In this article, I’m going to share a list of the best Mauritius excursions and tours. This is for those who prefer not to drive in Mauritius or just want to enjoy a relaxing trip without worrying about logistics.
Plus, some of the tourist attractions, especially those found in the south, aren’t easily accessible by public transportation, which is why taking a guided tour of Mauritius is a good idea.
Taking a boat trip to remote islands, hiking to the summit of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, chasing waterfalls, sampling the local cuisine, or witnessing the unique geological wonders are among some of the must-do Mauritius excursions.
Since I’m a local, I know all about the best excursions to take in Mauritius. I’ve also made sure to select only the best tours according to their ratings and value for money.
From Mauritius boat trips to sightseeing tours or hiking tours, keep reading to find out what are the best Mauritius excursions and tours to take during your trip.
No time to read the whole article? I recommend this private guided tour of the southwest to see the most beautiful places in Mauritius! The price includes hotel transfers and a local guide for a group of up to 4 people.
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Best Tours and Excursions in Mauritius Island
No time to read the whole post? No worries! Here are the 3 best Mauritius excursions and tours.
#1 TOP PICK
#2 PICK
✔ Visit of island + waterfall + snorkeling
✔ BBQ lunch + unlimited drinks included
#3 PICK
Private guided tour of Southwest Mauritius
✔ Visit Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin, Black River Gorges, Chamarel
✔ Hotel transfers and English or French-speaking guide included
All these tours can be booked through GetYourGuide, a trusted booking platform that allows free cancelation up to 24 hours before your trip, perfect for any last-minute changes. Plus, some of these tours require no prepayment which is super convenient.
In case some of the tours mentioned below aren’t available on GetYourGuide, you can book similar ones on Viator.
Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles
Rating: 4.7/5 | Tour Duration: 8 hours | Check rates here
Although Mauritius boasts many beautiful beaches, the small islets scattered around the mainland also offer some pretty spectacular beaches.
One of the best Mauritius excursions is this full-day catamaran cruise to the Northern Isles departing from Grand Baie public beach.
The first stop is Flat Island where you can explore a small hiking trail leading to a lighthouse or swim in the lagoon.
You’ll then have a delicious BBQ lunch on board before heading to Gabriel Island for more swimming and relaxation. The final stop is near Coin de Mire Island for snorkeling among the colorful fish.
I 100% recommend this cruise. Sympathy of the crew, excursion in small groups, background music, arrival ahead of the other catamarans on the islands… we are well isolated and we can enjoy the tranquil paradise landscapes! The food served is delicious, excellent value for money. Go for it without hesitation.
Astrid (see more reviews)
This Mauritius tour includes a light breakfast, BBQ lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear. You also have the option between a shared and private tour.
As one of the most popular tours in Mauritius North, make sure to book in advance as it sells out fast.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK ON GETYOURGUIDE
Related post: Best boat tours in Mauritius
Full-Day Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs + BBQ Lunch
Rating: 4.7/5 | Tour Duration: 7 hours | Check rates here
Taking a boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs is another fun Mauritius excursion to add to your itinerary.
Located off the east coast of Mauritius, this small private island features pristine white-sand beaches and heaps of water activities like banana boat rides, parasailing, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Tours depart from either Trou D’Eau Douce (east) or Pointe Jerome (southeast) and you’ll even visit a small waterfall along the way.
Absolutely recommend! Even spotted dolphins. Staff, food & drinks are top class. Rarely experienced such good value for money. Immediately again!
Henrik (see more reviews)
A light breakfast will be served before jumping on board and you’ll also get the chance to snorkel in the lagoon. Once you get to the island, you’ll be free to explore on your own. BBQ lunch and drinks are also included.
The tours are available by either catamaran or speedboat.
Note: If your hotel isn’t located nearby, you can request a hotel transfer for an additional fee.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK ON GETYOURGUIDE
Le Morne Brabant Guided Hike
Rating: 5/5 | Tour Duration: 4 hours | Check rates here
If you Google Mauritius, I can guarantee that a picture of Le Morne Brabant mountain with its world-famous underwater waterfall will pop up.
While the underwater waterfall is best viewed from a helicopter, hiking to the summit is a much cheaper alternative.
During this hiking tour, your guide will tell you all about the history of the mountain and point out the rare endemic plants.
It was an incredibly beautiful experience! You felt safe and secure at all times. You don’t need any experience for this excursion. The guide “Bryn” makes an incredible effort and pays attention to every participant! He even takes beautiful photos and videos for free, which you get sent afterwards! 5 out of 5 stars! I can recommend this experience to everyone.
Alica (see more reviews)
You’ll make a few stops along the way before reaching the final viewpoint with the metal cross where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the lagoon and neighboring forests.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK ON GETYOURGUIDE
Private Guided Tour of the Southwest
Rating: 4.8/5 | Tour Duration: 7 hours | Check rates here
This South Mauritius excursion is the perfect way to discover the most unique locations in the southwest.
I highly recommend this guided tour for first-time visitors since it serves as a great introduction to Mauritius Island.
You’ll visit the colorful sand dunes of the Seven Colored Earth Geopark as well as Chamarel waterfall.
Other highlights include Gorges viewpoint, Ganga Talao (also known as Grand Bassin), an important pilgrimage site for the Hindus, Trou aux Cerfs which is a dormant volcano, and Curepipe town.
Very good. We got to see many different beautiful sights, and our driver Noorani was very pleasant, flexible and open to “customize” the tour by driving us where we wanted to go. He did come with us (on foot) at some of the spots, but mostly stayed by the car and waited for us, so we could explore at our own pace – which was very nice, as we didn’t feel like we were on a time schedule.
Niclas (see more reviews)
The tour is available with an English or French-speaking guide.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK ON GETYOURGUIDE
Ile aux Benitiers and Crystal Rock
Rating: 4.7/5 | Tour Duration: 6 hours | Check rates here
Another boat trip worth adding to your Mauritius itinerary is this Ile aux Benitiers and Crystal Rock tour.
This small island is located on the southwest coast and features some of the best snorkeling spots on the island.
I really enjoyed this trip. Catamaran is comfortable, I loved chilling on the net. We saw so many dolphins. BBQ lunch was actually better than I expected, it was amazing, very tasty. We had chicken, fish, eggplant, potato salad, vegetable salad and pineapple – something for everyone. The crew was very friendly.
Sona (see more reviews)
If you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins while cruising to the island.
You’ll also stop at Crystal Rock for snorkeling and then Ile aux Benitiers for more swimming and snorkeling, followed by a BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A BOAT TRIP TO ILE AUX BENITIERS
7 Cascades (Tamarind Falls) Hiking Tour
Rating: 4.8/5 | Tour Duration: 3 hours | Check rates here
As one of the most impressive waterfalls in Mauritius, a visit to Sept Cascades, also known as Tamarind Falls, is a must for adventurous travelers.
Although it’s called 7 Cascades, there are actually over 12 waterfalls nestled between the lush vegetation, each offering the perfect opportunity for a refreshing swim.
This hiking experience was unbelievable. We visited 5 waterfalls and we were able to take pictures and swim in one of the natural pools. Our guide, Lucas was very helpful showing us the way and explaining the techniques during the hike as certain parts were more difficult than others.
Meropi (see more reviews)
I can guarantee that you’ll be in for a treat during this Mauritius excursion! I mean, the photos below speak for themselves!
Note: This hike requires a moderate level of fitness. The path is very slippery and rocky in some parts, plus it’s very easy to get lost, which is why booking a hiking tour with a local guide is the safest option.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK ON GETYOURGUIDE
Blue Bay Half-Day Snorkeling Trip with Creole Picnic Lunch
Rating: 4.7/5 | Tour Duration: 4 hours | Check rates here
Blue Bay Marine Park is located in the southeast of Mauritius, near the small fishing village of Mahebourg. It was proclaimed a national park in 1997 and features over 100 species of coral and 200 species of fish.
Great activity to do if you pass by there, the corals are magnificent, you can see a multitude of different fish. Our guide Endy was on top he taught us a lot of things about the island, wonderful activity.
Maïmounna (see more reviews)
During the tour, you’ll visit an old shipwreck and snorkel in the marine park.
Afterward, a typical Mauritian lunch of fish, chicken, or vegetable curry and drinks will be served on the island of Ile des Deux Cocos where you’ll also have some free time to relax before another snorkeling session in the lagoon.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A BLUE BAY SNORKELING TRIP + LUNCH
Port Louis Street Food Tour
Rating: 4.8/5 | Tour Duration: 3 hours | Check rates here
What better way to sample the local cuisine than to go on a street food tour of Mauritius? The best place to do just that is the capital city of Port Louis.
From the Caudan Waterfront to the Central Market and Chinatown, you’ll wander around the city with a knowledgeable guide in search of the most delicious Mauritian street foods and at the same time, learn a bit about the history of Mauritius.
The tour was well organized and the guide was funny and friendly! We got to taste several street food snacks (sweet/savory/fruity) and heard some stories about Mauritius. Pay extra attention to the tiny Port Louis’s oldest patisserie, which you would have never spotted yourself in the city. Super cool!
Anna (see more reviews)
Some of the foods you’ll try during the tour are dholl puri, faratha, and boulettes (dumplings).
CLICK HERE TO BOOK ON GETYOURGUIDE
Private Island Tour with Driver and Guide
Rating: 4.7/5 | Tour Duration: 4-8 hours | Check rates here
If you don’t want to rent a car in Mauritius or join a shared tour, the next best option is to hire a private driver and customize your very own private Mauritius excursion.
I’ve written several travel guides about the best places to visit in Mauritius, so you can just pick and choose and craft your own itinerary.
We hat a really nice day. The Guide (Dhiren) knew a lot to tell about Mauritius and made it a very informative and fun trip all around the Island. He was very punctual and showed us even more than we expected on a full day tour. It was also very comfortable because the car was air conditioned and had wifi on board. If you plan to see the Island with your own schedule then we highly recommend this option!
Lily (see more reviews)
I also recommend picking a specific region for each day so that you don’t spend a lot of time sitting in the car but more time sightseeing.
Another advantage of having a local driver is that you’ll get insider tips about the best places to eat along the way.
CLICK HERE TO HIRE A PRIVATE DRIVER
Mauritius Private Full-Day Instagram Tour
Rating: 4.8/5 | Tour Duration: 8 hours | Check rates here
Whether you’re an Instagrammer or simply want to take some epic photos to remember your trip, this private Instagram tour will take you to some of the best photo spots in Mauritius.
This Mauritius day tour includes a mix of natural attractions and cityscapes, from the colorful Umbrella Street at the Caudan Waterfront to the giant water lily pond at Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and the Hindu temples at Ganga Talao.
Fantastic day out. Being able to see a lot, as well as getting acquainted with tasting tea, rum and typical Mauritian meals. Also received a lot of explanation from our guide Deepak. It was worth the effort!
Marjanka (see more reviews)
You’ll also visit Chamarel 7 Colored Earth and Chamarel Waterfall, one of the tallest in Mauritius. Entrance fees to all attractions are included in the tour price.
And if you need any more convincing, make sure to read my guide to the best Instagram spots in Mauritius.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A MAURITIUS INSTAGRAM TOUR
Mauritius Dodo Trail Tour + Lunch
Rating: 4.5/5 | Tour Duration: 8.5 hours | Check rates here
This Mauritius sightseeing tour is great for those who want to explore the capital city of Port Louis with a local guide.
Notable stops include Fort Adelaide (Citadel) for a panoramic view of Port Louis, St Louis Cathedral, Caudan Waterfront as well as some historical buildings. You’ll also visit the bustling Central Market where you can sample some local snacks and buy souvenirs.
It was a very interesting trip to see all the fruits and vegetables that Mauritius grows. We also really liked the botanical garden with the huge lily pads and the beautiful lotus flower. Really recommended.
Lorenz (see more reviews)
A Mauritian creole lunch will be served at a local’s home and you’ll then visit the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden.
Hotel transfers, lunch, entrance fees, and an English, French, or German-speaking guide are included in the tour rate.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A MAURITIUS DODO TRAIL TOUR
Below is a summary of the best Mauritius excursions and tours:
| Tours | Region | Rating | Book |
| Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles + Lunch | North | 4.7/5 | CHECK PRICE |
| Full-Day Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs + BBQ Lunch | East | 4.7/5 | CHECK PRICE |
| Le Morne Brabant Guided Hike | Southwest | 5/5 | CHECK PRICE |
| Private guided tour of the Southwest | Southwest | 4.9/5 | CHECK PRICE |
| Ile aux Benitiers + BBQ Lunch | West | 4.7/5 | CHECK PRICE |
| Mauritius Private Full-Day Instagram Tour | North and South | 4.8/5 | CHECK PRICE |
| 7 Cascades (Tamarind Falls) Hiking Tour | Center | 4.8/5 | CHECK PRICE |
| Blue Bay Half-Day Snorkeling Trip with Creole Picnic Lunch | Southeast | 4.7/5 | CHECK PRICE |
| Private Island Tour with Driver and Guide | Whole island | 4.7/5 | CHECK PRICE |
| Port Louis Guided Street Food Tour | North | 4.8/5 | CHECK PRICE |
| Mauritius Dodo Trail Tour with Lunch | North | 4.5/5 | CHECK PRICE |
As you can see there are so many options for tours and excursions in Mauritius. As always, if you have any questions, let me know in the comment section below.
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