7-day Mauritius itinerary
A relaxed 7-day plan that mixes lagoon, mountains, food and culture.
This plan assumes you stay in one or two bases and rent a car or book a driver. Swap days around to match the weather: keep boat trips for calm, sunny days.
Day 1: Arrive and slow down
The airport is in the southeast. Check in, swim, and have an early night. If you land late, a first night near Blue Bay or Mahébourg avoids a long drive.
Day 2: The north
Morning at the SSR Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses (go early, before the heat). Afternoon on the beach at Mont Choisy or Pereybère, dinner in Grand Baie.
Northern islands boat trips
Day 3: Port Louis
Central Market for street food (dholl puri, alouda), the Aapravasi Ghat UNESCO site, then the Caudan Waterfront. Avoid Sunday: much of the city is closed.
Port Louis toursDay 4: Chamarel and the green south
Black River Gorges viewpoint, Grand Bassin, then Chamarel waterfall and the Seven Coloured Earth. Finish with the sunset at Le Morne public beach.
South toursDay 5: Île aux Cerfs and the east
A day on the lagoon from the Trou d'Eau Douce area, with snorkelling and lunch on the islet. Many boats stop at the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall.
Île aux Cerfs tripsDay 6: Blue Bay and Mahébourg
Snorkel or take a glass-bottom boat in Blue Bay Marine Park. Walk the Mahébourg waterfront, then drive the wild south coast to Gris Gris.
Blue Bay tripsDay 7: Le Morne, then home
Early hike up Le Morne Brabant with a guide (start at dawn, before the heat), or a lazy beach morning. Keep enough time to reach the airport.
Le Morne hikes
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Free Mauritius cheat sheet
One printable page with everything you need on the island: emergency numbers, our top 10 places, money, plugs, driving tips and a few useful Kreol phrases.
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Frequently asked questions
Is one week enough for Mauritius?
Yes. A week is enough to see the main sights and still have beach time. With 10 to 14 days you can slow down or add Rodrigues.
Should I rent a car in Mauritius?
A car gives the most freedom, especially for the south and west. If you are not comfortable driving on the left, book a driver or tours for the long days.
Can I add Rodrigues to a week in Mauritius?
It is possible but tight. Rodrigues deserves at least four days, so it fits better in a trip of 10 days or more.