10 Unforgettable Things To Do In Mauritius For Under £50

27/01/2023Jay Robson

No MAUR Holiday Blu’s! Here is your perfect guide to our top 10 picks for things to do in Mauritius for under £50.

10 things to do in Mauritius for under £50
Did you know there are some incredible things to do in Mauritius for under £50? Photo by Xavier Coiffic on Unsplash

Mauritius is a beautiful Island nation located in the Indian Ocean, known for its stunning beaches, lush vegetation and diverse culture.

When you think about Mauritius, the immediate thought is of pricey excursions and 5-star luxury resorts.

While the latter may be true, you don’t need to break the bank to experience the true beauty of this wonderful island.

That is why we have curated a collection of our Top 10 favourite things to do in Mauritius for under £50. For a truly authentic and affordable experience.


10 Activities For Under £50

  1. Botanical Garden
  2. Port Louis Market
  3. Blue bay marine park
  4. Grand Bassin
  5. Black river Gorges National park
  6. Grand River South East Waterfalls
  7. Le Morne Brabant
  8. Tamarin Bay Dolphin Experience
  9. La Vanille Crocodile Park
  10. Chamarel Seven-Coloured Earth


1. Sir Seewoosagur Botanical Garden

Kickstart your adventure in paradise with a visit to The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Mauritius, due to its rich plant diversity, it’s comprised over 500 plant species. you would think the entrance fee would reflect this, right?

But for just £3 you can explore the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere. Covering an area of around 37 hectares and flourishing with wildlife.

While you’re there, pay a visit to see the Giant Aldabra tortoise in its natural habitat. Along with the newborns who’ll most likely be enjoying the sun on the giant water lilies.

Entrance Fee: £3 per person (200 rupees)
The botanical gardens are a beautiful (and cheap) day out. Image by Nici Keil from Pixabay

2. Port Louis Market

Next up we have a true historical gem, Central Market. Located in the capital city of Port Louis. Only a stone’s throw away from the harbour and national assembly.

We recommend heading out in the early morning before the scorching sun gets going. Browse the bustling Bazaar and indulge your senses with kaleidoscopic crafts and mouth-watering street food.

Due to the extremely reasonable prices of each Mauritian dish, be sure to have a taste of everything this market has to offer.

While you’re in the area, why not check out some of the eye-popping Port Louis street art too!

Entrance Fee: Free (for both the market and art)
streets of Port Louis
Discover the colourful streets of Port Louis. Image by wurliburli from Pixabay

3. Blue Bay Marine Park 

A little village nestled at the edge of one of the most stunning bays in Mauritius. Blue Bay is located on the southeast coast, just a 15-minute drive from the airport. And is one of the best dive sites in Mauritius.

This beautiful locale features white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. As well as a large selection of cafes and authentic restaurants.

However, if you want a more action-packed trip, enjoy a glass-bottom boat trip to Ile Des Deux Cocos – a small island just across the bay. Followed by a session of snorkelling in the shallow waters flourishing with unique marine life.

The perfect day out for couples or the whole family. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeller or first-time diver. 

Tickets from £40pp
Beach in Mauritius
Get under the waves at Blue Bay Marine Park. Photo by Anton Marchuk on Unsplash

4. Grand Bassin

Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, is a sacred lake located in the highlands of Mauritius.

Considered one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites on the island. It’s visited by thousands of devotees each year. Especially during the Maha Shivaratri Festival.

This enormous crater lake is surrounded by temples and statues with visitors able to find buildings and iconography dedicated to the god Hanuman and Durga, the goddess of power.

The lake is quite deep, about 50-55 ft, and situated amidst picturesque views that add to the tranquillity. Perfect for nature lovers or those looking to delve into the history behind one of the most sacred sites in Mauritius.

Entrance Fee: Free

5. Black River Gorges National Park 

Forget about the entry fee for a sec and the fact that it’s a haven for hikers. Black River Gorges National Park is one of the top excursions in Mauritius. Full stop. 

A protected area in the southwest of Mauritius. The park spans more than 6,500 hectares and hosts a vast array of biodiversity. It’s also home to a variety of endemic species, including macaques, rare pink pigeons, and the Mauritian flying fox.

During your hike, in what feels like a trip back to the Jurassic, soak in the breathtaking scenery. You’re continuously surrounded by gushing rivers and stunning waterfalls.

This trip requires a full day to really be able to explore the Mauritian wilderness.

Entrance Fee: Free
a waterfall in Black River Gorges
Black River Gorges offers up some incredible scenery. Photo by Jonathan Ridley on Unsplash

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6. Grand River Southeast Waterfalls 

Whilst we are on the theme of water, it seems like the perfect time to introduce you to the longest river on the island, with a length of approximately 75 Kilometres!

The Grand River flows 34 km from its source in Piton du Milieu into Anse Cunat Bay. Before running along the Bamboo Mountain Range and forming majestic waterfalls that can be admired on the way up the river by boat/ It then ends its course by spilling out into the Indian Ocean.

As well as its scenic beauty it’s also a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and rafting. So if you want something to do in Mauritius for under £50 that isn’t just a trip to the beach, this is certainly the place for you!

Entrance Fee: Free


7. Le Morne Brabant

Introducing a World Heritage Site and possibly one of the most surreal places you can find anywhere on earth.

The village of Le Morne, located on the southwestern tip of the island, has kept all the authenticity of a small Mauritian village between coastal fishing and land cultivation. 

Delve into the history of Mauritius with a visit to Le Morne Brabant Mountain. Its peak rests 556 metres above sea level and this incredible mountain is steeped in history. it has stood above the neighbouring terrain as a symbol of equality, freedom and acceptance.

We suggest a full morning/afternoon to truly make the most of this experience with the full hike taking approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Entrance Fee: Free. Have a guided Sunrise Hike and Climb for £40pp
Le Morne Brabant Mauritius
Make the journey to Le Morne Brabant for more adventures. Photo by Focus Photography Mauritius on Unsplash

8. Tamarin Bay Dolphin Experience

From humble origins as a fisherman’s village, Tamarin Bay is renowned for its surfing, nightlife, picturesque boat journeys and the opportunity to swim with Dolphins.

This is quite simply an encounter of a lifetime and a must-try activity for eco-adventurers planning a day out on this beautiful Island. 

Catch a boat ride across the Indian Ocean and explore a side of Mauritius that other tourists rarely see. As part of an 8-strong group of people or fewer, you’re sure to receive personalised attention as you swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat.

Tickets from £40pp

9. La Vanille Crocodile Park

A trip to visit the Giant tortoises, crocodiles and Octa the Iguana. All for about £5 per person?! You don’t want to skip this one.

Visit Vanille Nature Park and enjoy guided tours learning about its history and the conservation efforts being undertaken to protect its wildlife.

Even if you’re not interested in the animals, you can still enjoy the ambient rainforest and mesmerising scenery in this tropical hideaway.

Entrance Fee: £5
A giant tortoise at Vanille Nature Park, Mauritius
Spend some time getting to know the locals at Vanille Nature Park. Photo by Joanna Huang on Unsplash

10. Chamarel Seven-coloured Earth

Don’t worry, you haven’t fallen into a magical porthole under a tree, this isn’t Wonderland. The Geopark at Chamarel showcases the area’s incredible multi-coloured earth. A rare geological phenomenon that was created by a rare confluence of volcanic activity and erosion over a period of 600 years.

You will undoubtedly be impressed by the colours and harmony that characterise this area of the island.

Did we forget to mention that it’s also home to the majestic Mauritian giant turtles, as well as the spectacular Chamarel waterfall? It’s got to be worth a tenner of anyone’s money!

Entrance Fee: £9
seven-coloured earth in Chamarel, Mauritius
Even mud is interesting in Mauritius. Image by SeverS74 from Pixabay

Ready To Begin Your Mauritian Adventure?

Now you know where you should be going to save some brass. You should think about getting a top hotel on the books. 

Well, we can help you there too. 

Click the banner below to see some of the top resorts on the island.

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