Discover Mauritius: The Ultimate Itinerary for A Long Week in This Tropical Paradise

Mauritius is a jewel in the Indian Ocean that promises white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a unique blend of cultures. Whether you’re an adventurer, a beach lover, or someone seeking tranquility, this island has it all.

*Note: If you want to stay a whole week in one of the wonderful resorts of Mauritius to relax that’s fantastic. However, this guide is more oriented to travellers who want to move around the island and make the most of their trip to Mauritius. You will find all the things I would do if I were to spend 9 days in Mauritius so you don’t have to look further!

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Why Mauritius?

Mauritius is pure paradise! From dreamy beaches and turquoise lagoons to lush mountains and vibrant local culture, this island has it all. We spent an unforgettable week exploring every corner, and trust me—it’s an adventure you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re here for relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, this itinerary covers the best of Mauritius in 7-9 incredible days!

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Useful Information

• When to Visit: Mauritius is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from May to December when the weather is cool, dry, and sunny. If you’re a scuba diving enthusiast, consider coming between November and April for the best visibility underwater. The island bursts with colors and vibrant festivals during this time too! We visited the island in early May and the weather was overall good but it also rained a bit.

• How to Get There: Getting to Mauritius is easier than you might think! The island’s Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) welcomes direct flights from major cities around the world, including Paris, London, Dubai, and Johannesburg. From many other locations, connecting flights via hubs like Dubai or Paris make it seamless. Once you land, a world of tropical bliss awaits.

• How to Get Around: The island offers multiple ways to explore, but to me the best way to explore the island is renting a car and exploring at your own pace. Roads are well-maintained, but just remember that driving is on the left. We booked our car with Ebrahim Tours (link) and I recommend them 100%. If you don’t want to drive, you can also move around via:
  • Taxis: Widely available but be sure to negotiate the fare in advance.
  • Public Transport: Buses are affordable and frequent but can be slow.
  • Bicycles & E-Scooters: Ideal for coastal towns like Grand Baie and Blue Bay.

• Packing Essentials: Pack light, breathable clothing, swimsuits, and reef-safe sunscreen for Mauritius’ tropical climate. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent for sun and bugs. If hiking, pack sturdy shoes and a light rain jacket. A power adapter (Type C & G) and a waterproof phone case are also handy.

• Visa / Documentation: Mauritius offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for many nationalities, making it a hassle-free destination. However, travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their stay, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Some visitors may also need to show sufficient funds for their trip. If you’re unsure about your visa requirements, check with the Mauritian embassy or official immigration website before traveling. Additionally, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover any unexpected medical or trip-related issues.

• Prices: Mauritius suits all budgets, from affordable street food and public transport to luxury resorts and fine dining. Many activities are free, but tours and water sports can be pricey. Plan based on your travel style!

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Detailed Itinerary:

Days 1-2: North-West Coast (Grand Baie / Troux Aux Biches)

We spent the first 2 days in the west coast of the island. The west coast of Mauritius is a paradise of pristine beaches, lively nightlife, and exciting excursions. Staying in this area gives you easy access to some of the island’s best beach spots, water activities, and cultural experiences.

Where to Stay

Mauritius offers accommodation for every budget, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. We wanted to combine budget accommodation at the beginning with a luxury stay later, so we chose Easy Stay Residence for the first 2 nights. Located near the best beaches and restaurants, it’s a perfect base for exploring the west coast.

What to Do

Beach Hopping in the North

• Trou aux Biches Beach – One of the most stunning beaches in Mauritius, with soft white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
• Mont Choisy Beach – A long stretch of golden sand, perfect for a peaceful beach day or a sunset stroll.
• Pereybere Beach – A lively, family-friendly beach with plenty of food stalls and a great spot for swimming.

Scuba Diving

If you are into Scuva Diving, the underwater world of Mauritius is mesmerizing. If you want a great dive center, I can’t recommend enough Crystal Divers. Check out their website, they offer many diving packs. My favorite divings spots are:

• Coin de Mire: Crystal-clear waters with stunning  rock formations and abundant fish species.
• Blue Bay Marine Park: Known for its vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
• Stella Maru Wreck (North Coast – Trou aux Biches): A Japanese trawler sunk in 1987, now an artificial reef teeming with batfish, lionfish, and moray eels, offering an eerie yet stunning dive at 25m depth.
• Silver Star Wreck (West Coast – Flic en Flac): A deep wreck dive (39m) covered in soft corals, attracting barracudas, groupers, and eagle rays, with strong currents making it ideal for experienced divers.

Where to Eat

• La Rougaille Creole (Grand Baie) – Authentic Mauritian Creole dishes in a cozy setting. Try their fresh seafood curry!
• Wang Thai (Grand Baie) – If you’re craving Thai food, this place serves delicious curries and pad thai.
• The Cloud – Rooftop & Lounge Bar (Grand Baie): A stylish rooftop bar in Mauritius offering panoramic ocean views, craft cocktails, and a chic atmosphere, perfect for sunset drinks and live music.

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Days 3-6: East Coast (Belle Mare / Blue Bay)

The east coast of Mauritius is known for its wild beauty, untouched beaches, and crystal-clear lagoons. However, it’s also windier than other parts of the island, especially from June to September due to the southeast trade winds. This makes it a fantastic spot for water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing but can be less ideal for swimming during these months.

Where to Stay

For this part of the trip, we decided to treat ourselves to a luxury stay, Constance Belle Mare Plage (in Belle Mare) – A stunning 5-star beachfront resort, perfect for a special occasion. The service, food, and beachfront location made it worth every penny! But if you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, consider:

• Villa Bella Charming Beachfront Guesthouse (in Blue Bay) – A charming beachfront guesthouse with cozy rooms and a relaxed vibe.
• Blue Beryl Guest House (in Blue Bay) – It’s a beachfront guesthouse with stunning ocean views, direct access to Blue Bay Marine Park, and a relaxed, homey atmosphere.

What to Do

Relax on the Beaches

• Belle Mare Beach – One of the longest and most beautiful beaches in Mauritius. The powdery white sand and turquoise water are picture-perfect! Great for early morning swims or long beach walks.
• Blue Bay Beach – A paradise for snorkeling lovers! Blue Bay Marine Park is home to some of the island’s best coral reefs, where you can spot colorful fish and even sea turtles.
• Mahébourg Beach & Waterfront – Less crowded than other beaches, this spot is perfect for a peaceful sunset stroll with views of the mountains in the background.

Île aux Cerfs Day-Trip (Deer Island) – MUST!

Hop aboard a catamaran from Trou d’Eau Douce in the Flacq district for an unforgettable adventure. We booked the tour with Ebrahim Tours, and it was fantastic! With only about 10 people on board, the experience felt intimate and exclusive. The trip started around 9am and finished at 4pm, and included:
✔ A scenic sail around the island
✔ A stop at a beautiful waterfall (where we even spotted monkeys!)
✔ Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
✔ A delicious onboard BBQ lunch
✔ Free time to hike, try water sports, or just relax on the beach

La Vanille Nature Reserve: Home of Giant Tortoises

Did you know that giant tortoises once roamed Mauritius and its neighboring islands, Rodrigues and Seychelles? Unfortunately, they were hunted to extinction in Mauritius and Rodrigues. However, conservation efforts at La Vanille Nature Reserve are bringing these gentle giants back! Walking among these massive tortoises and learning about their inspiring comeback story was an unforgettable experience. You can even feed them, an absolute highlight of my trip!

Where to Eat

• Snack Coin Casse Croute (Mahébourg) – A must-visit for affordable, authentic Mauritian street food!
• Le Jardin de Beau Vallon (Mahébourg) – A hidden gem with a garden setting, offering delicious homemade Mauritian food.
• The Plantation Club (Bel Ombre – A high-end restaurant with gourmet dishes and a beautiful colonial-style ambiance.

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Days 7-9: South (Flic en Flac / Le Morne)

Where to stay:

The west and southwest coast of Mauritius offer a mix of lively beach towns, stunning natural landscapes, and luxury resorts. Here are some great accommodation options based on your budget and preferences:

• Flic en Flac & Tamarin: La Pirogue – A beautiful 4-star beachfront resort in Flic en Flac, perfect for those looking for a balance between comfort and affordability. With its charming thatched-roof bungalows, lush gardens, and direct access to the beach, it’s an excellent spot for a relaxing stay.
• Le Morne (Luxury Stay): If you’re looking to splurge, the resorts in Le Morne are among the most luxurious on the island. Options like JW Marriott Mauritius Resort, LUX Le Morne and Paradis Beachcomber offer 5-star beachfront luxury, world-class service, and breathtaking views of Le Morne Brabant. Ideal for a honeymoon or a special occasion!
• For budget-friendly stays, you can also check out guesthouses in La Gaulette, a charming coastal village just a short drive from Le Morne, such as: Les Terrassess du Bénitier or Arkenstone Studios.

What to do:

Beach & Water Adventures

• Flic en Flac Beach – One of the island’s longest beaches, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying stunning sunsets.
• Tamarin Bay – A hotspot for surfers and nature lovers, with golden sand, scenic mountain views, and a laid-back vibe.
• Le Morne Beach – A postcard-perfect beach with soft sand and turquoise waters, great for kitesurfing and relaxing.
• Bel Ombre Beach – A peaceful and less crowded beach, ideal for a quiet beach day.
• Gris Gris Beach – Known for its dramatic cliffs and powerful waves, this is a must-visit for stunning coastal views, though not ideal for swimming.

Swim with Wild Dolphins in Tamarin Bay

Set sail on a 3-hour morning boat excursion (we did it with Ebrahim Tours) along the breathtaking Mauritian coastline. Enjoy breakfast on board before diving into the crystal-clear waters to swim alongside wild dolphins, a once-in-a-lifetime experience! The tour also includes a stop for snorkeling, where you can explore the vibrant underwater world.

Hiking & Island Adventures

• Le Morne Brabant Hike – One of the most iconic hikes in Mauritius! This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island and lagoon. The hike takes about 3-4 hours and is moderately challenging, but reaching the summit is beyond rewarding.
• Île aux Bénitiers – Take a boat trip to this stunning island, known for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and the famous Crystal Rock formation. A BBQ lunch on the beach is often included in boat tours. You can book it here.

Macondé Viewpoint

One of the most spectacular viewpoints in Mauritius! The road at Macondé dramatically curves along the mountainside, offering breathtaking coastal views. If you’re lucky, you might even spot turtles swimming below!

Helicopter Tour Over the Island

For the ultimate aerial experience, take a helicopter tour over Mauritius. Fly above Le Morne and the Underwater Waterfall illusion, a stunning optical illusion created by sand and currents. Seeing the island from the sky is absolutely mesmerizing! Book it here.

9-Hour Guided Tour of the Island’s Southern Gems

You can either visit these places by yourself or book a guided tour. If you prefer the latter, you can explore the most beautiful natural and cultural sites in the south of Mauritius with a knowledgeable guide (book here):

• Mare aux Vacoas – The largest lake in Mauritius, surrounded by tranquil landscapes—a perfect photo stop!
• Seven-Coloured Earth (Chamarel) – A mesmerizing natural phenomenon where the soil forms seven distinct colors due to volcanic minerals. A must-see!
• Chamarel Waterfall & Valley – A short hike leads to a stunning viewpoint over the highest waterfall in Mauritius, surrounded by lush greenery.
• Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) – A sacred Hindu pilgrimage site, home to a peaceful crater lake and impressive Hindu statues.
• Black River Gorges National Park – A paradise for hikers and nature lovers, filled with scenic trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Where to eat

• The Beach Shack (Flic en Flac) – A casual beachfront spot serving fresh seafood and tropical cocktails with a great sunset view.
• Le Chamarel Restaurant (Chamarel) – A scenic hilltop restaurant with panoramic views of the coastline, serving delicious Creole cuisine.
• La Bonne Chute (Tamarin) – A local favorite with a cozy atmosphere, offering grilled seafood, Mauritian curries, and refreshing rum cocktails.
• Wapalapam Island Eatery (Le Morne) – A must-visit for fusion cuisine inspired by Creole, Indian, and African flavors. Try their octopus curry!
• Chez Rosy (Gris Gris) – A hidden gem near Gris Gris Beach, serving authentic Mauritian home-cooked meals.

Mauritius stole my heart, and I know it will steal yours too! Have you been, or is it on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments, and if you’d like, I can create a detailed day-by-day itinerary for your trip! 🌴✨

xxx

FineyTrips