Best things to do in Mauritius

Stroll across the 37 hectares (91 acres) of SSR Botanic Garden and explore the preserved plant life of the Southern Hemisphere's oldest botanical garden. Admire the neatly maintained gardens and their luxuriant vegetation, including the giant water lilies of the park's main pond, abundance of sugar canes, and over 85 varieties of palm tree. Named after the attractive grapefruit tree that grows in the region (thought to have been introduced by the Dutch), the garden boasts decorative plants as well as fruit trees, all giving an excellent introduction to the agricultural and culinary heritage of the island nation.

An uninhabited island in the largest lagoon in the country, Ile aux Cerfs offers relaxation and activity in equal measure. The 87 hectare (214 acre) island boasts shining white sand beaches and thick, lush plant life, with wilder areas ripe for exploration. More manicured parts balance things out with golf courses and beach resort entertainment, including bars and restaurants. The island gets its name from the stags brought here to be hunted for sport. None remain on the island today, but the wide sandy beaches offer sport of a different variety, with multiple companies renting out equipment and providing lessons for snorkeling, diving, parasailing, sailing, and more. Note that crowds of both locals and tourists arrive by midday.

Witness an impressive geological formation at Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark. The attractive area of dunes features sand of seven distinct colors: red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow settle in separate layers, forming colorful stripes. The decomposition of volcanic rock cooling at different temperatures causes the separation, which, taken as a whole, appears otherworldly. Remember to bring your camera to catch this strange natural sight from behind the fences of the observation deck, and consider taking home a small tube of the sands from one of the many sellers by the entrance.

Make friends with some critters among unspoiled surroundings at La Vanille Nature Park, a nature park featuring impressive scenery and a wealth of animals. Take a tour with one of the knowledgeable guides to see the abundance of creatures that make their home here, learning interesting facts about the animals and their natural habitat. Head to the petting zoo, designed to entertain and inform younger visitors about local farm animals through interaction at feeding time. Tortoises bumble around the park in their inimitable way, while crocodiles roam their large enclosures, displaying massive jaws and teeth during feeding time shows.

Admire an impressive natural water feature at Chamarel Waterfalls. Plunging 83 m (272 ft) in a single drop, the waterfall spills over a sheer cliff face surrounded by thick vegetation, creating an iconic sight. View the fall from the observation deck located at its top, and descend to the pool at its base to enjoy some swimming in the shallow waters. Prebook to experience rappelling down the waterfall's length, taking in the scenery and the power of the ancient gush of water from a dramatic perspective.

Explore the landscape at Les 7 Cascades, an area of waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and lush green vegetation. Hike between the 11 falls and cool off, taking a dip in the refreshing pools at their feet. Consider booking a challenging outdoor experience, such as canyoning down the seven narrow, rocky pathways cut into the landscape by the rushing waters. Rappellers can descend a cliff face to gain a different perspective on the surrounding landscape.

Flic en Flac Beach offers plenty of room for sunbathing and swimming, all framed by the clear, calm lagoon and casurina trees. A coral reef protects the area from wilder waves, so taking a dip here is thoroughly relaxing. If you want more activity, though, you have your pick from a range of water sports. In spite of its popularity among locals and tourists, the length of the beach means you should have no problem finding a secluded spot if you feel like getting away from it all.

Explore the range of Mauritian plant and animal life at Black River Gorges National Park, a protected area that includes the last of the nation's rainforest. Encompassing around two percent of the country's total space, the area is formally protected from further deforestation after being proclaimed a national park in 1994. Spot rusa deer and wild pigs, along with endemic species like the Mauritian flying fox, Mauritius kestrel, and the pink pigeon. The variety in the wildlife comes with the area's diversity of climate and habitat, with humid upland forest, dry lowland forest, and heathland all here.

Ludovic, our diving instructor (Octo for the Friends) opened the Diving Centre mid-2011, with more than 15 years of experience as professional diver, His team and himself is here to cater your every need in a relax atmosphere; where Before, During and After the dive, we make sure your Diving Holiday is a Success....

The Octopus Diving Center philosophy is to promote safe and secure diving in a pleasurable atmosphere. Professionalism is our core objectives and aim to provide a tailor made service. We are not mass tourism attraction! Come join us, we will make you enjoy the best of your dives.

Let pain and tension wash away with a therapeutic visit to Ved Holistic Care Centre. The center's team of professional healers work tirelessly to provide a thorough experience in an effort to achieve overall well being for every visitor. The treatments can include chakra scanning, deep tissue massages with oil, hot stone therapy, steam baths, and shirodhara, as well as acupuncture, yoga, and meditation. Each treatment can be tailored and personalized to suit your individual needs and address specific problem spots and chronic issues.