Want to have the best day ever in Mauritius? Here is a list of 20 cool things to do in the island of dream.
#1 Skydiving
Skydiving places number one out of our 20 coolest things to do in Mauritius. If you have traveled to one of the most amazing tropical island of the south of the Indian Ocean, then you absolutely do not want to miss this unique and lifetime experience.
If you are skydiving for the first time, then you will most probably do it in tandem. That is, you are strapped to another guy through a baby Bjorn-like series of carabiners and knots. Do not worry, it is completely safe. Once you are thrown out of the plane, self-conquest, good view, Adrenaline, and a lot of fun is all you will experience during your skydive. You will free-fall for a short while — probably less than a minute, depending on how high you’re jumping from.
DO NOT forget to enjoy the view!
#2 Water Skiing
If you are staying in a hotel, then you might well enjoy this activity for free.
Check out Mauritius Activities
#3 Kite Surfing
Mauritius Island is a kitesurf paradise. Surrounded by a turquoise lagoon, kite surfing is possible throughout the whole year. If you have never tried it before, it is the perfect occasion to do so. Mauritius enjoys the fact that it is situated in a tropical regions and the water temperature is excellent throughout the year. Give it a try and you will be amazed.
#4 Dancing the Sega
During your stay, you will inevitably hear the Sega. A music typical to the island. Songs are fast paced and accompanied by drums made of goat skin. Very often, some parties are organized where a fire is lit up and dancers dance around. You will find the dancers’ dresses so exotic and colorful you will want to buy it.
#5 Try Street Food
Mauritian street food is amongst the best in the world. The reason is simple. Mauritian cuisine is a mélange of many types of cuisines- European, Asian and African while Asian cuisine has had a greater influence.
If you are staying in a hotel, we would suggest you try the local restaurants and ask them for local food. You will not regret it. Beware, Mauritians tend to eat spicy food and their definition of spicy might be very well biased since they use spices in almost every dish. Ask for “Mine Frire“, “Duriz Frire“, “Bol Renversé“, “Briani”, “Ladob Poul” or “Massala” . Bon Appetit!
#6 Shopping
During the last ten years, shopping malls have exploded throughout the island. The advantage that thirty Mauritian rupee equals one US $ and forty rupees equal one Euro. You will not find shopping expensive. Items like clothing are relatively cheap. Walk down the central market, you will find a variety of cheap items like sunglasses, clothing, shoes or crafts that you can buy as gifts.
#7 Visit the Famous Crocodile and tortoise Park
“La Vanille réserve des Mascareignes” is one of the rare places in the world where you actually can admire crocs in captivity. The centre is found in the centre of a rain forested valley with natural water springs in the southern part of the island. People who have visited the park say it is amazing. The natural streams are loaded with multi colored coy fish. Your wandering around the park will wonder you as you troll through the giant bamboos, banana trees, palm trees and load of greenery providing shade for the reptilians. The park is home for more than 2000 Nile crocodiles and the famous giant tortoises and rare collection of about 23 000 stuffed insects.
There is also restaurant where you can taste crocodile meat! Sounds weird but those who tried say it tastes like chicken meat.
#8 Horse Riding Adventures
The majority of horses in the islands are boeperds, imported from South Africa. Experts in the field say these horses are the ideal family horse- great for quiet riding adventures and trips. Combined with the majestic landscapes of the island the experience is only fantastic. Don’t worry, experienced riders will ride alongside and help you throughout. Simply Enjoy. Discover where you can go horse riding in Mauritius.
#9 Karting
If you are a speedaholic, then you will definitely enjoy driving on the multiple tracks across the island. Karting is just great.
#10 Quad Biking
Mauritius is house for many nature reserves and many of them offer activities such as quad biking. It is a great leisure activity for people seeking some adrenaline. You will find different sights from flat land with small ditches, wooded bits, rocky paths or just open spaces.
Well since Mauritius is tropical, you should expect some mud at certain places. This will only increase the fun. You should also expect to see some wild animals like boars, deer and some endemic birds depending on the track you have chosen. Wherever you have chosen to quad bike, it will just be a unique experience.
#11 Sun Tanning
Sun, sun everywhere. Either summer or winter, the sun is present throughout the year. Do not forget your sun screen. Some of the best beaches to sun tan are Tamarin, Grand-Baie, Péreybère and Blue-Bay. Do not stick to these beaches since they can be sometimes very crowded. Go on, walk behind the rock and discover some isolated coves. Your definition of quietness will change!
#12 Zip Lines
Amongst the many activities, zip lines is probably every grown up children’s dream. Well, it may be weird to be upside down sliding down a ropes of up to 1.5 km but once you tried, you will probably want to do it again. Zip lines are the ideal attraction for those who just want to feel likes birds flying over trees. Just go for it and be taken by your first time zip line experience.
#13 Walking with lions
If you have not had the chance to encounter these felines before, it is a great opportunity to do so. Unlike any conventional zoos, the lions are not caged which gives you another sensation. Walking with lions is worth the try once in a lifetime. The walk is an exclusivity of the Casela Nature and Leisure Park. Don’t worry the experience is backed up by a very well trained team.
#14 Snorkeling
Almost circled with coral reefs, Mauritius bursts with marine life. Its lagoon is host for about four hundred different species of fish and two hundred species of corals, sponges and sea anemones. These features make of Mauritius a very interesting place to discover snorkeling. If you have not tried snorkeling before, this is a good reason to jump in the water. Don’t worry, with the right equipment and a good guide, you will fall in love with it. If you are experienced, you will discover many cliffs, caves, reefs, pinnacles and wrecks that will overwhelm you.
#15 Big game fishing
Avid of some adventures, Big game fishing is what you desperately need. Under the sun of the tropic, in calm waters outside the lagoon is home for fish like the Dorado (Mahi Mahi), the Blue Marlin, Parrot fish, tuna among many others. Boats are conditioned for the open sea and have experienced team members to help you. Big Game fishing is better practiced in summer. Enjoy a swim in the open sea after having caught your prey.
#16 Swim with Dolphins
Swimming with dolphins- probably one of the dreams of many human beings. Mauritius is one of the rare places in the world where you can live this adventure which seems coming straight from Hollywood comedy. Please, do not try to feed the mammals as don’t forget they are primarily wild animals. And do not approach them until they themselves do it. Observe a certain limit and do not forget to take pictures using your underwater camera. Have a great time. No flash please!
#17 Parasailing
Parasailing is doing parachuting from a boat. The person parasailing is towed by the boat while harnessed to a specially designed parachute. The adventure begins from the boat’s launch pod where you are harnessed in the first time. Then a security check routine will be performed. This ensures that everything is well in place. Parasailing will give you a bird’s eye view of Mauritius’ beautiful coral reefs, beaches and lagoons. It is definitely one of the coolest things to do during your stay in the island. There are various places you actually can enjoy it. Grand Baie, Ile Aux Cerfs and Belle Mare are amongst the best. Once again do not forget your Camera.
#18 Underwater Scooter
You are quite sure that you have never seen this kind of vehicle before. Its design seems right taken from a Sci-fi movie. You can actually drive this king of machine in Mauritius. It is an underwater Submarine Scooter which you can drive up to three or four meters depth in full safety. Either one or two people, it is up to you to decide if you want to share your joy ride. It is interesting to know that underwater scooters are easy to pilot having a simple steering wheel, accelerator pedal and a single button to easily control depth.
#19 Hiking
Mauritius hosts many endemic forests. You will love to discover the hidden spots of the island through hiking. Places where people have never been before. From hill tops to mountain sides, there is greenery everywhere. Trailing is also one of the best ways to enjoy nature. Throughout the year, many competitions are held. These include the Dodo Trail, Ferney Trail and Moka Trail.
#20 Sailing
Catamarans, speed boats or Sailing boats, the Mauritian waters are stuffed of these boats ready to embark you for a trip. Many tours give you the opportunity to discover the wonderful coast lines of the island passing through the turquoise lagoon.
