Best things to do in Mauritius 

Where there’s sand, there’s sea and in Mauritius, there are lagoons and reefs that are perfect for all kinds of watersports. The resort of Belle Mare isn’t just home to one of the largest beaches, it borders a coral-protected lagoon, too, where you can go snorkelling to spot eagle rays and barracudas. Or, if you’d rather stay dry, try spying its marine visitors from the deck of a glass-bottom boat. Over on the west coast, Pointe aux Piments’ nearby coral reef brings shoals of fish right to the shoreline, while the shallow bays of Balaclava are a regular playground for turtles.

Surf’s up in Tamarin Bay, meanwhile, where you might even be able to share barrelling waves with dolphins. Diving a little deeper, Ile aux Cerfs – in the east of the island – has one of the largest unbroken barrier reefs in the world, so scuba and snorkelling here rivals some of the best in the world. If you’d rather stay above the water, climb onboard one of our catamaran cruises and sail against a backdrop of mountains and hidden coves, before tucking into a delicious barbecue lunch.

A former French colony with Indian and Chinese influences, Mauritius has adopted a truly diverse cuisine. You’re just as likely to find curries and dhals, spiced with things like saffron and cinnamon, as you are noodle dishes borrowed from Cantonese culture.

Fresh seafood is readily available – this is an island nation, after all – and, up in the north, the culinary capital of Grand Baie is a prime stop to sample the catch of the day. Elsewhere, a classic chicken curry can’t be beaten. Step forward curry de poulet – a fragrant dish that’s a favourite around local dinner tables. Another staple and Creole delicacy, rougaille, is a Mauritian tomato-based dish, often using salted fish.

Want to eat like a local while you’re on the go? Grab a dholl puri roti – a moreish flatbread spread with split peas – then wash it all down with a glass of alouda – an iced drink flavoured with basil seeds, agar jelly, milk and vanilla.

When it comes to active days out, the triple threat of Bras d’Eau, Black River Gorges National Park and the Ebony Forest will have you packing your rambling boots.

Trek through Bras d’Eau’s tecoma and eucalyptus trees, and you might spot kestrels, woodpeckers and flycatchers above their branches. Around the Coq Du Bois Loop, these sights are swapped for mangoes and litchi as you pass through its fruit-filled orchard. The area’s also home to more than 300 species of flowering plants, giant fruit bats and birds, including parakeets and pink pigeons. Make a stop at Lake Mare Sercelle for the best chance of catching sight of your favourite high-flyer.

Finally, there’s Ebony Forest, a 50-hectare protected area of sky-high ebony trees. If you’re feeling fit, you can hike for around six kilometres to Piton Canot – the forest’s peak point, which boasts breathtaking 360-degree views of the island’s southwest.

Take to nature’s spa and trek to Tamarind Falls for a swim under its epic cascade of seven waterfalls.. Leading you through a secluded area in the southwest of the island, the hiking trail is a full day’s work, but the reward is worth it.

If that sounds up your street, you’ll love what Bel Ombre Nature Reserve offers, too. Here, you can take a plunge into the pools of Hirondelles and L’Exemple Waterfalls for an unforgettable swim, sharing the grounds with deer and monkeys.