Île aux Cerfs day trip
Boat or catamaran across the lagoon from the Trou d'Eau Douce area to the most famous islet in Mauritius. Many trips add a stop at the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall.
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Things to do in Mauritius
Tours and excursions we would recommend to our own friends, with honest tips.
See tours & pricesMauritius is small: you can reach most places in a day trip from anywhere on the island. Book boat trips for the first half of your stay, so you have spare days if the weather turns.
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Full-day catamaran cruise
Sail, snorkel and eat a barbecue lunch on board. West coast cruises often head towards Île aux Bénitiers and Crystal Rock; east coast cruises go to Île aux Cerfs.
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South & Chamarel tour
Seven Coloured Earth, Chamarel waterfall, Black River Gorges viewpoints and the sacred lake of Grand Bassin, usually in one long day.
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Dolphin watching, west coast
Early-morning boat trips from the Tamarin and Black River area to see spinner and bottlenose dolphins.
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Blue Bay glass-bottom boat & snorkelling
Blue Bay is a protected marine park with shallow coral gardens, easy for beginners and children.
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Le Morne Brabant guided hike
A steep morning climb on a UNESCO World Heritage mountain, with huge views over the lagoon. The upper part is on private land and needs a guide.
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Port Louis city & market tour
The Central Market, the Aapravasi Ghat (UNESCO) and the Caudan Waterfront, with street food on the way.
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Northern islands catamaran
From Grand Baie towards Gabriel Island and Flat Island, with snorkelling and a beach lunch.
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Seaplane or helicopter flight
The only way to see the famous "underwater waterfall" off Le Morne: an optical illusion made by sand and silt sliding down the reef.
See tours & pricesSnorkelling and kitesurfing
Snorkelling
The lagoon is calm and shallow almost everywhere. The Blue Bay and Balaclava marine parks have the best coral; bring your own mask or join a boat trip.
Kitesurfing
The lagoon at Le Morne is one of the best-known kitesurfing spots in the world, with schools for beginners. The wind is strongest from May to October.
Free things to do
- Swim at the public beaches: all beaches in Mauritius are public, even in front of hotels.
- Walk the Port Louis Central Market and try street food.
- Watch the sunset from Flic en Flac or Le Morne public beach.
- Drive the south coast road past Gris Gris and its wild cliffs (no swimming there).
- Hike the marked trails of Black River Gorges National Park.
Things to do in pictures
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
What is the best excursion in Mauritius?
For a first visit, a full-day catamaran cruise is the favourite: lagoon, snorkelling and lunch on board in one day. Île aux Cerfs on the east coast and the south tour (Chamarel, Black River Gorges, Grand Bassin) are close behind.
Do I need to book tours in advance?
In high season (around Christmas, New Year and French school holidays) popular boat trips and the Le Morne hike can fill up, so booking a few days ahead is wise. Out of season you can usually book a day or two before.
Can I visit Mauritius without a tour?
Yes. With a rental car or taxi you can visit most sights on your own. Tours are most useful for boat trips, the Le Morne hike (the top part needs a guide) and for not having to drive on the left.
What can you do in Mauritius when it rains?
Visit Port Louis and its Central Market, go to a museum, or change coasts: when it rains on one side of the island, the other side is often drier. The west coast is generally the driest.
Is swimming with dolphins in Mauritius ethical?
It depends on the operator. Too many boats chasing the same group of dolphins disturbs them. Choose a small operator that keeps its distance, and consider watching from the boat instead of swimming.