11 Best Mauritius Tours And Day Trips You Need To Book
Mauritius is a small island with a huge wealth of things to do. If you’re keen to go beyond the resorts and white sand beaches, one of the easiest ways to explore the island is with a tour.
In this guide, you’ll find the best top-rated Mauritius tours that take you on some of the best excursions of the island and its surroundings.
UNESCO World Heritage sites, a diverse culinary scene, epic waterfalls, coral reefs and whale watching are just some of the things awaiting you on these Mauritius tours. So, let’s dive in!
Quick answer: Best Mauritius tours
- Wild South West Full-Day Tour
- Full Day Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs
- Dodo Trail Tour with Lunch
- Blue Bay: Half Day Snorkelling Trip
- Tamarind Falls Hiking Trip
- Northern Isles Catamaran Cruise
- Black River: Dolphin and Whale Watching
- Le Morne Mountain Hike
- Port Louis Street Food Tour
- Tea & Wildlife Route Guided Tour
- Pure Breaks Mauritius Itineraries
Why book a tour in Mauritius?
Discover the best top-rated Mauritius tours! Photo credit: Canva.com
Mauritius may be a small island, but it’s absolutely packed with amazing things to do. One of the easiest ways to make the most of your trip is to do a tour.
Most Mauritius tours are one day only, so they can fit flexibly into your itinerary. You can go on an adventure one day and relax on the beach the next. Perfect!
Another great thing about doing a tour is that you can see most of the island without needing to hire a car.
Most tours also offer hotel pickups and drop-offs, making it super easy to get out of your resort and explore.
What’s more, you’ll get insider information and recommendations during your trip to Mauritius. Plus, activities and experiences you might not have come across otherwise.
So, which tours should you do? I’ve put together a guide of the most top-rated ones with a mix of adventure, nature, wildlife, culture and leisure to make it easier for you to choose.
All of these tours are small group to keep them as personalised as possible. Some of them have private tour options, but they tend to be a lot more expensive, so they might be better suited to a bigger group!
Looking for a complete Mauritius itinerary? Check out this guide.
The best tours and day trips in Mauritius
Without further ado, here are the best ways to tour Mauritius Island.
Mauritius: Wild South West Full-Day Tour
- Length: 8 hours
- Highlights: Chamarel Waterfall, Seven Coloured Earth, Black River Valley, Grand Bassin
Celebrate the best natural sights, and scenery Mauritius has to offer on a wild landscape tour of the southwest. The great thing about this tour is that you can get picked up and dropped at any hotel on the island.
The itinerary is then a full day of sightseeing, starting at the volcanic crater Trou aux Cerfs with its panoramic views of Mauritius.
Next, you’ll visit the model ship factory in Curepipe and Grand Bassin, a sacred site for Mauritian Hindus – watch out for monkeys!
After a stop at the Black River Gorges National Park, you’ll have lunch and a rum tasting at La Rhumerie Chamarel and then visit what I believe is one of the top highlights of Mauritius – the Seven Coloured Earth.
Similar to Rainbow Mountain in Peru, this area of ground is a naturally occurring phenomenon with multi-coloured earth. It’s an incredible sight!
Make sure you take some time to see the famous cascading Chamarel Waterfall here too.
The last stop is Baie du Cap for a final breathtaking view on your tour.
This tour is small-group. There’s also a private tour version which you can do depending on the size of your group.
Full-Day Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch Included
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- Length: 7 hours
- Highlights: 45-foot catamaran, Ile aux Cerfs, snorkelling, BBQ lunch
Enjoy the island life with a catamaran tour of Ile aux Cerfs.
This tour is perfect for those who want to combine adventure with relaxation as you can be as active or leisurely as you want – all with beautiful surroundings and possible dolphin sightings!
The catamaran cruise starts from Point Jerome on the east coast of Mauritius and sails to a quiet spot near the privately owned island of Ile aux Cerfs.
Here you’re treated to turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and an island with lush green vegetation to explore.
Spend the day swimming or snorkelling amongst the reef fish, sunbathing on the beach and relaxing onboard. You also have free time to enjoy the island independently.
A light breakfast and delicious BBQ lunch are provided, cooked up by chefs on board. Soft and alcoholic drinks are provided too.
Al boats have limited capacity, so it’s advisable to book this tour in advance to save your spot!
Dodo Trail Tour with Lunch
- Length: 8 hours
- Highlights: SSR Botanical Garden, Port Louis
The Dodo Trail Tour starts in Port Louis, the capital city. From there you’ll see the best sights of the city from the harbour to the old citadel and Fort Adelaide.
As you work your way through the tour, you’ll spot important landmarks such as the Sait Louis Cathedral and Parliament. Next, you’ll be invited to look around a traditional market where you’ll see a colourful array of fruits and vegetables – and plenty of busy stalls.
The tour includes a traditional home-cooked Mauritian lunch at a private residence. Afterwards, the final stop is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden (SSR), otherwise known as Pamplemousses Botanical Garden.
It has an amazing collection of rare tropical plants from around the world and a large colonial house. Head to the ponds to see magnificent giant water lilies and a great photo spot!
Admission tickets to all sights are included in this Mauritius city tour price.
Quick fact: this tour is named after the dodo, a flightless bird which unfortunately went extinct sometime in the 1700s.
Blue Bay: Half-Day Snorkelling Trip with Creole Picnic Lunch
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- Length: 4 hours
- Highlights: Blue Bay Marine Park, snorkelling, shipwreck, Creole lunch on a private island
Love snorkelling? Take a half day trip to Blue Bay Marine Park, a protected marine reserve on the south east coast. You don’t even have to get in the water to enjoy the marine life as the boat has a glass bottom!
Blue Bay Marine Park is the largest coral reserve in Mauritius. The tour starts at Blue Bay Public Beach in the southeast of Mauritius.
From there you’ll sail into the turquoise lagoon with stops including an old shipwreck which you can see in the water or from the boat.
Next, you’ll head to Ile de Deux Coco, a private island, where a chef will serve up a delicious Creole curry lunch and you can enjoy a selection of soft and alcoholic drinks.
You’ll have some time to enjoy the private island before jumping back on the boat for one last snorkel stop before returning to Blue Bay Public Beach.
Mauritius: Tamarind Falls Highlights 3-Hour Hiking Trip
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- Length: 3 hours
- Highlights: Tamarind Falls, Rivière Tamarind, swimming
You can get a snapshot of what the wild island interior has to offer on this three-hour hiking trip to Tamarind Falls.
Make sure to bring some swimwear as you’ll have the chance to swim in some natural pools on the way!
This adventure tour starts at the Henrietta Bus Station and follows a trail walking through sugarcane fields to reach the entrance to a canyon.
After 30 minutes of walking through the canyon, you’ll come to the first of many stunning waterfalls. Here’s where you can stop, take a swim and cool off before finishing your hike at Tamarind Falls, the most beautiful waterfall of them all!
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off if you need it. You’ll also have a guide with you who will show you some of the animals and plants you’ll see on your hike. Remember your swimwear!
Mauritius: Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles
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- Length: 8 hours
- Highlights: Three Northern Isles, snorkelling, dolphins, BBQ lunch
What’s an island holiday without a boat trip? This full-day catamaran cruise takes you north to the three Northern Isles with a chance to spot dolphins, whales and other marine life along the way!
The tour starts bright and early with tea and coffee at 8am at Grand Baie Public Beach. From there, you’ll sail over to Flat Island, where you’ll be able to explore or relax in the beautiful scenery before tucking into a BBQ lunch with amazing seafood.
After lunch, the next stop is Gabriel Island, where you’ll be able to sunbathe on its famous sandbar or go snorkelling in the crystal clear lagoon.
On your return journey, you’ll stop at Coin de Mare marine reserve and go on another snorkel before heading back.
Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat
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- Length: 6 hours
- Highlights: Swimming with dolphins, whale watching
Tick swimming with dolphins off your bucket list in an ethical way on one of the best Mauritius wildlife tours!
This excursion takes you on a speedboat to the Black River coast of Mauritius, where you’ll have the chance to see spinner and bottlenose dolphins as well as whales (don’t worry, you won’t be swimming with those).
You’ll be able to go snorkelling at some amazing coral reefs too!
The great thing about this tour is it’s a small group which means there will be no more than 8 people and 2 skippers. You’ll also get a briefing about how to respect and keep a safe distance from the dolphins you swim with.
On the second half of the tour, you’ll go whale watching and you have a 60% chance of seeing one.
Look out for resident sperm whales all year round and magnificent humpback whales from June to October!
Snorkelling gear per person and soft drinks are included in the price.
Mauritius: Le Morne Mountain UNESCO Eco Hike
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- Length: 4 hours
- Highlights: Scramble hike, panoramic views, learn about history and conservation
See Mauritius from on high by climbing Le Morne Mountain on this Eco Hike up a UNESCO World Heritage site!
One of the best eco tours in Mauritius, this thrilling adventure takes you 465 metres above sea level, where you’ll admire breathtaking lagoon views and learn about the island’s history.
Start the hike with a 4×4 car journey through private lands where you might spot wildlife such as deer, wild pigs and birds.
You’ll then begin on foot at the North-Western base of the mountain, which will warm you up for the next challenging phase.
At 340 metres above sea level, you’ll reach the first of the four scrambling/climbing sections. Don’t worry; you’ll get a safety briefing, and each stop offers panoramic views and photo opportunities.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with breathtaking views, and you’ll be able to take a well-earned break before you descend.
Heads up, this is a challenging hike with some scrambling and climbing bits so you’ll need a good level of fitness and stamina.
Make sure you’re wearing good footwear too. It might not be suitable for those who have a fear of heights!
Port Louis: Street Food Tour
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- Length: 3 hours
- Highlights: Delicious street food, local guide
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a culture is through food which is why I highly recommend this Port Louis Street Food Tour.
This half day tour will allow you to experience Mauritian culinary delights like a local. Your guide will take you through bustling streets to some of the best authentic food stops in the capital that a tourist is unlikely to come across.
Enjoy traditional feasts such as Indo-Mauritian “faratas” (fried dough bread) served with Creole “rougaille, Mauritian dumplings and Franco-Mauritian pastries.
There are eight tastings in total and each one highlights the diversity of Mauritian heritage and culture with its French, Creole, African, Indian and Chinese influences. Look out for the oldest patisserie in Port Louis too!
All food tastings and a bottle of water are included in the price.
Ile aux Aigrettes – Tea Route – Gris Gris Guided Day Tour
- Length: 8 hours
- Highlights: Nature reserve, giant tortoises, tea factory and museum, lunch at Saint Aubin Colonial house
If you’re a nature lover, Ile aux Aigrettes is an absolute must-visit during your trip to Mauritius. Here, you’ll discover a wild island and protected nature reserve home to rare plants and animals, including the Giant Tortoise.
This full-day Mauritius tour takes you to Ile aux Aigrettes, where you can learn about the ongoing conservation projects on the island and hang out with the giant tortoises that roam free.
You can also find rare birds such as the Pink Pigeon and Mauritius Fody, so it’s a great choice for bird watchers!
Next, you’ll see another side to Mauritian heritage and culture: tea. A Bois Cheri Tea Factory, you’’ learn about the history and production of tea before winding your way through picturesque plantations to a tea-tasting chalet.
Enjoy a selection of teas, admire the views and try a few rum samples in the on-site shop before you leave.
The tour includes a local lunch at Saint Aubin Colonial House, that’s located in a beautiful garden. Finish off with a stop at Gris Gris Beach for dramatic cliff views.
The price of the tour includes hotel pickup, lunch, drinks and Ile aux Aigrettes and Bois Cheri entrance fees.
Pure Breaks Flexible Multi Day Tours
- Length: From 7 days
- Highlights: Fully flexible to you
Looking for a multi day tour on your Mauritius trip? Ethical travel company Pure Breaks offers bespoke self-guided itineraries for countries around the world – including this island.
They can help you build a tour featuring all the must-dos and best places to stay on the island. You can either drive it yourself or arrange a private transfer. Tours typically start from seven days.
Heads up, Pure Breaks tends to be slightly on the luxury end but prices are relatively reasonable depending on what you normally budget for.
Don’t forget travel insurance!
At the risk of sounding like a parent, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance on the off chance something goes wrong when you visit Mauritius.
I currently use Holiday Extras because it has great plans – including electronics cover – at an affordable price point. I’ve recently used them for Mauritius and Jordan and got cheap cover for both!
Final Thoughts: The best Mauritius tours
Mauritius has plenty of tours, excursions and day trips to suit a range of interests. Whether you would like to spend the day relaxing on a 45-ft catamaran, scrambling up a mountain or sampling the culinary delights of Port Louis, there’s something here for everyone.
I recommend booking in advance to save your spot as they do tend to get sold out fast.
The great thing is that most offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before, which gives you peace of mind if plans change.
If you have any questions about booking the best day tours in Mauritius, comment below and let me know!
Looking for more travel tips? Check out these posts!
- Epic Mauritius Itinerary: How To Spend 10 Days In Paradise
- How To Visit Ile Aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve (2022 Guide)
- Mauritius Travel Tips: Important Things To Know Before You Go!
- Where To Stay In Mauritius: The BEST Areas + Coolest Hotels
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