Updated: February 2024
Travelling to Mauritius could be expensive. The little island is situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean. To get there, you might need to take several connecting flights. Not to mention the money you need to pay to join a cruise visiting Mauritius.
However, the beauty that awaits you in Mauritius will be worth the effort. Once you get there, do your best to explore all the magical and mesmerizing things about the country.
If you’re on a budget, here are 17 free places to visit in Mauritius.
1. Black River Gorges National Park
The biggest forest conservation in the southwest part of Mauritius, with over 50 kilometers of amazing hiking trails and 7,000 hectares in size.
Highlights
- Fun yet challenging hiking trails.
- Diverse flora and fauna species, almost 300 species of flowering plants and 9 species of endemic birds
- Catch a glimpse of the famous pink pigeon that is known to be on the brink of extinction.
- Try to reach Black River Peak, the highest point in Mauritius.
- Don’t forget to see Alexandra Waterfall which is located 700 meters above sea level.
Remember
- Bring proper hiking shoes, snacks, and drinks.
- There are 4 entrances to the park: La Marie in Plaine Wilhems, Chamouny in the south, Black River, and Case Noyale.
Check out our guide to hiking the Black River Gorges National Park for further tips.
2. Ganga Talao
Mauritius is known for its profound Hindu influence. One of the best free places to visit in Mauritius is Ganga Talao which is a lake made of an ancient crater. Surrounded by a collection of small shrines, it’s the most important sacred Hindu site in Mauritius.
Highlights
- The center of the yearly Maha Shivaratri festival in which thousands of Hindus make a pilgrimage to the lake.
- Gigantic statues of Mangal Mahadev and Durga Maa.
- It’s the perfect place to picnic and enjoy the green-ish lake view.
- Prehistoric plants and various floral species.
Remember
- Make sure to open your shoes before entering any temple.
3. Le Morne Brabant Mountain
Named after a colonial Dutch company (VOC) ship, Le Morne Brabant Mountain is full of stories about Mauritius’ Abolition of Refugee history in 1835. The symbol of Mauritius’ freedom is situated in the extreme southwest part of the island.
Highlights
- 3.5 kilometres of breathtaking hiking trails.
- A gigantic basaltic mountain at 556 meters above sea level is considered one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- The rare Trochetia Boutoniana with its red flaming flower.
- The beautiful lagoon around the place.
Remember
- Some hiking areas might need professional guide assistance.
4. Le Morne Beach
Located not far from Le Morne Brabant, Le Morne Beach is the perfect place for you to chill out and watch the beautiful Mauritius sunset. You can even stay in an overlooking oceanview villa in Le Morne to really soak in all the beauty of this place.
Highlights
- A perfect spot for swimming with coral sand and clear water and scuba diving.
- Great winds make it available to play kites and windsurfing all year round.
Remember
- A pretty popular vacation spot for the locals, avoid visiting this place on the weekends.
5. Flic en Flac Beach
Flic en Flac is an old dutch phrase for ‘Free and Flat Land’. Starting as a 200 years old small fishing village, the location is currently known as one of the famous beach destinations in Mauritius
Highlights
8 kilometers long beach.
- Great scuba diving spot suitable for beginners.
- Fun water sport activities like the banana boat, jetski, and parasailing.
- Dolphin spotting offshore.
Remember
- Lots of corals and stones, wear swim shoes before entering the water.
6. Le Souffleur
Located in the southern part of the island, Le Souffleur might be the hardest coast spot to reach of all the 17 free places to visit in Mauritius.
Highlights
- Known as the rugged version of Mauritius’ beach.
- Amazing view of the Indian Ocean from the top of the cliff.
- Not far from Pont Naturel, a nature-built stone cliff bridge.
Remember
- It’s best to visit this place using a four-wheel car
- Swimming is not recommended in this place.
- Bring your hiking shoes for safety measures.
7. Grand Baie
The northwest part of Mauritius island is adorned with unforgettable beautiful beaches. Grand Baie is one of the most prominent places that attracts not only Mauritians but also tourists.
Highlights
- Grand Baie is known for its nightlife, try to go around Banana Café, Zanzibar, Les Enfants Terribles, and the famous Buddha Bar.
- Several shores that you could explore in Grand Baie: Mont Choisy, Grand Bay, and Bain de Dames.
- The glass-bottom boat trip allows you to see the undersea world.
- Two-person submarine trip to see tropical fish.
- Grand Baie Bazaar offers cute trinkets and unique crafts.
Remember
- Don’t forget to bargain when shopping in Grand Baie Bazaar.
8. Blue Bay Beach
The Blue Bay beach is located not far from the Mahebourg village and it’s known as a blue jewel in the southeast part of Mauritius. The beautiful nature reserve has been protected by the local laws since 1997.
Highlights
- Best snorkelling spot on the island.
- It’s a perfect calm, relaxed vacation spot.
- The best place to board on a boat circling the island.
Remember
- Not many restaurants and shops around, bring your own food and drinks.
9. Pointe d’Esny
Located in the southeast part of the island, Pointe d’Esny is known as a peaceful beach. The small secluded beach offers clear water with serene waves.
Highlights
- A very clean and calm beach, perfect for a solo traveler.
- Beautiful snorkel spot with a variety of fish.
Remember
- Not many shops around, bring your own snacks and drinks.
10. Le Pouce
The third highest mountain in Mauritius at 812 meters above sea level. Also known as ‘The Thumb’, the site is located in the village of Saint Pierre not far from Port Louis.
Highlights
- The thumb-shaped peak is quite iconic.
- An effortless mountain hike in Mauritius that takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour to reach the peak.
- A chance to get 360-degree views of Mauritius from the peak.
Remember
- Bring proper hiking shoes.
11. Kaylasson Temple
Kaylasson Temple is Mauritius’ oldest Hindu temple in the middle of Port Louis city. An architectural wonder, the temple was built by Tamil traders and merchants in 1854 to reminisce about the beautiful temple in India.
Highlights
- Six stations in the site symbolize the organs of the human body.
Remember
- Wear decent clothes during visiting and keep silent.
- Remove shoes or sandals before entering the complex.
12. Belle Mare Beach
One of the most famous coasts in the eastern part of Mauritius. The 2-kilometer beach is blessed with white sand, calm waves, and cosy lagoons.
Highlights
- A beautiful sunrise point that will remind you of Maldives.
- Warm sand and crystal clear water.
- Topless sunbathing is allowed.
- Several water sport activities like kayaking and windsurfing.
Remember
- Use swim shoes, there are several areas with pointy coral and stones.
13. Chamarel
Chamarel is the name of a village that is famous for its mesmerizing sceneries. It is located in the Rivière Noire District of Mauritius, and it’s probably the most well-known tourist destination of all the free places to visit in Mauritius.
Highlights
- Chamarel viewpoint.
- Chamarel coffee plantations.
- Rhumerie de Caramel in the middle of cane plantations.
Remember
- There are more famous beautiful places to visit in Chamarel like Seven-Colored Earth, Ebony Forest Reserve, and Chamarel Falls, however, you will need to pay to enter the location.
14. Port Louis Central Market
Also known as Port Louis Bazaar, the central market is where you could witness the interaction between locals and tourists. Mauritius is home to various ethnicities from India, China, French, and African descent, so you might find a thing or two that you could only find in Mauritius.
Highlights
- Spoil your eyes with the sight of colourful fruit stalls and intricate hand-crafted jewelry.
- Affordable food stalls are around, don’t forget to taste samosas and dhal puri!
Remember
- It gets crowded during the day, so it’s recommended to visit this place in the morning.
15. Gris Gris Beach
Located not far from the historical village of Souillac, Gris Gris is one of the local favourites in the southern part of Mauritius. Souillac is also known for the Rochester Falls and Robert Edward Hall Memoriam Museum.
Highlights
- Golden sandy beach with strong currents and winds.
- Stunning sea views from high cliffs.
- Don’t forget to see the iconic Roche Qui Pleure or The Weeping Rock.
Remember
- Be careful while climbing the high cliff.
- Due to the ferocious waves, it is not advisable to swim in this area.
16. Trou Aux Cerfs
A dormant volcano with a defined crater at 615 meters beyond sea level. The 350-meter ancient cavity is circled by thick green pine trees and indigenous plants. Situated in the central part of the island, it is said that Trou Aux Cerfs has been dormant for 700.000 years but the volcano could become active again.
Highlights
- Jogging track around the place.
- 360-degree view of the Curepipe town.
Remember
- Bring a shawl or jacket, it could get pretty cold.
17. Pereybere Beach
Situated in the northern bay of the island, Pereybere beach is a beautiful coastal holiday spot. Of all the free places to visit in Mauritius, this is the best place to bring your family and children.
Highlights
- The sand is said to be white and soft, with no corals or stones so you can walk in or swim without fuss.
- A perfect place to bring children.
- Ice cream and ice lollies.
Remember
- Try to avoid visiting this place on the weekends.
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