Mauritius isn't just a paradise idyll to lounge away the time on a beach, soaking up the sun. The island is packed with things to do, from playing golf to big game fishing. Here's a guide to the most popular things to do on your break.
Golf
Surprisingly, for an island roughly 40 miles long and 28 miles wide, Mauritius packs around a dozen excellent golf courses, some designed by the likes of Bernhard Langer and Ernie Els, where perfectly manicured greens lead to views of the ocean and mountains beyond.
Why not hop on a boat to Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course to play on an offshore island, as it is often voted among the world’s top 100 golf courses.
Among the best is the Anahita Golf & Spa Resort, which has two 18-hole courses with lush fairways leading right to the Indian Ocean and a final hole that's among the most spectacular. Alternatively, try the Avalon Golf Estate, designed by Peter Matkovich over 250 acres, with glorious views of mountain tea estates in the central highlands.
The Constance Belle Mare Plage is an 18-hole golf course in the heart of a forest set alongside a beautiful beach. Those with a sense of heritage may want to take in the oldest course on the island, the Gymkhana Club Golf Course. Mont Choisy Le Golf is an 18-hole championship course with unique volcanic terrain and panoramic views, while golfers on their round at Paradis Golf Club can take in the stunning views of the majestic Morne Mountains.
Cycling
The best way to discover the natural beauty of Mauritius is on two wheels. At Chamarel, take a challenging biking adventure and be rewarded with views of the waterfall, Seven Coloured Earth and Black River Gorges National Park.
For the wild side of the island, go up on the cliff tops of Gris Gris. You can pedal or ride along trails surrounded by majestic rocks, waves and trees. For a challenging track, visit the Machabee Forest, where tracks provide the perfect adventure for mountain bikers.
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing in the south of the island is ideal as it is renowned for strong, consistent winds, especially between April and November. One Eye at Pointe du Morne or Cap Dal in Tamarin are the island's most famous kitesurfing areas.
Parasailing
For a bird's-eye view of the island's beaches and aquamarine waters, parasailing is the answer. Rising to around 60 metres, you'll get a unique perspective of Mauritius with Grand Baie, Ile Aux Cerfs and Belle Mare, fantastic spots to enjoy this exciting activity.
Vallé Advenature Park
The Vallé Advenature Park offers adrenaline junkies an opportunity to enjoy adventure and appreciate nature across 450 acres. You can fly on the country's longest zip line at 1.5km in length, stroll walking trails, experience the Bicycle Zipline, or cross the Nepalese Bridge, the island's longest suspension bridge.
There is also quad biking to explore the greenest trails in Mauritius, while children can enjoy the interactive Kids Park. Visitors can also pause before the 23-Coloured Earth, hear waterfalls, and watch deer, tortoises, and peacocks roam free. Vallé is a sanctuary of geological wonders and biodiversity, with the 23-Coloured Earth telling Mauritius' volcanic story.
Casela Nature Parks
If adventure is more of a deep dive into nature, the family-friendly Casela Nature Park on Mauritius' west coast offers a walk on the wild side.
Home to over 1800 animals, including lions, rhinos and monkeys, the park is renowned for its incredible range of activities. Spanning over 350 hectares and divided into five unique zones, visitors can enjoy a safari-style experience and see wildlife, including giraffes and camels.
The Parks also give you the chance to go ziplining across scenic valleys, ride a summer luge and even jump off a 45-metre platform on a canyon swing. There is a 4D cinema, mini-golf and rides for younger visitors.
Big Game Fishing
Visitors can enjoy a game-fishing expedition in the country's pristine waters. Mauritius is bordered by a steep continental shelf drop, so deep-sea fishing is readily accessible.
The nutrient-rich surrounding ocean is a fertile feeding ground for prized big fish. A full-day deep-sea fishing excursion allows you to travel around 25 nautical miles offshore to find blue and black marlin, mahi-mahi, bonita and tuna.
Pieter Both
Named after Pieter Both, the first Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Pieter Both is one of the most beautiful mountain peaks in Mauritius.
Located in the Moka range, the hike starts in the picturesque village of La Laura, and the mountain itself is easily recognisable from a distance thanks to the gigantic rock formation at its summit, which many say resembles a human head.
Reaching the top of the second-highest mountain on the island, after Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, affords adventurers panoramic views, including a sweeping vista of Port Louis.
Andy Probert is a freelance journalist whose work about global travel news, aviation, business and human-interest features has appeared internationally in print and digital formats.
