The Brightest Activities in Mauritius: for those who want more than just the sea
Mauritius is not just about paradise beaches. It is a true paradise for adventure and nature lovers. From swimming with majestic whales to stunning waterfalls and wildlife parks - unforgettable experiences await you here.
- Swimming with dolphins and turtles starts early: tours leave at 5:00-5:30 and last 3-5 hours; a group sperm whale tour costs 4,500 MUR (~โฌ90), plus 1,800 MUR for dolphins.
- Swimming with whales is officially prohibited - you watch them from a distance with a licensed guide.
- At La Vanille Nature Park (daily 9:00-17:00, 877.50 MUR) you can feed giant tortoises, some over 100 years old, for 75 MUR a portion.
- The underwater waterfall is an optical illusion off the south coast, seen from a seaplane (from ~โฌ149) or a helicopter.
- Casela tickets from 1,450 MUR (~โฌ29) include the park, a safari and the roller coaster; giraffe feeding costs 400 MUR, every day except Monday and Friday.
Things to do in Mauritius at a glance: prices and hours
All four in one table. Check the official sites for current prices before you book.
| Activity | When | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swimming with dolphins and turtles, watching sperm whales | Tours start at 5:00-5:30 | Group whale tour 4,500 MUR (~โฌ90), +1,800 MUR for dolphins | 3-5 h |
| La Vanille Nature Park | Daily 9:00-17:00 | 877.50 MUR (~โฌ17) adult; tortoise food 75 MUR | - |
| Underwater waterfall by seaplane | - | From ~โฌ149 per person | 15-80 min flight |
| Casela Nature Parks | Daily 9:00-17:00 | From 1,450 MUR (~โฌ29), safari and roller coaster included | - |
4 best things to do in Mauritius beyond the beach
1. Swimming with dolphins, turtles, and whales ๐ฌ๐ข๐
One of the most enchanting adventures in Mauritius is to set out early in the morning into the open ocean to swim with dolphins and turtles. Although swimming with whales is officially prohibited, you can see them from a distance - accompanied by a licensed guide and while maintaining distance. If youโre lucky, youโll witness an incredible show right underwater! The ability to freedive will significantly enhance your experience - only this way can you take amazing photos underwater. But even if you canโt dive, you can still see everything from the surface.
โฐ Best time: early morning, tours usually start at 5:00-5:30
โณ Duration: 3-5 hours
๐ถ Price:
- Group tour to sperm whales: 4,500 MUR (~90โฌ) per person
- + Additional dolphins - 1,800 MUR (~36โฌ) per person
- Private tour to sperm whales:
- up to 3 persons - 30,000 MUR (~600โฌ)
- 4-6 persons - 40,000 MUR (~800โฌ)
- 7-12 persons - 50,000 MUR (~1000โฌ)
- 13-16 persons - 75,000 MUR (~1500โฌ)
- + Add dolphins - 5,000 MUR (~100โฌ)
- + Add turtles - 5,000 MUR (~100โฌ)
๐ฅ GoPro Video: +1,500 MUR (~20โฌ) per person (optional)
๐ Important:
โข The animals are wild; swimming is only allowed under safe conditions - the guide makes the decision
โข Masks and fins are provided for free on board, but itโs better to bring your own if you have them
๐ What to bring: towel, water, sunscreen, your own mask/fins (optional)
Dolphin Team Mauritius
2. La Vanille Nature Park - the kingdom of giant turtles ๐ข๐ด
This green park in the southern part of the island is the perfect place to see dozens of giant turtles up close, feed them, and take amazing photos. Some turtles here are over 100 years old and weigh up to 250 kg! The park is actively involved in breeding and preserving these enormous animals. This place also helps protect rare species from extinction by restoring populations through natural breeding and other conservation programs.
Besides turtles, there are crocodiles, monkeys, flying foxes, and other exotic animals. This place is sure to delight both adults and children!
โณ Working hours: daily from 9:00 to 17:00
๐๏ธ Tickets: 877.50 MUR (~17โฌ) adult
๐ฅฌ Feeding turtles: 75 MUR (~1.5โฌ) per portion (food can be purchased at the turtle entrance)
๐ What to bring: sunscreen, hat, water
La Vanille Nature Park
Park Map
3. Underwater waterfall from a seaplane or helicopter โ๏ธ ๐
One of the most impressive views in Mauritius is the illusion of an underwater waterfall off the southern coast. In fact, itโs not a waterfall, but an optical illusion created by currents, sand, and the color of the water. The view from above is incredible and is definitely something to see at least once in a lifetime!
โณ Flight duration: 15-80 minutes (depending on the chosen route)
๐ธ Price: from ~149โฌ per person
๐ Alternative: helicopter - more expensive, but takes off from various locations and is suitable for groups
Seaplane with LagoonFLIGHT
Helicopter flight
4. Casela Nature Parks ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ด
Casela is a large amusement park amidst nature where you can zip line, feed giraffes, observe lions, go on safari, and feel like a true wilderness explorer. There is something interesting for children, teenagers, and adults alike - from leisurely walks to extreme activities. The safari here is more touristy and intimate - not as large-scale as in Kenya or Tanzania, but ideal for a first experience to feel the spirit of Africa.
โณ Working hours: daily from 9:00 to 17:00
๐๏ธ Tickets: from 1,450 MUR (~29โฌ). The price includes:
- โข entrance to the park
- โข safari (time is selected when purchasing tickets)
- โข riding on Tulawaka Gold Coaster (roller coaster)
๐ฆ Feeding giraffes: 400 MUR (~9โฌ), every day except Monday and Friday
๐ What to bring: comfortable clothing and shoes, hat, water, sunscreen
Casela Nature Park
Park Map
All of these activities fit comfortably into our 10-day Mauritius itinerary - beaches, nature and wildlife included. For the nature side, see our guide to Black River Gorges and Chamarel, and for the coast, the best beaches in Mauritius.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim with whales in Mauritius?
No, swimming with whales is officially prohibited. On a licensed tour you watch them from a distance, and swim with dolphins and turtles when the guide decides conditions are safe.
How much does swimming with dolphins cost in Mauritius?
A group sperm whale tour costs 4,500 MUR (~โฌ90) per person, and adding dolphins costs 1,800 MUR (~โฌ36). Private tours start at 30,000 MUR (~โฌ600) for up to 3 people.
What is the underwater waterfall in Mauritius?
An optical illusion off the southern coast, created by currents, sand and the color of the water. You see it from the air: seaplane flights last 15-80 minutes and start from about โฌ149 per person.
Can you feed the giant tortoises at La Vanille?
Yes. Food costs 75 MUR (~โฌ1.5) a portion and is sold at the tortoise entrance. The park is open daily 9:00-17:00, and an adult ticket is 877.50 MUR (~โฌ17).
What is included in a Casela ticket?
Tickets from 1,450 MUR (~โฌ29) include park entry, a safari at a time you choose when buying, and a ride on the Tulawaka Gold Coaster. Giraffe feeding is extra: 400 MUR, every day except Monday and Friday.
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