Exploring Mauritius Beyond the Resorts

Mauritius is so much more than a luxury getaway in a five-star resort. By not staying in a resort, you can experience the island in a more authentic way, discovering unique experiences, stunning natural landscapes, and local culture. I spent a week exploring the southwest and southeast sides of the island, staying in three different areas: Mahebourg, Le Morne, and Trou d’Eau Douce. Staying outside the big resorts gave me a chance to experience Mauritius more like a local and discover its hidden gems.

For Nature Lovers:

Mauritius is a paradise for nature lovers. From hikes and waterfalls to rainforests, national parks, and secluded beaches, there’s so much to explore. The island is home to several stunning protected areas like Black River Gorges National Park, which offers incredible hiking trails, panoramic viewpoints, and diverse wildlife.

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Mauritius for nature enthusiasts:

Hiking Le Morne Brabant

This half-day hike is one of the most iconic on the island, offering spectacular views over the turquoise ocean. The mountain is also a significant cultural landmark, once serving as a refuge for runaway slaves.

Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel

This unique geological formation features sand dunes in seven distinct colors, creating an otherworldly landscape. It’s a fascinating spot for photography, and the surrounding area is perfect for a short walk through lush greenery.

Chamarel Falls

Located just a short distance from the Seven Coloured Earths, Chamarel Falls is arguably the most impressive waterfall on the island. The sheer height and the surrounding forest make it a breathtaking sight. During a boat trip to Île aux Cerfs, I saw another waterfall, but it didn’t compare to the sheer beauty of Chamarel.

Black River Gorges National Park

For panoramic views and scenic hikes, Black River Gorges is unbeatable. The viewpoint at Black River Peak offers one of the best views on the island, and the park itself has several well-marked trails for half-day hikes. I loved the sense of calm and being surrounded by untouched nature here.

For Beach Life:

Le Morne Beach

On the southwest coast, Le Morne Beach is a must-visit. The beach offers golden sands, gentle waves, and incredible sunsets—the perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty of Mauritius.

Although the area is known for luxury resorts, staying in La Gaulette is a budget-friendly option just a short taxi ride away. Check out Booking.com for the best deals on guesthouses in La Gaulette.

Île aux Cerfs

Île aux Cerfs is an island on the east coast of Mauritius, and taking a boat trip there is an absolute must! The beaches are some of the most beautiful on the island, with soft white sand and crystal-clear water, and there’s also a stunning lagoon perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Check out GetYourGuide for various activities you can do there.

On the island, you’ll find a few restaurants, as well as a variety of activities like parasailing, kayaking, and water sports. It’s an ideal full-day trip from the mainland, and spending time here really makes you appreciate the natural beauty of Mauritius beyond the resorts.

For Water Activities:

Mauritius offers a wide variety of water activities for all kinds of travelers. I had planned to go scuba diving during my trip, but unfortunately, the dive center was fully booked on my scheduled day. Instead, I went snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park, and I wasn’t disappointed at all.

The park is famous for its vibrant coral reefs, a colorful array of fish, and crystal-clear waters that make for an incredible snorkeling experience. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, you can also hop on a glass-bottom boat and enjoy the underwater world without getting wet. Other popular water activities include parasailing, kayaking, water skiing, and jet skiing—plenty of ways to make the most of Mauritius’ stunning coastline and tropical waters.

If you’re curious about what’s available, check out some of the tours and water activities you can book in Mauritius to make the most of your trip!

For Culinary Experience:

Rhumerie de Chamarel

I honestly didn’t know Mauritius had rum distilleries until I discovered Rhumerie de Chamarel. This beautiful distillery offers a guided tour and rum tasting in a stunning setting surrounded by lush greenery. They cultivate their own sugarcane and produce a variety of rums on-site. Being a relatively new distillery, they don’t yet have an extensive selection of aged rums, but I’m sure that will grow in the future.

During the tasting, we sampled nine different rums—and there were still more coming after that! So a little warning: pace yourself at the start. The distillery also has a restaurant, and I enjoyed a delicious vegan lunch there, which was a perfect way to round off the experience.

You can find multiple tours offering Rhumerie de Chamarel on their itinerary.

Eating Out

Mauritius is a multicultural paradise, and this is reflected in its cuisine. The food blends Chinese, Indian, and European (especially French) influences. Vegan options are surprisingly abundant, and I found local supermarkets offered a wide range of plant-based products, even more so than in South Africa. Exploring local markets and street food stalls was one of my favorite parts of traveling in Mauritius, especially when choosing to explore the island beyond resorts.

---

Pin to share: