The first thought about any island destination that comes to a travelers mind is luxury stays and the beach and that’s pretty much it. As much as islands like Mauritius are known to be honeymoon hot spots, there’s plenty of things to do while you’re there. Whether you are an adventure junkie who needs that dose of adrenaline or if you are all about the local Mauritian culture, you can always find interesting things to enjoy.

You can easily spend a good one whole week and still not be able to cover all of the fun things this beautiful island had to offer. Most of us prefer Mauritius as a short getaway where it’s all about unwinding and relaxing.

So, here’s a specially curated list of the top ten activities you can enjoy during your short trip to this volcanic island.

1. Hike Le Morne Brabant

Le Morne, Mauritius — Image Source: Google images

This UNESCO world heritage site is located in the southwest part of the island. Le Morne is known for its rich history as it used to be a shelter for runaway slaves. You can hike this 550-meter high mountain and get your workout for the day crossed off your list. The trail is safe and the foliage of trees protect you from the sun as well. You could very well do this by yourself but hiking with a local guide is recommended. While you are getting to the top, the hike could get challenging so it’s good to have company.

2. Visit Black River Gorges National Park

Black river Gorges, Mauritius — Image Source: Google images

This is the biggest national park on the island and it is worth every minute that you spend here. The rainforest and the hills come together to offer the best postcard-worthy sceneries you can think of. The park is easily accessible via several roads that head southwest to the island. You can find over 310 species of flora and fauna and there are plenty of hiking trails as well. If you’re in the mood to spend some quality time amidst nature, pack a picnic basket and enjoy a cozy little picnic in one of the many spots that you can find in the park.

Also Read: Things to Do in Gorges National Park

3. Take a boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs

Mauritius is surrounded by a flurry of smaller islands that are just as pretty. Most of them are uninhabited but the island like Ile aux Cerfs offers the best water sport activities. The visibility underwater is exceptional here and it is a very popular diving spot. The white sand beaches and some good barbeque onboard your boat make a perfect day trip while you’re in Mauritius.

Also Read: Monsoon Things to do in Mauritius

4. Go Quad Biking

If you feel like taking the off-beaten path and exploring the island, hire a Quad bike and do your thing. Domaine de L’Etoile is a perfect place to enjoy a fun day out. This is the largest private nature reserve of Mauritius and you can discover hundreds of wildlife species while you are here. It is safe and it looks very much like a colossal English garden, pretty much like the Teletubbies garden. If you are not very comfortable handling the bike on your own, you can hire one with a driver who will take you around.

Also Read: Bollywood Movies That Shot in Mauritius

5. Sub Scooter Diving

Fun things to do — Image Source: Google images

Every place always has that one activity that is so unique and cannot be done anywhere else. Well, in Mauritius, that would be Sub Scooter Diving. As you can guess from the name, its a cross between a scooter and a submarine and this is the only place in the world where you can do this. It is like having a glass dome where you put your face and this dome is attached to a Vespa like motor. There are oxygen tanks to help you breathe normally. It’s a truly surreal experience that you should absolutely try while you’re in Mauritius.

6. Kayak in Tamarin Bay

Tamarin Bay is known for its scintillating scenery. The mountains and the lush green forest serve as the perfect backdrop against azure waters and you will instantly feel like you are in a painting. You can also spot dolphins while you’re here. You can hire a kayak from almost any resort and paddle away in between mangroves and have a pleasant day out.

7. Take a Jeep Safari in Heritage Nature Reserve

If you are traveling to Mauritius with kids, you should definitely give this place a shot. The beautiful Heritage Nature reserve is all things pretty and a great place to enjoy a quiet picnic. You can take a safari jeep tour to discover many endemic wildlife species such as the Echo Parakeets and Mauritius Kestrels amidst black ebony that grows in this region.

8. Visit L’Aventure du Sucre

This is probably one of the most fun things to do in Mauritius. It’s a fun and interactive way to learn all about Mauritian culture. It is a museum that is anything but boring. It is located in a sugar estate and visiting this place will take you way back in time. You can learn all about the history and evolution of the island while sipping some house rum. You can also learn how to make cocktails and cut sugarcane if that’s something you’d be interested in.

9. Swim with Dolphins

swim with dolphins in Mauritius — Image by vrgoberdhan from Pixabay

Swimming with the dolphins will definitely be one of the most memorable moments of your vacation. While you are in the middle of the ocean in a boat, you will suddenly be dropped into the sea. As terrifying as it sounds, it is an absolute delight. You will have life jackets on and a guide so even if you are not very comfortable swimming, you can just float alongside dolphins and have a lot of fun.

10. Go Shopping in Caudan Waterfront

shopping in Mauritius — Image Source: Google images

No vacation is ever complete before splurging on some local goods. Caudan Waterfront is the oldest shopping center on the island. It is a galore of boutique stores that sell locally produced goods. It is very lively in the evening so you could even have some fresh seafood here before you head back to your hotel.