
This turned out to be the best approach, as the various sights can really be easily discovered based on the directions.
Belle Mare means something like "beautiful sea". This place, with the beach of the same name, is located on the east coast of Mauritius.
As already mentioned above, this is where our beautiful Hotel Maritim Crystals Beach was located. The east coast is known for being much more authentic than the west coast.
There are comparatively fewer hotels, but far more authentic fishing villages. It is also much windier there, which makes the sea a bit more turbulent.
Belle Mare is also home to one of the longest and, for us, one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, the Belle Mare Beach.
Fine sand, turquoise-blue and pleasantly warm water, long beach walks, and picturesque sunrises and sunsets make the beach popular among tourists and locals alike.
Our tip: There’s no better way to start your day than with a picturesque sunrise at the beach.
Since Belle Mare Beach is located on the east coast of the island, it’s the perfect place to watch the sun rise.
Almost the entire island is surrounded by a breathtaking coral reef. This acts as a wave breaker and ensures that you can swim in the sea at always pleasant water temperatures ranging from 22 °C – 28 °C. The huge, colorful coral reef makes snorkeling and diving truly amazing experiences.
Swim or dive past the large, colorful reefs, and observe the shimmering, colorful fish, starfish, reef sharks, turtles, and much more.
The usually crystal-clear water of the Indian Ocean gives you optimal visibility underwater.
Where there’s water, boats aren’t far. If you feel like taking a boat or catamaran ride, all you need to do is speak to one of the locals at the harbors or beaches near their boats.
They will take you across the water for a previously agreed price and make stops to let you jump into the water at the best snorkeling spots. Many companies also offer unique dolphin tours. We took one of these tours as well. You’ll read more about this further down in "Sights in the West of Mauritius".
You can dive in Mauritius all year round. However, in January and February, when the occasionally very strong tropical storms sweep across the island, the Indian Ocean can be rougher than usual. The entire island is surrounded by about 50 different dive sites with varying levels of difficulty.
You can dive along steep walls, wrecks, inner and outer reefs, as well as enjoy night and deep dives up to a maximum depth of 40 meters at the various dive spots.
We booked our dives through the Maritim Crystals Diving Centre on the east coast, which belongs to our hotel. Some dives take place outside the reef.
That means you ride out a little farther by boat through an opening in the ring reef.
You’ll quickly notice when you reach this point because that’s where you’ll encounter noticeably higher waves and strong currents.
The rental equipment and the dive center itself are in pristine condition and run by a very friendly and professional team.
Safety is taken very seriously here, which left a very positive impression on us. Diving here is a wonderful experience, and we highly recommend it.
Even if you’re not a guest at the hotel, you can still contact the dive center online if you want to dive there.
Île aux Cerfs is actually a small, uninhabited, paradise island – but it’s visited by numerous tourists daily. Despite the large number of tourists, a visit to the island is definitely worth it.
From the boat dock in Trou d’Eau Douce, you have the option to reach Île aux Cerfs by either speedboat or catamaran. Tickets for the crossing can be purchased directly at the dock.
Prices per person vary depending on whether you choose a trip with or without catering and additional activities.
We opted for the full package: a private round trip with a stop at the Grand River South East waterfall, a snorkeling stop, and a BBQ lunch on the island.
In the early morning, our boat captain set off heading south to our first stop—the waterfall at Grand River South East.
This stop is a highlight of most day trips to Île aux Cerfs, and it was already quite busy here in the morning.
Upstream, you can watch fishermen at work, going about their daily routines, while the riverbanks are lined with large trees where monkeys can be seen climbing around.
These monkeys are hoping to snag a banana or other snacks from passing tourists.
The highlight at the end of the river is the mighty waterfall, where water crashes down the rocks with tremendous force.
The captain always tries to get the boat as close to the waterfall as possible so tourists can see it up close and get thoroughly soaked.
Our captain also gave us the chance to climb the waterfall via a narrow, rocky path on the side. We gladly took up the offer.
The view from the top is breathtaking, as you get a stunning look over the Grand River South East.
We then sped back downstream, out into the open sea. There, we took a roughly 30-minute snorkeling break. If you don’t have your own snorkeling gear, the boat crew will provide it. Cooling off in the water was refreshing, though the underwater world at this spot was somewhat disappointing.
Apart from a few fish, several sea cucumbers, and green-brown seabed, there wasn’t much to see. Maybe we were just unlucky that day.
After cooling off, we finally reached our main destination – Île aux Cerfs. As soon as you spot the small island harbor, you’ll see all the boats anchored there, while their passengers and the day tourists have made themselves comfortable on the island's beaches. We had arranged with our captain to spend only about an hour here.
We passed the souvenir shops, water sports activities, cafes, and restaurants, and walked to the beach, continuing along to Pointe Grand Vacoas.
Most tourists stick to the main beach right next to the harbor. So, during our walk, we barely encountered anyone.
It was wonderful to enjoy this peace in the midst of untouched nature.
Even from the shore, we could spot many starfish and small fish in the turquoise water, as well as countless little crabs scurrying around trying to hide.
We walked back through the tree-covered center of the island, where you’ll also find an 18-hole golf course with an adjacent hotel.
Back on the boat, we headed to the final stop of the tour – the BBQ. For this, we sailed a little farther north along the coast of Île aux Cerfs.
At the northernmost tip of the coast, we anchored at a deserted beach surrounded by mangroves.
The crew quickly set up a grill to prepare both food and drinks for a delicious BBQ right on the beach.
Unfortunately, it started raining right then. But we simply moved our makeshift dining table into the sheltered mangroves and enjoyed the freshly grilled fish and other delicious dishes there.
A truly unique culinary experience in a picturesque setting. After a few drinks and another swim, we headed back to the boat dock in Trou d’Eau Douce.
The first sight on our day tour through the south of Mauritius was the natural bridge formed from lava rock – Pont Naturel. We took the tour with our private driver.
The route to Pont Naturel leads over an inconspicuous but very bumpy access road, flanked by towering sugar cane. At the end of the bumpy track, you reach a parking area, from which it's just a few meters on foot. You can't miss the path there because at the "entrance" a few locals will be waiting, selling you plenty of fresh coconuts for refreshment.
You shouldn't miss out on this treat.
We couldn’t yet see the natural bridge, but we could already hear how the rough surf crashed against the towering lava cliffs as we walked.
Upon reaching the cliffs, nature reveals itself in its most beautiful and wildest form.
The waves break, crashing with immense force against the cliffs and sending water shooting meters into the air. The view there is simply fantastic!
Pont Naturel is still a hidden gem and thus not yet overrun by tourists. We visited in the morning and had this truly scenic place all to ourselves.
The next stop on our route was another hidden gem that our driver recommended. The goal was the somewhat hidden Cascade Leon waterfall.
We headed off-road again, over a bumpy path with large puddles and lots of mud. We parked the car in front of the former Lodge L’Exil.
On the lawn in front of the lodge and right next to the individual bungalows, you have a unique view from above of the roaring waterfall.
Before we embarked on the somewhat difficult path down to the waterfall, we had coffee in the small but very cozy restaurant of the lodge.
After this little refreshment, we walked down for about 25 minutes along a trail of slippery rocks and many roots.
We recommend spraying yourself with mosquito spray beforehand, as the path is swarming with mosquitoes.
Once down, you’ll find yourself in a peaceful oasis, characterized by green colors and dense, wild vegetation – a true paradise for nature lovers!
The waterfall, about 20 meters high, flows into a natural pool in front of it. If you're looking for a cool refreshment, this is the perfect place.
After our little hike to the waterfall, it was high time for lunch. We continued on to the colonial-style mansion Le Domaine de Saint Aubin.
But before the meal, we visited the St-Aubin Rum Distillery located on the large estate. There, you can watch how a variety of rum types are produced from sugar cane right on site. Afterward, you can sample them in a small shop on the estate and, of course, buy them. Rum produced on the island is one of the most unique souvenirs from a trip to Mauritius.
For this reas on, we bought one or two souvenirs for our family there.
With two bottles of rum in tow, we continued to a vanilla farm a little further up on the property.
In a small house, they show you a short video where you learn the key facts about vanilla cultivation.
Of course, you can also purchase various products made with or from vanilla here.
Although pure ground vanilla is no bargain, the quality is truly worth the price, and we ended up buying more souvenirs here.
We continued on foot through a small plantation of various plants until we reached the restaurant.
We then enjoyed a very good lunch in a relaxed atmosphere on the veranda of Le Domaine de Saint Aubin.
The last stop on our route through the south was the Le Morne peninsula with the town of the same name.
From afar, you’ll already see the highlight of the area – the 556-meter-high extinct volcano Le Morne Brabant.
Le Morne Brabant is surrounded by a lagoon, home to rare plant species like the pink hibiscus (Madrinette), and boasts beautiful coral-sand beaches.
With a bit of luck, you might even spot dolphins from the beach in the turquoise waters.
Nearby is a popular surf spot for wind- and kite-surfers. If your interest in surfing is piqued by watching the wave-riders, you’ll find the Windsurf Paradise school on the beach, offering wind- and kite-surfing lessons. Otherwise, Le Morne is mainly geared toward tourists, with several mid-range to high-end resorts on the beach as well as small cafes and restaurants.
Located in the west of Mauritius, the seaside town of Flic en Flac is particularly famous for its very long sandy beach.
It’s no surprise that this paradise-like sandy beach, with its towering palm trees, attracts countless tourists every year.
In addition to the endless fine sandy beach, there’s a large selection of larger and smaller hotels, Airbnbs, and other accommodations, as well as cafes and many restaurants.
The town is also an ideal starting point for a visit to the Casela Nature Park.
Located about 15 minutes away by car, the park offers various attractions across 250 hectares, such as a ropes course, zipline, Segway tour, small Jeep safari tour, and much more.
You can also admire giant tortoises and other exotic animals there. You can easily spend half or even a whole day visiting the park.
Tickets and all other info can be found on their website, caselaparks.com.
Our tip: If you're looking for a magical sunset, then Flic en Flac beach is the perfect spot.
We booked the Dolphin and Land Tour in the west of the island online through the German expatriate Roman Duda. We’d like to point out in advance that there are many providers in Mauritius who engage in what amounts to a chase after dolphins, just to entertain tourists. That’s not the case with Roman and his team.
That’s why we chose his tour. His tours are offered only with small groups (we were six people in total) and early in the morning during sunrise.
At 4 am, we were picked up by minivan at the hotel, so we could arrive at Tamarin Bay around 5:30 am just in time for the sunrise. We then headed out to sea in a small speedboat.
Out there, you get a magnificent view of the island's mountainous coast. The rising sun over the mountains completes the phenomenal scenery.
Just for this panorama alone, the early wake-up was worth it. As planned, these wonderful sea creatures suddenly appeared at the surface.
The captain turned off the engine, and then those brave enough could jump into the still quite cold water with a snorkel, diving mask, and fins to observe the dolphins even more closely.
In the water, we were immediately welcomed by a swiftly swimming group of spinner dolphins.
Being able to observe these impressive animals in their natural habitat was a truly unforgettable experience.
If you don’t have your own snorkel, diving mask, and fins, Roman will provide the gear on the boat.
The hour on the boat and in the water passed by in a flash. Back on land, we changed into dry clothes and then headed to a small cafe for breakfast, where we reminisced about this phenomenal morning.
Our tip: Don’t forget to bring your underwater camera on this trip, because you’ll want to capture this unique experience!
After swimming with dolphins, we continued our tour with Roman's wife, this time as a group of four, heading toward the Seven Colored Earth and the Chamarel Waterfall.
Along the way, we stopped at the Chamarel Viewpoint, where we were greeted with a breathtaking view of the entire coastline and Le Morne Brabant.
As soon as we stepped out, we could feel that the temperatures up here, 283 meters above sea level, were much more pleasant than on the coast.
At the entrance to the geopark, there’s a small ticket booth where you can buy your entry ticket.
After the ticket booth, you drive down a well-maintained road through the geopark until you reach the parking lot of the Seven-Colored Earth.
The natural wonder of the Seven-Colored Earth was created here through various volcanic activities, which were mixed together by wind and weather.
The colors stand out particularly well in the afternoon hours when the sun is lower.
Also located on the grounds is a fenced-in enclosure with a few Aldabra giant tortoises, which originally came from the Seychelles and are the second-largest species of tortoise in the world. Unfortunately, the animals seemed rather trapped and somewhat neglected, surrounded by mud.
After about 30 minutes, we continued driving through the park to the Chamarel Waterfall.
Climbing a few steps through lush green vegetation brings you to the observation deck, from which you get the best view of the somewhat distant waterfall.
Here, the water plunges down more than 90 meters with full force.
Chamarel is also widely known for its coffee cultivation. As we drove through the park, we saw a coffee plantation.
Roman’s wife told us a little about the cultivation of this black gold and showed us what a coffee bean looks like before it’s roasted.
If you don’t want to go hiking or walking in the park, you’ll need no more than an hour to explore it.
The Black River Gorges National Park is a must-see on your Mauritius sightseeing plan. After visiting the Seven Coloured Earth and the Chamarel Waterfall, we headed there next.
The Black River Gorges National Park is the largest national park on the island and a paradise for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
With 60 kilometers of well-marked trails, you can explore the untouched nature at your own pace, whether you prefer leisurely walks or challenging trekking adventures.
As we didn’t have time during our day trip to spend a whole day hiking through the national park, we decided to get a view of the park from above.
The best vantage point is from the Gorges Viewpoint, which is located between the towns of Chamarel and Le Pétrin. You can park your car in the parking lots directly off the road.
From there, it’s just a few minutes past tourist souvenir stands to the observation deck.
But be careful: Macaque monkeys are hiding in the trees, waiting for the tourists to pass by, hoping to grab something to eat.
From here, you can see straight into the vast, wooded valley and all the way to the coast. On the right, a waterfall flows gently through all the beautiful green trees and down into the depths. To the left, you’ll spot the highest mountain in Mauritius at about 830 meters – the Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire.
Another, less dramatic viewpoint is the Alexandra Falls View Point, located just a five-minute drive away. If you're already in the area, it's worth a stop, although primarily for the view.
The parking area is easily accessible by car, and from there, it's just a short walk to the viewpoint, which is situated at an elevation of 700 meters.
Here, you can admire not only the Alexandra Waterfall but also the hilly, forested interior of the island.
Our next and last stop on our tour through the west became rather spiritual. We visited the Grand Bassin, the sacred pilgrimage site for the Hindus of the island.
But before you reach this holy place, you can already see from afar the 33-meter-high Shiva statue at the entrance to the pilgrimage site.
The Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao by the Hindus, is a crater lake that sits 550 meters above sea level. According to legend, the lake's water comes from the Ganges River.
This makes it one of the largest Hindu pilgrimage sites outside of India. Around the crater lake, brightly colored temples, many colorful god statues, countless different offerings, and of course, many devout Hindus adorn the lakeshore, giving this place a mystical atmosphere.
Between the end of February and early March, Hindus celebrate the Maha-Shivaratree festival.
During this time, more than 400,000 pilgrims make their way to the sacred lake to present offerings to the gods.
Non-Hindus, including both locals and tourists, are always welcome at the temples. The tolerant Hindus are not bothered by this at all.
However, there are a few behavioral rules you should follow.
Even though photography is allowed inside and outside the temples, you should always behave respectfully and modestly.
Be sure to remove your shoes before entering the temples and cover your arms and legs (at least above the knees)!
A visit to Grand Bassin, Ganga Talao is one of the absolute highlights of your trip to Mauritius.
In a tropical country like Mauritius, many exotic fruits and vegetables are homegrown. That’s why you’ll often find coconut palms, mango, papaya, and lychee trees, pineapple plants, banana plants, and even more interesting and lesser-known fruits and vegetables such as breadfruit or jackfruit.
We highly recommend buying fresh, flavorful fruits from one of the roadside vendors, as it’s rare to find produce this fresh in many countries without long transport routes.
We tried everything, from coconuts to bananas, even pineapples seasoned with salt and chili. It was delicious!
We booked our one-day tour of the north of Mauritius again through our private driver. In the early morning, he picked us up at the hotel once again to drive us to Port Louis, the capital, which is about an hour away by car. We’d like to tell you upfront that Port Louis is a "can do", but not really a "must" on your sightseeing itinerary for Mauritius.
With a population of approximately 150,000, the capital might feel like a large city to some, but for Mauritians, it’s a true metropolis.
If you do decide to visit Port Louis, make sure not to miss the following sights:
The Caudan Waterfront
Have you ever seen the famous colorful umbrellas hanging over a narrow street? You’ll find them in the Caudan Waterfront district.
Here, you can stroll along the promenade, watch cruise ships, or relax in a café. There are also numerous restaurants and over 170 shops inviting you to shop.
The harbor primarily serves for the import and export of goods such as sugar and rum.
The Historical City Center
It’s easy to find your way around the city center, as the streets were laid out in a grid pattern during the colonial era.
From the Caudan Waterfront, you can follow the main road to the Place d’Armes, an avenue lined with royal palms.
At the end stands the charming Hôtel du Gouvernement, behind which you’ll find the oldest building on the island, the Government House.
Continuing straight ahead, you’ll reach the Champ de Mars, the oldest horse racing track in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Central Market
The highlight of Port Louis for us was the Central Market in the city center. From early morning until late afternoon, fresh vegetables, fish, meat, exotic spices, and souvenirs are sold here. The variety of colors, sounds, and smells is truly impressive. However, the fish and meat section is not for the faint-hearted.
Take your time to explore this vibrant place. Opening hours are daily from 5:00 am to 5:30 pm, and on Sundays, only until 11:30 am.
Our Parking Tip
If you’re driving into the city with a rental car, you can park it at the Granary parking garage at Astrolabe, Caudan Waterfront, for a small fee.
The parking lot is located to the left of the harbor and is an ideal starting point for exploring the capital on foot.
Eight kilometers further north of the capital, in the town of Pamplemousses, you’ll find the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden.
There’s a lot to discover here, so plan for 1.5 to 2 hours! The impressive botanical garden is best known for its giant water lilies, which span several meters in width.
But you’ll also find sausage trees, rare palm species like the Talipot palm, and much more in the 37-hectare garden.
You can explore the park on your own or with one of the freelance guides waiting at the entrance. We opted for the latter and took part in an hour-long guided tour in English. The very friendly guide shared all his knowledge with us – from the garden’s origins over 300 years ago to the naming of the garden and background information about the local plant species.
Without him, we likely would’ve wandered aimlessly through the garden and wouldn’t have appreciated its beauty nearly as much. Because of this positive experience, we can only recommend that you also hire one of the guides for a small fee. That way, you can see and experience this place in a completely different light.
In addition to the fascinating plant species, you’ll also see small and giant tortoises and deer in the garden. Don’t forget your camera at this unique spot!
There’s a lot here that deserves to be captured for eternity – at least, that’s how we felt. The botanical garden is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
You can park your rental car for free at the garden’s exit.
In Pamplemousses, there’s not only the botanical garden to see but also the L’Aventure du Sucre sugar museum, located in an old sugar factory.
Depending on the time of year, you can see the towering sugar cane across countless fields all over the island.
If you’re interested in sugar cane cultivation and the products derived from it, then the L’Aventure Museum is the place for you. The information about sugar cane is presented to you along a path with various exhibits and original pieces, explained in detail on info boards, videos, and images in both English and French.
Because the history of sugar cane cultivation in Mauritius is closely linked to the history of the island itself, you’ll also learn a lot here about the past of the former "Île de France" and the significance of sugar both then and now. Plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit. For opening times and all other information, visit the official website at aventuredusucre.com.
The area around Grand Baie is considered the tourist center of Mauritius and is well suited to cater to the needs and interests of visitors.
The former fishing village now offers accommodations of all kinds – from budget options to luxury resorts, there’s something for everyone.
Culinary options are also very diverse – whether it's Creole, Chinese, Indian, or European cuisine, you’ll find it all here. During the day, plenty of water activities take place at the beach, including glass-bottom boat tours, water skiing, snorkeling trips, and more. The Grand Baie Bazaar, the main street Royal Road, and the Mont Choisy Shopping Mall are perfect for shopaholics.
As the evening sets in, the town transforms into the go-to spot for night owls looking for a party, as Grand Baie boasts the largest nightclub and pub scene in Mauritius.
Another hotspot in the area is the four-kilometer-long Trou aux Biches beach, one of the most beautiful and well-known beaches on the island, according to guidebooks, locals, and tourists alike. In this paradise-like setting, surrounded by palm trees, turquoise waters, and fine white sand, it’s the perfect place to relax.
But active travelers won’t miss out either, thanks to all the water sports available.
The beach is also very popular among divers and snorkelers because the coral reef is close to the straight coastline. On weekends, locals, mostly Hindus, often use the beach to picnic with their families and enjoy their free time. Of course, there are other beautiful beaches in Grand Baie, like Pereybere Beach, La Cuvette Public Beach, and Grand Baie Public Beach, which are just as beautiful but less well-known.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the two Hindu temples Tamil Surya Udaya Samgam and Shiv Kalyan Vath Mandir, whose bright colors make them fantastic photo opportunities!
Our tip: It’s the perfect place to witness one of Mauritius’ breathtaking sunsets on a clear evening.
In addition to the touristy Grand Baie, the chapel in the town of Cap Malheureux is one of the most famous sights in northern Mauritius.
The Catholic chapel Notre-Dame-Auxiliatrice, built in 1938, with its bright red roof, is just a few meters from the sea, making it one of the most popular photo spots on the island.
You can park your car right on the main street that runs past the chapel. Usually, you won’t find too many tourists here, as most just stop for a quick photo and then continue on their way. We took a short detour down to the coast and were able to observe the local fishermen and their families at work. In general, it’s quite peaceful in this area.
After this exciting day filled with amazing sights and impressions, we made our way back to the hotel.
Of course, no blog post about Mauritius would be complete without a list of our favorite beaches on this paradise island:
Of course, every beach is special and unique in its own way. There are many more beautiful beaches in Mauritius, but this list could go on forever.
Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.