Mauritius Sightseeing - The TOP Highlights of the Island

Are you considering a trip to Mauritius and still looking for inspiration? Today, we’d like to introduce you to the most beautiful sights and highlights of Mauritius. For many, Mauritius is the epitome of dream beaches, honeymoons, and chic luxury hotels. But let us tell you: This island has so much more to offer.

Lush forests, impressive waterfalls, striking peaks, paradisiacal beaches, bustling markets, diverse cuisine, numerous water sports, and much, much more await you. We’ll tell you which places you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Have fun browsing and trying it out!

What else you should know:

What else you should know:
Mauritius sights
1. Cap Malheureux
2. Grand Baie and surroundings
3. The capital city Port Louis
4. Hike up Le Pouce
5. The sacred lake – Grand Bassin
6. Black River Gorges National Park
7. The Seven Coloured Earth
8. The Chamarel Waterfall
9. Temples, Churches & Mosques
10. Bois Cheri Tea Plantation
11. Le Morne and Le Morne Brabant
12. Tamarin Tourelle climb
13. Beautiful Tamarin Falls
14. The Rochester Falls
15. The Botanical Garden
16. Blue Bay Mauritius
17. Excursion to Île aux Cerfs
18. Rhumerie de Chamarel Rum Factory
19. Other surrounding islands
20. The best snorkeling spots

Mauritius Sights

On the following map, we have marked the most important Mauritius sights for you. Of course, there is much more to see on the island. However, the map should be sufficient for an initial overview. If you have more time, you can explore and get to know the individual regions of the island in much more depth.

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1. Cap Malheureux

Mauritius boasts a whole range of highlights and sights. A beautiful spot is located in the very north of the island. The Cap Malheureux is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and is truly a beautiful landscape: black lava rock, white sandy beaches, and turquoise water. Although swimming here isn’t particularly good due to the currents, you’ll still find small bays for cooling off.

sights mauritius Cap Malheureux

From here, you can also see the islands of Coin de Mire, Il Plate, Ile aux Serpents, and Ile Ronde, four kilometers off the coast (book a tour to the Northern Islands here*). There’s also the beautiful Chapel of Notre Dame Auxiliatrice with its distinctive red roof. Incidentally, “Cap Malheureux” means “Cape of Unluck.” However, no one really knows why it was given this name. Most likely, however, because the French lost their battle against the English here.

2. Grand Baie and Surroundings

Grand Baie on Mauritius is certainly not a direct tourist attraction, but it is nevertheless a beautiful corner of the island. For one thing, it is the busiest tourist destination, and for another, it boasts truly beautiful beaches and bays. Right in the heart of the center is Sunset Boulevard, lined with shops and boutiques. You’ll also find many restaurants, several cafés and bars, as well as the Grand Baie Store Plaza shopping center, supermarkets, and bazaars in this area. The bay is particularly beautiful with its boats and the wonderful colors of the Indian Ocean.

In Grand Baie, you’ll also find numerous accommodations for your vacation in Mauritius. We started our trip up here in the north and then headed south. There are several beautiful beaches nearby, such as Trou aux Biches, Pereybere Beach, La Cuvette, Grand Baie Public Beach, and the beach at Mont Choisy.

3. The Capital, Port Louis

You have to see the island’s capital, Port Louis. Here, between skyscrapers, Chinese pagodas, and Hindu temples, beats the wonderful heart of the island. The city’s streets are bustling with activity. No wonder, since almost 170,000 people live here. At least as many commuters flock to the city every day.

By then, the sidewalks and pavements will be crowded. The city is by no means romantic, pretty, or idyllic. Port Louis is like a microcosm of an economic and cultural center.

Popular tours through Port Louis:

Port Louis: Street Food Tour*
Mauritius: Private Instagram Day Tour*
Port Louis, Botanical Garden & Beaches: Day Tour*
Port Louis: China Town Guided Food Tour*
Highlight Hike with Transfer from Port Louis*

The Central Market in Port Louis is particularly popular. Here you can find fresh fruit, vegetables, spices, clothing, souvenirs, and other delicacies. The market is one thing above all: colorful, bustling, and loud. Everyone is trying to sell their wares to the people here. So don’t be afraid of the market criers. The market is open every day until around 6 p.m.

We liked the Le Caudan Waterfront the best. Here you can leisurely stroll, eat, and browse the shops. You’ll also find cafés, arcades, cinemas, restaurants, and a mall. A little further along the promenade are the famous colorful umbrellas, which have become a popular photo subject.

The city has so much more to offer, but it would go beyond the scope here (Fort Adelaide, Champ de Mars racecourse, temples, Aapravasi Ghat, Blue Penny Museum…).

4. Hike up Le Pouce

Unfortunately, we haven’t managed to climb Le Pouce in four months. The hike is supposed to be really cool. At least, our local friends have often raved about it. The mountain is 811 meters above sea level, making it the third highest mountain on the island.

Only the nearby Pieter Both (823 meters) and the Petite Rivière Noire (828 meters) in the south of Mauritius are higher. The hikes start either in Port Louis or on the other side of the mountain in Moka. However, a basic level of fitness is required for this hike.

5. The Sacred Lake – Grand Bassin

In the interior of Mauritius, at the eastern end of the Black River Gorges National Park, lies the sacred lake – Grand Bassin. We had a wonderful trip there with our Mauritius rental car. Even from a distance, we could see the imposing Shiva statue rising above the lake from the wide road.

It is the largest pilgrimage site outside of India and is visited by more than 500,000 pilgrims every year (late February/early March). The Maha Shivaratree Festival is one of the most important Hindu events.

Around the lake, you will find many temples, sacrificial shrines, and statues of gods. According to legend, the crater lake is connected to the sacred Ganges River in India. But be careful: wild monkeys roam everywhere. Please do not feed these monkeys or touch them. They are still wild animals!

Entry is completely free. However, you should be careful with your clothing and not enter the temples too revealingly. This is simply a matter of respect for the religion. Here’s a great tour: Dreamy Mauritius: Day Tour in the Southwest of the Island*.

6. Black River Gorges National Park

One of our favorite places in Mauritius is and always has been the Black River Gorges National Park. You might not believe it, but it’s the only park on the island. It covers around 3.5% of the island’s total area. Many native plant and animal species await you here.

Some plant species are found only in this park worldwide, such as the dodo tree, verbena, and oxtongue. Be sure to take a whole day to explore the beautiful surroundings.

There are around 60 kilometers of footpaths and trails in the national park. It’s the perfect region on the island for hikers. Most trails are well signposted, but a hiking map and brochures are helpful. You can pick up these at the park’s main information center in Le Pétrin or in Black River at the western entrance. Admission is free.

Hiking trails:

Bel Ombre Trail (18 km)
Black River Peak Trail (9 km)
Macchabée Trail and Parakeet Trail (10 km)
Alexandra Falls Hiking Trail
Trochettia Hiking Trail (3 km)

You’ll have a truly beautiful view from the Black River Gorges Viewpoint. On a clear day, you can marvel at the entire, deeply forested gorge all the way to the coast. On the way to the national park, you’ll also pass the Chamarel Viewpoint. From there, you’ll have a wonderful view of the sea and the landscape. The road from Case Noyale leads up the mountain in tight switchbacks. With a rental car on Mauritius, this is no problem.

7. The Seven Colored Earth

You only have to pay an entrance fee if you want to see the Seven Colored Earth or the Chamarel Waterfall, as these highlights are privately owned (book your ticket here*). This “7 colored earth” is probably one of THE highlights in Mauritius. It is a unique geological phenomenon in the world.

Volcanic activity has mixed seven different types of earth together. There is also a souvenir shop, a café, some turtles, and many beautiful plants on site. Book your guided tour here: Chamarel: Southwest Mauritius Private Guided Day Tour*.

8. The Chamarel Waterfall

And while you’re there, be sure to visit the beautiful Chamarel Waterfall. It’s the highest waterfall on the island and looks truly magical. The view from the viewpoint is simply gorgeous. The water cascades almost 100 meters into the depths, surrounded by tropical, jungle-like vegetation. If you’d rather take a guided tour, we’ve found something cool here: Chamarel: Southwest Mauritius Private Guided Day Tour*.

9. Temples, Churches & Mosques

Mauritius isn’t just home to churches and mosques; it also has some truly beautiful temples. This is due to the island’s diverse culture. Here, the temple stands next to the church, and the church next to the mosque. In Port Louis, the beautiful Jummah Mosque in the China Town district dates back to 1850.

Triolet is home to the largest and oldest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath Shiv Mandir Temple. This temple was built in 1891 in honor of the god Shiva. We also found the colorful Tookay Temple near Rose Belle particularly beautiful.

As mentioned at the beginning, the pretty Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice Chapel (see point 1) is located in the north of the island. Near Pamplemousses is the third oldest church on the island, the Catholic Church of Saint François d’Assise. Curepipe is also home to the truly beautiful Ste. Thérèse Church.

You can see the two large towers of the cathedral, which was built in a beautiful garden, from the road. Near Postre de Flaq is the floating temple Kashinath Mandir, built on the mini-island of Ile aux Goyavièrs. And don’t forget the beautiful complex at the Grand Bassin (see point 5).

10. Bois Cheri Tea Plantation

A little further inland is the Bois Cheri tea plantation. The climate in Mauritius is perfect for tea cultivation, and the exclusive production takes place there with great care. In a small museum, you can learn how the tea is made, step by step.

Amidst the green plantations stands a beautiful colonial house, which now houses a restaurant. Here you can enjoy the view and, of course, sample the various tea varieties (free, included in the entrance fee). If we remember correctly, admission cost around €13 for adults.

11. Le Morne and Le Morne Brabant

This absolute delicacy is hard to miss on the island. In the southwest of Mauritius rises the imposing Le Morne Brabant. It’s almost 556 meters to the very top. We certainly don’t need to tell you how beautiful the view from the top is, do we? It’s simply stunning. To climb the mountain, you should be at a basic level of fitness. The final stretch to the top is particularly challenging. Sturdy shoes and plenty of fluids are a must.

The area has been privately owned for centuries. Therefore, you are only allowed to climb the mountain with a guide. When we were there, however, it was no problem hiking up there alone. There’s a small hut at the foot of the mountain where you had to sign a list. Fun fact: The mountain is only open to the public at an altitude of 300 meters. So you could land your helicopter on the mountain without permission. Apparently, there’s even a landing pad. Crazy world!

It’s best to inquire locally about the current regulations for climbing the mountain. The hike up and down takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. The first part is easy and quite leisurely. The path winds its way up very slowly. At some point, you’ll see a sign “for experienced climbers only.”

From there, it gradually gets steeper, and you’ll really have to climb. But at the end, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view! If you’d rather take a guided hike, you’ll find one here: Eco-Hike to UNESCO Mountain Le Morne Brabant*.

12. Tamarin Tourelle Climb

What a climb that was! By far the most difficult and toughest we’ve ever done. From the top of Tamarin Tourelle, you have a breathtaking view of the national park, Le Morne Brabant, and the lagoon. It’s best to start early in the morning when it’s not so hot yet.

The sun can burn your back and shoulders without you even noticing. The trail starts on private land and is unfortunately not easy to find. It’s best to ask around on site. Unfortunately, we don’t remember exactly where it was.

13. Beautiful Tamarin Falls

The beautiful Tamarin Falls are very impressive. With the help of a local guide, you can walk down the waterfalls. We did it without a guide because the trails were easy and well-marked with colored dots. Don’t forget sturdy shoes. The natural beauty is breathtaking.

The Tamarin Falls plunge down into the depths in seven stages. We “fought” our way through the thicket to the third stage from the top. If you want to go down all the stages, you should plan a whole day. You can then refresh yourself in the natural pools.

Getting there: First, drive to Quatre Bornes. There, turn right at the traffic lights, towards Vacoas. Follow this road until you see the sign for “Henrietta.” Turn there and follow the main road to the bus station. Several guides will approach you here. It should cost around 350 MRU to go all the way down. If you only want to hike part of the way, the price should be cheaper. Click here for a guided hike*.

14. The Rochester Falls

Are you looking for more sights in Mauritius? Then we’ll let you in on something: In the south of the island are the beautiful Rochester Falls. It’s the widest waterfall on the island and not particularly high. The drive there takes you through sugar cane plantations, between the towns of Soulliac and St. Felix.

But don’t worry, the path is signposted. You can park your car at the top of the waterfall and walk the last bit. When we were there, some kids kept jumping off the rocks into the water. It looked really cool. We weren’t brave enough, though.

15. The Botanical Garden

The Mauritius Botanical Garden is located in Pamplemousses. As soon as you leave the highway, you’ll see the wide signs directing you to the visitor parking lot. The 37-hectare site is home to around 80 different plant species. In addition to the Amazonian giant water lily, the Taliot palm is another highlight of the garden.

You’ll also find plants with the funny name “sausage tree” here, whose fruits are somewhat reminiscent of small sausages. You’ll see what you get! Entrance fee, by the way, is 300 MUR (approx. €6). Book your very own private Instagram day tour here*.

16. Blue Bay Mauritius

The Blue Bay Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This bay is arguably one of the most beautiful spots on the entire island. There’s also a truly pretty beach here. The turquoise, crystal-clear water makes it a wonderful place to explore the underwater world. Grab your snorkel and dive into the cool water yourself.

From the beach you can book boat tours, where the underwater world is shown and explained to you. The operators sit at their small tables directly on the beach. If you walk along the bay on the left, you will find a hotel behind the wall. There you can rent kayaks and explore the area on your own. You can even sail to the Ile des Deux Cocos .

Popular tours in Blue Bay:

Blue Bay: Half-day snorkeling tour & Creole picnic*
Mauritius: Catamaran trip from Blue Bay to Île aux Cerfs*
Trou d’Eau Douce: Island adventure on the southeast coast*
Snorkeling in Blue Bay with a glass-bottom boat*

17. Excursion to Île aux Cerfs

If you fancy a trip to a beautiful island, then don’t miss a visit to Île aux Cerfs. This small island is located in the east of Mauritius, just a short boat ride from Trou d’Eau Douce. You can book tours directly at the jetty in this town. Most sell tickets with a speedboat and dinner for just under €30.

We were able to negotiate a lower price and ended up taking the regular boat to the island for just €12, without dinner or any other frills. It should also be noted that our tour was about five years ago, and there are certainly new “unofficial prices” by now.

On the island, right by the jetty, there is a shop, a restaurant, restrooms, and a climbing garden. You can also book activities there, such as paragliding. Most visitors stay right there and enjoy their trip. Simply walk clockwise along the beach. After about a 10 to 15-minute walk, you’ll reach a beautiful, quiet bay. Here you can enjoy the peace and quiet, away from the tourists.

18. Rhumerie de Chamarel Rum Factory

Do you love to sample a delicious tipple? Then visit the Rhumerie de Chamarel rum factory in the southwest of the island. The rum here is ecologically pure and therefore a truly high-quality rum. It is even said that the rum represents the highest level of enjoyment and a holiday feeling. In the factory, you can learn all about its production and taste.

Between June and November, you can observe the individual processing steps step by step in the factory. At the end of the tour, there’s a rum tasting so you can experience the taste of rum for yourself. The factory is open to visitors Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A tour for two people costs 1100 MUR. This interesting tour also includes a tasting.

19. Other surrounding islands

In the north of the island, not far from the coast, are the three islands of Gabriel’s Island, Flat Island, and Gunners Coin. Catamaran tours to Gabriel Island are particularly popular, thanks to its snow-white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and stunning underwater world. Such tours start at just €60, and the journey to the island takes just under 1.5 hours.

Excursions to the southwest to Ile aux Bénitiers are also popular. This is a large coral sand island, almost 2 kilometers long and about 500 meters wide. You’ll also find a beautiful white sand beach on this island (book a tour here*).

20. The Best Snorkeling Spots

Many people ask us where the best places to go snorkeling in Mauritius are. The most popular spot is, of course, the beautiful Blue Bay in the southeast of the island (see point 16). Here you can observe some colorful fish in the clear water. Unfortunately, truly colorful and intact corals are rare these days.

You often read that the waters of Flic en Flac are great for snorkeling. We didn’t see many fish, but maybe we were just unlucky. The underwater world is said to be particularly amazing at the northern end of the beach.

The beach at Le Morne is truly beautiful. Not only is the beach fantastic, but so is the crystal-clear water. A superb snorkeling spot is locatedLocated in front of the 5-star Hotel Le Paradis. The beach at Trou aux Biches is also great for snorkeling. The reef is very close, allowing you to quickly reach the underwater world. If you’re near Albion, you should try your luck there, too. The water is very clear, and the corals are very close.

Mauritius Sightseeing – The most beautiful places & highlights