10-Day Mauritius Itinerary: Day-by-Day Guide (2026)
Ten days in Mauritius is enough to swim with dolphins, fly over the underwater waterfall, see the Seven Coloured Earths in Chamarel, look out over Black River Gorges and still keep two lazy beach days in the north. Here is our route day by day, followed by what to sort out before you fly: visa, money, SIM cards, getting around and where to eat ๐ฟ
- Ten days covers Casela and Le Morne, swimming with dolphins, a seaplane or helicopter flight over the underwater waterfall, Chamarel and Black River Gorges, with the last two days kept for the northern beaches.
- A rental car is the most convenient way to get around: driving is on the left, parking near beaches is free, and buses are slow and often off schedule.
- The best time to go is May to December; January to March can bring downpours and even cyclonic rains.
- Withdraw some cash at the airport - ATMs are scarce outside towns, and some places add a 3-5% fee for card payments.
- An Emtel SIM card from the airport cost us 750 MUR (about โฌ15) for 200 GB over a month.
10-day Mauritius itinerary, day by day
Here is the whole route at a glance. Each day pairs one big experience with a beach or viewpoint to finish, and the last two days are left free for the northern beaches.
| Day | Route |
|---|---|
| 1 | Casela Nature Park โ sunset at Tamarin Beach |
| 2 | Seaplane or helicopter flight over the underwater waterfall โ Maconde viewpoint โ Le Morne beach |
| 3 | La Vanille Nature Park โ Telfair Beach โ Gris Gris Beach |
| 4 | Palm road โ Belle Mare beach |
| 5 | Swimming with dolphins and whales โ Flic en Flac beach |
| 6 | Bois Chรฉri tea plantation โ Grand Bassin โ Tamarin Falls viewpoint |
| 7 | Alexandra Falls โ Gorges viewpoint โ Seven Coloured Earths and Chamarel waterfall โ Ebony Forest |
| 8 | La Vallรฉe de Ferney โ Mosque Road viewpoint |
| 9-10 | Northern beaches: Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, Pereybere, Bain Boeuf |
Day 1: Casela Park and Tamarin Beach
Start your journey with adrenaline and wildlife at Casela Nature Park - here, zip lines, safaris, lions, giant tortoises, and suspension bridges with mountain views await you.
After your adventures, relax by dipping your feet in the sand on Tamarin Beach. This is a favorite spot for locals: calm waves, surfers on the horizon, and one of the best sunsets on the island. Also, from here, you can see the incredible view of Tamarin Mountain - an ideal place for photos.
More about Casela Nature Park here
Day 2: The Illusion of the Waterfall, Maconde Viewpoint, and Le Morne Beach
Get ready for one of the most exciting moments of the entire trip - a helicopter or seaplane flight over the ocean, during which you will see the famous illusion of the underwater waterfall. This natural phenomenon takes your breath away and leaves an unforgettable impression.
After that, visit the iconic Maconde viewpoint - a winding coastal road with stunning panoramas, perfect for photos.
Finish the day best on Le Morne beach, where the majestic mountain of the same name rises behind turquoise waves.
How to book a flight in Mauritius
Where to get the best view of Le Morne Mountain
Day 3: La Vanille Nature Park and Beaches Telfair, Gris Gris
Start your morning at La Vanille Nature Park, where giant tortoises roam freely, crocodiles bask in the sun, and lush greenery creates the atmosphere of a true Jurassic world.
In the afternoon, head to Telfair Beach - the perfect place for a quiet picnic or a stroll. Finish the day by heading to the impressive Gris Gris Beach, known for its cliffs, wild waves, and pristine natural beauty.
How to feed giant 100-year-old tortoises
Day 4: Palm Road and Belle Mare
Start the day with a picturesque drive along the road lined with tall palms - one of the most photogenic spots on the island, perfect for vibrant Instagram shots.
Then head to Belle Mare beach - a long stretch of white sand where you can swim wonderfully or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Day 5: Swimming with Dolphins and Flic en Flac Beach
The morning begins with an incredible adventure - swimming with dolphins and whales in the open sea. This is an experience you will remember for a lifetime!
After that, head to Flic en Flac beach - one of the busiest and most lively beaches on the island with beach bars, live music, and a perfect sunset.
All information about swimming with whales here
Day 6: Bois Chรฉri Tea Plantation, Grand Bassin, and Tamarin Falls
Visit the cozy Bois Chรฉri tea plantation, where you can learn more about Mauritian tea and enjoy panoramic views.
Then head to Grand Bassin - a sacred lake surrounded by temples and statues. This is the spiritual heart of the island.
Next, go to the viewpoint at Tamarin Falls, where you can enjoy the dramatic view of the terraced landscapes of the island. If you still have energy - return to Flic en Flac beach for another evening swim.
Book your trip to the tea plantations
Day 7: Chamarel and Black River Gorges
After breakfast, head to Alexandra Falls - one of the most picturesque places in the central part of the island, where the water cascades down a high cliff amidst dense forest. Nearby is Gorges Viewpoint, which offers a breathtaking panorama of the canyons of Black River Gorges National Park - an ideal place for photos and immersion in the silence of nature.
Then head to the village of Chamarel to see a true natural wonder - the Seven Coloured Earths. This colorful landscape looks as if created by an artist rather than nature. Donโt forget to visit the Chamarel waterfall, which beautifully descends among the green hills.
Finally, explore the Ebony Forest - an ecological reserve where wooden paths will guide you through rare endemic trees. From the viewpoints, there are captivating views, especially in the late afternoon when clouds float over the mountains.
Finish your day at the Chamarel Restaurant, renowned for its authentic Mauritian cuisine, curry dishes, and fresh fruits. And if youโre lucky - enjoy the sunset panorama right from your table.
More about Black River Gorges National Park here
Day 8: Hidden Valleys and Views
Visit La Vallรฉe de Ferney - a protected nature reserve with cozy trails, tropical birds, and wildlife.
After that, head to the viewpoint on Mosque Road - one of the islandโs best-kept secrets with stunning views of the mountains and the coastline.
Days 9-10: Relaxing in the North
These two days are perfect for a leisurely rest, sun, and sea. Spend them in the northern part of the island, exploring the coziest beaches: Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, Pereybere, Bain Boeuf.
Each of them is unique in its own way - choose the mood and just enjoy the last days on the island. Time for sunbathing, picnics under the palms, light walks, and beautiful sunsets.
The Best Beaches in Mauritius
Want to make your adventure even cooler? Mauritius offers even more:
- Climb Le Morne Brabant mountain - for epic views and a sense of accomplishment
- Participate in treks through jungles, waterfalls, and green valleys
- Swim to Ile aux Cerfs island - one of the most famous islands with turquoise lagoons
- Visit Ile aux Aigrettes - a protected islet with rare fauna and coral reefs
- Dive or snorkel in the islandโs marine parks
Getting around Mauritius: do you need a car?
Mauritius is a small but very diverse island, so getting around here is part of the adventure ๐ด
- Car rental - the most convenient way to explore the island at your own pace. The driving is left-handed (British system), which you get used to quickly.
- Roads: between villages, the roads are not always in perfect condition - there can be potholes and uneven surfaces, but overall the roads are fine. Also, there are many cars, cyclists, and motorcyclists, and the traffic is very dense. People often cross the road anywhere; cars sometimes stop in the middle of the road to go into a shop. Birds and dogs can suddenly run out in front of the wheels - it takes a bit of time to get used to this pace of movement.
- Driverโs license: bring your national license, and ideally an international driving permit too.
- Parking: free near beaches and tourist areas.
- Taxis: available but not very cheap - often it is more economical to rent a car.
- Public transport: buses run often, but slowly and not always on schedule, making it inconvenient for tourists.
You can refuel at any station - gas prices are the same all over the island. 
Before you go: visa, flights, money and SIM cards
๐ Visa: Citizens of many countries, including the EU, UK and US, can visit Mauritius without applying for a visa in advance. How long you can stay depends on your passport. Visa rules change, so check official sources before planning your trip.
โ๏ธ Flight: You can reach Mauritius from many major cities in Europe with transfers (for example, in Dubai, Paris, or Istanbul). Check convenience options from your country using services like Kiwi, Skyscanner, or Google Flights.
We flew from Warsaw with a layover in Istanbul - the whole journey took about 15 hours, but the service of Turkish Airlines was comfortable and convenient.
๐ Documents: passport, medical insurance policy, accommodation booking confirmation, tickets.
๐ Arrival form: Before arriving in Mauritius, you need to fill out an online form Mauritius All in One Travel Form. You will need to show it to the border officials (it is not necessary to print it). If you do not fill out the form in advance, you will have to do it at the airport.
๐ Vaccination: is not mandatory. Mauritius is considered safe regarding malaria and yellow fever. However, it is recommended to have current vaccinations according to the schedule.
Money
- Cash needed: it is recommended to withdraw some cash as soon as you arrive at the airport. There are not many ATMs on the island, especially in small towns or in nature, so itโs better to have a reserve.
- Cards are accepted almost everywhere, especially in hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. But in small shops and markets, cash is preferred. Sometimes, a commission of 3-5% is charged for card payments.
- The main currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR). However, payment in euros or dollars is often possible - at the internal rate (usually not very favorable, but convenient in an emergency).
Mobile Communication and Internet
In Mauritius, there are two convenient options to stay connected:
-
eSIM - can be purchased online before arrival (e.g., via eSIM.sm (coupon for 5% discount
LHT0525) or other services). This is convenient, but rates are usually higher. -
Physical SIM card - we chose this option because it turned out to be more cost-effective.
You can buy a SIM card right at the airport upon arrival. We took a package from the operator Emtel:
- 750 MUR (~15 euros)
- 200 GB mobile internet for 1 month
- Everything was activated right on the spot - quickly and without problems
Coverage on the island is good, and the internet worked steadily even in many remote locations (except perhaps in dense jungles ๐).
Best time to visit: from May to December - the least humid period, comfortable temperature, and less rain. In January-March, there may be downpours or even cyclonic rains.
Accommodation: hotel package or villa?
From my experience, I can sincerely recommend booking not just accommodation, but a ready-made tour that includes both the flight and the hotel. We chose this option ourselves - and it was very convenient.
Why is this a better choice than a separate villa or apartment?
- Safety - hotels are guarded, have a reception, cameras, and infrastructure. When renting a villa in an unfamiliar area, you can never know how safe or convenient it is.
- Location - by choosing a tour, you get to a tested place. You donโt have to guess whether the sea, restaurants, and shops will be nearby.
- Meals included - breakfast, dinner, or even all-inclusive. You donโt have to spend time searching for food, especially after an active day.
- Less organizational worries - everything is already planned for you: transfer, accommodation, meals. You can just relax!
If you want maximum peace, safety, and comfort - a tour with a hotel will definitely save your nerves, time, and a bit of money.Where to eat in Mauritius
We had breakfasts and dinners included at the hotel, so for lunch, we usually bought something at the supermarket or went to local cafes. There are many cozy places on the island with a homely atmosphere where you can eat deliciously and affordably. Also, in large supermarkets, there is a wide selection of ready meals, fruits, and treats.
Here are a few cafes that we can confidently recommend:
- โ๏ธ Kind Coffee - a cozy place for breakfast or a coffee break
- ๐ฝ๏ธ The Chaser Mauritian Bistro - a stylish bistro with local dishes
- ๐ฟ OBOฤ Gardenstฤ - an atmospheric cafe with a beautiful interior and a healthy menu
- ๐ฅ La Brunchetta Mauritius - an ideal place for brunch
- ๐ฅ The Good Cafรฉ - light snacks, salads, and great coffee
What to pack for Mauritius
- Mosquito spray
- Mosquito repellent (though there is often one in the hotel, but itโs better to have your own)
- Paracetamol - the only safe remedy for relieving symptoms (headache, fever) in case of suspected malaria. Important: do not take other medications without consulting a doctor - malaria requires specific treatment.
- Medicine for diarrhea/intoxication
- Sunscreen
- Aqua shoes (water shoes) - protect feet from corals, stones, and hot sand.
- Comfortable closed shoes (if you plan on hiking or climbing)
- Raincoat (mandatory if you plan to go to the jungle or mountains)
Recommendation: In Mauritius, itโs better to drink bottled water. We recommend bringing a reusable bottle: in many hotels, it can be refilled (it was like that for us). Tap water can be safely used for brushing teeth and cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Mauritius?
Ten days is enough for the main sights: eight days exploring the island (Casela, Le Morne, La Vanille, Chamarel, Black River Gorges, swimming with dolphins) and two days to relax on northern beaches such as Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy.
Do you need a car in Mauritius?
It's the most convenient option. Buses run often but slowly and not always on schedule, and taxis aren't cheap, so renting a car often works out cheaper. Driving is on the left, and parking near beaches and tourist areas is free.
When is the best time to visit Mauritius?
May to December is the least humid period, with comfortable temperatures and less rain. January to March can bring downpours and even cyclonic rains.
Do you need a visa for Mauritius?
Citizens of many countries, including the EU, UK and US, don't need to apply for a visa in advance for a tourist stay; how long you can stay depends on your passport. Before arrival you also fill in the online Mauritius All in One Travel Form and show it to border officials (no printout needed). Visa rules change, so check official sources before planning your trip.
Can you pay by card in Mauritius?
Cards are accepted almost everywhere, especially in hotels, restaurants and supermarkets, but small shops and markets prefer cash, and some places add a 3-5% card fee. Withdraw some rupees (MUR) at the airport, since ATMs are scarce in small towns.
Is tap water safe to drink in Mauritius?
It's better to drink bottled water; we refilled a reusable bottle at our hotel. Tap water is fine for brushing teeth and cooking.
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