4 Things to Do on a Day Out in Mauritius

Are you planning to move to Mauritius for your retirement or simply to live out your days in peace? Many expatriates have decided to escape the humdrum of the metropolis to settle permanently on this paradise island, a jewel in the Indian Ocean. If you choose to take the plunge yourself, here’s a glimpse of what your daily life could look like under the Mauritian sun. Find out what a typical day in Mauritius looks like with 4 of the island’s must-do activities.

1. Shopping at the central market in Port Louis

If you want to experience an authentic Mauritian atmosphere, the central market in Port Louis should be at the top of your list. Located on Queen Street in the heart of the capital, it is the largest covered market on the island and is open daily from 5am until mid-afternoon. It has everything you could possibly need including meat, fish, fresh vegetables and spices, as well as a large “bazaar” area with stalls selling an Aladdin’s cave of objects, clothes and local handicrafts. After all that shopping you will certainly have worked up an appetite. Now would be the perfect time to sample some of the market’s culinary delights, including dishes such as:

  • Dholl puri: a kind of small, filled savoury pancake made from split pea flour (which gives them their yellow colour);
  • Mine frits: a dish of Chinese noodles fried with meat, vegetables and eggs;
  • Aloudas: a refreshing drink made from milk and Indian basil seeds, usually flavoured with vanilla or strawberry;
  • And to top it all off, be sure to try some chilli cakes for dessert.

To avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, we recommend visiting the market as early as possible. This is why it’s best to do this activity at the beginning of your day in Mauritius.

2. Explore the colourful seabed with a spot of snorkelling

After a morning of hustle and bustle in the Mauritian capital, you may want to cool off with a snorkelling excursion. A firm favourite among snorkellers, the island’s seabed is teeming with many species of tropical fish and coral in a variety of shapes and striking colours.

Mauritius is a snorkeller’s paradise that never gets old. It offers a variety of dive sites that will satisfy all types of divers, from beginners to the most experienced. Below is a selection of three must-visit dive sites:

  • Trou aux Biches: located in the north-west of Mauritius, this is one of the island’s most famous dive sites. It is, however, reserved for experienced divers, as you will have to swim about 200 metres from Trou aux Biches beach to reach the coral reef. But rest assured, the long swim is most definitely worth the extra effort as you will be able to take in the amazing sights of this magnificent marine garden where aquatic life flourishes like an oasis in the middle of a blue dessert. We recommend bringing flippers so you can move around more easily.
  • Flic en Flac: this well-sheltered site is an excellent alternative for families with children and novice swimmers who want to enjoy a quiet and safe environment whilst soaking up the breath-taking views. Located on the west coast of Mauritius, the Flic en Flac dive site is just a few meters from the beach. What’s more, once in the ocean you don’t even have to snorkel to appreciate the spectacle: the treasures of this site can be seen just two metres below the surface of the water.
  • Blue Bay Marine Park: located in the south-east of the island, this is its only marine park and the most popular diving spot in Mauritius. It’s well worth the detour! As it is a very large site, we recommend hiring a guide or climbing aboard a glass-bottomed boat that will take you to the most spectacular areas.

3. Play a round of golf in Mauritius

Did you know that Mauritius is one of the best golf destinations in the Indian Ocean? Thanks to Mauritius’s mild climate and breath-taking scenery, this sport is a favourite among expatriates. Those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground will naturally turn to this sport, allowing them to enjoy the best of what the island has to offer.

With no less than 12 golf courses distributed evenly around Mauritius, you are sure to find one that suits your taste and experience level. Some examples are given below:

  • Paradis Golf Club: located on the south-western tip of the island, near Le Morne, this lagoon-side course is ideal for beginners thanks to its gently undulating terrain which makes it very accessible.
  • Tamarina Golf Estate: one of the only independent golf courses on the island, Tamarina Estate is surrounded by the lush yet rugged landscape of the western coast. Open since 2006, it is prized for its exceptional panoramic view from the clubhouse which is perched on top of a cliff overlooking the course.
  • Mauritius Gymkhana Club: the oldest golf course in the country has been welcoming golfers since 1844 in a beautifully wooded and well-kept setting in the heart of the island. Also independent, it is however reserved for experienced players because certain sections require good technique.

4. Enjoy a sunset dinner on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches

To round off your day in Mauritius, what could be better than dining in a top restaurant on an idyllic beach as you watch the sunset? If this sounds like the thing for you, head to the west coast where you can watch the sun as it disappears into the ocean. The only problem you will have is deciding which beach to visit! So, to help you out, we have compiled a list of the three best beaches below:

  • Le Morne: in the far south-west of the island you will find this sandy peninsula which is crowned by an unusual mountain called Le Morne Brabant. From the beach of Le Morne you will be able to soak up picture-perfect views over the clear waters of the lagoon. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy the surroundings in the evening.
  • La Preneuse: on the way to Black River and Tamarin, you may wish to stop at La Preneuse, known as one of the most stunning beaches on the island. With 2km of fine sand and unrestricted views of the Morne mountain, the beach and its surrounding areas are a magnificent sight to behold.
  • Flic en Flac: the beach of Flic en Flac is, of course, a must-visit destination at the end of your day. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sky turn a beautiful orange colour. If you want to dine with your toes in the sand, make your way to one of the hotel restaurants: you don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy its fine cuisine.

This one-day itinerary of Mauritius is of course just one example of the many activities that can be enjoyed there. If this dreamy climate appeals to you, why not consider investing in a private villa located just a stone’s throw from the beautiful beaches of the west coast? To find out more about life in Mauritius and the steps you need to take to move there, download the free guide “Living and Investing in Mauritius”.

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