Top 7 Things to See and Do in Mauritius | The Ultimate 2025 Travel Guide
The Republic of Mauritius, also known as the Island of Mauritius, is a prominent tourist destination in the Indian Ocean, competing directly with other paradisiacal islands such as Seychelles and the Maldives. While its tropical beaches are its main attraction, the island offers many other attractions for visitors.
Despite being a small island in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius holds delightful surprises for its visitors. Beyond its stunning tropical beauty, this destination offers a wide range of activities, captivating landscapes, and a rich mix of culture and gastronomy. It truly is a unique and special place.
Mauritius enjoys a mild climate year-round, with an average temperature of 25°C and pleasant water temperatures suitable for swimming both in summer and winter. Whether you’re interested in thrilling adventures or peaceful moments, the island fits into your holiday plans at any time. However, to make the most of your experience, consider visiting from April to June or from September to December to avoid the peaks of summer and winter.
Port Louis
Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is a vibrant city. It is the economic hub of the island and is very lively during the day. Visit the colourful market, stroll through the streets, explore museums and other historical and cultural sites, sample the flavours of Mauritian street food, and interact with the local population. A tour of the capital is a must during your stay in Mauritius—immerse yourself in local life, Mauritian history, and culture.
You can start your tour at the Caudan Waterfront, the shopping centre located by the harbour, and leave your car there before embarking on your journey through the capital. Don’t miss visiting the Port Louis market. Embark on a sensory journey, enjoy the witty charm of the vendors, follow the aromatic scents of fruits and vegetables, and try those exotic flavours that are unfamiliar to you. There’s also the craft and souvenir market, located next to the vegetable section, although haggling is recommended in this part of the bazaar.
To truly experience Port Louis, you must take time to walk through its streets. Heading north along Royal Road, you will reach Chinatown, the old Chinese district that hides numerous cultural and culinary treasures. You’ll find all kinds of shops, from traditional medicine stores to souvenir and grocery shops, where you can buy ingredients only available in the area. If you pay attention, you might even spot a small pagoda nestled between the shops and restaurants.
When you need a break to cool off before continuing your expedition, the Jardin de la Compagnie, just a few minutes from the Government House, will offer you a refreshing breath of air in the shade of century-old trees and large banyan trees.
La Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park
One of the things Mauritius is famous for is its land of different colours. At La Vallée des Couleurs, you can enjoy a natural park filled with diverse flora and fauna, including endemic species. There are activities such as hiking, cycling zip lines, quad biking, karting, and crossing the Nepalese bridge. While engaging in these exciting activities, you’ll have the chance to take in the stunning scenery of hills, waterfalls, lakes, forests, and the breathtaking 23 Colored Earth.
La Vallée des Couleurs isn’t just a destination for outdoor activities—it’s also a space where visitors can connect with the cultural and ecological heritage of Mauritius. The park offers guided tours that delve into its unique history, geology, and conservation efforts, making it an enriching experience for both curious minds and nature lovers.
Blue Water Divers
Mauritius, as part of the Mascarene Islands, is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. It offers excellent diving opportunities in warm tropical waters, stunning underwater landscapes, and a thriving aquatic ecosystem.
You can encounter nearly all tropical marine life here, including sharks, rays, turtles, and more than a dozen species of whales and dolphins. Mauritius is one of the few places in the world with a resident population of sperm whales, which can be seen year-round just off the coast. Humpback whales can also be spotted during their migration between June and October. Additionally, the water temperature never drops below 22°C, ensuring comfortable diving conditions all year long.
The most popular diving spots are located along the northwestern coast, stretching from Trou aux Biches to Grand Bay, and further west to Flic en Flac. During the southern hemisphere summer, when the seas are calm from October to late April, dive centres organize excursions on larger boats to the remote northern islands. These trips offer spectacular diving experiences, including thrilling shark dives.
Blue Water Divers, established in 1987, continues to provide recreational diving activities with a strong emphasis on environmental protection and marine conservation. They offer a range of services, including guided diving excursions, full-day safaris, certification courses, and sustainable whale-watching tours, promoting awareness and respect for marine ecosystems.
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, Mauritius offers unforgettable underwater adventures, from vibrant coral reefs brimming with life to awe-inspiring encounters with some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures.
Go Parasailing
Belle Mare Beach is one of Mauritius’ most exquisite coastal gems, with its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters inviting thrill-seekers to experience the excitement of parasailing. This idyllic spot provides the perfect backdrop for an exhilarating aerial adventure, offering a unique perspective of Belle Mare Beach and its stunning surroundings.
Embark on a parasailing escapade that grants you approximately five minutes of flight time, soaring along a spectacular 250-meter line. The experience includes an exciting free-fall dip, adding an extra touch of thrill to your aerial journey. Once lifted into the air by the parachute, you’ll find yourself suspended in the sky, creating an effortless sensation of “floating in the air.”
In addition to parasailing, Belle Mare Beach and its surrounding areas offer countless activities to enrich your visit. For the best deals on leisure activities and accommodations across the island, explore the offers available at Best.mu.
Ganga Talao Temple | Grand Bassin
Located 6 km southeast of Mare aux Vacoas, in the secluded mountainous region of the Savanne district, the Ganga Talao temple, commonly known as Grand Bassin, is a captivating site situated approximately 550 meters above sea level.
Grand Bassin, adorned with Hindu temples and a sacred lake, holds a special place in the hearts of Mauritius’ Hindu community. It is believed that the lake, nestled within the crater of an extinct volcano, shares a spiritual connection with the sacred Ganges River in India.
Beside the lake stands a temple dedicated to Shiva, along with shrines honouring other revered deities such as Hanuman and Lakshmi. Ganga Talao also offers a unique opportunity to witness Mangal Mahadev, an awe-inspiring 33-meter-tall statue of Shiva. This monumental statue not only holds the distinction of being the tallest in Mauritius but also ranks among the 50 tallest statues in the world.
Casela Nature Parks
Casela Nature Parks is one of Mauritius’ leading leisure and attraction parks, captivating individuals, families and corporate groups with a diverse range of fun and exciting activities. Spread across 350 hectares, the park is cleverly divided into five distinct zones, each with its own charm.
These zones, namely Thrill Mountain, Predator Kingdom, African Safari, Pangia Birds and Rides and World of Events, collectively offer a wide range of experiences. From heart-stopping adventures to wildlife encounters, visitors can tailor their experience to their preferences. Notably, all activities and attractions are pay-as-you-go, ensuring flexibility for each visitor to personalise their Casela adventure.
Ebony Forest
If you want to make a positive impact on this stunning island, consider visiting Ebony Forest, where their mission goes beyond lush landscapes. Committed to conserving endangered species in Mauritius, Ebony Forest is dedicated to fostering education and awareness about the importance of biodiversity. In collaboration with schools, NGOs, funding agencies, government entities and private companies, they are actively involved in restoring, protecting and conserving the island’s unique flora and fauna.
Your visit to Ebony Forest becomes a significant contribution to their conservation efforts and helps offset carbon emissions. By choosing to explore this sanctuary, you play a role in:
Restoring and safeguarding forests and species
Reintroducing species that once became locally extinct.
Participating in educational initiatives that inspire and share valuable experiences.
Make your visit to Ebony Forest not only a personal adventure but also a conscious step towards preserving Mauritius’ natural heritage.
Explore curated travel tips, exciting activities, and must-see destinations that will help make your journey truly unforgettable at our Hype Destinations section.
