Content Produced in Partnership with Tourism Mauritius
Leave those vacations where you lay on the beach for a couple days behind, because in Mauritius, you're not doing right if you're not moving. From underwater explorations, to deep sea fishing, to horseback riding and waterfall hiking, this destination is for those seeking adventure, sweat and heart-pounding escapades for their next getaway.
Take the Plunge
Mauritius is surrounded by scenic lagoons and both natural and artificial reefs, drawing in all types of sea life and making it one of the best snorkel and SCUBA destinations in the entire world as a result. In just one trip, divers could see dolphins, sharks, eels, rays and turtles — and that's just a few of the big hitters. While the west side of the island has the most diving spots best suited for experienced divers, you'll quickly find that just about every coast has a snorkeling, diving or swimming opportunity for you to enjoy.
Waterfall Hikes Galore
Beyond the beaches, you'll find several more natural wonders. From downtown Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, you can climb Le Pouce, a half-day mountain hike that offers spectacular views of the capital city and the vast expanse of sea that goes out in all directions — it's a view you won't soon forget. Meanwhile, the small village of Chamarel is home to not one but two awesome adventures. The rainbow sand dunes known as the Seven-Coloured Earths of Chamarel neighbors the 300-foot Chamarel Falls and are easy to visit in tandem with one another. If, however, you're looking for a full-day hike with a crown jewel of a waterfall, then a guided hike to Tamarind Falls is for you. The tough incline leads to rewarding views, canyon overlooks, 11 different falls and the chance to cannonball into green pools.
Reel in a Big One
Deep sea fishing for big game like marlin or tuna is another way to get out on the water while you're in Mauritius. Just about a mile off the southwestern corner, the ocean drops a staggering 1,000 meters in depth, which means you can enjoy some of the finest deep sea fishing opportunities in the world without leaving the island too far behind. No need to worry about being an expert to partake in the fun either. Charter tours can help you learn the ropes — literally — so that you enjoy every minute of your adventure.
Be a Zookeeper for a Day
You don't need to be on mainland Africa for a safari tour. In Mauritius, there's Casela World of Adventure, an adventure park full of wild encounters. The most visited attraction on the island and in the Indian Ocean, Casela began as a bird sanctuary back in 1979. Today, it is home to lions, tigers, impalas, zebras and ostriches — to name just a few. Apart from ziplines and horseback rides, the park also offers safari tours and exclusive "Zookeeper for a Day" packages. Available for children and adults, the Zookeeper for a Day package allows guests to care for and interact with several different types of animals for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Ride Into the Sunset
Meanwhile, have the best of both worlds with a mountain-to-sea horseback riding adventure. Perfect after a day of exploring inland, this slower mode of transport allows you to truly embrace the go-with-the-flow mentality of Mauritius. Plus, there are few things more romantic than a horseback ride on the beach as the orange sun melts into the horizon.
Fly Away
The cyan waters of Mauritius are irresistible, and while you can easily rent a kayak or paddleboard for a day, the more adventurous travelers out there will embrace the opportunity to learn how to kite surf. The shallow lagoon at Le Morne just off the southwestern coast is one of the nicest — and prettiest — places in the world for it. As beginners learn the ropes closer to shore, more experienced kite surfers are able to go out a few hundred meters farther to ride the waves and take in the higher wind speeds. In fact, the lagoon is so popular for this sport in general that locals have given it the nickname "Kite Lagoon."