Let’s rethink the way we travel. Beyond the postcard-perfect image, Mauritius is home to a fragile ecosystem and precious biodiversity that deserve to be protected. Choosing to travel sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing joy — quite the opposite!
Here are 14 sustainable excursions to explore Mauritius differently — with your eyes wide open and your footprint light.
Sustainable sea excursions in Mauritius: explore without disturbing
Head out to sea and enjoy the ocean without harming marine life. All it takes is choosing non-motorised, respectful experiences.
First things first: what to know before you go
Protecting the ocean starts with a few simple rules:
- Swimming with dolphins, whales or turtles is strictly forbidden in Mauritius. Admire them — from a distance.
- Leave nothing behind, and take nothing with you: no shells, no coral, no sand. (There are far better souvenirs to bring home!)
Favour non-motorised activities that create less noise and waste.
1. Snorkelling Trail: gentle underwater exploration
Snorkelling is one of the most sustainable ways to enjoy the lagoon. No noise, no engine — just you, a mask, a snorkel, and the peaceful rhythm of marine life.
Most hotels provide the equipment you’ll need (mask, snorkel and fins). From a beachfront hotel, it only takes a few strokes to reach colourful, shallow reefs teeming with life.
Responsible snorkelling spots:
- Pointe aux Piments
- Trou aux Biches
- Blue Bay Marine Park (protected area)
- Anse La Raie (with direct access from Lagoon Attitude hotel)
- Belle Mare
- Pointe d’Esny
Top tip: float, observe, move slowly, and take it all in — without touching anything.
2. Kayak & mangroves with the Marine Discovery Centre
Based at Lagoon Attitude, the Marine Discovery Centre offers kayak outings through mangroves — a chance to explore one of Mauritius’ most essential ecosystems, a natural nursery for hundreds of species.
It’s a low-impact experience that raises awareness of the role mangroves play in climate protection, coastal resilience and biodiversity. A true model of sustainable tourism in Mauritius.
3. Kayaking with dolphins with Lokal Adventure
Dreaming of seeing dolphins without disturbing them? Join Lokal Adventure for a gentle group kayaking trip on the Tamarin River and Bay.
You’ll paddle slowly and stay at a respectful distance — letting the dolphins come to you, if they choose. The result is often more magical than a speedboat tour: more intimate, more respectful, and much less intrusive.
That’s sustainable tourism too: knowing when to simply watch, and when to let nature take the lead.
4. A guided visit to Île aux Aigrettes (MWF)
Just off the coast of Mahébourg lies Île aux Aigrettes, a small nature reserve managed by the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation.
A guided tour will take you back in time to a wilder version of Mauritius, with endemic plants, preserved reptiles, and rare species.
Visits are led by qualified guides — for an experience that’s both educational and environmentally responsible.
Other sustainable ocean activities in Mauritius
- Silent sailing trips (no engine)
- Diving with small-scale, conservation-minded clubs
- Sunset paddleboarding sessions
Sustainable land excursions in Mauritius: walk, meet, learn
Mauritius is more than lagoons. It’s also mountains, forests, fields and small villages — and many activities inland are easy to organise, affordable, and deeply respectful of people and place.
Before you go, a few things to remember:
- Avoid any activities involving captive animals (zoos, lions, deer parks…)
- Choose small-scale, local initiatives wherever possible.
- Leave every place as you found it.
1. Guided hikes with Yann Nature or Lokal Adventure
There’s nothing like a passionate guide to help you experience Mauritius differently. With Yann Nature or Lokal Adventure, explore forests, waterfalls and panoramic views in total safety and with deeper meaning.
You’ll learn to identify endemic plants, understand forest ecology, hear stories about Mauritian heritage — or even get a geology lesson on the fly. It’s more than a hike: it’s a journey through the island’s living memory.
2. An immersive eco-tour with Ecosud
Ecosud runs educational and impactful tours that raise awareness while letting you contribute directly to environmental protection.
On the programme:
- Ecosystem conservation: learn about mangroves, seagrass meadows and coral reefs while helping collect scientific data.
- Mangrove kayaking in Mahébourg: paddle through dense greenery while learning about this vital habitat.
- Agroecology discovery: explore how sustainable farming regenerates the soil and connects people with the land.
Every booking helps support conservation work in Mauritius’ southeast — a great way to travel with purpose.
3. Visiting protected nature reserves: Ebony Forest & Vallée de Ferney
To understand Mauritius’ biodiversity and its importance, plan a visit to:
Ebony Forest: Walk through restored forest trails, climb hanging walkways and get a canopy-level view of the island. You’ll learn about endemic species, plant conservation, and reforestation projects — and part of your ticket funds those very efforts.
Vallée de Ferney: Hike solo or with a guide through one of the island’s largest protected valleys. You may spot deer, birds, and plenty of rare trees — and leave with a whole new appreciation for nature’s balance.
Things to avoid:
- Quad or 4×4 in sensitive natural areas
- Unmarked or off-trail hikes (which damage fragile ecosystems)
- Activities using animals for entertainment
Cultural excursions and local know-how: meet the makers
Découvrir l’Île Maurice, c’est aussi rencontrer ceux qui façonnent et perpétuent son identité : artisans, cultivateurs, producteurs, guides locaux.
1. Vanill’Art: an organic family-run vanilla farm
Take a guided tour through a small family-owned vanilla plantation and learn about the slow, delicate process of growing this precious spice. Taste the final product and bring home a meaningful souvenir.
2. Takamaka : litchi wine made in Mauritius
Yes — litchi wine! At Takamaka, you’ll meet growers who work in harmony with the land. Book a tasting, join a tour, and enjoy a lunch made with local ingredients. A true terroir-driven experience.
3. Rault Biscuit Factory: a step back in time
Using the same cassava flour and wood-fired oven for generations, this artisanal biscuit factory offers a warm and authentic experience — and some seriously good snacks.
4. Rum distilleries (Chamarel & Labourdonnais)
Rum is part of the island’s cultural heritage. At Chamarel or Labourdonnais, guided tours and tastings will take you deep into local craftsmanship and the roots of sugarcane culture!
5. Aapravasi Ghat
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful symbol of multicultural Mauritius. This is where indentured labourers from India arrived between 1834 and 1910. A must-see for anyone wanting to understand the island’s complex history.
6. Taste Buddies : immersive food tours
Book a food walk with Taste Buddies and discover the island’s culinary diversity through street food, spices, and stories.
Tours available in:
- Port-Louis
- Mahébourg
- Grand Baie
- Pamplemousses
- Flacq
- Chinatown (Port-Louis)
So… ready to travel differently?
Choosing sustainable travel in Mauritius doesn’t mean giving up fun. It means being more mindful, more curious, more connected.
These 14 ideas prove that you can enjoy the island while respecting its land, ocean, and people — and that every small choice can have a big impact.
Sustainable excursions aren’t just good for the planet — they feel good too. For the travellers who experience them, and for those who make them possible.
Written with love by Yelleen Ravelomaniraka
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