Content Produced in Partnership with Tourism Mauritius
Mauritius is an amazing place to visit because there’s not a bad landscape to be found. If you have a full week to explore, the island is easy to navigate and broken down by regions (north, south, east, and west). While you could easily spend all five days soaking up the dazzling ocean views, swaying palms and sun-kissed sands, there’s plenty more to see and do on dry land, too. Here’s how to maximizes your time there:
Day 1
As your first day exploring, there’s no better place to get a lay of the land than Black River Gorges, the biggest and best national park on the island. The protected reserve is a wild expanse of verdant jungle that’s teeming with wildlife and home to nine endemic bird species and countless flora and fauna. You could spend anywhere from a few hours to the entire day hiking the trails, but one not to miss the overlook at Alexandra Falls, which is actually two falls in one. It’s an easy walk from Plaine Champagne that's mostly covered by trees. When you're ready to cool off, the ocean water awaits. If you’re lucky, you can swim alongside the wild dolphins that call this area home.
Day 2
Today’s adventure is centered around Chamarel, a region in the Southwest. You can spend the morning admiring the otherworldly landscape of the Seven-Coloured Earths of Chamarel, a collection of rainbow-colored hills created by centuries of lava, decay, and weathering. For the best photos for your Instagram feed, be sure to peruse the boardwalk and snap photos as the light catches the brilliantly colored rocks. After you've gotten your fill of Mother Nature's beauty, head down the road to Chamarel Falls, where you can view the powerful spray of water from afar, or for a rush, try abseiling down the slippery cliffs. When you’re ready to refuel, pay a visit to Rhumerie De Chamarel, a sugarcane plantation that offers guided tours of the rum distillery. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite and a nightcap after a busy day of exploring.
Day 3
By now you’re probably ready for a bit of relaxation along those gorgeous beaches. Charter a boat to the neighboring private island of Ile aux Cerfs. A catamaran will drop you off on this postcard picture stretch of sand to spend the day enjoying water sports like jet skiing and parasailing, playing a round of golf, and indulging in barbecue. Swim or snorkel the lagoon, try water skiing, go for a banana boat ride, or simply relax with a cocktail.
Day 4
For a bit of culture, head to the capital of Port Louis, a thriving harbor town with a vibrant Central Market. Browse the stalls of handicrafts for souvenirs and sample the fragrant street food, then make sure to stop by La Citadelle, the lookout point at Fort Adelaide. For a spot of history, Aapravasi Ghat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The immigrant depot was a building that once housed indentured slaves and laborers before being transferred to plantations across the British Empire. When you’re ready for some sun and fun, the nearby Mont Choisy Beach awaits.
Day 5
For your last day, it’s time to get up close and personal with the wildlife and marine life. La Vanille Nature Park is the largest Giant Aldabra tortoise center in the world where more than 700 tortoises roam at will. You’ll also find hundreds of crocodiles and more than 23,000 species of insects. Take your last dip in the dazzling waters of the appropriately named Blue Bay Marine Park. Not only is it one of the best beaches for swimming and snorkeling, but there are tons of coral and creatures below. You can take a glass-bottom boat ride to see it all while reflecting on a memorable trip.