You can choose from beaches, waterfalls, national parks, gardens, villages and offshore islands. The eight places below cover different parts of Mauritius and suit different types of travellers.
1. Grand Baie
Grand Baie is a coastal village in northern Mauritius built around a sheltered bay. You can combine beach time with restaurants, shopping, boat trips and water activities.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Sheltered bay, restaurants, shopping and water activities |
| Location | Northern Mauritius |
| Suitable travel period | Daytime for sightseeing and water activities |
| Entry | Free to explore; activities are charged separately |
| Things to do | Explore the village, shop, dine and book lagoon excursions |
| Tip | Compare boat-tour inclusions before booking |
2. Ile aux Cerfs
Ile aux Cerfs is an offshore island on the east coast, known for its white-sand beaches, lagoon and water activities. You can reach it by boat and spend several hours swimming, relaxing or trying water sports.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Beaches, lagoon, water sports and boat trips |
| Location | East coast of Mauritius |
| Suitable travel period | Daytime during suitable sea conditions |
| Entry | Boat transfer or excursion charges apply |
| Things to do | Swim, relax, snorkel and try water sports |
| Tip | Check boat timings and weather before booking |
3. Chamarel
Chamarel is known for the Seven-Coloured Earth and Chamarel Waterfall. You can combine these attractions with nearby viewpoints and nature experiences during a southern or western Mauritius sightseeing day.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Seven-Coloured Earth and Chamarel Waterfall |
| Location | South-western Mauritius |
| Suitable travel period | Daytime for sightseeing |
| Entry | Attraction charges apply; check current rates |
| Things to do | Visit the coloured-earth formation and waterfall |
| Tip | Combine both attractions in one outing to reduce travel time |
4. Black River Gorges National Park
Black River Gorges National Park is the largest national park in Mauritius. It covers about 17,000 acres and has more than 50 km of trails, along with forests, valleys, waterfalls and viewpoints.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Forests, hiking trails, waterfalls and viewpoints |
| Location | South-western Mauritius |
| Suitable travel period | Cooler and drier conditions for longer walks |
| Entry | Check current park access conditions |
| Things to do | Hike, visit viewpoints and see Alexandra Falls |
| Tip | Wear suitable footwear and carry water for longer trails |
5. Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius and a useful stop for cultural and historical sightseeing. You can explore local markets, waterfront areas, museums and food outlets within the city.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Markets, museums, waterfront and local food |
| Location | North-western Mauritius |
| Suitable travel period | Daytime for markets and sightseeing |
| Entry | City exploration is free; individual attractions may charge |
| Things to do | Visit markets, explore museums and try local food |
| Tip | Start early if you want to combine several city attractions |
6. Flic en Flac
Flic en Flac is a coastal area on the west coast with a long beach and views across the lagoon. You can use it for swimming, beach time and sunset without adding several paid attractions to your itinerary.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Long beach, lagoon views and sunsets |
| Location | West coast of Mauritius |
| Suitable travel period | Afternoon and evening for beach and sunset |
| Entry | Public beach access is free |
| Things to do | Swim, relax and watch the sunset |
| Tip | Check sea conditions before swimming or booking water activities |
7. Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden at Pamplemousses is a nature attraction in northern Mauritius. It provides a slower sightseeing option that can be combined with Port Louis or Grand Baie.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Tropical plants, gardens and landscaped areas |
| Location | Pamplemousses, northern Mauritius |
| Suitable travel period | Morning or afternoon |
| Entry | Check current admission charges |
| Things to do | Walk through the gardens and explore the plant collections |
| Tip | Combine it with another northern attraction |
8. Ile aux Aigrettes
Ile aux Aigrettes is a small nature reserve off the south-east coast of Mauritius. It is known for conservation work involving native plants and wildlife, and visits are conducted through organised tours.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Conservation area, native plants and wildlife |
| Location | South-east coast of Mauritius |
| Suitable travel period | Scheduled tour timings |
| Entry | Guided visit; check current arrangements |
| Things to do | Take a conservation tour and observe native species |
| Tip | Book the guided visit in advance |
