The Ultimate Island Adventure in Mauritius
Uncover the wild side of Mauritius as you hike, bike, canyon, kayak, snorkel and whale watch in this tropical paradise
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesBoutique Hotel
7 nights in a boutique spa hotelMeals
All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinnersTransfers
A set group arrival and departure transfer from/to the airport and everything in betweenEquipment
All your canyoning, snorkelling, kayaking and cycling equipmentSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Unleash the adrenaline as you leap through the untamed 7 Cascades, navigating craggy canyons and wild waterfalls
Trek the lush trails of Black River Gorges National Park, cycle along the rugged south coast and conquer Le Morne Brabant peak
Hit the water to spot dolphins and sperm whales, snorkel in dazzling seas and kayak through untouched mangroves
Kick back by idyllic white sand beaches and enjoy the chilled vibe of Tamarin Bay
Key Information
Day 1
To the Indian Ocean
Eight hundred kilometres east of the coast of Madagascar, lapped by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, lies a small volcanic island and your tropical home for the week. Welcome to Mauritius! Traditionally known as a mecca for beach lovers and honeymooners, its lush interior and offshore islets are far wilder and more unexplored. Meet your driver at the airport to join a set transfer to the comfortable boutique hotel in Tamarin Bay, on the island's West Coast. Enjoy a few hours of relaxation, then meet your guide for a welcome briefing. Embrace the vibrant Creole atmosphere with sundowners and a casual light dinner at the beach, then get some rest ahead of the fun week ahead!
Day 2
Cycle to Chamarel, the Seven-Coloured Earth
E-bike
Kickstart your island adventure in Chamarel, exploring vibrant landscapes and a geopark on electric bikes. Wind your way through picturesque pineapple plantations before reaching the unique coloured earth phenomenon where you'll witness the surreal spectacle of rainbow-hued sand dunes. Admire the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius (about 100m high) from a panoramic viewpoint and savor a delicious lunch at a superb rum distillery, where you’ll also enjoy a guided visit. Later, transfer back to your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon unwinding by the pool or at a nearby beach.
Day 3
Hike Le Morne Brabant
Hiking
It's an early start today as you challenge yourself to conquer the iconic peak of Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of particular cultural importance which was once a shelter point for escaped slaves. Ascend to the top, trekking through lush vegetation and some steep, rugged terrain – the vistas from the top will be worth every effort! Marvel at panoramic ocean views and soak in the breathtaking shades of blue that surround you. Down from the mountain, grab some lunch and enjoy a refreshing swim or some relaxation in the picture-perfect shores of Le Morne, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius.
Day 4
Rapelling adventure in Tamarin Falls
Canyoning
Driving
Today you'll dive into an adrenaline-filled adventure – canyoning in Tamarin Falls (commonly referred to locally as Les 7 Cascades). Navigate through rugged canyons, rappel down cascading waterfalls and plunge into refreshing pools – the perfect way to experience the wild and lush beauty of Mauritius. As the day winds down, join your host and venture out to explore a different local restaurant with your group.
Day 5
Explore Southern Mauritius by E-bike
E-bike
After breakfast, set out to discover the unspoiled landscapes of southern Mauritius on e-bike. Starting in Bel Ombre, follow scenic trails shaded by coconut trees, passing through coastal paths en route to Souillac, a village rich in history. Along the way, stop at Baie du Jacotet to learn about local legends of pirates and hidden treasures and continue to Rivière des Galets, a unique spot on the island where the shoreline is lined with smooth black pebbles, distinctly different from Mauritius’s typical sandy beaches. Your route also takes you past key historical landmarks, including the charming Telfair Garden and the remains of Souillac’s old railway station, offering a glimpse into the island’s past. Next, continue to Gris-Gris, a dramatic coastal site where powerful waves crash against jagged cliffs—a breathtaking reminder of the island's raw beauty. For lunch, enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal at a local homestay, where you’ll have the chance to experience everyday life in a small Mauritian village. Early afternoon you'll make your way back by e-bike to Bel Ombre, where your cycling adventure ends.
Day 6
Sea kayak to Amber Island
Kayaking
Driving
Head out to sea and embark on an off-the-beaten-track kayaking adventure to Amber Island, off the northeastern coast of Mauritius. This beautiful nature reserve of 140 hectares forms part of the local national parks, with unique wild features including mangroves, lagoons and a thriving ecosystem. Paddle and soak in the serenity of this coastal paradise as you navigate through shady mangrove canopies. Whilst here, you'll have time for a nature walk amongst endemic plants and colonial ruins dating back to 1750. Having worked up an appetite, you'll then head to a local beach for lunch with some free time to chill out, before heading back to your hotel in Tamarin Bay for the evening.
Day 7
Hike in Black River Gorges National Park
Hiking
On your final hike you'll venture into the untamed wilderness of Black River Gorges National Park. Traverse dense forest, learn about the diverse local flora and fauna and explore trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints, immersing yourself in the raw beauty of this protected reserve. Back at the hotel, join your guide and fellow travellers for a last dinner ahead of your final morning of adventure tomorrow.
Day 8
Oceanic encounters
Wildlife Watching
Snorkelling
Wake early for your final day in paradise! Set sail for a spot of dolphin and whale watching, enjoying the special opportunity to observe and perhaps even swim with playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Mauritius boasts thriving marine life: encounters with resident sperm whales, pilot whales, and spinner, bottlenose and spotted dolphins are common year-round. With some extra luck, humpback whales can also be seen during their winter migration from June to September. You'll also have time for a final snorkelling session in this natural aquarium in the lagoon of Le Morne Beach. Back on shore, enjoy some final hours of relaxation and perhaps a cocktail or two at the beach to celebrate the end of an incredible island adventure. This afternoon, bid farewell to Mauritius and join the scheduled group transfer back to the airport in time for your flight home.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius (MRU)
10:00 on Day 1
Ends
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius (MRU)
17:00 on Day 8
Transfers
Your driver will meet you on arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Mauritius and transfer you to your hotel. There is a single set arrival transfer which is usually scheduled around 10:00 am on Day 1. On Day 8, your driver will transfer you back to the airport in time for your onward flight, usually with a drop-off scheduled around 17:00. Please book an inbound flight departing not earlier than 20:00 if you wish to take advantage of the free group transfer. Outside of these times, your host is able to arrange private transfers along with extra nights of accommodation – please see Optional Extras for prices.
Travel options
Mauritius' Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) is easily accessible by flights from major hubs in the UK and Europe. It is serviced by direct flights with AirMauritius and British Airways from both Heathrow and Gatwick, operating when this trip is scheduled to run. Direct connections are also available from other major hubs such as Paris, Dubai, Perth, Madrid, Istanbul and Frankfurt.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
The cuisine of Mauritius is a delightful melting pot of flavors, shaped by the island's tropical location and rich cultural diversity. Influences from African, Chinese, European (particularly French), and Indian culinary traditions come together to create a vibrant and unique gastronomic experience. Rice serves as a staple ingredient and is prepared in various ways, including frying, boiling, or transforming it into a fragrant curry infused with spices. Mauritian cooking also features a medley of fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, okra, eggplants, garlic, and chilies, which add character to many dishes. Unsurprisingly, seafood is a highlight of the island’s cuisine, with daily menus featuring favorites like salted fish, smoked blue marlin, shrimp, octopus, prawns, and crayfish. During your trip, you’ll have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the tasty local cuisine as you have a variety of included meals in diverse settings, from cosy local eateries near your hotel to charming beachside shacks and even authentic home-cooked meals.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for although options may be more limited – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Tamarin
Your base for your week of adventure is the cosy and comfortable Veranda Tamarin Hotel and Spa, an island-style boutique hotel beckoning those in search of a down-to-earth tropical escape. Nestled within the charming and vibrant village of Tamarin, the hotel has sea views across the beautiful bay of Tamarin, a popular hangout for locals and surfers. Mixing bohemian and Creole styles, the hotel comprises two pools, two restaurants, a rooftop bar (with live music at weekends), a fitness centre and a spa. Free WiFi is available throughout. Accommodation will be on a twin-share basis in ensuite, air-conditioned rooms fitted with satellite TV, a minibar and tea/coffee making facilities.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Easy
This trip offers a mix of exciting activities every day, ranging from hiking, e-biking, kayaking, snorkelling, canyoning to swimming. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy these adventures, but don’t worry—it’s still a holiday! You’ll have some free hours during the week to relax on the beach or take advantage of the facilities at your hotel, providing a great balance of activity and leisure.
While the trekking distances and elevations may not seem particularly challenging on paper, the hot and humid climate can make them more demanding. Please note that the Le Morne hike includes sections of steep, exposed, and rugged terrain. At times, you may need to use your hands to navigate the final climb to the summit, but two guides will be on hand to assist if needed. On the canyoning day, you'll abseil down waterfalls as high as 15 metres. No prior experience is required, as specialist local guides will provide a detailed briefing and guide you every step of the way. However, a head for heights is certainly recommended.
The bike ride to Chamarel features a mix of uphill stretches and the ride to Souillac includes some easy off-road terrain. Even if you’re not an experienced cyclist, the e-bike’s motor will give you an extra push to tackle these activities comfortably and the distances are relatively short.
Overall, none of the activities require previous experience — just a sense of adventure, a love for the outdoors, and a willingness to embrace the natural world. A fondness for water will add to your enjoyment, as the trip includes plenty of opportunities for refreshing waterfalls and ocean swims.
What will I need to carry?
Your larger overnight bag will remain at the hotel throughout the trip, so you'll only need a small rucksack to carry personal items and water during each day of activities.
The island has a classic tropical climate with warm weather year-round. The cooler, drier period runs from May to September, with the average highs between 25-28ºC during the daytime and 16-21ºC at night. Showers and downpours are possible at any time of year, although they are less common during the dry season when this trip runs.
Great experience!
This my first Much Better Adventures trip, and I was travelling solo. I was after adventure, relaxation and the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture with new friends! And I definitely succeeded.
Gerald, our guide, was fantastic, the whole trip was extremely well organised and all of the people he introduced us to were very generous with their time and knowledge. The activities were just the right mix of adventure and opportunity to see the true beauty of the island. I especially enjoyed hiking up Le Mourne Brabant - which was probably the hardest activity! But totally worth the views at the top. I was bowled over by the whales and dolphin trip - what a way to end the week! All of the other activites in between were great too!
It was good to have one base for the week and the hotel was nice. The food was a little repetitive as is often the case with a buffet, but was still tasty. The opportunity to eat out together for lunch and dinner and try more local cuisine was fantastic. Meeting Gerald's family for a traditional meal on the beach was an absolute highlight.
The days were fairly long, with not much time to relax before dinner in the evenings, but I think honestly, that was because our group got on so well and we chatted a lot and took our time so we could really enjoy the days out and learn more about the island and culture.
I would definitely recommend this trip. Thank you to Gerald and the team for an unforgettable experience.
Something to remember for the rest of our lives
The organisation and the guides were 5 star. My wife and I were concerned about this trip after reading previous reviews but it was clear they had taken on-board feedback to improve the experience. Gerald our host was with us all week, and WhatsApp was only used for reminders, not for the overall organisation which was done with daily chats. Gerald was also patient enough to answer our thousands of questions about Mauritius. The specialist guides we had on each day did a great job in making us feel comfortable and the drivers were fantastic and helped us understand more about the country.
We also went out for a number of meals, which was a great way to experience local food and spend more time with the group. The hotel food was good, but very much aimed at French visitors that didn't want to try many local dishes, so going out helped avoid monotony. The homecooked Mama's lunch on the beach was the best of all!
Some of the activities were ones that we will never forget, especially swimming with dolphins and seeing sperm whales on the final morning. The climb up Mount Bourne was more challenging than expected and the canyoning was really abseiling and rappelling, so not exactly what we had expected. We also visited plenty of beautiful beaches and enough time to relax, although we had expected to have more time to fit in other tours. We finished every day around 4pm or sometimes later, so had just a little time before dinner. This wasn't a problem and was because we all wanted to see more things and ask more questions, but it wasn't our expectation based on the description.
Authentic Mauritius: Thrills, Culture, and Amazing Local Guides
My wife and I recently went on the "Active Adventure in Mauritius," and we both had an amazing time. The activities were a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. We loved rappelling down waterfalls, hiking through lush forests, and snorkeling in the clear waters. The guides were truly exceptional and went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic experience. One of the highlights included a beach lunch served by a Mauritian Mama—it was unforgettable! We often dined at local spots, meeting locals and getting a true taste of Mauritian life. If you're after a genuine and immersive experience, this trip offers the best way to see the real Mauritius. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for an active and memorable holiday!
Mauritius Sept 2024
Overall I had an amazing experience, the activities were so much fun and all the guides throughout the week were incredible.
Memories are made in Mauritius 🇲🇺
If you are looking for an active week, this is the trip for you!
Pro’s: We had a realllllllly great host, Gerald. He was upbeat, positive, patient, organized, educational, and so chill. All of the tour guides were also the same— friendly, kind, and positive! The entire week was packed without a minute to spare. We had the best “off the beaten path” food around the island and great accommodations with room and board (gym and spa if you’re feeling either). If you are active you will feel like you’ve had a little exercise each day! And yes, we actually saw and swam with sperm whales and dolphins!!! Lastly, we had an amazing group that got along very well.
Con’s: I would have loved an official walking tour of Port Louis to see and understand the historical context of the island and its people (Luckily we had Gerald). While the hotel was great, I shared a tiny room with another participant while a single person had a huge space to herself, I think that could’ve been planned better for maximum comfort. I wasn’t crazy about the public beach across the street although it does feel like your are submerged into the the culture, I’d rather have a better exclusive beach, with clear water, umbrellas, etc (just my preference). It would’ve also been nice to have one free day to relax and or do whatever you want, each day ended around 3:00/4:00PM. If you want to do a seaplane tour, schedule wayyyy in advance.
Enjoyable trip in a beautiful country
The range of activities provided on the tour was great, there was nice variety to each day. I enjoyed having one base for the whole trip, as I felt I could relax rather than being on the move the whole time. Despite having one base, I liked that we got to see different parts of the country on the trip. While it was a good trip, it was far from perfect. Not having a guide with you at all times was strange, as on every tour I've done with different companies you have a guide with you at all times. It was nice going to restaurants outside the hotel, but having to coordinate it on WhatsApp was a bit strange. Loud, booming music coming from near the hotel wasn't ideal, particularly with early starts most morning.