Experiences in Mauritius

If you think that Mauritius is just sea, sand and sunshine, then think again! The island’s beaches are definitely one of the greatest highlights, but there is so much more in store. If you’re ready to leave the confines of your resort and venture inland, a unique vacation experience awaits you and will add new meaning to outdoor activities, adventure, food and culture!

The North

In Mauritius, when we speak of “the north”, Grand Bay is the first thing that comes to mind. Grand Bay, through sustained development, has become the premier tourist destination of Mauritius.

The starting point of nautical trips to the northern islands and other sea activities, Grand Bay has two beaches, one of which is “La Cuvette”, a discreet hideaway, where you can still found the rare “tec-tec” hidden in the sand, small white shells that need to be preserved.

Take a walk through the narrow streets behind the main road and enjoy what the small local boutiques have to offer. Known for its wide variety of restaurants and its nightlife, you will immediately be drawn to this charming and exuberant village.

Another picturesque village in the north of Mauritius is Cap Malheureux, with its famous red-roofed church, its view of the northern islands and its important fishing community.

Port Louis, Capital City of Mauritius

Port Louis, the cosmopolitan capital city of Mauritius was founded in 1735 by the French governor and pioneer Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais. Located on the Northwest Coast, Port Louis is the administrative and business capital of the island.

Buzzing with activity during the day, the city is full of cultural and historical treasures that should not be missed. Beyond the central market, which is a focal point for those who want to feel close to the soul of Mauritius, are many historic sites including the Champ de Mars – the oldest race course in the southern hemisphere.

The West & South-West

The West and South-West coasts of Mauritius are the driest areas on the island. At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the African bush. Protected from the prevailing winds, the region boasts some superb hotels and lagoons calm enough for swimming, snorkelling, diving, water-skiing, kayaking, pedal boats and sailing activities.

Head to Tamarin Bay, or to the world famous “One Eye” at Le Morne, where you can find the best waves for surfing. Le Morne is also well known by kitesurfers due to the steady winds that blow in from the South-East and accelerate in this corner of the island almost all year round.

The West is where you’ll find the lush Black River Gorges. You can spend the day visiting the different Nature Parks (Casela, Gros Cailloux) in the region, going for walks, great activities for kids and taking in the stunning surroundings. There are even some tame African lions, giraffe and other animals to see.

Do some shopping at the nearby shopping centres and why not try a karting race at Cascavelle? For a truly magical experience, be sure to book a trip to Ile aux Bénitiers and swim with wild dolphins!

The South & South-East

The wildest and most beautiful landscapes of the island are in the South: sandy beaches bordered by cliffs carved by waves, rocky shores, sugar cane fields as far as the eye can see, and mountainous terrains offering magnificent panoramas. The integrated tourist area of Bel Ombre is also a model of its kind.

The East

What to See?

Ile aux Cerfs
Considered by others as a water sports paradise, and as having the most attractive beaches of the island by others, Ile aux Cerfs, a precious little jewel located five minutes from Le Touessrok hotel is a must-see in the Mauritian tourism landscape.

Grand River South East
The Grand River South East is a real attraction. The wide estuary enters an impressive gorge ending on a pictorial waterfall. An ideal place for excursions.

Beaches
Roches Noires and Poste Lafayette
The public beach of Roches Noires extends to Poste Lafayette, an excellent place for fishing and breathing in the crisp air.

Bras d’Eau
Bras d’Eau is a small bay inside the lagoon of Poste Lafayette. Its public beach has a view of the south, which means that you can see both the sunrise and the sunset – unique in the East.

Belle Mare
Belle Mare has a beautiful white sandy beach. The coastal road which follows large stretches of white sand from Palmar to Trou d’Eau Douce winds down to Grand Port right next to the sea and ends in the village of Mahebourg.

Flacq
Flacq is one of the most important villages in Mauritius. A lively hub in the East, this small town has one of the largest open-air markets in the country on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Inland & Centre

Time to leave the usual beaches and try a few excursions inland to get a feel for the heart of the island. Cooler than the coastal regions, the central plateau is situated between 400 and 600 meters above sea level. Starting from the South of Port Louis, this vast urban area is home to about 400,000 people, representing over one-third of the island’s population. High up on the plateau, you’ll also find forests, lakes and plantations that are well worth a visit.

Rodrigues

Some 560 kilometres north-east of Mauritius lies Rodrigues: the jewel in the crown of the Mascarene Islands – a 18 kilometre by 8 kilometre pearl surrounded by a crystalline blue lagoon twice its size.

The secure waters of the lagoon and the trade winds that gently buffer the island provide many opportunities for the adventurous. Rodrigues is a wonderful playground for scuba divers who quickly fall in love with the diverse coral reef eco-system and its colourful assortment of sub-aquatic flora and fauna. Equally, the island appeals to those with a love of windsurfing, kite-surfing, sailing and fishing. Thanks to its outer reef edges sitting nearly ten kilometres away from the coastline, Rodriguan waters are rich in fish. In fact, no fewer than three world record catches have been hooked here since 2005.

It isn’t only those who like the ocean that will be swayed by Rodrigues’ charms. Yellows, greens and blues: nature on Rodrigues throbs with a palette of colours. Rarely will visitors encounter such a variety of landscapes in such a small area.