Things To Do in Mauritius, Mauritius

The island Republic nation of Mauritius has many things to do ranging from some of the world's longest coral reefs to huge mountain that was a hideout for slaves. This is the place to go if you want to snorkeling, admire huge water lilies and understand the interplay of French, British and Oceania cultures.

Named for the blue waters, Blue Bay makes the perfect place to dive right in. There's a protected marine park that is adjacent to the airport, making it easy to find. Miles of colorful reefs, the third longest in the world, hide huge schools of fish and other marine animals. Hire a guide or just hit the waters on your own. Come back on land for miles of white sands. Some local favorites are Trou Aux Biches, Mont Choisy and Grand Baie, all with warm sands and few crowds.

An easy excursion from the capital the botanical gardens are located in the Pamplemousse district. This garden is dedicated to tropical plants. Get a look at the Talipot Palms, (the world's tallest palm trees,) water gardens filled with the world's biggest water lily and a fragrant spice garden that blooms all year long. More than six hundred species can be found in this park along with acres of well manicured walks.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Le Morne is a much visited rugged mountain that juts from the island into the ocean. The mountain's isolated location and many caves made it a refuge for slaves. Today, you can hike up to the top and learn about the history of the area in the process. it's surrounded by lagoon and cooler than the rest of the island.

For a look at area wildlife, head for the crocodile park. The park is home to many Nile crocodiles lounging in their breeding holes. There's plenty of other species in the park including bats, monkeys, lizards, mongooses and fish.

Named for the famous blue penny stamps, the  museum is dedicated to the history of the island. It makes a nice retreat from the heat during the afternoon.

Editor's note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Mauritius.