For over many years, we remember Mauritius being synonyms with honeymoons. The days and nights are spent lazing on ethereal beaches with powdery white sands and warm azure waters. It is true that some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world are found here, but there is no dearth of offbeat things to do in Mauritius – it isn’t called Paradise Island for nothing! Here are some unusual ways to explore the flip-side of this magnificent place called Mauritius.
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Check Out These OffBeat Things To Do In Mauritius
Visit The Seven Color Sand Dunes In Chamarel
Chamarel is a geological marvel and one of the major offbeat things to do in Mauritius. It is the only place in the world where you can find a clay earth of seven colors in one place. The high concentration of metals in the soil is responsible for these colors to emerge. This little-known village in South Mauritius holds many surprises. The Colored Earth, which is a geological oddity of sorts, is first on the list. Purples, yellows, oranges, and reds coalesce to form an uneven volcanic surface. That’s where the spectacle lies. You can stare dumbstruck at the wonders of nature or make friends with a giant tortoise – the choice is yours.
Hiking The Black River Gorges National Park
Barely half an hour from the beach takes you through dense forest to reach Black River Gorges National Park. This forested interior of Mauritius is home to many native species of flora and fauna. If lucky, you can get to see some rare and endangered bird species like the Mauritius kestrel, the echo parakeet and the pink pigeon. Breathe in the fresh air as you hike to Gorges viewpoint for some breathtaking views of Mauritius. For nature lovers this is one of the top offbeat things to do in Mauritius. Watch out for white-tailed tropicbirds while hiking through bright flowering plants, imposing trees and gushing waterfalls.
Hire A Car To Enjoy The Wide And Smooth Driveways
Take a zoom around! Once behind the wheel, explore the hidden villages and beaches of Mauritius. Ensure you drive along Mauritius’ Southern coast, which is right up there with the best the island has to offer. Think black rocks, rugged panoramas, crashing waves, windy surfing beaches, and stunning Mauritian countryside. You won’t forget the feeling of wind hitting your face as you drive through winding roads to reach the southernmost tip of the island at ‘Gris Gris.’
Enjoy A Guided Segway Safari Trip
Segway safari is different from the other safaris as the ride through the jungle is not in a protected vehicle but on a Segway. Segway is a two-wheeled self-balancing electric vehicle which can get you really close to nature. A one hour trip on a Segway through 4,500 hectares of the natural reserve park brings you face to face with wild boars, hares, macaque monkeys, mongoose, zebras, ostriches and African antelopes. One can enjoy this unique trip with experienced guides of the park, explaining to you about the flora, fauna and animals you will see and encounter during the trip. This unique travel experience on the modern Segway transporter is sure to sweep you off your feet.
Drive Through The Scenic Tea Plantations
Imagine being the only ones on the windy road – a road surrounded by tea plantations and covered with fog. As you drive on the mist-laden road, you see tea-pickers at work, plucking leaves off the bushes in their own rhythm. The mise-en-scene at Bois Cheri Tea Plantations is indeed magical. If you’re a tea enthusiast you could take a guided tour around the plantation arena. Enjoy the terrace dine at the restaurant – which offers stunning panoramic views of inland Mauritius and an extensive variety of teas on the menu. Sip and savor some freshly brewed tea here!
Indulge In Activities That Give An Adrenaline Rush
Many travelers flock to Mauritius just to embrace their adventurous spirit. Do you want to try your hand at it? The top watersports activities like parasailing, kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing and snorkeling are some of the cool things to do in Mauritius for that adrenaline rush. The clear and quite calm waters in Mauritius make it easier to enjoy marine life. These are various companies on the island who offer these activities. One can also book for these activities at their hotels or resorts. This tropical island is a true paradise for water sports lovers.
Savor The Cuisine Of Mauritius By The Sand
Mauritian food is said to be amongst the best in the world. The best way to taste the delicious cuisine of a country is while exploring the city. Its cuisine possesses a unique mix of Creole, African, Indian, and Chinese influences. The dishes offer bursts of intricate flavors, backed by spices, colors, and flavors all of them come together to form a scrumptious cuisine. A French bouillon laced with Indian spices. A mouth-watering combo isn’t it? There’s no finer dining experience in Mauritius than grabbing a table at a beachfront shack with the soft sand kissing your feet. Don’t forget to savor popular street foods like Alouda, gajak, sweet potato cakes, roti chaud, etc.
Ocean Tour With Whales & Dolphins
Of the many unusual things to do in Mauritius, Dolphin or Whale Watching is the most popular of them all. July to November is the time when dolphins are frequently sighted in the lagoon off Tamarin. Do follow the rules set by the tour company to ensure the dolphins and whales are not disturbed. If you can swim, then simply jump into the ocean to swim beside these marine creatures. There are many tour operators offering this tour along with your package. Don’t hesitate, take it. Trust me, this is the best way to experience a proper ocean day.
Relax At Luxury Beach Resorts
Relaxing at the beautiful beaches in Mauritius are easily the top attraction of the country, but how about relaxing at one of the top luxurious Beach resorts. The luxurious choices lie along the east coast, while the southern beaches are quieter and wilder. You will find white sands, azure waters, leafy palms and vibrant coral reefs encircling the island like a garland. Most of the luxury resorts are beach facing or lagoon facing. A stay in a luxury resort with all these around you makes you feel truly blessed. Check into family resorts like Le Canonnier or intimate boutique beach hotels like Hotel 20°Sud for a truly relaxing holiday.
Kestrel Feeding Tour At Vallée de Ferney
The best way to explore the Mauritian flora and fauna is by going on a Kestrel Feeding Tour. This is an excellent opportunity to admire indigenous plant species like Ebony trees, Coffea Mauritania, Takamakas, Eugenia Bojeria, Araucarias and other species like the Ravenala or Traveler’s Tree. The tour starts at La Vallée de Ferney Visitor’s Corner with a small briefing of the tour. As you go deep inside the forest, you might come across the Mauritian Flying Fox, megabat, pink pigeon and the green cateau. This tour also gives one a chance to feed the amazing birds. At the end of the tour some delicious Mauritian Cuisine awaits you at the restaurant Falaise Rouge.
Pedal Through Wild Nature At Bras D’Eau
This is your chance to go on an amazing adventure ride through nature on two wheels. The exciting 20-30 Km (3 hours) ride takes you through untouched forests and mountainous trails of Bras D’Eau. It’s a fun activity that can be enjoyed with family and friends. Mauritius adventurous biking experience through a pine forest where the famous jackfruit and breadfruit trees are, passing through unexplored ruins, unending landscapes, through old railway lines to reach the Roches Noires village to explore a short lava tunnel. Along the way you will get to see sparrows, mynas, Mauritius fodys, canaries, white-tailed tropic bird as well as Paradise-flycatchers, a rare endemic bird found at Bras d’Eau.
Zip Over Casela Nature Park
If you have no fear of heights, then step out to walk on a suspended bridge and zip through the sky with a Zip line Adventure. Once you have signed up for this, be ready for a hair-raising thrill ride through magnificent scenery and surroundings. You will be flying down five zip lines in the air at high speeds. Discover the natural beauty of Casela Nature Park from a bird’s eye view. This thrilling ride takes you through the towering trees, canyon surrounded by breath-taking mountains and sometimes even splashing into the water. There are zip lines with single, double and quadruples where four people link up for the ride. These fun things to do in Mauritius are completely safe and are the ideal outdoor experience for people looking for an adrenaline rush.
Climbing Le Morne Brabant Peak
Le Morne Brabant, located in the South West part of the island is one of the best things to do in Mauritius. Climbing Le Morne Brabant will take you around 3-4 hours inclusive of the breaks taken for snacks and photography. Though this well-marked climb is tough, the breathtaking panoramic views over the hills makes it worth the climb. Le Morne Brabant is one of the most preserved mountains of the island and has taken a spot in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. This majestic basaltic mountain which is 1,824 ft. above sea level, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mauritius.
Walk Through History At The Blue Penny Museum
The most famous museum in Mauritius, the Blue Penny Museum is located in Port Louis, the Capital of Mauritius. This carefully curated museum displays the precious heritage collection that takes us through the rich history of the island. It offers a real expedition through the past, present and its growth over the years. The museum’s great collection includes old marine maps, paintings, sculptures, stamps, engravings and old documents that bring forward the richness of Mauritian history and culture. The most precious of them all are the unused one penny orange-red stamps, and one of the four unused two pence indigo-blue stamps. These two gems are now on display for viewing at the Blue Penny Museum. A great place to get your hands on a unique range of top quality souvenirs, designed postcards, posters, decorative objects and stationery.
Go On A Shopping Spree At The Bustling Markets
Visit to any destination is incomplete without a wholesome shopping experience. Mauritius has a wide variety of markets and shopping malls to satisfy the needs of shoppers of all sorts. From inexpensive shopping experiences to the wealthy ones, Mauritian markets have it all! It’s also the best place to bargain for a good price, locals recommend to start bargaining at 40% of the original price. A visit to Port Louis’ Central Market is a great way to get a taste of the local life too. Exotic items, spices, homemade oils and souvenir presents are a must buy from these markets. Spending your day at these local markets is one of the fun things to do in Mauritius.
Best Time To Visit Mauritius
Mauritius is famous for being a year-round destination, hence the best time to visit Mauritius actually depends on what kind of experience one is looking for. Generally the best time to visit Mauritius is between May and June and between September and October. Here’s a month by month guide to the weather in Mauritius to help plan your activities accordingly:
January (Average Temperature of 26°C) – The temperature can be quite hot during this time and can expect occasional rains. This is the time when cyclones roll in from the Indian Ocean.
February (Average Temperature of 26°C) – The temperature can be quite hot during this time and can expect rains. Ideal time to visit various waterfalls in Mauritius.
March (Average Temperature of 26°C) – The temperature can be quite hot but all trees are covered with colorful flowers and leaves.
April (Average Temperature of 25°C) – The temperature can be quite hot, can expect heavy showers throughout the month.
May (Average Temperature of 23°C) – The temperature remains cool and comfortable. The warm and dry weather makes it the ideal time to indulge in most of the activities.
June (Average Temperature of 22°C) – The temperature remains cool and comfortable. An ideal time to indulge in most of the activities.
July (Average Temperature of 21°C) – The temperature remains cool and comfortable. An ideal time to indulge in most of the activities. Can expect scattered showers.
August (Average Temperature of 21°C) – The temperature is pretty mild during this time of the year. Can get colder after sunset.
September (Average Temperature of 21°C) – The temperature remains cool and comfortable. An ideal time to indulge in most of the activities.
October (Average Temperature of 23°C) – With bright sun and blue skies the temperature starts to get hotter. An ideal time to indulge in most of the activities.
November (Average Temperature of 24°C) – With bright sun and blue skies the temperature starts to get hotter and crowd less. An ideal time to visit if you like the heat and less crowds.
December (Average Temperature of 25°C) – The weather is warm and humid during this time of the year. Perfect for all indoor and outdoor activities.
Mauritius is often portrayed as a vacation destination for couples. But with all the above fun things to do in Mauritius it certainly goes beyond the honeymoon’s paradise. It is a perfect destination for solo and budget travelers as well. Engage yourself to experience the unseen and explore Mauritius like never before. The sights to marvel are innumerable and the time on your hand to explore is fast-fading. What are you waiting for? Go enjoy this true paradise and share your offbeat experiences with us in the comment section below.
Hiking, Diving, Zip lining, Paddle boarding, Buggy, Parasailing are some of the adventurous things to do in Mauritius.
Window shopping at Port Louis Bazaar, Walk through ChinaTown, Soaking in the Mauritian Beaches, and Exploring Chamarel are things that can be done for free.
Avoid the peak of summer and winter by visiting Mauritius between May and June and between September and October.
To explore the best of Mauritius one needs to spend at least 7 to 10 days in Mauritius.
Mauritius is an independent country lying in the waters between the continents of Africa and Asia.
