Mauritius is not just about white sandy beaches and turquoise waters—it’s an adventurer’s playground! Whether you’re exploring its vibrant underwater world or soaring above its rugged mountains, Mauritius offers a range of activities for thrill-seekers. Here are nine must-try adventures to make the most of your time on this stunning island.
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Dive into the Blue: Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
Mauritius is surrounded by a coral reef teeming with marine life, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just dipping your toes into the underwater world, Mauritius has plenty to offer. Head to Blue Bay Marine Park or Turtle Bay for colorful corals and tropical fish, or explore the shipwrecks off the coast of Flic en Flac. Scuba diving tours take you deeper into the ocean, where you can encounter reef sharks, sea turtles, and even dolphins.
Conquer New Heights: Hike the Mountains
Mauritius’ mountainous interior provides a striking contrast to its coastal beauty. For adventure lovers, the island offers a variety of hiking opportunities. Whether it’s the iconic Le Morne Brabant with its historical significance and sweeping lagoon views, or the technical climb up Pieter Both, Mauritius has trails for every level of hiker. Black River Peak, the island’s highest point, is reached via an easy hiking route and offers panoramic views across the entire island. Check out here some of the best hikes in Mauritius.
Saddle Up: Go Horse Riding
Horseback riding in Mauritius is a unique way to explore the island’s diverse landscapes. Ride through sugarcane fields, lush forests, or along the beach as you enjoy the natural beauty up close. Many resorts offer horse riding excursions, but one of the best places for this activity is at Domaine de L’Etoile, where you can traverse private nature reserves and take in scenic vistas of mountains and valleys.
Soar Above the Island: Take a Seaplane or Helicopter Flight
For a truly unforgettable experience, see Mauritius from the air! Seaplane and helicopter tours offer breathtaking bird’s-eye views of the island’s mountains, lagoons, and reefs. Fly over Le Morne Brabant or the famous underwater waterfall illusion—a mesmerizing optical illusion created by sand and silt flowing into the deep ocean. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime way to appreciate the full scope of Mauritius’ natural beauty.
Kick Up Dust: Go on a Quad Bike Tour
Explore Mauritius’ rugged terrain with an adrenaline-pumping quad bike tour. Off-road trails take you through lush sugarcane fields, forests, and even river crossings, offering a unique perspective on the island’s countryside. Head to the south for one of the best quad biking experiences at La Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park, where you can ride through volcanic landscapes and spot waterfalls.
Glide Across the Sky: Try Parasailing
For an exhilarating yet peaceful experience, parasailing offers a bird’s-eye view of Mauritius’ beautiful coastline. Tethered to a boat, you’ll float high above the water, soaking in panoramic views of the island’s crystal-clear lagoons and beaches. Grand Baie and Belle Mare are popular spots for parasailing, giving you the perfect mix of excitement and tranquility.
Fly Between Trees: Zipline Adventures
Mauritius’ lush forests are the perfect backdrop for ziplining, where you can soar above treetops and river gorges. Head to Casela Nature Parks or La Vallée des Couleurs for some of the island’s longest and most scenic ziplines. And for something truly unique, try the bicycle zipline at Chazal Eco-tourism Park, where you can literally pedal across the sky, suspended on a high-wire between two cliffs. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other!
Paddle Through Paradise: Kayak the Lagoons and the Rivers
Explore Mauritius’ calm lagoons by kayak for a more peaceful adventure. Paddle along the island’s coastline or through its verdant rivers, taking in the unspoiled nature around you. You can also venture out to small islands like Ile d’Ambre for a quiet day on the water, surrounded by mangroves and exotic birds. Sea kayaking along the eastern coast near Trou d’Eau Douce is especially beautiful, with opportunities to snorkel and swim along the way. On the south coast, we did a lovely paddling trip from Mahebourg to Blue Bay.
Sail in Style: Take a Catamaran Cruise
No trip to Mauritius is complete without a day on the water, and a catamaran cruise is one of the best ways to explore the island’s lagoons and surrounding islets. Set sail from Grand Baie or the southeast coast, and cruise to destinations like Ile aux Cerfs or Ile aux Aigrettes, where you can snorkel, swim, and enjoy a barbecue lunch onboard. The views of Mauritius from the ocean are simply stunning, and you might even spot dolphins playing in the waves.
Accommodation and activities in Mauritius
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