Things to do in Mauritius

Hike up the iconic basaltic monolith in the early morning darkness to witness a spectacular sunrise light up the turquoise Indian Ocean and surrounding lagoons.

Walk among surreal, multi-hued sand dunes formed by volcanic ash, a geological wonder nestled in dense tropical vegetation.

Drift over pristine coral gardens teeming with parrotfish and angelfish in the crystal-clear, protected lagoon of Blue Bay.

Observe Hindu pilgrims at this tranquil, high-altitude lake where a towering statue of Shiva and colourful temples create a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

Bite into a freshly made, paper-thin yellow-split-pea pancake wrapped around bean curry, the beloved national street-food staple, amidst the market's vibrant chaos.

Stroll beneath towering talipot palms and giant Victoria amazonica water lilies in one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere.

Stand in the restored immigration depot where nearly half a million indentured labourers first set foot in Mauritius, a sobering UNESCO World Heritage site.

Browse shops, casinos and open-air cafés set against the marina in Port Louis, a lively place for an evening walk and people-watching.

Sail across the lagoon to an idyllic sandy island fringed with coconut palms, perfect for swimming, sailing and a beach barbecue.

Scramble through lush canyons to find a series of waterfalls where you can swim in natural plunge pools surrounded by basalt cliffs and dense forest.

Hike through the largest remnant of Mauritian native forest to spot the rare pink pigeon and echoing calls of the Mauritius kestrel.

Descend into a dramatic underwater archway encrusted with colourful corals and surrounded by shoals of reef fish off the west coast.

Feel the rhythmic beat of the ravane drum as dancers in bright skirts swing their hips by firelight, capturing the island's Creole soul.

Pick your own fish or octopus freshly grilled with a squeeze of lime, then sit on the sand as the Indian Ocean laps nearby.

Paddle a transparent kayak through emerald mangrove tunnels on a tiny offshore islet, home to flying foxes and rare orchids.

Step into a beautifully restored 19th-century Creole mansion with antique furniture, surrounded by tropical gardens and a waterfall.

Watch massive waves crash against the black basalt cliffs and feel the spray at the 'Weeping Rock', Mauritius' wildest southern shoreline.

Harness the steady trade winds in a flat, shallow lagoon with the majestic Le Morne Brabant mountain as your backdrop, a world-class kite spot.

Gaze at a slender 100-metre waterfall plunging into a jungle-clad gorge, surrounded by mist and echoing bird calls.

Haggle for hand-woven baskets, colourful textiles and local knick-knacks at this bustling Sunday market, a favourite among residents.

Carefully descend a lava-rock staircase to a hidden coastal pool formed by a natural arch where waves surge through a blowhole.

See one of the world's rarest stamps, the 1847 two-pence 'Blue Penny', amid exhibits on maritime history and dodo artifacts.

Chase blue marlin, yellowfin tuna and wahoo in the deep blue waters beyond the reef on the island's famous big-game fishing coast.

Sip a rum-based cocktail at a waterfront bar as the sun sinks into the bay, painting the sky pink and orange behind swaying palms.

Walk through a cool cave system and then hand-feed Aldabra giant tortoises that roam freely in a lush valley.