2 Weeks in Mauritius: The Perfect 14-Day Itinerary

Mauritius Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

When Is the Best Time to Visit Mauritius?

Mauritius is warm year-round, with temperatures generally ranging from 22°C to 28°C. May to October usually brings cooler, drier weather, while July to November is the best period for spotting migrating humpback whales; sperm whales can be seen throughout the year.

How Many Days Do You Need in Mauritius?

One week is enough for a beach holiday, but two weeks gives you time to explore different coasts, hike, take boat trips and enjoy your hotels without rushing.

Do You Need a Visa for Mauritius?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality, although EU citizens can generally visit Mauritius without arranging a tourist visa in advance. You will need a valid passport and return or onward ticket, and it is recommended to complete the free Mauritius All-in-One Travel Form before departure. Also make sure to check the official Mauritian Immigration website before booking your flights.

How Much Does Two Weeks in Mauritius Cost?

For two people, budget around €4,500 for a comfortable mid-range trip. Combining mid-range accommodation with several luxury resort stays can increase the total to approximately €7,000 to €8,500, excluding expensive private tours.

Cost breakdown:

• Return flights Europe-Mauritius: €750-€1200 per person
• Car rental: €200-€350 per week
• Gasoline: €100-€180 per week
• Hotels: €100-€500 per night
• Food: €30 to €70 per person per day
• Tours and activities: additional

How Do You Get Around Mauritius?

Renting a car is the easiest way to follow a Mauritius road trip itinerary independently. Buses are inexpensive, while taxis and private drivers are convenient for travellers who prefer not to drive.

Cars drive on the left, and visitors can use a valid driving licence during their stay. Roads are generally manageable, although journey times can be longer than the island’s small size suggests.

What Currency Is Used in Mauritius?

The local currency is the Mauritian rupee, shown as MUR or Rs. Cards are accepted at hotels and larger businesses, but cash is useful for markets, parking and smaller restaurants.

What Languages Are Spoken in Mauritius?

English is the official language, while French and Mauritian Creole are widely spoken. Most visitors will find it easy to communicate in either English or French.

Do You Need a Travel Adapter in Mauritius?

Mauritius uses both British three-pin plugs and European two-round-pin plugs, with a voltage of 220 to 230V. Pack a universal travel adapter because the socket type can vary between hotels.

Should You Book Mauritius Activities Online?

Book popular catamaran cruises, whale-watching tours, airplane or helicopter rides, guided hikes and island excursions in advance, especially during busy periods.

Two-Week Mauritius Itinerary: Day by Day

Mauritius may look small, but its best attractions are spread across the island and driving times can be surprisingly long. To help you plan your trip without spending half of it in the car, I have organised the best things to do in Mauritius by location.

During our two weeks in Mauritius, we flew over the island in a seaplane, searched for humpback whales, swam with wild dolphins, went deep-sea fishing, zip-lined over waterfalls and explored some of its most famous beaches and natural attractions.

Days 1 to 4: Northern Mauritius

Day 1: Arrive and Relax at LUX* Grand Gaube

Collect your rental car or arrange an airport transfer before checking into LUX* Grand Gaube. Spend the rest of the day exploring the resort, relaxing beside the lagoon or recovering from the flight.

Depending on your arrival time, you can also try one of the hotel activities, such as playing golf, visiting the spa or trying wakeboarding.

Day 2: Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and Château de Labourdonnais

Start at Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, famous for its giant water lilies, tropical plants and palm-lined pathways. The botanical garden is home to more than 650 plant species, including giant bamboo, spice trees, ebony trees and the iconic Victoria Amazonica water lilies. Wide walking paths make it an easy attraction to explore at a relaxed pace.

Continue to Château de Labourdonnais to explore the restored colonial estate, orchards and gardens. You can also stop for lunch or sample locally produced juices and rum. The beautifully restored estate offers guided tours through the historic mansion, where you’ll learn about colonial life in Mauritius. Outside, you can explore the gardens, browse the boutique and visit the distillery, where fruit liqueurs and local rums are produced. End your visit with lunch at the estate’s excellent restaurant.

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden:

Opening hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entrance price: Rs 300 for non-residents aged five and older
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Parking: Visitor parking is available near the entrance
Book ahead: No. Tickets can normally be purchased upon arrival
Good to know: Visit early in the morning before the heat builds and the tour groups arrive.

Château de Labourdonnais:

Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with final admission at 3:45 PM
Entrance price: From approximately Rs 750 per adult and Rs 600 per child aged 4 to 12 for the classic visit
Time needed: Around 1.5 hours
Parking: On-site visitor parking is available
Book ahead: Not essential for a self-guided visit, but reserve guided tours in advance
Good to know: Guided tours are normally offered at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM from Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays.

Day 3: Port Louis and a Northern Beach

Spend the morning exploring Port Louis, including the Central Market, Chinatown and Caudan Waterfront. In the afternoon, continue to Trou aux Biches or Mont Choisy Beach for swimming and sunset.

→ For more beautiful beaches and swimming spots around the island, see my guide to the best beaches in Mauritius.

Port Louis Central Market:

Best time to visit: Between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, before the midday heat and traffic
Market hours: Approximately 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, most stalls close around midday
Entrance price: Free
Parking: Park at Le Caudan Waterfront and walk into the city centre. It has covered and uncovered parking and is easier than hunting for street parking
Time needed: Allow 3 to 4 hours for the market, Chinatown and Caudan Waterfront
Good to know: The fish and produce sections are liveliest early in the morning, while Saturday is usually the busiest day.

Trou aux Biches or Mont Choisy Beach:

Entrance price: Free
Parking: Public parking is available, although spaces fill quickly on weekends
Facilities: Trou aux Biches has more restaurants and tourist facilities, while Mont Choisy feels more spacious and relaxed
Best time to visit: Arrive in the late afternoon and stay for sunset
Time needed: 2 to 3 hours, or longer for a proper beach day

Day 4: Deep-Sea Fishing and Water Sports

Head out early for a deep-sea fishing trip from northern Mauritius. Depending on the excursion, you may also stop for snorkelling or visit one of the small northern islands. Deep sea fishing trips take you well beyond the lagoon into the open Indian Ocean, where you’ll have the chance to catch species such as blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo and sailfish. Experienced crews provide all equipment and guide you throughout the trip, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers. We even enjoyed an incredible seafood lunch on the boat, including tuna caught that morning, along with fresh oysters and sea urchins.

Return to LUX* Grand Gaube for a relaxed afternoon. Go wakeboarding in the lagoon, play golf or enjoy the hotel facilities. For golf and wakeboarding at LUX* Grand Gaube, check the hotel’s current activity schedule, availability and charges directly with the resort. Some activities may be included in particular room or meal packages, while others cost extra.

Deep Sea Fishing Tour:

Departure point: Usually Grand Baie, Bain Boeuf or another northern marina, depending on the operator
Departure time: Most trips leave at around 7:00 AM
Duration: Approximately 4 to 6 hours for a half-day charter or 8 hours for a full-day trip
Approximate price: From around €300 to €500 per boat for a half day and €600 to €700 for a full day
Included: Boat, skipper, crew, fishing rods, reels, bait and safety equipment are usually included
Food: Drinks may be included, but lunch is often only provided on half/full-day packages. Check before booking
Book ahead: Yes, preferably at least several days in advance
Good to know: Deep-sea fishing is weather-dependent, and departure times may change according to sea conditions.

Days 5 to 7: Eastern Mauritius

Day 5: Travel to Constance Prince Maurice

Enjoy a slow morning at LUX* Grand Gaube before travelling to Constance Prince Maurice on the northeast coast.

🚙 Drive from LUX* Grand Gaube to Constance Prince Maurice, approximately 30 to 35 minutes, then enjoy the resort.

Spend the afternoon exploring the resort, relaxing beside the lagoon or playing tennis before dinner.

Day 6: Luxury Boat and Snorkelling Trip

Spend the day aboard a luxury boat arranged through Constance Prince Maurice.

Cruise along the coastline and around the nearby islands, stopping at quiet snorkelling spots and clear lagoons along the way. This is a more private and relaxed alternative to the larger group boat tours.

Luxury Boat Tour:

Departure point: Arranged directly through Constance Prince Maurice
Duration: Half-day and full-day options may be available
Approximate price: On request. Constance Prince Maurice does not publish a standard price online
Boat type: Private luxury boat
Snorkelling equipment: Usually available, but confirm when reserving
Food and drinks: Depend on the package selected
Book ahead: Yes, preferably before arriving at the resort
Good to know: Ask the concierge to confirm the route, island stops, lunch, drinks and cancellation policy in writing. The final itinerary will depend on weather and sea conditions.

Day 7: Île aux Cerfs Boat Tour

Take a full-day boat tour to Île aux Cerfs from the east coast. Most excursions include swimming, snorkelling, lunch and time to explore the island. A snorkelling boat tour is one of the best things to do in Mauritius. Most tours combine beautiful beaches, coral reefs, crystal-clear lagoons and small offshore islands into one unforgettable day.

Some tours also stop at the Grand River South East Waterfall before returning to the mainland.

Snorkeling Tour:

Departure point: Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast
Departure time: Usually between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM
Duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
Approximate price: Around €70 to €120 per person for a shared full-day catamaran. Basic boat transfers can cost around €20 to €40, while private boats cost considerably more
Lunch: Usually included on full-day catamaran and speedboat tours, but not on basic transfers
Waterfall stop: Many full-day tours include Grand River South East Waterfall, but check the exact itinerary
Snorkelling equipment: Commonly included
Book ahead: Recommended, especially during weekends and peak season
Good to know: Check whether drinks, hotel transfers and entrance fees are included before comparing prices.

Days 8 to 14: Western and Southwestern Mauritius

Day 8: Bois Chéri, Vallée des Couleurs and LUX* Le Morne

Visit the Bois Chéri Tea Plantation for a tour and tea tasting before continuing to Vallée des Couleurs for zip-lining, suspension bridges, waterfalls and panoramic views.

The visit at Bois Cheri starts with a small museum explaining the history of tea production before taking you through the factory to see how tea is processed. The highlight is the tasting room overlooking the plantation, where you can sample a selection of locally produced teas while enjoying panoramic views across southern Mauritius.

Vallee des Couleurs offers several zipline courses, ranging from beginner-friendly rides to longer lines that soar over canyons and forest. Depending on the package you choose, you can combine ziplining with activities such as quad biking, canyon swings or walking across Nepalese suspension bridges. Even if you’re not taking part in the adventure activities, the park offers beautiful views over the surrounding mountains.

🚙 Drive from Constance Prince Maurice to LUX* Le Morne, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes without stops. Break up the journey with visits to Bois Chéri and Vallée des Couleurs before checking in.

Check into LUX* Le Morne in the late afternoon.

Bois Chéri Tea Plantation:

Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Factory visits: Normally available from 9:00 AM to 2:45 PM
Entrance price: Approximately €19 per adult and €10 per child aged 5 to 12
Time needed: Around 2 hours
Included: Factory visit, museum, tea plantation and tea tasting
Book ahead: Recommended when adding lunch or visiting with a larger group
Good to know: Visit in the morning for the best chance of seeing the factory in production. Production schedules vary by season and day of the week.

Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park:

Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Entrance price: Approximately €12 per adult and €7 per child aged 6 to 11
Time needed: Allow 3 to 4 hours when adding zip-lining
Zip-line prices: Packages begin at approximately €30 and can exceed €100, depending on the number and length of the lines
Restrictions: Most zip-lines have a maximum weight of around 100 to 120 kg. Certain routes also have minimum height, age or weight requirements
Book ahead: Yes, especially for the longer zip-line courses
Good to know: Confirm whether general park admission is included in your chosen activity package.

Day 9: Whale Watching

Join an early whale-watching tour from the west coast of Mauritius. Humpback whales migrate past the island between July and November, while sperm whales can be seen throughout the year.

Whale watching was easily one of the highlights of my trip to Mauritius. I was incredibly lucky to see both resident sperm whales and humpback whales, with around a dozen whales spotted during the tour. Watching these enormous animals surface beside our boat was something I’ll never forget. No documentary or photo can prepare you for just how impressive they are in real life.

→ 🗒️ Before booking, read my complete guide to whale watching in Mauritius for the best season, what to expect and how to choose a responsible operator.

Departure area: Black River on the west coast
Departure time: Most whale-watching tours leave during the morning. Commercial tours generally operate between 6:00 AM and noon, so confirm the exact departure time with your licensed operator.
Duration: Approximately 2.5 to 4 hours
Typical price: Around €70 to €85 per person for an international shared tour. Private charters can cost €450 or more per boat
Best season: Sperm whales can be encountered throughout the year, while humpback whales usually migrate through Mauritian waters between June or July and October or November
Book ahead: Yes
Responsible-tour advice: Choose a small, licensed operator that keeps its distance, limits the number of boats around the animals and never chases or blocks their path. Swimming with whales is prohibited in Mauritius
Good to know: Sightings are never guaranteed because these are wild animals, not performers with a suspiciously organised schedule.

Day 10: Dolphins, Crystal Rock and Île aux Bénitiers

Leave early for a boat tour in search of wild dolphins. Continue towards Crystal Rock and Île aux Bénitiers for snorkelling, swimming and a barbecue lunch beside the lagoon. Choose a responsible operator that does not chase or surround the dolphins. Some operators combine dolphin watching and whale watching in one tour, although I have separated them into two days in this itinerary to leave more time for each experience.

Swimming with wild dolphins is one of the most popular activities in Mauritius. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted off the west coast near Tamarin Bay, particularly during early-morning tours.

Departure point: La Preneuse, Tamarin or Black River, depending on the operator
Departure time: Usually between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM
Duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
Approximate price: Around €80 to €130 per person for an international shared trip. Private speedboats cost more
Included: Dolphin watching, Crystal Rock, Île aux Bénitiers and snorkelling are normally included
Lunch: Most full-day packages include a barbecue lunch and drinks
Snorkelling equipment: Usually included
Book ahead: Yes
Ethical wildlife advice: Avoid tours that chase, surround or repeatedly drop swimmers directly in front of dolphins. Stay quiet, follow the crew’s instructions and allow the animals to move away freely
Good to know: Routes can change due to weather or wildlife movements. Some tours may skip Crystal Rock or Île aux Bénitiers when additional time is spent locating dolphins.

Day 11: Black River Gorges and Chamarel

Spend the morning exploring Black River Gorges National Park. Choose between a short scenic walk or a longer forest hike depending on your fitness level. Continue to Chamarel Waterfall and the Seven Coloured Earth before finishing the day with a rum tasting at Rhumerie de Chamarel.

Mauritius has a long history of sugar cane production, making rum one of the island’s signature products. The Rhumerie offers one of the best distillery experiences on the island, where you can learn how premium agricultural rum is produced before sampling a range of award-winning spirits. During the guided tour you’ll follow the rum-making process from freshly harvested sugar cane to the finished bottle. The visit ends with a tasting of several different rums and flavoured varieties, making it a fun stop even if you’re not usually a rum drinker.

Black River Gorges National Park:

Entrance price: Free
Opening hours: Access is generally limited to daylight hours. Visitor information lists 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends
Trail difficulty: Routes range from short, easy viewpoints to strenuous mountain hikes
Time needed: 2 to 5 hours, depending on the trail
What to bring: Hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, snacks and a light rain jacket
Good to know: Trails can become slippery and muddy after rain. Download an offline map because mobile coverage is not reliable everywhere.

Chamarel Waterfall and Seven Coloured Earth:

Opening hours: October to May: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with final ticket sales at 5:00 PM & June to September: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Entrance price: Rs 800 per non-resident adult and Rs 400 per child aged 5 to 11
Time needed: Approximately 1 to 2 hours
Ticket coverage: One ticket includes the Chamarel Waterfall viewpoints, Seven Coloured Earth and giant tortoise park
Parking: Separate visitor parking is available near the waterfall viewpoint and geopark
Book ahead: Usually unnecessary
Good to know: Visit earlier in the day for softer light and fewer tour buses.

Rhumerie de Chamarel:

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Closed on Sundays
Tour price: Approximately €15 per adult and €6 per child
Duration: Around 1 hour, including a guided tour lasting approximately 30 to 40 minutes
Tasting: Included in the standard tour
Last tour: A formal final-tour time is not clearly published, so arrive no later than 3:30 PM
Book ahead: Recommended when adding lunch at L’Alchimiste
Good to know: Leave the rum tasting until after Black River Gorges. Hiking first, rum second. This should not require a committee meeting.

Day 12: Hike Le Morne Brabant

Start early to hike Le Morne Brabant before the midday heat. The trail becomes steep and rocky near the top, but the views across the southwest lagoon are spectacular. After the hike, relax at Le Morne Beach beneath the mountain.

Le Morne Beach is exactly what most people picture when they think of Mauritius. Powder-soft white sand stretches for several kilometres, while the shallow lagoon offers calm, warm water that’s perfect for swimming. The towering Le Morne Brabant mountain creates one of the island’s most iconic backdrops, making this one of the best beaches for photography.

The beach is also famous for kitesurfing thanks to the consistent trade winds, but there’s plenty of space for swimmers and sunbathers as well. Despite its popularity, Le Morne never felt overcrowded during my visit.

→ 🗒️ Find more places to swim and watch the sunset in my guide to the best beaches in Mauritius.

Starting point: Le Morne Brabant trailhead, reached from the access road near Le Morne village and Coteau Raffin
Opening hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, including public holidays
Latest permitted start: 2:30 PM
Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate at first, becoming steep, rocky and physically demanding near the summit viewpoint
Guide required: A guide is not currently listed as compulsory, but hiring one is sensible for the upper section and for understanding the mountain’s history
Guide price: Approximately €50 to €80 per person for a shared guided hike
What to bring: Proper hiking shoes, at least 1.5 litres of water, sunscreen, a hat and snacks
Weather warning: The trail may close during heavy rain, cyclone warnings, landslides or unsafe conditions. Do not attempt the upper section when the rocks are wet
Book ahead: Only when hiring a guide
Good to know: Start early and check the weather before leaving. The upper climb is not a casual flip-flop situation.

Day 13: Seaplane Flight from LUX* Le Morne

Take a seaplane flight directly from LUX* Le Morne for aerial views of Le Morne Brabant, the turquoise lagoon and the famous underwater waterfall illusion. Keep the rest of the day free to enjoy the resort, swim or relax on the beach. There is no point booking a hotel like this and then refusing to sit still for five minutes.

Departure point: Our seaplane flight was arranged through LUX* Le Morne and departed from the resort. Travellers booking independently with LagoonFLIGHT should confirm the meeting point, as its public departure base is at La Prairie Beach.
Flight duration: Options include 15, 25, 40 and 80 minutes
Approximate price: From €159 per passenger for 15 minutes, €205 for 25 minutes and €299 for 40 minutes
Weight restriction: Maximum passenger weight of 100 kg
Child restriction: Children must be at least one metre tall and fly alone with the pilot
Aircraft capacity: One passenger plus the pilot per aircraft. Couples can book two planes flying alongside each other
Weather cancellation policy: Flights cancelled by the operator because of unsafe weather are rescheduled or refunded
Personal cancellation policy: Fees range from 7% to 100%, depending on how close to departure you cancel
How far ahead to reserve: Book as soon as your dates are confirmed. Each aircraft carries only one passenger, so availability is naturally limited
Book ahead: Definitely
Good to know: Every LagoonFLIGHT route includes the underwater waterfall illusion, although the exact flight path depends on wind and weather conditions.

Day 14: Visit Flic en Flac beach and Departure

Finish your two-week Mauritius itinerary with a slow breakfast, a final half day of relax at Flic en Flac before travelling to the airport. After thirteen days of hiking, fishing, boating, flying and watching wildlife around Mauritius, you have officially earned the right to do absolutely nothing.

Stretching for several kilometres along Mauritius’ west coast, Flic en Flac Beach is one of the island’s most popular beaches and one of the best places to watch the sunset. With its soft white sand, calm lagoon and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a favourite among both locals and visitors looking to unwind after a day of exploring.

→ For more beautiful beaches and swimming spots around the island, see my guide to the best beaches in Mauritius.