Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius Island is known for its idyllic white-sand beaches and lush interior, where one can witness unique geological wonders like the colorful sand dunes and underwater waterfall.
While it attracts mostly couples and honeymooners, it’s also a great destination for families and solo travelers.
This 2-week Mauritius itinerary will allow you to immerse yourself in the island’s cultural diversity while enjoying some of the most beautiful beaches and natural attractions.
So without further ado, here’s exactly how to plan the best 2 weeks in Mauritius.
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Day 1: Arrive in Mauritius
It’s your first day in Mauritius, so pick up your rental car at the airport or hire a taxi to take you to your hotel in Belle Mare.
This region is very quiet and features some of the most pristine beaches on the island.
It does get a bit windy during the winter months (particularly between July and September), so if you get cold easily, I recommend staying in Grand Baie instead.
Along the way, make a few stops at:
- Bois des Amourettes jetty to admire the coastline and Lion Mountain
- Pointe du Diable to see the canons dating back to the naval battle of Grand Port
- Trou D’Eau Douce (a small fishing village with several local eateries).
After checking into your hotel, head to the beach for a swim or relaxing stroll.
Where to stay in Belle Mare?
- Luxury: Constance Belle Mare Plage
- Mid-range: Sunrise Attitude
- Budget: Alba Mauritius B&B
Day 2: Flacq Market and East Coast Beaches
Your 2-week Mauritius itinerary properly begins at Flacq Market.
Best visited on a Wednesday or Sunday when most stalls are open, the market features a huge variety of fresh produce, clothes, souvenirs, spices, and local delicacies.
Grab a fresh coconut at the entrance and make your way through the maze of souvenir stalls to the food court section to sample some delicious dholl puri (one of the most famous Mauritian street foods), gateaux piments, or briani if you prefer something more filling.
Explore deeper into the fresh produce section and soak in the local atmosphere.
It can feel a bit chaotic with vendors practically shouting to attract customers but it’s all part of the experience.
Once you’re done exploring the market, head to Belle Mare Beach.
Stretching for nearly 5 km, Belle Mare is famous for its crystal-clear waters and watersports (undersea walk, parasailing, tube ride, etc).
You’ll also find a few street food stalls on the beach and a couple of restaurants within walking distance.
If you prefer somewhere quieter, I recommend Palmar Beach, which is located less than 5 minutes away.
There are no restaurants here apart from a small fruit stall which opens mainly during the weekend so it’s best to bring a packed lunch.
Day 3: East to North Coast Road Trip
It’s time to leave Belle Mare and head to the northern part of Mauritius.
The first stop is Sagar Shiv Mandir, a small Hindu temple located on an island, easily accessible by a bridge.
If you’re feeling up to a hike, you can attempt the 5-km Coq de Bois trail at Bras D’Eau National Park. The trail is very rocky but mostly flat and easy to follow.
You can also make a quick stop at Poste La Fayette Beach to see the waves crash against the rocks.
Next up are the Roches Noires Lava Tubes, which is a series of tunnels formed during a volcanic eruption.
Some of them are filled with fresh water while others are completely dry and can be explored on foot.
If you’re visiting on a Tuesday or Friday, I also recommend visiting Goodlands Market.
The final stop before checking into your hotel in Grand Baie is Cap Malheureux where you’ll find the iconic red-roof church sitting by the water.
Where to stay in Grand Baie?
- Luxury: Mauricia Beachcomber
- Mid-range: Coin de Mire Attitude
- Budget: Azure Beach Boutique Hotel
Day 4: Beach Hopping in the North
On day 4, you’ll be exploring some of the best beaches in the north.
Starting with La Cuvette, a small sandy cove with powdery white sand and crystal-clear water.
Get there early as parking is limited and there isn’t much shade on the beach.
Next, move on to Pereybere, located just 5 minutes away. It’s also quite small which is why I recommend visiting in the morning.
If you’re hungry, you can find a few food stalls on both beaches.
In the afternoon, head to Mont Choisy Beach. This long white-sand beach is lined with rows of pine trees which provide plenty of shade.
On weekdays, you can even rent sunbeds and umbrellas for around 5 EUR.
Mont Choisy also has several food trucks but be sure to check their reviews as some of them are known to overcharge tourists.
Finally, end the day by watching the sunset at Mont Choisy or Trou aux Biches (another great beach where one can spot turtles).
Tip: Looking for a romantic activity? I recommend this 2-hour sunset cruise around Grand Baie.
Day 5: Northern Islands tour
One of the best things to do in Mauritius is to take a boat trip to the nearby islands.
The Northern Islands tour takes you to Ilot Gabriel, Flat Island, and Coin de Mire.
The tour departs from Grand Baie where you’ll be served breakfast. You’ll then sail to Flat Island where you’ll have free time to swim and snorkel or hike up to the lighthouse for a panoramic view.
After lunch, you’ll visit Ilot Gabriel and finally Coin de Mire for more swimming and snorkeling.
Note that you’ll be sailing on high seas, so if you get seasick easily, I recommend taking some motion sickness pills.
This trip can be done either by speedboat or catamaran. I personally prefer the latter as it’s less bumpy.
Day 6: Pamplemousses Garden and Port Louis
Check out of your hotel in Grand Baie and make your way to Pamplemousses Botanical Garden.
Spend 1 or 2 hours strolling around the palm tree-lined alleyways and take photos at the giant water lily pond.
The garden is open daily from 8.30 a.m to 5.30 p.m and entrance costs Rs 300 (free for children under 5 years old).
If you’re interested in learning about the sugar cane industry or simply taste some locally-made rum, sugar, and jam, I also recommend visiting L’Aventure du Sucre.
This former sugarcane factory is located about a 5-minute drive from Pamplemousses Garden and is a great place to visit with kids. Plan for 1-2 hours there.
The next stop is Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. Park at the Caudan Waterfront (Rs 80 for the first 4 hours) and snap a photo under the colorful umbrellas, go shopping at the Craft Market, or simply take a stroll along the waterfront.
You can then move on to the Central Market, one of the largest covered markets on the island where you can buy fresh produce, clothes, souvenirs, spices, and pretty much anything you can think of.
Be sure also to check out the food court section to try some gateaux piments, dholl puri, and the famous alouda drink (more info in my street food guide).
Tip: This 3-hour street food tour of Port Louis is a must-do for foodies!
If you have time, you can also visit Chinatown, Citadelle (for a panoramic view of the city), and the Natural History Museum (to see the skeleton of the extinct Dodo bird).
Read my travel guide to Port Louis for even more places to visit.
Finally, make your way to Flic en Flac where you’ll be spending the next few days.
Where to stay in Flic en Flac?
- Luxury: Maradiva Resort & Spa
- Mid-range: Sugar Beach
- Budget: Le Tribord
Day 7: Hiking at 7 Cascades and Flic en Flac Beach
No visit to Mauritius would be complete without hiking at 7 Cascades.
This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Mauritius, featuring panoramic views over a lush valley and several natural pools that are perfect for swimming.
If it’s your first time visiting, I recommend hiring a local guide as the trail can be a bit tricky to navigate due to the dense vegetation.
The trail is also quite steep and slippery, especially after a rainy day so be sure to wear appropriate hiking shoes.
Plan for 3 to 4 hours if you only want to visit the main waterfalls or 6 hours if you want to see all 12.
For more info, you can read about my experience hiking 7 Cascades here.
After your hike, you can then relax at Flic en Flac Beach, famous for its gorgeous sunsets.
Go for a swim (be sure to wear water shoes as there are some dead corals along the shore) or eat some delicious street food from one of the food trucks along the beach.
Day 8: Le Pouce Mountain and Minissy Waterfall
Another beautiful hike I recommend doing during your 2-week Mauritius itinerary is Le Pouce Mountain.
Offering a 360-degree view, the trail is well-beaten with several signs along the way.
From the summit you can see Port Louis and the surrounding mountains, including Pieter Both and Mount Ory.
Although this is an easy hike that can be done with the whole family, I wouldn’t recommend going to the summit with small children as the last part is very steep and slippery.
For more info, read my guide to hiking Le Pouce Mountain here.
In the afternoon, I recommend visiting Minissy Waterfall, located only about a 10-minute drive away.
This is a super easy hike that can be done within 15-20 minute, so ideal for children.
Afterward, you can choose to move to another hotel in Le Morne or stay in Flic en Flac and visit the next attractions from there.
Where to stay in Le Morne?
- Luxury: LUX Le Morne
- Mid-range: Kozy Le Morne
- Budget: Ma Vie La Apartments
Day 9: Le Morne Hike and Underwater Waterfall
Day 9 is all for epic views! Start the morning with a hike to Le Morne Brabant.
Previously used as a refuge by runaway slaves, Le Morne Brabant is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top things to see in Mauritius.
The first part of the trail is relatively easy with only a gradual incline. After around 45 minutes, you’ll already be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view.
If you’re doing this hike with kids, you can stop there and enjoy the view.
The second part, however, is much steeper and requires some rock-climbing skills.
There are no ropes along the trail so you have to get down on your hands and knees. For this reason, children aren’t allowed at the summit.
A guide isn’t mandatory but you can hire one for a much safer experience, plus you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the history of Le Morne. Here’s a hiking tour I recommend.
Next up, drive 5 minutes to La Prairie Beach for a seaplane flight above the underwater waterfall, which is actually an optical illusion created by the dragging of sand.
The cheapest flight lasts around 15 minutes but there are also other options lasting up to 80 minutes.
These tours are very popular, so I recommend booking at least 4 weeks in advance.
Finally end the day at Le Morne Beach for swimming and snorkeling.
Tip: If you want to get the iconic postcard picture of Le Morne Brabant, head to the beach in front of LUX Le Morne or Paradis Beachcomber.
Day 10: Chamarel and Black River Gorges
Today explore further inland to some of the most unique geological wonders of Mauritius.
Start with the village of Chamarel, featuring the 7 Colored Earth with its red, violet, green, blue, yellow, brown, and purple sand dunes, the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius, and several panoramic viewpoints.
Entrance to the 7 Colored Earth is Rs 750 for adults and Rs 375 for children (you can buy tickets here) while access to the waterfall and viewpoints are free.
If you have time, I also recommend visiting Ebony Forest, a conservation center where you can spot some rare endemic birds and hike to several viewpoints.
For those who prefer something more chill, head to Rhumerie de Chamarel for a rum-tasting session.
Afterward, make a quick stop at Gorges Viewpoint before heading to Grand Bassin, a crater lake surrounded by Hindu temples.
Since this is a religious site, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees before entering.
Day 11: Ile aux Benitiers
Ile aux Benitiers is a small island located off the southwest coast of Mauritius and boasts one of the best panoramic views of Le Morne Brabant.
Hop onboard a catamaran or speedboat and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wild dolphins as cruise across the ocean.
You’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal clear waters surrounding Crystal Rock before heading to Ile aux Benitiers for a BBQ lunch.
This island is very popular so it’s best to avoid the weekends if you want to escape the crowds.
Day 12: South Coast Road Trip
Time to move on to Blue Bay but first, I recommend going on a little road trip along the south coast.
The first stop is Maconde Viewpoint which offers unparalleled views of the turquoise ocean.
The next stop is Riviere des Galets Beach, the only pebble beach in Mauritius.
Swimming isn’t recommended here but you can walk around to enjoy the view.
A little further away is St Felix Beach. This is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island, featuring lots of colorful fish and corals just a few meters from the shore.
Next up is the village of Souillac. There’s a lot to see here from the Rochester Falls with its basalt columns to Gris Gris Beach with its panoramic viewpoints, beach caves, natural pools, and waterfalls.
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully experience this area.
Finally, check into your hotel in Blue Bay, and if you have time, head in for a swim. The snorkeling here is amazing with lots of fish and colorful corals.
Where to stay in Blue Bay?
- Luxury: Shandrani Beachcomber
- Mid-range: Preskil Island Resort
- Budget: Blue Beryl Guesthouse
Day 13: 5 Islands Tour
One of the most popular islands to visit in Mauritius is Ile aux Cerfs.
Perfect for an adventure-filled day, a trip to Ile aux Cerfs is a must for those wishing to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
There’s a lot to do on the island from parasailing to water skiing, undersea walk, tube ride, and more.
The island also features a 19-hole golf course, two restaurants, and a craft market selling clothes and souvenirs.
The best way to visit Ile aux Cerfs from Blue Bay is to book a 5 Islands speedboat trip.
Along the way, you’ll stop at Ile aux Aigrettes, Lighthouse Islands, and Ile de la Passe before visiting Ile aux Cerfs where you’ll be served a BBQ lunch with drinks.
The tour also includes snorkeling at a shipwreck and visit to a waterfall.
Day 14: Mahebourg
Before saying goodbye to Mauritius, head to the small village of Mahebourg, located about a 10-minute drive from Blue Bay.
If you’re visiting on a Monday, be sure to check out the local market to buy some souvenirs.
Next, make your way toward the ocean to Mahebourg Waterfront, which provides a panoramic view of Lion Mountain, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Mouchoir Rouge Island.
If you’re lucky, you may even witness the regatta here which takes place a few times per year.
Other places to visit in Mahebourg is Pointe Canon, Notre Dame des Anges Church, and Cavendish Bridge.
If you’re interested in history, you can drive 15 minutes out of Mahebourg to visit Frederick Hendrick Museum.
If you have more time before your flight back home, I recommend going snorkeling at Pointe D’Esny Beach.
It’s quieter than Blue Bay and features lots of beautiful corals and colorful fish.
I hope you’ve found this Mauritius itinerary for 2 weeks helpful and you’ve been able to get some ideas on how to plan your trip.
If you need more personalized help, click here to book a trip planning consultation with me and I’ll help you come up with an itinerary tailored to your interests and budget.