Sea, Land, and Air: 5 Unforgettable Experiences in Mauritius

From exploring the vibrant coral reefs to basking in the warm sun, every moment is a treasure here in Mauritius. 

There are many unique things to do on the Isle of Maurice that can satisfy any personality and age. You won’t have to search far to make new discoveries and long-lasting memories that will inspire you to plan your next trip back to paradise.

Read on to discover five unforgettable experiences to partake in while visiting The Jewel of the Indian Ocean:

Sierra M./Expat Sierra

1. Enjoy a Relaxing Catamaran Cruise from Bustling Grand Baie

Grand Baie is the main tourist hub on the island and hosts many popular attractions in Mauritius. 

Participating in a northern catamaran cruise from Grand Baie is a must that is sure to take your breath away and transport you into blissful oblivion.

There are many catamaran activities, such as full-day cruises, sunset trips, and dining onboard experiences. Moreover, many catamaran trips include excursions to nearby islands that are part of Mauritian territory like Ilôt Gabriel, Coin de Moire, and Flat Island.

On most cruises, guests can enjoy snorkeling, sightseeing, and sometimes traditional Sega dance performances. BBQs are usually included with fresh seafood, chicken, and/or vegetarian options.

Sierra M./Expat Sierra

2. Embark on a Trekking Journey through Le Morne Brabant

Do you consider yourself a nature lover or an outdoorsy type? Are you captivated by historical context and UNESCO World Heritage sites? If you answered yes to the above, then a hiking trip to Le Morne Brabant is a must-do in Mauritius.

For the most part, this hiking trip is suitable for all levels of experience, but traveling with a knowledgeable guide is still recommended.

I was able to hike Le Morne with an experienced tour guide and would highly recommend the trip for its awe-evoking sights and it’s historical account of the resilient Maroons.

Sierra M. /Expat Sierra

3. Indulge in Succulent Café Options from Maison de Crepes

Café hopping is one of my favorite pastimes, and Mauritius is no stranger to tantalizing food options on every corner.

My dining experience at Maison de Crepes was a game-changer that satisfied in the flavor department and offered some healthy Mauritian cuisine options.

I found this cafe to be set apart because they offer a range of standard cafe options, in addition to many gluten-free and vegan alternatives that don’t skip on flavor or texture. Specifically, I found the gluten-free crepes to far exceed any traditional crepe I had ever tasted throughout my travels!

The Lazy Artist Gallery/Pexels

4. Explore Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site

Indo-Mauritians make up 66% of the population of present-day Mauritius, and this is attributed to the importation of almost half a million Indian indentured servants from between 1834 and 1920.

Indian cultural references are very observable throughout Mauritian culture and range from the cuisine, the national holidays, and various aspects in-between.

Aapravasi Ghat is a museum that takes visitors through cultivated visuals of what the voyage from India to Mauritius was like for the indentured servants aboard. It also details the living and working conditions while detailing their rise to population predominance on the island.  

Here is a video that I made to summarize the diverse history of Mauritian culture.

Sierra M./Expat Sierra

5. Experience the Diversity of Mauritian Creole Cuisine 

Mauritian cuisine is at the heart of the culture on the Ile of Maurice, and the dishes are filled with cultural influences from mainland Africa, China, India, and France. 

The variety of legumes, spices, vegetables, and more makes for an exciting array of colorful food choices.

On Sundays, LUX* Grand Baie hosts an event called Mauritian Night, where guests can enjoy a flavorful Mauritian-styled buffet. The hotel also extends invitations to visitors who are not current guests at its hotel.

At the buffet, visitors are wowed with fresh exotic fruits, various chutneys, desserts, breads, and freshly made roti’s.

Visitors can select their own tables and are served a traditional Mauritian main course for the evening. A menu to select alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages is also offered.

If that’s not enticing enough, visitors are also graced with a live Sega dance performance from the local talent. Sega tributes its dance, song, and instruments from its African roots when slaves used to showcase synchronized movements at gatherings. Moreover, Sega was a way that enslaved people mentally escaped their servitude while using performances as a form of resilience.

Sierra M./Expat Sierra

Conclusion

I hope this comprehensive list will help you plan some exciting adventures in preparation for your next trip to the beautiful island of Maurice. 

I used Viator during my planning stage and found it to be a helpful and reputable resource where visitors can search a plethora of sea, land, and air activities.

Happy Planning!