Activities and attractions, Mauritius

The main attraction of Mauritius is its beaches. A large part of the island is surrounded by a coral reef, which protects the island from larger ocean waves and creates a lagoon with crystal clear blue, calm water. However, the island's beaches differ in individual parts both in the color of the sand and the size of the lagoon. They are not overcrowded, but we recommend visiting public beaches earlier in the week.

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius are, for example, the Grand Baie beaches, which is also one of the most visited and offers many opportunities for water sports and cultural activities, or Flic en Flac, the longest beach on the island, where you will find the typical picture of white sandy beaches and crystal clear sea. The Grand Bay area is also worth visiting, where there are several beaches at once. The most famous is La Cuvette, which will please almost every lover of sandy pleasures.

Mauritius offers countless places suitable for snorkeling, because almost the entire island is surrounded by a coral barrier that protects it from waves and sharks. If you have fallen in love with exploring the world under the sea surface, you won't want to fly away from Mauritius after your first dive. Due to the favorable influences of western currents from Australia, coral growth thrives particularly in the area around the island. That's why the area is among the most preserved, and thus also the most beautiful in the world.

There are many diving centers around the island, which of course offer complete equipment, as well as quality training under the guidance of qualified instructors. You have many options to choose from, such as evening or thematic diving, for the braver even diving with sharks. We recommend heading to areas such as Blue Bay, Le Morne, Flic en Flac or Whale. You can also look at the neighboring island of Rodrigues or Pointe Aux Corners. If you are afraid to dive, you can use a glass-bottomed submarine or just walk on the ocean floor with an oxygen-filled helmet.

Mauritius is not just about beautiful beaches. You can definitely engage in many sports activities here, especially water ones. Many of them are available for free directly in hotels, the more demanding ones (motorized) are usually for a fee.

Kitesurfing
Frequent windy weather and lagoons created by the coral reef create excellent conditions for this popular action water sport. Not only for this reason is Mauritius nicknamed the Mecca of kitesurfing. It is possible to kitesurf in many places on the island, but the most popular is the area in the southwest of the island - Le Morne. The best period for kitesurfing is the local winter (May-October), when weather conditions for this sport are best. If you are a beginner, there are several kitesurfing schools on the island that will be happy to initiate you into this sport. Some hotels even have their own kitesurfing schools that can be used for a fee. And when you don't feel personally up to this sport, definitely go to see the kitesurfers in Le Morne at least. Seeing them in action is really worth it.

Windsurfing
Beginner or advanced, anyone can try windsurfing in Mauritius. The lagoons are also an ideal place for this sport. In most hotels it is even possible to rent a windsurf for free and if this is your first encounter with this sport, instructors will gladly advise you on how to do it.

Kayaks and water bikes
If you don't need to raise your adrenaline level, you can set out for a walk around the lagoon on a kayak or water bike. Both means are undemanding to operate and at the same time you are still doing something for your fitness.

Stand up paddle board
The hit of the last period - stand up paddle board, i.e. riding on a board with a paddle in hand, is a very popular water sport in Mauritius. The main prerequisite for it is the calm waters of the island's lagoons, which are also suitable for beginners.

Fishing
If sport fishing is your passion, this adrenaline sport will be an unforgettable experience for you in Mauritius. The Indian Ocean here is rich in many species of sharks, marlins, tunas or barracudas. Fishing in Mauritius is definitely worth it and is guaranteed, among other things, by the significant depth of the Indian Ocean in the relative vicinity of the southwestern part of the island and the associated marine current, which brings with it a large number of fish from the smallest to the largest. For example, the blue marlin, which can reach a weight of up to 600 kilograms, or the even rarer black marlin, occurs here. International fishing championships - the so-called Blue Marlin World Cup - are also held here annually.

Catamaran cruises
There are many smaller islands and islets near the island of Mauritius that are worth visiting. You will discover a real tropical paradise on them. And boat cruises are the only way to explore this surrounding paradise.
A unique experience from a sea cruise, treat yourself to it on a catamaran. The most popular full-day trips are to the northern islands of Flat and Gabriel. On the west coast, you can also observe dolphins from the catamaran. And in the east, visit the popular Ile aux Cerfs island. Evening romantic cruises with a view of the setting sun are also possible. Weddings on this type of boat are not an exception either.

Rum is the most famous alcoholic drink on the island of Mauritius. It comes from a long tradition of growing sugar cane, which was brought to the island by the Dutch from Indonesian Java. Taste Mauritian rum directly in one of its distilleries.

There are several distilleries on the island that produce either traditional rum (its basis is molasses - a by-product created during sugar production) or agricultural rum (produced by fermenting sugar cane wash). There are only three distilleries in Mauritius that have permission to produce agricultural rum: Rhumerie de Chamarel (the most famous agricultural rum distillery on the island with a long history is located in the southwestern, very fertile part of the island and is surrounded by sugar cane plantations), Rhumerie de Mascareignes and St. Aubin.

Rum prices vary according to quantity and type of production. Ordinary local rum can be bought in a supermarket from 300 rupees. You can find better quality products for 600 rupees and more. Buying rums at the Rhumerie de Chamarel distillery will cost you, for example, 1,000 rupees for a pack of two bottles, and that in a very nice gift package.

A whole range of souvenirs and other goods can be purchased in Mauritius. Many historical ship models, various clothing ornaments, shoes and accessories, jewelry and costume jewelry or wicker and pottery products are sold. You will definitely choose from a whole range of clothing stores.

If you collect stamps, your heart will rejoice. Mauritius boasts beautifully colored original stamps. After all, the famous Blue Mauritius comes from here. Also look for typical Mauritian products such as vanilla tea, spices, rum or colorful scarves. Don't miss a visit to the market and taste fresh fruits and vegetables.

Mauritius is generally considered a quieter destination. Most tourists prefer to spend evenings in the hotel complex (some have their own evening clubs). However, there are a few places on the island where it really comes alive after sunset. However, the island's residents only go out for night entertainment exclusively on Friday and Saturday, or during holidays. Unlike us, nightlife here doesn't start until around midnight.

If you crave evening entertainment outside the hotel resort, the northern center of Grand Baie is the right part of the island for you, where you will find several bars full especially on weekends, when temperamental locals also go out into the night streets. Slightly quieter compared to Grand Baie is the town of Flic-en-Flac, which also hides a few bars. Again lively especially on weekends.

Mauritius itself is a very safe destination but basic caution is always in place. The local people are very kind and welcoming. However, it is not common on the island for a woman to move around the streets or beaches alone after dark.

For nature and animal lovers, Mauritius also offers diverse entertainment. Rich fauna can be found both in the ocean and in various parks inland, or on surrounding smaller islands. So in the morning you can start by observing dolphins or whales in the ocean and in the afternoon spend time walking with a lion or a century-old turtle.

Casela amusement park with African safari
Casela spreads over 14 hectares, which are full of nature and possible activities in the west of Mauritius. You can easily spend the whole day here. The park is divided into three distinct parts - a section for the youngest, another with the possibility of sightseeing rides on zipline and canyoning and a safari section, where you will meet various African animals. The most famous attraction of the park is the so-called Walk with lions, i.e. a walk with the lion king of the jungle.

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
The botanical garden known for extensive collections of palms, water lilies and other exotic plants, covers an area of 37 hectares and is a place of rest and relaxation for both tourists and local residents. You will find palm alleys, flower beds with local flora, but also plants imported from all corners of the world. A unique feature is the Talipot palm, which blooms only once during its life and then dies, or the giant water lilies of Victoria amazonica.

Mark Twain, a writer at the end of the 19th century, visited the volcanic island in the Indian Ocean and wrote: "You will be convinced that God first created Mauritius. And the heavens were created later, according to his model." If your vision of paradise includes exotic gardens, turquoise sea and strong alcoholic cocktails, you will definitely agree with him. More on this in the wedding section.

Mauritius is a never-ending mix of different cultures, which are reflected in traditions, languages, food, or architecture. Stop by at traditional religious shrines, or try local original dance - sega. People are very friendly, cheerful, hospitable and helpful. Don't be afraid to talk to them :)

Dance
A very important part of the island's culture is traditional dance called Sega, which evolved from the music of Madagascar and Africa and is a musical expression of the Mauritian lifestyle, full of joy and happiness. Sega tells about the joys and sorrows of local farmers and fishermen. It is a nostalgic inheritance of the slaves and the inhabitants of the island, and its music has become an inseparable part of the Mauritian entertainment and daily life.

Kitchen
The island's cuisine is cosmopolitan and as wide as the people. You will definitely choose from a wide range of dishes. During the day, you can taste a selection of French, Indian, Chinese, African and Creole dishes. You must try the local seafood - conch, freshwater prawns or mud crab. It is of course delicious tropical fruit. Fresh juices, coconut milk from the kernels, or juices from sweet fruits of tamarind are also available.

The most famous local drink is of course rum. You will also find it outside of distilleries and specialty shops - it is served as an aperitif.

Language
Although English and French are the official and official languages, many inhabitants do not speak either of these languages. Everyone speaks Mauritian Creole, which is a mix of French and local languages of the people who came from other countries.

Festivals
Due to the fact that the islands come from three different continents, there are many celebrations. If you are planning to visit Mauritius around the turn of the year, don't miss the Chinese New Year and Hindu festival Maha Shivaratri (celebrating the god Shiva), which is celebrated with local people on a pilgrimage to the sacred lake Grand Bassin. You will also have the opportunity to taste local dishes.