6 Days in Mauritius: Indian Ocean Rhythm
Mauritius rewards the traveller seeking true cultural fusion: Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Creole traditions collide in Port Louis's markets, while the island's dramatic volcanic interior and pristine lagoons offer reef diving, hiking and beach time without the crowds of the Caribbean.
What to expect
- Dive the untouched coral gardens off Île aux Cerfs on the east coast.
- Hike through Black River Gorges' endemic bird sanctuary and waterfall pools.
- Explore Port Louis's spice markets, temples and the Aapravasi Ghat UNESCO site.
- Swim in Chamarel's sacred freshwater lake surrounded by coloured earth cliffs.
- Taste Creole street food in Quatre Bornes and local rum at Medine estate.
- Snorkel the shallow lagoons off Bel Ombre on the south coast at dawn.
Day by day
Land at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport; transfer to Port Louis guesthouse.
Wander the colourful Bazaar Street market and visit the Jummah Mosque and Hindu temple complex.
Dinner on seafood cakes at Caudan Waterfront, watch sunset from the promenade.
Drive to Trou d'Eau Douce (45 min); board catamaran to Île aux Cerfs.
Dive or snorkel the coral gardens; lunch of grilled fish on the beach.
Return to Port Louis; rest and evening walk through Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden.
Drive west to Black River Gorges National Park (90 min); hike the Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire trail.
Visit Chamarel's coloured earth plateau and sacred freshwater lake; swim in the mountain pool.
Stay in Tamarin or Flic en Flac; sunset walk on the black-sand beach.
Drive to Bel Ombre (south coast, 2 hours from Flic en Flac); snorkel the lagoon at dawn.
Explore the Riambel lagoon; meet local fishermen and taste octopus curry in a beachside shack.
Return towards Port Louis; dinner in Quatre Bornes' Creole restaurant strip.
Visit the Aapravasi Ghat indentured labour memorial and Unchained Gallery in Port Louis.
Drive to Medine Estate sugar factory; tour the plantation and distillery, taste aged rum.
Night market at Bagatelle, street food crawl (dholl puri, gateaux).
Beach time at Poudre d'Or or Bain Boeuf on the northwest coast (calm, shallow water).
Shopping at Anahita or local craft markets; final Hindu shrine visit.
Depart for airport.
Palcation builds the whole plan in seconds: flights, stays, food and a day-by-day itinerary you can share and budget.
Plan this trip free