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Mauritius is a volcanic island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, ringed almost entirely by coral reefs and lagoons. It had no permanent human population until Europeans arrived, and over the following centuries it was ruled by the Dutch, the French and the British before gaining independence in 1968. Indentured laborers from India, along with African, European and Chinese communities, created a multicultural society where Creole, French and English are all widely heard.
In Port Louis, the capital, Aapravasi Ghat is a UNESCO site marking where indentured laborers first arrived, and the Central Market and Caudan Waterfront show the city's commercial side. The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden at Pamplemousses is known for its giant water lilies. In the north, Grand Baie is the main resort town, with boat trips to the northern islets. Off the east coast, Ile aux Cerfs is a popular lagoon outing, while in the southeast, Blue Bay Marine Park offers snorkeling near the fishing town of Mahebourg, and Ile aux Aigrettes is a nature reserve protecting rare native species.
The southwest is greener and more rugged. Black River Gorges National Park has hiking trails through native forest, and Chamarel is known for its Seven Coloured Earth and a tall waterfall. Grand Bassin, a crater lake, is an important Hindu pilgrimage site. The island suits beach lovers, honeymooners and hikers.
WiserMap travel guideMauritius Lagoons Le Morne and Chamarel Colored EarthPlan a Mauritius trip with Le Morne, Chamarel, Black River Gorges, Port Louis markets, Grand Bassin and the lagoons of the east and south coasts.Read the guide
A UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Port Louis waterfront, the former immigration depot where hundreds of thousands of indentured laborers, mostly from India, arrived from 1849 onward. The stone remains and a modern interpretation center tell their stories. Entry is free, and a visit takes under an hour.
Port Louis Central Market is a busy covered market selling tropical fruit, vegetables, spices, herbs and crafts, with stalls for dholl puri and other local snacks. A short walk away, the Caudan Waterfront has shops, cafes, a cinema and the Blue Penny Museum. Go to the market in the morning, when it is liveliest.
A historic garden in Pamplemousses, north of Port Louis, among the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. Highlights include the pond of giant Victoria water lilies, tall talipot and palm collections, spice trees, giant tortoises and an old sugar estate house. Hire an official guide at the gate.
Grand Baie is a lively resort town on a sheltered bay in the northwest, with beaches, restaurants, shops and nightlife. Catamaran and speedboat trips leave from here to the islets of Coin de Mire, Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel for snorkeling and picnics. Choose a calm day, as the crossing can be rough.
Blue Bay in the southeast is a protected lagoon with coral gardens that you can see by snorkeling or from a glass-bottom boat. Nearby Mahebourg is an old fishing town with a seafront promenade, a busy Monday market and the National History Museum. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and do not stand on the coral.
A small island in a wide turquoise lagoon off the east coast near Trou d'Eau Douce, known for its soft white beaches and clear, shallow water. Boats run from the mainland, and there are restaurants, water sports and a golf course. Go early on a weekday to avoid crowds, and walk away from the landing area for quieter sand.
A small coral island nature reserve off the southeast coast, managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, where rare coastal ebony forest is being restored. Guided walks show pink pigeons, giant Aldabra tortoises and Telfair's skinks. Visits are by guided tour only, with boats leaving from the coast near Mahebourg.
The largest national park in Mauritius, protecting deep forested gorges and native forest in the southwest highlands. Trails and viewpoints give views of waterfalls and the coast, and lucky visitors may see the rare Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon or echo parakeet. Start at the Petrin or Black River visitor centers for maps.
In the hills of the southwest, the Seven Coloured Earth is an area of rippled sand dunes in shades of red, brown, purple and yellow formed from weathered volcanic rock. The same park includes a viewpoint over Chamarel Falls, which drop into a green gorge, and an enclosure with giant tortoises. Visit in morning light.
A sacred crater lake in the southern highlands and the most important Hindu pilgrimage site in Mauritius, lined with temples and shrines. Giant statues of Shiva and Durga stand near the entrance. During Maha Shivaratri, huge numbers of pilgrims walk here. Dress modestly and remove your shoes at the temples.
A dramatic basalt mountain on the southwest tip of Mauritius, rising above a turquoise lagoon. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because escaped slaves once took refuge on its cliffs. A guided hike reaches the summit with superb views, but the last section is steep and rocky. Start early to avoid the midday heat.
A dormant volcanic crater in the town of Curepipe in the central highlands, now filled with forest and a small lake at the bottom. A paved path circles the rim, with viewpoints looking across the island toward the mountains and coast. Go on a clear morning, as clouds often cover the highlands later in the day.
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