Looking for the best places to visit in East Mauritius? From long stretches of white-sand beaches to gorgeous islands, pristine national parks, and vibrant villages, there are so many things to do in the east of Mauritius.
In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need about the top places to visit as well as some underrated ones.
So, if you need help planning your visit, keep reading for the top 10 attractions on Mauritius East Coast, including recommendations on the best places to stay.
I’ve also linked to a map with the exact location of each attraction at the end of this article.
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Read more about Mauritius:
- 44 unique attractions to see in Mauritius
- Best areas to stay on Mauritius Island
- Guide to the best hotels in Mauritius for family
- Things you should know before hiring a rental car in Mauritius
Top 10 Attractions in Mauritius East Coast
Ile aux Cerfs
Surrounded by calm shallow water, powdery white sand, and rows of palm and casuarina trees, Ile aux Cerfs is one of the most popular places to visit in East Mauritius.
A visit to Ile aux Cerfs is a must for those who want to try out all sorts of water activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, undersea walk, tube ride, and more.
The island also features a golf course, two restaurants and several souvenir shops.
It’s best to visit as part of a tour which usually includes boat transfers, snorkeling, a visit to GRSE waterfall, unlimited drinks, and a delicious BBQ lunch on the beach or onboard (if you’re doing a catamaran cruise).
Make sure to book at least a few days in advance as this is one of the most popular excursions in Mauritius so, it tends to book fast.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR OF ILE AUX CERFS + BBQ LUNCH
Tip: If you want to visit other islands as well, book this 5 Islands tour instead which also includes a visit to Ile aux Cerfs.
For more details and top activities to do on the island, be sure to read my guide to the best Ile aux Cerfs tours.
Related post: Guide to visiting Ile aux Cerfs + day tours
GRSE waterfall
This small waterfall in Mauritius is located along GRSE River and is a great place to visit on the east coast of Mauritius.
What makes GRSE waterfall special is that it flows directly into the ocean. It also features several rock pools where you can relax with a view of the surrounding cliffs and lush vegetation.
Although there are a few ways to get there, the easiest one is by taking a boat tour of Ile aux Cerfs.
Toward the end of the tour, the boat will take you to the base of the waterfall and you can even jump into the water for a refreshing swim.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR OF ILE AUX CERFS AND GRSE WATERFALL
Alternatively, you can hike along the river edge by starting at GRSE bridge. If you’re staying at Otentic Eco Tent, you can use their free kayaks to get there.
Related post: Mauritius waterfall guide: 18 top waterfalls to visit
Belle Mare Beach
For one of the longest beaches in Mauritius, boasting stunning sunrise views, look no further than Belle Mare.
There are so many things to do here, from swimming to snorkeling, and parasailing. You can hop on a glass-bottom boat to see the colorful fish.
Stretching over 5 km, Belle Mare is lined with some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts.
My favorite is Solana Beach, a 4-star hotel located right on the beach. It’s more of a mid-range hotel but with excellent value for money, plus they serve delicious food.
Related post: Best things to do in Belle Mare Mauritius
Trou D’Eau Douce
Another top thing to do in East Mauritius is to visit Trou D’Eau Douce.
Once a small fishing village, Trou D’Eau Douce is now thriving as a popular tourist destination on the east coast, especially for budget to mid-range travelers.
Another reason why it’s a great base is due to its proximity to Ile aux Cerfs. There are several boat taxis and tours that depart from Trou D’Eau Douce and it should take only about 30 minutes to reach the island.
The beach features beautiful turquoise waters and soft white sand. There are heaps of restaurants to choose from as well as a great selection of water activities to do in the area.
Related post: 29 best beaches in Mauritius + where to stay
Sagar Shiv Mandir
Sagar Shiv Mandir (also known as Shivala Poste de Flacq) is a small Hindu temple located on an islet off the east coast of Mauritius, more specifically in the village of Poste de Flacq.
The islet is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so you can easily get there by car.
The temple stands out against the turquoise waters thanks to its white façade and red accents.
The atmosphere here feels very serene and it’s a great place to visit if you want to learn about the Hindu religion.
Related post: How to rent a car in Mauritius
Palmar Beach
Palmar Beach is located about a 5-minute drive from Belle Mare. It’s less developed compared to Belle Mare but you can still find a couple of hotels along the beach.
It’s also much quieter, especially on weekdays, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to choose Palmar over Belle Mare.
The only downside is that the waves can be strong (mainly in winter), so be careful if you plan to go for a swim.
Bras D’Eau National Park
While researching the best places to visit in Mauritius, you’ve most probably come across the famous Black River Gorges which features over 60 km of hiking trails.
But what most people aren’t aware of is that there’s another national park on the east coast of Mauritius.
Although smaller, Bras D’Eau National Park is a great place to visit for those looking to explore slightly off the beaten path.
The park features two main hiking trails – Coq de Bois Trail and Coq de Bois Loop. Both start and end at the visitor’s center or you can start your hike from Bras D’Eau beach.
There are also a few swamps within the forest like Mare Mahogany, Mare Chevrettes and Mare Sarcelle (the biggest one in the national park).
Related post: 29 amazing hikes on Mauritius Island
Bras D’Eau Beach
The best way to cool off after hiking at Bras D’Eau National Park is to take a dip in the turquoise waters of Bras D’Eau beach.
The water is calm and shallow, making it ideal for families with small children.
Flacq Market
One of the best places to go if you want to immerse yourself in the Mauritian culture is Flacq Market.
This huge covered market is packed with stalls selling fruits, vegetables, clothes, fabric, souvenirs and pretty much anything you can think of.
There’s also a separate food section where you can try out some Mauritian street food like dholl puri, faratha, samosa, gateau piments, and much more.
Although the market is open every day, it’s best to visit on a Wednesday or Sunday when most stalls are open.
Related post: 30 delicious street food to eat in Mauritius
Poste La Fayette Beach
As you head toward the northeast of Mauritius, you’ll come across Poste La Fayette Beach, famous for its rocky shore and gigantic waves.
Although swimming isn’t advisable here, it’s a great place to visit if you want to admire the waves crashing against the rocks.
Just make sure to avoid getting too close to the shore to avoid being swept by the waves.
Best Places to Stay in East Mauritius
Solana Beach Hotel
Located in Belle Mare, Solana Beach Hotel is ideal for couples and boasts stunning sunrise views.
Every single room at Solana directly faces the ocean and features a double bed, TV, mini-fridge and a private bathroom.
Activities like kayaking and snorkeling are offered free of charge. Their all-inclusive package is worth every penny thanks to their huge selection of delicious food and cocktails.
Click here for the latest price and availability
Otentic Eco Tent Experience
For one of the most unique accommodations on the east coast, I highly recommend Otentic Eco Tent.
Located in the village of Deux Freres, it features 12 spacious safari tents, each equipped with one double bed, two single beds, a private bathroom and balcony.
They only serve authentic Mauritian dishes and offer a range of activities like kayaking, paddle boarding and mountain biking for free. You can find more details in my review of Otentic Eco Tent.
Click here for the latest price and availability
Related post: Best places to stay in Mauritius (by region)
La Koquillishe
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Mauritius with family or with a group of friends, I recommend La Koquillishe.
Their one-bedroom suite includes a double bed in addition to a sofa bed in the living room. The property is situated in Trou D’Eau Douce, within walking distance of the beach and restaurants.
Click here for the latest price and availability
Click here for more hotels on the east coast
Best time to visit East Mauritius
The best time to visit the east coast is from April to December. Note that it gets quite windy in winter, especially between July and September since this region is affected by the southeast trade wind.
If you’re into kitesurfing, this would be the ideal time to go.
For more information, make sure to read my guide to the best time to visit Mauritius.
Related post: Best months of the year to visit Mauritius
Did you find this guide to the best places on East Coast Mauritius helpful? If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to click here for a map with the location of each attraction mentioned in this guide.
Read more about Mauritius:
- 11 best things to do in North Mauritius
- 21 things to see and do in Mauritius South + Map
- How to plan the perfect Mauritius itinerary
- 29 most beautiful beaches on Mauritius Island
- Guide to the best Ile aux Cerfs tours in Mauritius
- Best Mauritius excursions and tours to take
- Mauritius weather by month: The best time to visit
- Is it safe to drive in Mauritius?