Mauritius is a great place for the active traveler. Flic-en-Flac is good for beaches and golf while the area around Le Morne is ideal for trekking, horseback riding, swimming and four-wheel drive adventures. Many of the treasures of Mauritius are hidden just off the shore. Wrecks, coral reefs, giant fish, turtles, sharks, and rays are all within an easy boat ride of Grand Bay. Divers, swimmers, sailors, anglers, and snorkelers will all find something to entrance and delight in Mauritius.
The gorgeous beaches are what originally helped make Mauritius a prime tourist destination. Belle Mare Plage, Trou aux Beaches, Balaclava, and Flic-en-Flac are considered the best beaches on the island. For day trips to more secluded and exclusive areas, visitors could try the Mauritius Tours luxury excursion to the golden sands of Ile des Deux Cocos which includes transfer to the island, meals, a sun bed, a glass-bottomed boat ride, and fun in the sun. Coral Breeze Tours also offers daytrips by catamaran to the pristine beaches of Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate where tourists can enjoy lunch, snorkeling, sunbathing, and swimming.
Diving is one of the main activities in Grand Bay, Trou aux Biches and Flic en Flac. Prodive Mauritius can arrange trips to a number of sites including coral garden with colorful fish, stingrays and rare gourgonian fan coral or the wreck of Stella Maru with giant moray eels. Diver’s Ocean has tours departing from Grand Bay that visit a variety of sites including the more remote Turtle Point, named for the turtles often spotted here.
Back on land, Mauritius is a haven for golf enthusiasts. Those who fancy a game can contact the Four Seasons Golf Club at Anahita to arrange a round at the Ernie Els designed course. Alternatively, the team at Tamarina Golf, Spa & Beach Club can schedule tee times on their scenic course backed by stunning mountains in the South of Mauritius. Poste de Flacq is another good spot for golfers, with courses such Saint-Géran Golf Club or the three at Belle Mare Plage.
The green lands of Mauritius make for pleasant horseback riding. Haras du Morne, based in the beautiful Le Morne area offers rides up Morne Brabant mountain or along the beach. Alternatively, The Domaine de l’Etoile can coordinate two hour treks through the lush grounds of a former private hunting estate with lunch on the banks of the Grand Riviere Sud-est.
Mauritius has several good hiking trails. The World Heritage listed Le Morne Brabant Mountain has one route famous for its lagoons, caves and rare plants. Treks can be arranged through Hiking Ile Maurice. Black River Gorges National Park is another popular destination with operators like Expedition Tours offering a range of day trips from climbing Black River Peak to a half day hike and picnic to see the strange umbrella-shaped bois de natte trees which often host rare birds and orchids.
Big game fishing is popular with anglers visiting Mauritius, with dolphin fish, dorado, marlin, giant trevally, sailfish, sharks, tuna, and wahoo making up some of the possible catches. Charters can be arranged through operators like Zazou fishing based in Black River or Mauritius Attractions, which offers a variety of packages departing from Grand Bay.
For true adventure seekers, Mauritius provides the opportunity to go sky diving. Imagine a scenic flight followed by a tandem dive with thrilling freefall gently floating to the ground. Skydive Austral Mauritius organize jumps from Riviere du Rempart for beginners or more advanced. Alternatively skydiving packages can be booked through Mauritius Attractions.
Four-wheeled drive tours are a good way to get off the beaten path and see parts of Mauritius that are otherwise hard to access. Nature Trails offers day trips to the remote and beautiful Tamarin Falls, while quad biking can be organized through Mauritius Attractions.