Nos Tops 5 activités à l'île Maurice-villa-vie

Our Top 5

Are you looking for the best activities and attractions in Mauritius ?

Here is our Top 5 per category: nautical activities, family, nature, culture and even for rainy days!

Our Top 5 Water Activities

1. Catamaran cruises

Many interesting catamaran cruises are available in Mauritius. Amongst many enjoyable destinations, our selection is: Gabriel Island, Île aux Cerfs and Flat Island. Different packages are offered, but all generally include round trips, barbecues and unlimited drinks, and snorkeling. Contact us to get preferential rates from our partners, Sportfischer and Croisières Australes.

2. Swim with the dolphins

In the south of the island, just off Le Morne, a large selection of boats is available and ready to take you to meet and swim with the dolphins in their natural habitat; and if you are wondering, it is very rare that they are not around. Those cruises are usually combined with other ones such as visiting the famous Crystal Rock before having lunch on Île aux Bénitiers.

3. Big Game Fishing

If you want an adrenaline rush, big game fishing is for you! On the Agenda: marlin, tuna and other fish, each more exotic than the other. This activity, which is very popular amongst fishing enthusiasts, takes place mainly in the southeast of the island. Contact us to benefit from the advantages we get from our partner Sportfischer.

4. Diving

Going for a diving session in the vicinity of Coin de Mire, going through a PADI course next to Ilot Gabriel, or simply snorkeling in the waters of Blue Bay is all up to you… but what never fails to surprise is that Mauritius boasts a huge range of sea treasures and infinite wealth. A real aquatic paradise awaits you: multi- coloured fish, old shipwrecks deep down on the seabed, and magnificent coral gardens… An experience not to be missed when in Mauritius!

5. Canoeing and kayaking

Yemaya Adventure offers numerous sea-kayaking trips, to Ile d’ Ambre or Ilot Bernache among others. It is also possible to rent canoes on some public beaches such as Mont Choisy, Péreybère, or Bain Bœuf.

Activities for everyone!

Our Top 5 Family Activities

1. L’Aventure du Sucre

Located in Pamplemousses, this former sugar factory converted into a museum traces the history of sugar cane and reveals how it has shaped the history, economy, landscape and population of Mauritius. It is a playful visit of nearly 2 hours for all the family (including a tasting!). You can also visit the restaurant Le Fangourin and the nearby craft shops.

2. Casela Park of Adventure

In the West, between Tamarin and Flic-en-Flac, a large 250-hectare park allows you to discover the flora and fauna of the Indian Ocean and those of Africa. A whole host of activities for all ages are also offered, including speedy rides on squads, zip-lining across canyons and, as the highlight of the day, walking with the lions – Reservation at booking.casela@caselapark.com.

3. Adventure Park Chamarel

In the south-west of the island, in the heart of a subtropical forest, this adventure park offers many activities for the young and not so young such as zip-lining, quad riding or roaming from trees to trees attached to a lifeline. Not far away from there, you can view the 7-coloured earth, the Alexandra Falls (4 km), and the Black River Gorges National Park (6-7 km). For the booking, we advise you to contact: parkaventure@intnet.mu or +230 234 5385.

4. La Vanille Nature Park

In the village of Rivière des Anguilles, in the South of the island, this zoological park is known for its Nile crocodiles imported from Madagascar, its bats, and its varieties of tortoises from Seychelles and Madagascar. A restaurant also offers dishes based on crocodile meat. For the booking, we advise you to contact: crocpark@intnet.mu or +230 626 2503.

5. Curious Corner

Opposite the entrance to Chamarel Coloured earth, this attraction – in the southwest of the island – is a gallery of optical illusions set in an old litchis factory. Between a labyrinth of mirrors, an inverted kitchen and a whole host of surprises, this unusual place will please both young and old.

Our Top 5 Nature Activities

1. Black River Gorges National Park

Located in the southwest of Mauritius, the Black River Gorges National Park hosts a multitude of mammals and birds in a forest of nearly 70 km2. 60km of footpaths will allow you to discover this natural richness and reach the summit of the Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire. It is possible to cross the national park by travelling on the main road from Pétrin or Grande Rivière Noire.

3. Hiking

Mauritius is a volcanic island with many breathtaking summits, which can be conquered alone or with a guide. Among the most famous climbs: Le Morne Brabant (555m – 3h – medium difficulties), Piton de la Rivière-Noire and la Chaîne de Moka (their difficulties vary according to the paths used), Lion Mountain (480m) Three Mamelles, Le Pouce, etc.

2. Island of the Aigrettes

Situated off Mahébourg, in the southeast of Mauritius, Île aux Aigrettes is an island of 26 hectares and classified as a “nature reserve” since 1965. The island has since been the subject of an important protection plan in order to restore the richness of its fauna and flora. To get there and enjoy a guided tour, the departure is from Pointe Jérôme. Booking recommended by contacting the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.

4. Canyoning

The landscape and waterways in Mauritius created opportunities for canyoning and discovering beautiful sites. Vertical World offers excursions to Tamarin Falls, 7 Cascades or Eau Bleu for activities that include jumping off a cliff, climbing, swimming and walking amongst other activities. Their activities are mainly for thrill seekers.

5. Natural Park of Bras d’eau

Bras d’Eau is a nature reserve of 497 hectares, and includes the reserve of Mare Sarcelles. The “Coq des bois” trail, although marked out, sometimes gives the impression of being in a labyrinth. An easy trail, to do with family or friends – perfect to enjoy the great outdoors!

Our Top 5 Rainy Days Activities

1. Blue Penny Museum

Located at the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, this museum houses works of art of extreme rarity. You will see the original statue of Paul and Virginie, as well as the rarest stamps in the world: the Blue Penny and the Red Penny.

2. Odysséo

Located next to the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, Odysseo is the most important oceanarium in the Mascarene Islands and the first of its kind in Mauritius. Beyond the richness of its aquariums, Odysseo is a place where the whole family can have fun while expanding your environmental consciousness.

3. Commercial Centre

There are several shopping centres in Mauritius – perfect for shopping, buying souvenirs, having a coffee or watching a movie at the cinema. You can head to the Caudan Waterfront in Port-Louis, Bagatelle Mall in Moka, or La Croisette in Grand Bay. And if you are in the capital, don’t forget to check out the Caudan Arts Centre’s program!

4. Cinema

There are several cinemas in Mauritius, namely Cinema Star in Port Louis, Bagatelle, La Croisette, Trianon, and Curepipe. The projected films are European, American or Indian. All the cinemas in Mauritius propose different hours of projection, usually at 11 am, 2 pm, 6 pm or 9 pm. The films are either in English or French.

5. Spa day

With its beautiful hotels, Mauritius also has some wonderful spas across the island. Treat yourself to a wellness day at a hotel spa, or at Rituals Spa in the north of the island. Book beauty treatments or massages and enjoy a moment of relaxation in a tropical setting.

Our Top 5 Cultural Activities

1. Tea Route

The “Route du Thé” is a gastronomic and cultural tour that takes you to 3 estates: Domaine des Aubineaux, Bois Chéri, and Saint Aubin. A complete itinerary allows you to discover and taste teas and rums, to know more about essential oils and vanilla, as well as visit old colonial houses. All 3 estates also propose a gourmet restaurant.

2. My Moris : experience Mauritius from the inside

My Moris aims to promote the culture, history and heritage of Mauritius. Thus the company organizes activities that enable you to discover the Mauritian culture, its history, languages, crafts and local cuisine. Different formulas are proposed: historical and gourmet excursions in Port Louis, the exploration of a village by bicycle, games such as treasure hunts for children, etc.

3. Domaine de Labourdonnais

Founded in 1774 and formerly a sugar estate, Domaine de Labourdonnais, has since diversified its operations. Converted into a museum, the 540-hectare estate still includes orchards, gardens, sugarcane fields and distilleries. Its visit allows the retracing of its history and the discovering and tasting of its different productions: juices, rums and fruit pastes.

4. Natural History Museum

Located in Port Louis and formerly known as the Musée Desjardins, the Museum of Natural History is the oldest museum in the country and also the oldest in Southern Africa. The star of the exhibition is undoubtedly the dodo, the emblematic animal of Mauritius, which disappeared in the seventeenth century. There are also other extinct species.

5. Aapravasi Ghat

As a result of the abolition of slavery, this place was built in 1848 and welcomed almost half a million indentured labourers who moved from India under the English “establishment”. Read and learn about their history, which is in turn embedded in the history of Mauritius.