Mauritius Beyond the Beach: Best Things to Do in Mauritius

When you imagine Mauritius in your mind’s eye, chances are scenes of white sand beaches, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and turquoise stretches of ocean pop up. While you wouldn’t be wrong – Mauritius certainly does have all of this – pristine beaches aren’t the only drawcard of this island paradise. Some of the best things to do in Mauritius don’t even involve the coastline.

Let’s take a trip to this African island to explore what to do during a Mauritius island vacation besides relaxing on the beach.

Where is Mauritius?

Mauritius is a volcanic, subtropical island country surrounded by the warm, inviting Indian Ocean. Close to South Africa, this nation is only about a four-hour flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

As it’s just off the southeastern coast of Africa, this is the perfect island destination if you’re planning a safari and beach holiday. Imagine being immersed in the wilderness of the sprawling Kruger National Park, spotting the Big Five during game drives through nature, before enjoying cocktails on the beach, hikes through mountainous forests, and teeing off at world-class greens.

There are different regions of Mauritius to consider, mainly the north and south coasts:

South Coast of Mauritius: The Tranquil Side

The southern coast is known to be quieter than its northern counterpart and is perfect if you love exploring the wilderness. Think expansive rocky coastlines, lush forests, and stunning valleys.

Here you’ll find the famous Black Rivers National Park, a home for endangered species of plants and animals; the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark in Chamarel; and Blue Bay Marine Park Reserve for seeing gorgeous underwater gardens.

North Coast of Mauritius: The Vibrant, Popular Side

The atmosphere on this side of the island is electric, with many tourists staying in the north because of the postcard-perfect coastline, proximity to famous beaches and Grand Baie, and vibrant nightlife.

This is the place to go if you want a variety of top restaurants and cool bars to choose from, easy access to islands in the north, and fantastic shopping. While wandering around, you’ll also spot monuments and buildings dating back to the colonial era.

Mauritius is the World’s Top Honeymoon Destination

The island of Mauritius has long been one of the most romantic destinations for couples’ getaways, and now it has the award to prove it. This African island was voted the World’s Best Honeymoon Destination in TripAdvisor’s esteemed Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025.

While, of course, the beaches have been a major drawcard for honeymooners, there are so many other things that have made Mauritius stand out among the world’s most luxurious island destinations. The island’s rich cultural heritage, astonishing natural wonders, and pristine golf courses have set it apart.

Mauritius People and Culture

Mauritius is a multi-ethnic, multilingual society, and so it has a rich cultural heritage. This is partly due to the history of the island, with different colonial nations making landfall here, including the Dutch, French, and British. Labourers were brought here from India and China, further enhancing Mauritius’ cultural landscape by the time the nation achieved independence in the late 1960s.

Each part of the diverse communities of Mauritius – including Indo-Mauritian, Afro-Mauritian, Sino-Mauritian, and Creole – boasts their own unique traditions and practices that make the island such an exciting place to visit. It’s no surprise that this vibrant tapestry of cultures has become a pillar for the island’s tourism industry.

5 Things to Do in Mauritius

1. Visit Aapravasi Ghat

One place to gain an insight into the history of the island is Aapravasi Ghat at Port Louis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site tells the story of indentured labour, as it was once an immigration depot that saw over 450,000 indentured labourers flow onto the island from India and other parts of the world.

2. Walk Around the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden

Also known as the Pamplemousses Botanic Garden, this is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere and one of the most-loved attractions on the island because of its tropical flora. There are over 80 different palm tree varieties from all over the world, as well as a pond filled with giant water lilies.

3. Go for a Tea Tasting

Mauritius has a rich history as a tea-growing nation, with Bois Chéri being the first tea plantation on the island, dating back to 1892. Bois Chéri, the island’s largest tea producer, welcomes guests to experience the art of tea cultivation. Here, you can enjoy a tea tasting, visit the plantation, and discover the history of tea in Mauritius at the museum.

4. Explore the National Parks and Reserves

Black River Gorges National Park

The largest protected forest of Mauritius, this is a paradise for nature lovers with over 50 km/31 mi of hiking trails to explore. Picture walking through dense forests with a tapestry of colourful flowering plants all around you, enjoying the serene feeling that nature wraps you in.

Stop by Gorges Viewpoint to see one of the best views of the island and Alexandra Falls, a beautiful waterfall in this region.

Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths Geopark

The Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark with its red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow hues is an iconic destination on the island. Go on a hike down to the base of Chamarel Waterfalls to swim in the pool and gain a different perspective of these magical showers.

5. Play Golf

Mauritius is home to stunning fairways in jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes. Imagine teeing off with views of the ocean, mountains, or lush tropical environments as your backdrop. Links-style and parkland courses are on the island, with many courses designed by renowned professional golfers such as Rodney Wright and Ernie Els.

According to Leading Courses, the best golf courses in Mauritius are Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club, Anahita Golf Course, Heritage Golf Club, and the Belle Mare Plage Golf Club.

If you can, plan your Mauritius holiday over one of the cultural celebrations on the island.

Cultural Festivals in Mauritius

The Kreol Festival / Festival Internasional Kreol

December is one of the best times for a Mauritius holiday, not only for the weather but also for the Kreol Festival. Held at the end of the year, this is a celebration of Creole culture on the island through music, dance, and delicious traditional cuisine.

“The festival is the perfect opportunity to show the world our Creole identity and know-how. Créolité is a vast worldwide movement, and Mauritius undeniably has its place in it,” explained Minister of Tourism Richard Duval.

Chinese New Year

Due to the Chinese population in Mauritius, the island hosts a spectacular Chinese New Year celebration. This is a public holiday on the island, and festive celebrations can include a parade, exhibitions, cultural performances, and an incredible array of Chinese food.

Diwali, Hindu Festival of Lights

This is one of the biggest festivals on the Hindu calendar, and with just under half of the island’s population identifying as Hindu, the whole of Mauritius seems to light up. Diwali is the celebration of the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. During this time of the year, houses, gardens, and buildings are decorated with lights, and the festival ends with a display of fireworks.

Tip: Sega, an indigenous Mauritian music and dance form, is a huge part of the island’s cultural identity. Look out for Sega Nights that showcase this traditional art form.

When going on a Mauritius holiday, definitely go to the beach! But make sure to explore the interior of the island, too, and get to know the incredible cultures that call this paradise home. This will enrich your experience and leave you with memories you’ll forever cherish.