You have 10 days to explore Mauritius but don’t know how to plan your route?
Here’s my tried-and-tested 10-day Mauritius itinerary.
I’ve lived in Mauritius my entire life but I decided to plan a trip for myself to explore all of my favorite places.
From beaches to mountains, this itinerary covers all the main highlights and some lesser-known spots.
I’ve also included other trip ideas in case you don’t want to follow my exact route.
So keep reading to find out how to spend 10 days on Mauritius Island.
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Read more about Mauritius:
- Most beautiful beaches on Mauritius Island
- When to visit Mauritius?
- What to do in Mauritius in 1 week?
- Best ways to get around Mauritius?
- My tips for driving in Mauritius
Day 1: Mahebourg and Blue Bay
I recommend starting your trip in the southeast – more specifically, in Mahebourg.
It’s close to the airport–about 10 minutes away–so you won’t have to spend a lot of time driving there.
This area is full of history as it’s close to Grand Port, where the Dutch first landed in Mauritius.
The first stop is Mahebourg Market. I only recommend stopping there if you’re visiting on a Monday, otherwise only a few stalls will be open.
Here you can find anything from delicious street food to fresh produce, clothes, souvenirs, etc.
The market is located near the waterfront area so you can later walk around to admire the scenery.
In the distance, you can see the Mouchoir Rouge (it’s a private island so it’s not possible to visit, unfortunately), Ile aux Aigrettes, and Lion Mountain.
If you have time, you can also check out Pointe Canon, Cavendish Bridge, Notre Dame des Anges Church, and Frederick Hendrick Museum.
After lunch, I drove to Blue Bay Beach, one of my favorite beaches for swimming in Mauritius.
This is where you’ll find one of the few protected marine parks in Mauritius, home to several species of fish, corals, and turtles.
Near the jetty, you’ll find locals offering snorkeling tours, which usually last around 45 minutes to one hour.
Expect to pay around Rs 500 per person for a shared tour (with a bit of negotiating) or Rs 1,500-3,000 for a private boat.
Since I did the snorkeling tour during a previous visit, I opted to snorkel straight off the beach.
There’s a really nice snorkeling spot in front of Peninsula Bay Resort and Blue Beryl Guesthouse (where I stayed).
To be honest, the corals weren’t in the best conditions but I did see some beautiful pink and blue corals.
There were so many fish though – from Melon butterfly fish to Moorish idol, boxfish, starfish, and more. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some turtles.
I also recommend walking a further 15-20 minutes to Pointe D’Esny Beach, which is another great snorkeling spot.
There are usually fewer people there, so you might have the beach all to yourself.
For more info, read my guide to visiting Mahebourg and Blue Bay.
Where to stay in Blue Bay?
I stayed at Blue Beryl Guesthouse, a lovely accommodation located right on the beach.
It’s very affordable – starting at USD 80 per night, inclusive of a buffet breakfast. You have the choice between a garden or sea view room.
They also have a 2-bedroom apartment for bigger groups.
More hotels in Blue Bay:
- Luxury: Shandrani Beachcomber
- Mid-range: Preskil Island Resort
- Budget: Tilakaz Kreol, Coral Bay
Day 2: La Cambuse to Pont Naturel Hike and More Snorkeling
The next stop on my 10-day Mauritius itinerary is Pont Naturel.
Depending on the sea conditions, the waves can go up to 5 meters, offering one of the most spectacular sights in Mauritius!
The road (or should I say dirt track) leading there is quite rough with lots of potholes so I only recommend driving there if you have a 4×4 (although I did see some small cars trying to brave the road).
If like me, you don’t want to wreck your car, you can instead hike from La Cambuse Beach. It’s such a beautiful hike, taking only around one hour so it’s well worth it.
The trail is mostly flat, thus ideal for young children. Be sure to wear lots of sunscreen as there isn’t much shade along the way.
If you’d like to do this hike, you can read my detailed guide to Pont Naturel here.
If you don’t mind hiking a further 30 minutes, you can keep walking to Le Souffleur. You can also drive there, but as mentioned above, it’s best to do so with a 4×4.
You can then spend the afternoon at Blue Bay or Pointe D’Esny. The snorkeling there is amazing so I’m sure you won’t be bored!
More things to do in Blue Bay
- 5 Islands tour: Visit Ile aux Cerfs, GRSE Waterfall, Ile aux Phares, Ile de La Passe, Ilot Flamants, and Ile aux Aigrettes by speedboat. Tour usually includes BBQ lunch and snorkeling. Here’s a tour I recommend.
- Vallee de Ferney: Features several hiking trails ranging from 5 to 18 km. Entrance costs Rs 500 for adults and Rs 250 for children.
- Lion Mountain: a moderate-level hike offering spectacular views of the southeast coast. Best done with a guide as the trail is tricky to navigate.
- Snorkeling and Ile des Deux Cocos: Snorkel in Blue Bay Marine Park followed by lunch on a private island. Here’s a tour I recommend.
- La Vanille Nature Park: Especially great for kids. See crocodiles, tortoises and other animals.
- Mahebourg food tour
Where to eat in Blue Bay and Mahebourg?
- Coin Casse Croute
- Pyramid
- Le Bazilic
- Esco Burger
- The Bamboo Restaurant & Bar
Day 3: South Coast Road Trip
Check out of your hotel and head off on a scenic road trip to Le Morne.
The first stop is Gris Gris Beach. Here you’ll find viewpoints, beach caves, waterfalls, and natural pools.
You can read my detailed guide to Gris Gris where I’ve explained exactly how to visit each attraction.
You can also make a quick stop at Rochester Falls since it’s located only about a 10-minute drive away.
If you’re looking for another snorkeling spot, I highly recommend St Felix Beach.
It’s rarely crowded and features an abundance of colorful fish and corals.
There’s a little bit of current here so I don’t recommend swimming too far out. You won’t have to anyway as you’ll find lots of fish less than 2 meters from the shore.
Later, you can visit Riviere des Galets Beach and finally Maconde Viewpoint before checking into your hotel in Le Morne.
Where to stay in Le Morne?
I chose Ma Vie La Apartments since it’s one of most affordable options in Le Morne. It’s located less than a 5-minute drive from the beach and features a swimming pool.
I stayed in their “Mini” room, which can accommodate one person. Although small, it has a kitchen and seating area.
They also have other room types that can accommodate up to 5 persons.
More hotels in Le Morne:
- Luxury: Paradis Beachcomber, LUX Le Morne, St Regis
- Mid-range: Kozy Le Morne, Boutik Le Morne Holiday Apartments
- Budget: Justice Seaview Apartment
Day 4: Le Morne Brabant Hike and Beaches
On day 4, I woke up early since I wanted to hike Le Morne Brabant.
This is one of the most iconic hikes in Mauritius, offering a spectacular view over the turquoise lagoon and underwater waterfall!
I highly recommend hiring a guide if it’s your first time visiting as the second part of the trail is very steep with a sheer drop on either side. Here’s a hiking tour I recommend.
Since I’ve done this hike several times (both with and without a guide), I opted to hike solo on that day.
Unfortunately, it was too hot, so I decided to stop at the halfway point. I didn’t feel like I was missing out too much as the view was incredible, plus I already hiked to the summit before.
Here’s a photo I took from the summit a few years ago.
If you’d like more info about this hike, you can read about my experience hiking Le Morne Brabant here.
You can then spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling at Le Morne Beach.
If you’re visiting outside of the winter months, I recommend heading to the southeastern part of the beach as it’s usually less crowded there.
For sunset, you can go to La Prairie Beach. Although not the best for swimming, it’s rarely crowded and offers a great view of Le Morne Brabant.
More things to do in Le Morne
- Scenic flight above the underwater waterfall
- Boat trip to Ile aux Benitiers and Crystal Rock
- Slave Route Monument
Related post: Top things to do in Le Morne Mauritius
Where to eat in Le Morne?
- Wapalapam
- Emba Filao
- Kot Zanane
Day 5: Chamarel and Black River Gorges National Park
Next stop on this 10-day Mauritius trip is Chamarel. The road leading there is very scenic with lots of viewpoints overlooking the ocean and lush forest.
The main one located here offers a spectacular view of the southwest coast and is one of my favorite viewpoints in Mauritius.
I then visited Sainte Anne Church and Chamarel Waterfall.
I skipped the Seven Colored Earth as I’ve been there twice already. If you’d like to visit, the entrance fee is Rs 750 for adults and Rs 375 for children (you can buy tickets here).
The entrance fee might seem a bit steep but I think it’s worth visiting at least once. You can also see a few Aldabra tortoises and eat at the restaurant overlooking the colored earth.
If you have more time, you can also visit Ebony Forest, Rhumerie de Chamarel, Curious Chamarel and Lavilleon Adventure Park.
You can read my guide to visiting Chamarel village for more info about these attractions.
After visiting Chamarel, I recommend stopping by Gorges Viewpoint, Grand Bassin (a crater lake surrounded by Hindu temples), and Bois Cheri Tea Plantation.
You can do a tour of the tea factory followed by a tea tasting session or do like I did and simply walk around the tea plantation to admire the views.
Finally, check into your hotel in Flic en Flac or La Preneuse Beach.
I chose to stay at La Mariposa on La Preneuse Beach as it’s quieter and the perfect location to explore the nearby national park and beaches.
Where to stay in La Preneuse/Flic en Flac?
I stayed at La Mariposa, which is located right on La Preneuse Beach. Their Sunset room offers an amazing view of the ocean with Le Morne Mountain in the backdrop.
The room also has a small kitchen with a stovetop and microwave. The highlights for me were definitely the food and heated swimming pool!
If you prefer to stay in Flic en Flac, here are some hotel recommendations:
- Luxury: Maradiva Resort & Spa
- Mid-range: Sugar Beach
- Budget: Le Tribord
Day 6: Flic en Flac Beach
After a few days of hiking and exploring, I recommend spending the whole day relaxing at the beach.
You can either choose to stay at La Preneuse Beach or drive 25 minutes to Flic en Flac Beach.
It’s one of the longest beaches in Mauritius and stretches all the way to Wolmar Beach. At low tide level, you can even walk to Tamarin Beach.
You’ll find several food trucks on the beach and restaurants nearby so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Just keep in mind that the shore is a bit rocky so I recommend wearing water shoes while swimming.
If you want to snorkel, head to the northern part of the beach near the police station.
Related post: Top things to see and do in Flic en Flac
Day 7: Black River Gorges NP
One of my favorite things to do in Mauritius is hiking, so obviously, I had to plan another hike.
I recommend Plateau Remousse Viewpoint, which can be accessed from the west entrance of the Black River Gorges National Park.
The hike is relatively easy, taking only around 45 minutes. You can click here to find out exactly how to do this hike.
If you’re fit enough, you can keep hiking to Macchabee Viewpoint. This will require an extra 45 minutes to one hour.
This part is steeper so if you prefer an easier route, you can instead start your hike at Petrin Information Center and follow the signs to Macchabee Viewpoint and Plateau Remousse. You can click here for more info.
You can then spend the afternoon at the beach or choose one of the activities below.
More things to do in and around Flic en Flac
- 7 Cascades (Tamarind Falls): A moderate-level hike leading to 12 waterfalls overlooking lush valleys. Here’s a hiking tour I recommend.
- Tourelle du Tamarin
- Corps de Garde
- Casela Nature Park: Perfect for kids. Go on a safari to see animals and ride the rollercoaster on the mountain.
- Bassin Vert Waterfall: An easy hike leading to a waterfall flowing into the ocean.
- Pieter Both Mountain
Where to eat in Flic en Flac?
- Roti Aka Vinoda
- Creole Shak
- Kris Delights
- Ah Youn
Day 8: Port Louis, Mont Choisy
The next day, I made a quick stop in Port Louis. This is the capital of Mauritius, always buzzing with action.
Some people love it, some people hate it.
Personally, I love Port Louis – the good food at every corner, the cheap shopping (outside of Caudan, that is), the mix between the old and new..
If you’re coming to Port Louis by car, I recommend parking at the Caudan Waterfront for a less stressful experience (street parking is also available but good luck finding an empty spot on weekdays!).
Parking at Caudan costs Rs 80 for the first 4 hours and an extra Rs 80 for each additional hour.
Start your visit at the Umbrella Square. Then take a stroll around the waterfront area and maybe do some shopping at the Craft Market.
Next make your way to the heart of Port Louis – the Central Market. This is one of the largest markets in Mauritius, where you can buy fresh produce, souvenirs, clothes, spices, medicinal herbs, etc.
Don’t skip the food court if you want to sample some of the most popular street food in Mauritius.
Make sure to try the dholl puri and alouda (two of my personal favorites). Other foods I recommend are gateaux piments, faratha, and briani.
You can learn more in my Mauritius street food guide or click here book a guided food tour of Port Louis.
Later you can explore further to Chinatown – see the religious sites and street art and finally stop at the Citadel for a bird’s eye view of the city.
Be sure to read my guide to visiting Port Louis for even more things to see and do.
I then drove straight to Mont Choisy Beach. The water looked so blue and inviting that I had a hard time getting out!
If you’re hungry, you can have a bite at the food stalls on Mont Choisy Beach.
Just be careful to check the reviews though as some of them are known to overcharge tourists. I had a fried rice at A1 Snack and it was delicious and cheap.
Where to stay in Grand Baie?
If you want to be near restaurants, bars, and shops, I recommend staying in Grand Baie itself.
Alternatively, if you prefer somewhere quieter, you can instead choose Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, or Bain Boeuf.
For this trip, I stayed at a relative’s place but in the past, I’ve stayed at Lagoon Attitude in Anse La Raie and Club Med in Pointe aux Cannonier (both are located within a few minutes’ drive from Grand Baie).
More hotels in Grand Baie:
- Luxury: Mauricia Beachcomber
- Mid-range: Coin de Mire Attitude
- Budget: Azure Beach Boutique Hotel
Day 9: Beaches in Grand Baie
The next morning, I recommend taking a walk from Bain Boeuf to Cap Malheureux.
You can follow the coastal trail, which is easy and flat and around 45 minutes later, you’ll arrive at the red roof church in Cap Malheureux.
Tip: If you don’t have water shoes, it’s best to do this walk at low tide. Alternatively, you can take the stairs leading to Cap Malheureux Cemetery and then continue along the main road to the red roof church.
If you prefer a shorter trail, you can instead walk from Grand Baie Beach (near Sunset Boulevard) to La Cuvette Beach. This one takes only around 20-30 minutes.
After enjoying the view at Cap Malheureux, take the bus or walk back to Bain Boeuf to collect your car and then head to Pereybere Beach.
This gorgeous beach features soft powdery sand but unfortunately can get crowded as it’s quite small.
It’s best to go there early – at least before 10 a.m. If you’re visiting during the weekend, you’ll need to get there much earlier.
I also recommend visiting La Cuvette Beach. Similar to Pereybere, it’s small and features soft powdery sand.
If you want to snorkel, head to the right-hand side of the beach where you’ll be able to spot some fish.
More Things to do in and around Grand Baie
- Northern Islands tour: Visit Ilot Gabriel and Flat Island and snorkel around Coin de Mire to admire the coral reefs and colorful fish. BBQ lunch and drinks are included.
- Sunset cruise around Grand Baie
- Kayaking at Ile D’Ambre
- Trou aux Biches Beach
- Pamplemousses Garden: A beautiful botanical garden that can be explored within 1-2 hours.
- L’Aventure du Sucre Museum: Learn about the history of Mauritius’ sugarcane industry through interactive exhibits. Entrance fee also include tasting of sugar and rum.
- Chateau de Labourdonnais: A beautiful colonial mansion surrounded by lush gardens
- Maheswarnath Mandir
Related post: What to do in Grand Baie Mauritius?
Where to eat in Grand Baie?
- Ti Kouloir
- Karai Kreole
- Paradise Corner
- Botteghita
Day 10: East Coast Road Trip
I recommend spending your last day in Mauritius on the east coast. There’s plenty to see in this region, from markets to lava tubes, beaches, temples, etc.
Leaving Grand Baie, take a little road trip passing by local villages like Goodlands (you can check out the local market on Tuesdays and Fridays), Poudre D’Or and Roches Noires (be sure to check out the lava tubes).
You can also make a quick stop at Mare Sarcelle, Poste La Fayette Beach, and Bras D’Eau Beach.
If you have time, you can also visit Bras D’Eau National Park. The trails are flat and easy to follow and can be explored within 2 hours.
For a hidden gem on the east coast, I recommend Sagar Shiv Mandir, a Hindu temple located on a small island. It’s connected to the mainland by a bridge so you can easily get there by car.
My final stop was Belle Mare Beach. This is one of the longest beaches on the east coast. It features calm shallow water, so ideal for children.
Belle Mare is famous for its watersport activities, from parasailing to water skiing, undersea walk and tube ride.
Just keep in mind that this part of the island does get windy and cold during the winter months.
For a quieter alternative to Belle Mare, I recommend Palmar. Head to the beach in front of Salt of Palmar or Crystal Beach Resort if you want to swim.
If you just want to relax and enjoy the view, you can instead drive to this spot.
Before heading back to the airport, you can also make a few quick stops. Some of my favorites include Trou D’Eau Douce, Pointe du Diable, and Bois des Amourettes jetty.
Where to eat along the east coast?
- Chinese Gourmet
- Chez Tino
- Green Island Beach Restaurant
- Sarepta
- Le Grand Vent
There you go! This is how to spend 10 days in Mauritius! I hope you’ve found this post helpful but if you’d like more personalized help with your itinerary, you can click here to book a trip planning consultation with me.