What to see in Mauritius: 9 must-sees
Discover what to see in Mauritius: 9 must-see destinations, from Trou aux Biches Beach to Le Morne Brabant. Predominantly beach and natural; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
Beach(2)
Admire the fine white sand of Trou aux Biches, in the Pamplemousses district in northwestern Mauritius, where coconut palms line a shore of calm turquoise water. Snorkel over the nearby coral reef, kayak along the coast, or walk barefoot as the sun sinks toward the horizon. The crystal-clear water invites a swim all day long, and in the late afternoon fishermen return to shore through the long shadows of the palms.
Board the catamaran at Trou d'Eau Douce and cross the lagoon to this white-sand island off Flacq. As you step ashore, coconut palms cast shade over the shoreline and the turquoise water reveals coral reefs just below the surface. Walk the beach, put on your snorkel gear and watch the fish among the corals. From the shore you can see the open lagoon, its blues shifting with the depth. The fine sand and clear water invite you to swim and rest under the trees before taking the boat back to the mainland.
Natural(2)
Explore the oldest botanical garden in the tropics, founded in 1770 in Pamplemousses, in northern Mauritius. Walk among 85 species of palms and stop at the Victoria amazonica, the giant water lily whose leaves float on the ponds. Identify the plants the French brought from their former colonies and the island's endemic species. Follow the shaded paths, look for deer and giant tortoises among the dense vegetation, and visit the Château de Mon Plaisir within the grounds.
Wander the dunes of Chamarel, in Black River, where the earth unfolds in seven shades of ochre and violet that shift with the sunlight. Visit the 100-meter waterfall that plunges over volcanic rock and climb the viewpoint for views of the valley. Walk the trails through native forest, look out for the green day geckos, and find out why the local community holds this corner of southwestern Mauritius sacred.
National Park(2)
Watch the Mauritius kestrel and the echo parakeet flit among ebonies and palms in the 65 km² of rainforest in Black River Gorges National Park. Take on one of the 50 kilometers of trails that cross waterfalls, laterite plateaus, and deep ravines, listen to the monkeys in the canopy, and climb up to the viewpoints over the valley. Camp in the designated areas to watch the sunrise over the gorges. The park was created to protect the island's last native forest.
Hop on a speedboat from Mahébourg and cross over to Flat Island, where giant tortoises walk along the shore and dolphins accompany the crossing. Put on mask and snorkel to explore the corals of the marine sanctuary, follow its trails among seabirds and get a close look at the wildlife the park keeps under strict protection.
UNESCO Heritage(1)
Hike the 3-hour trails that climb Le Morne Brabant, a 556-meter peak on the Black River peninsula, and explore the caves where the maroons, escaped slaves, took refuge in their fight for freedom. From the top, gaze at the turquoise lagoon that surrounds the mountain and understand why UNESCO declared this site a World Heritage Site: it preserves the memory of a community that resisted slavery in Mauritius. Bring water and sturdy footwear, as the final stretch requires scrambling over rocks.
City(1)
Explore Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, starting early at the Central Market, where stalls of spices, fruit, and dholl puri blend with the daily haggling. Cross over to the Caudan Waterfront for shops and cafés by the pier, climb up to the Citadel, and take in the harbor and the mountains that surround the bay. Finish the route at the History Museum and the garden, two quiet stops that reveal the city's colonial and Creole side.
Museum(1)
Explore the museum dedicated to the history of Mauritius, where the blue postage stamps, colonial documents and art collection tell 400 years of history. Admire the 1847 stamps, the most valuable in the world. Tour the museum where artifacts, exhibitions and history create a journey through time. Discover unique collections, learn about the local culture and broaden your knowledge.
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