The best activities and experiences in Mauritius

The former Vallée des Couleurs, rebranded Vallé Adventure Park: 450 hectares famous for the 23-coloured earth, waterfalls and south-coast viewpoints. Also a thrill hub: 8 zipline circuits (500 m to a cumulative 5.5 km), a Nepalese bridge 100 m up, mountain luge karts, quads and buggies.

A reserve in a lush tropical valley, known for its hundreds of approachable Aldabra giant tortoises, Nile crocodiles and one of the world's richest insectariums. Ideal for families.

From the Grand Baie jetty, sail past Coin de Mire and its tropicbirds, then anchor between Flat and Gabriel Islands: crystal-water snorkeling and BBQ on board.

Every morning, pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins come to rest in Tamarin and Black River bays. The dawn boat trip, sometimes with a swim, is the west coast's signature experience.

A huge adventure park against Rempart mountain: bus safari among zebras and ostriches, giant tortoises, panoramic aviary, ziplines, quads and canyon swing. The west coast's number-one family outing.

1,300 hectares of endemic forest at the heart of the UNESCO biosphere, in the highlands of the old sugar estate: 4x4 safaris, quad, buggy and guided hikes among century-old trees, deer herds and a hidden waterfall you can swim in.

Opened in 2021 at Les Salines, the first oceanarium in the Mascarenes: 45 tanks, 3,500 animals and 200 Indian Ocean species across 5,500 m². A modern, educational visit, ideal with kids or on a cloudy day.

A brand-new open-air amusement park opened in July 2026 on the Tribeca Mall esplanade in Trianon: Megatron, Tower of Terror, Superslide and rides for everyone from age 3. A handy family outing in the island's centre, easy to pair with the mall.

The island's biggest mall, in Moka: 150+ shops (international brands and local designers), food court, cinema and events. The go-to rainy-day outing and the duty-free shopping stop for travellers.

A modern mall in Trianon on the island's central corridor: shops, restaurants and a supermarket, with the brand-new Fun Park on its esplanade. A convenient stop between Port Louis and the highlands.

The highlands' other big mall, in Phoenix: local and international brands, a food court and regular events. Less touristy than Bagatelle, this is where Mauritians actually shop.

The west coast's open-air shopping village between Flic en Flac and Tamarin: shops, a supermarket and restaurants in an airy setting. The natural supply stop for holidaymakers staying out west.

A vast 1,200-hectare nature estate in the eastern hills and valleys, an outdoor paradise: quad, buggy, ziplines, horse riding and mountain biking. Java deer and savannah views along the way.

Over 20 sites within a 20-minute boat ride: wrecks, drop-offs and coral gardens between 12 and 30 m. Many PADI centres, calm conditions year-round and 25-30 m visibility.

Tandem jump from 10,000 ft above the Mon Loisir cane fields: 30 seconds of freefall at 200 km/h, then a canopy ride facing the turquoise lagoons of the north coast. One of the most spectacular drop zones in the Indian Ocean.

The North's main shopping mall, in the heart of Grand Baie: fashion galleria, restaurants, cinema and air-conditioned food court. The practical counterpart to the Grand Baie bazaar, and a welcome refuge when rain hits the northern beaches.

The Indian Ocean's only real tourist submarine: a comfortable dive to 35 m from Trou aux Biches, among corals, turtles and a wreck. For everyone, and you stay dry.

A scenic flight over the lagoons, mountain cirques and above all the famous 'underwater waterfall' off Le Morne, an optical illusion visible only from the sky.

An open-sea trip beyond the reef from Tamarin: migrating humpbacks July-October, resident sperm whales visible year-round thanks to the west coast's deep drop-off.

From La Balise Marina, chase blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, dorado and wahoo on the drop-off, just minutes from port. Mauritius hosts the Marlin World Cup every year.

A world-class spot: waist-deep turquoise lagoon for beginners, the legendary One Eye wave for experts, wind 300 days a year. Several schools right on the beach.

An illusion house opposite the Seven Coloured Earth ticket booth: 40+ installations over 5,000 m², a 200-mirror maze, an Ames room that makes you grow or shrink, an upside-down house, a laser room and a bottomless lift. Under new management, the visit now leans on Mauritian nature and legends — dodo, marlin, underwater waterfall.

A catamaran day from Trou d'Eau Douce: the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall, lagoon snorkeling, BBQ on board, then free time on the Ile aux Cerfs beach.

A 20-minute walk on the lagoon floor at 3-4 m depth wearing an air-fed diving helmet: dry hair, glasses allowed, fish fed by hand. No swimming skills needed.