Experience Mauritius: Top 6 Things To Do in the Island of Eden
Mauritius is often called as the Island of Eden—and rightfully so—given its breathtaking lagoons, turquoise beaches, coral reefs, majestic volcanic mountains, and natural wonders comparable to that of the biblical paradise. But while Mauritius is truly a tropical haven, it is so much more than merely a beach destination. There is much more to explore on this island! So, buckle up as we take you to a virtual tour on all the exhilarating activities you can do to make the most out of your Mauritius trip.
Underwater Scooter Diving Experience
Diving in itself is already an exciting activity that will make you wonder, “Is this the enchanting beauty that mermaids see all the time?” Nothing beats the incredible feeling of being one with the ocean and seeing up close the mesmerizing creatures that live in it. But do you know what would be better? Being able to swim faster without tiring your muscles so much. This is where water sport vehicles come in the picture. For about $95 (£75.06) per hour, you can rent underwater scooters in Mauritius such as the SEABOB. This nautical self-controlled device allows you to move through the waters effortlessly and explore the ocean at the agility of a dolphin. Simply grab tight onto the submersible device and maneuver it through the ocean at your own pace and leisure. There are a total of 6 power levels or speeds to choose from, which will depend on your mood—whether you would like a leisurely stride, or if you would like to experience what it would be like to soar through the water at high speeds.
This machine-assisted diving experience is easily an accessible activity suitable and safe for tourists of all ages. It is an exciting, novel way of exploring the clear, turquoise waters of Mauritius, and getting up close and personal with the marine life without the struggle of tiring your arms, shoulders, and legs. If you have the budget for it, this is a must-try activity in Mauritius.
Full-Day Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs
If you are not in the mood for wading in the waters, you can opt to admire the paradise island of Ile aux Cerfs aboard a 45-foot catamaran. You can just admire the island from afar while sipping on your margarita and feeling the sea breeze on your skin. But if you are feeling adventurous, you can snorkel with the tropical reef fish or go for a refreshing swim in the sea. You can also sunbathe and enjoy a leisurely walk along Isle aux Cerf's beaches, feeling the fine sand between your toes as you go. Whichever you choose, what is important is for you to be able to drink in the beautiful scenery of Mauritius on this Isle aux Cerfs catamaran cruise.
The fun part is you don’t have to fear getting hungry throughout the trip as these cruises usually come with a delicious barbecue lunch prepared and served by the friendly crew onboard.
Chamarel’s Seven Colored Earth Geopark
Boasting a scenery straight out of a fairytale, the Land of Seven Colors in Chamarel is an otherworldly geological formation composed of multi-colored sand dunes separated into surreal rainbow-hued lines. In pictures, it is quite hard to believe that such an incredible naturally occurring geological formation exists, and you might even think that it is a photoshopped image, except that it does exist in real life.
Visiting Chamarel’s Seven Colored Earth Geopark would provide you with the opportunity to learn about millions of years of Mauritius’ history. Visiting this geopark has a rather unique way of letting the tourists appreciate and connect with nature through geology.
This geological oddity is reportedly the only location in the world where one can see earth of 7 different colors all at one place. Another curious thing about these colored sand dunes is that the colored earth has a strange property of settling into its individual color group even if it is mixed with other colors. Somehow, it always finds its way to re-group and settle into layers of individual colors. When you visit Mauritius, be sure to include Chamarel’s Seven Colored Earth Geopark in your itinerary.
Waterfall Eco-Hike Adventure
After marveling at the mesmerizing Seven Colored Earth, you can descend into a hidden valley where you can admire unique sights and relax at the gentle sounds of the streams as you cross rivers. If you are willing to hike and weave your way down to the base of the magnificent Chamarel Falls, you will be rewarded with a refreshing swim after your hard work.
If you decide that you are up for the challenge, prepare to scramble over rocks during your descent and wade through four challenging river crossings. Don’t worry because all this hard work will be well-worth it when you reach the beautiful Chamarel Falls at the base of the gorge. Be sure to etch into your memory the marvelous up-close sight of the highest vertical drop waterfall in Mauritius. The next best thing to do is to enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool waterfall pool as the water cascades around you.
Pro tip: To make the hike comfortable, bring a towel, some snacks and water, closed-toe shoes (that will inevitably get wet), and of course, your trusty waterproof camera. Sandals or flip flops are an absolute no-go.
Mahebourg Village Exploration and Food Tour
If you want to get to know Mauritius’ culture and heritage, take the time to explore the charming coastal village of Mahebourg. You can take a leisurely stroll along its turquoise lagoon, and wander through its streets to discover Mahebourg’s authentic flavors through its food.
Mahebourg is found in the south-east of Mauritius, and it is one of the oldest villages of in the island—dating as far back as the early Dutch and French periods. The best thing about it is that Mahebourg has preserved much of its authenticity and charm from the old world—which is evident in its colorful Creole homes, scrumptious traditional foods, and even mild and friendly demeanor of its locals.
If you decide to take a food tour, be sure to stop by cozy restaurants as well as street food carts to eat some local Mauritian food. As you wander through the village, you will also learn about the history of Mauritius. You can also jump aboard a pirogue, which is a local boat, to go for a quick ride on the La Chaux River.
Pro tip: Since you will be walking for most of the time during this activity, bring comfortable walking shoes, some sunglasses and a hat or umbrella to protect you from the scorching heat of the sun. Wear light, comfortable clothing that will make it easy to go around the town.
Sunset Dinner Cruise in Grand Baie
If you want to escape the downtown scene, head for the charming and quiet Grand Baie. The best place to take in the full splendor of the historical Grand Baie is aboard a catamaran that will cruise to Coin de Mire for views of its spectacular sea cliffs. Choose a comfortable seat, get yourself some tasty tropical snacks and a glass of cocktail, then all that is left is to wait for the sun to disappear behind the horizon. Believe me, there is no better place to enjoy a spectacular view of the setting sun’s fiery orange hues than in the ocean, where it casts a golden glow all over the clear waters. It is a sight that’s truly mesmerizing and romantic. On the way back to the port, you can dance to the tasteful Mauritian music of the captain’s choosing. Then, the best way to cap the day is, of course, to enjoy a hearty Mauritian full-course dinner at one of the hotels or restaurants.
Mauritius: A Tropical Heaven on Earth
Without a doubt, Mauritius is our next best shot at experiencing the Paradise of Eden here on Earth, so it would be crazy not to dream of experiencing life here even for just a couple of weeks. It charms tourists left and right with its crystalline waters, white fine sands, idyllic beaches, thriving marine life, and of course, their scrumptious foods. That said, experiencing the vibrant island life in Mauritius is a task that is truly deserving to be on everyone’s bucket list.
