Top 10 Best Excursions in Mauritius

In brief

Where	Across the island, depending on the excursion: at sea (east, north, southwest), southwest (Chamarel), central west (Tamarind Falls), Port-Louis
Price	From about €25 (short snorkeling trip) to over €220 (helicopter) per person
Time needed	From 1h30 (glass-bottom boat) to a full day (catamaran, Chamarel)
How to get there	Organized departures with hotel pickup depending on the area, or a fixed meeting point
Best time	Year-round; May to November for the best sea and hiking conditions

Our method for this ranking

This selection is not a sponsored ranking. We reviewed the active GetYourGuide offers in Mauritius against three criteria: traveler ratings (4.5/5 minimum), review volume (a sign an excursion holds up over time), and the diversity of traveler profiles served. All filtered through our own on-the-ground knowledge — some highly rated excursions were left off this list because we consider them less representative of what Mauritius is about.

The goal: to save you from having to compare 200 listings just to end up booking the one you saw a video of. These 10 experiences cover the essential facets of the island — the sea, the landscapes of the south, wildlife encounters, Creole culture. From there, pick according to your interests and your budget.

1. Catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs with BBQ lunch

If you were to book only one outing in Mauritius, this would probably be it. A full day on a sailing catamaran, an early morning departure, an easy sail to Ile aux Cerfs and its turquoise lagoon. Snorkeling on arrival, a barbecue lunch on board (grilled fish, salads, fruit, unlimited drinks), a swim in 26-28°C waters, then an easy-going return in the mid-afternoon. It’s the outing that best sums up why people come to Mauritius.

For travelers based in the north, the same formula exists departing from Grand Baie with a loop around the three northern islets (Coin de Mire, Ile Plate, Ile Gabriel) — it’s a shorter sail and just as visually spectacular.

2. Swimming with dolphins in Tamarin

Early in the morning, around 6 am, boats leave Tamarin Bay to reach the pods of dolphins patrolling offshore. The outing lasts about three hours and combines observation from the boat with swimming in the water for those who dare. The dolphins are not captive, are not fed, and local regulations require a minimum distance — the experience is ethical and the operator strictly enforces the approach rules.

Between July and November, you might also spot migrating humpback whales, which adds a rare dimension to the outing. Choose the morning slot: the sea is calmer, the dolphins more active, and there are fewer boats in the area.

3. Chamarel and southwest tour

Southwest Mauritius packs into just a few kilometers everything that makes the island’s geology so distinctive: the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel (a unique volcanic oxidation phenomenon), the dramatic waterfall of the same name, a historic rum distillery for tastings, and viewpoints over Le Morne and the wild coastline. Add a detour through the Black River Gorges and you have a day that balances nature, geology and culture.

It’s the most complete land-based outing and the one that brings back the most usable photos. Best done on a clear day to make the most of the colors.

4. Tamarind Falls seven-waterfall hike

Tamarind Falls is seven cascading waterfalls set in the lush vegetation of the central west. The hike isn’t extreme but does require a basic level of fitness: 4 to 5 hours of walking, a few steep descents, and swims along the way in natural turquoise pools. Many people rate it as the most beautiful nature experience in Mauritius — and it’s true that you feel like you’re walking through a tropical secret, far from the hotels.

Best done between May and November (outside the wet season). Bring sturdy hiking shoes, swimwear, and a waterproof bag for your camera.

5. Street food tour in Port-Louis

Port-Louis, the capital and only real historic city in Mauritius, doesn’t give itself up easily. The central market and the surrounding streets are worth a guided visit to understand Creole cuisine: dholl puri, fried noodles, gajaks, meatballs, alouda. The tour lasts three hours, stops at five or six iconic stalls with tastings included, and offers along the way a window into the island’s multicultural makeup (Indian, Creole, Chinese, French).

We recommend this experience early in your trip: it calibrates your palate and guides your restaurant choices for the following days.

6. Catamaran trip from the southwest to Ile aux Benitiers

On the Le Morne and La Gaulette side, the scenery changes: deep blue waters, views of the UNESCO-listed Le Morne mountain, snorkeling at Crystal Rock in extraordinarily clear waters. The outing often includes dolphin watching along the way (the same area as the Tamarin trip), a swim stop at Ile aux Benitiers, and a beach BBQ lunch on the islet.

This excursion asks a bit more of you: you need to be based in the southwest or accept the drive from the north (1h30 by road). The experience-to-value ratio is excellent.

7. Private French-speaking driver-guide for the day

Many francophone visitors don’t want to rent a car (driving on the left, airport parking, the stress of the first day) but also don’t want to settle for an organized bus tour. A private driver-guide for the day is the middle-ground solution: a private vehicle, a local who speaks French, and an itinerary you build together (south, north, east, specific sites).

It’s not the cheapest option, but over a 4-5 day stay it often ends up being the most cost-effective overall, and it’s the most flexible.

8. Snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park

Blue Bay, in the southeast, is home to the richest protected marine area in Mauritius. You’ll spot blue coral, parrotfish, rays, and sometimes turtles. The outing is short (3 hours), accessible to non-swimmers (life jackets provided), and makes a perfect alternative if you find the full-day catamaran trip too long.

For families with young children, the glass-bottom boat version allows for observation without having to put your head underwater.

9. Helicopter flight over the east coast

This is the luxury option on this list. Fifteen to thirty minutes of flight over Ile aux Cerfs, the lagoon, the reefs, and the Albion underwater waterfall (a unique optical illusion). It’s expensive (from €220 per person), but it’s the only way to truly understand the geography of Mauritius and bring back unique images. Worth considering as a couple, for an anniversary, or for someone who has already explored the island on the ground and wants a different kind of experience.

10. Canyoning at Tamarind Falls

For thrill-seekers, this is the sporty version of Tamarind Falls. You rappel down the waterfalls, jump into the pools, and slide down natural rock chutes. Professional supervision makes the activity accessible to people in average fitness, but it’s clearly not for the claustrophobic or those who don’t like cold water. A half-day of adrenaline that radically changes the pace from the classic beach-and-hotel program.

How to plan your excursion schedule

Three simple principles to avoid getting it wrong:

Alternate sea and land. Two days of boat trips in a row and you’ll end up regretting one of them. Your body gets tired, your skin takes a hit, and you lose perspective. Slot a nature or culture outing in between two sea trips.

Book the flagship experiences in advance, keep one day free. Book the catamaran, the dolphins, and Chamarel 5 to 7 days ahead. But leave at least one day of your stay with nothing planned: there will always be a beach you hadn’t anticipated or an encounter that opens up a new idea.

Match the profile and the weather. If you’re traveling with a 3-year-old, skip the canyoning and go for Blue Bay via glass-bottom boat instead. If you arrive during cyclone season (February), keep Chamarel (partly indoors) as a backup plan in case of rain. The flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before makes these adjustments easy.

To go further, check out our guide to Mauritius must-sees, which broadens the picture beyond just bookable excursions, or our day-by-day itineraries, which weave these outings into a coherent program based on the length of your stay.

Free or low-cost excursions to round out your program

All the excursions in this ranking are paid, but Mauritius also offers wonderful outings you can do on your own at no booking cost.

Trou aux Cerfs in Curepipe (volcanic crater, free entry), the sacred lake of Grand Bassin in the center, or simply a walk on the public beaches of Mont Choisy and Belle Mare at sunset cost nothing and thoroughly deserve a place in your itinerary, alternating with your booked excursions. It’s a good way to balance your budget over a long stay, especially if you’re already stacking up several costly sea outings.

Excursions by type of trip

Families with young children: favor short formats and calm waters — the glass-bottom boat at Blue Bay, the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran (accepted from age 4). Avoid canyoning and long hikes like Tamarind Falls before age 8-10. Our guide to family activities covers other suitable options.

Couples or honeymooners: the helicopter flight and the sunset cruise are the most memorable excursions for a special occasion. The Chamarel tour in the late afternoon, with the low light on the colored earths, is also particularly photogenic.

Active travelers: combine the Tamarind Falls hike, canyoning, and an active catamaran trip for a fast-paced stay. Plan for recovery days between two physical excursions.

Frequently asked questions

How many excursions should I plan for a week in Mauritius?

Three to four excursions over seven days is a good balance: one sea day (catamaran), one half-day of nature (dolphins or hiking), one land day (Chamarel or the south), a morning food tour for a half-day of culture. The rest of the time stays free for the beach and relaxation.

Should I book excursions before departure?

For the most popular excursions (Ile aux Cerfs catamaran, dolphins in Tamarin, helicopter), book 5 to 7 days before your desired date in high season (July-August, December-January). GetYourGuide excursions can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before, so booking early doesn’t cost you any flexibility.

Which excursion should I choose if I only have one day?

A day-long catamaran trip to Ile aux Cerfs (8h, from €75) remains the safest bet: sea, lagoon, snorkeling, barbecue lunch, and swimming. If you prefer land, the Chamarel and southwest tour (9h, from €70) offers more varied scenery.

Are there excursions suitable for families with young children?

Yes: the glass-bottom boat at Blue Bay (1h30, from €25) suits kids from age 3-4; Casela Nature Park (full day, from €55) offers animal encounters and a kids’ zipline; the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran accepts children from age 4 in the calm waters of the lagoon.

What budget should I plan for excursions on a 10-day trip?

Budget €250 to €400 per person for 3-4 quality excursions over 10 days. Flagship excursions range from €45 to €95 per person; private options run €180-340 per person but scale for 2-6 travelers.

Are the excursions offered in French?

Most operators have French-speaking guides, particularly on catamaran trips, southern tours, and Port-Louis food tours. For hikes and certain private outings, specify your request at the time of booking.

Can I cancel or change a booked excursion?

Most GetYourGuide excursions can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before departure, allowing you to book early without losing flexibility. Always check the exact cancellation policy shown on each activity’s listing before paying, as some discounted options are non-refundable.