AMAZING ISLAND you've NEVER HEARD OF! - Things To Do in Mauritius - 3 Days in Mauritius (pre-cruise)

Check out our Mauritius guide: www.nowgoseeit.com/blog/things-to-do-in-mauritius Check out Vlogs from the other stops on our NCL Africa Cruise: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4Hr8kE0shYlS3TRG3wyi0dSBjYJv_-k0&si=xy35VHLT2bRqGqX5 Welcome to Mauritius! This island in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Africa near Madagascar, is packed with history, culture, and incredible scenery. My plan was to explore for three days, but a cyclone changed that, leaving me with just 24 hours to experience everything I could. Here’s what I managed to see and do in a whirlwind day on the island. First stop: Aapravasi Ghat. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most significant historical locations in Mauritius, telling the story of the indentured laborers who arrived here to work on the sugar plantations. If you're interested in the history of the island, this is a must-visit. Next, I checked out the Central Market in Port Louis. Downstairs, you’ll find vendors selling fresh produce, spices, and vanilla. Upstairs is the place for souvenirs—tiny dodo birds, T-shirts, and various trinkets. It’s crowded, hot, and full of energy, but worth a visit. Then, I made my way to the Caudan Waterfront, a mix of high-end shops and artisan markets. The Instagram-famous Umbrella Street was unfortunately closed due to high winds, but the waterfront still had great shopping and ocean views. For dinner, I tried Namaste Indian Restaurant. The butter chicken and garlic cheese naan were fantastic, even if the decor felt like a 1980s wedding hall. The storm outside didn’t help the vibe, but the food was solid. The next morning, I booked a last-minute tour of the southwest part of the island using the Yugo app (Mauritius’ version of Uber). My driver, Christophe Metissman, turned out to be a Mauritian pop star. So, I got a guided tour and a celebrity meet-and-greet in one. First stop: Grand Bassin, home to two giant statues—Durga and a 108-foot Shiva. This lake is one of the most significant Hindu sites outside India. Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth visiting for the sheer scale and peaceful setting. Then, we drove through Black River Gorges National Park. Thick vegetation, winding roads, and fantastic views made for a great stop. Christophe pulled over to let me try fresh guava straight from the tree—it was bitter and full of tiny seeds, but an interesting experience. At Chamarel Seven Colored Earths Park, I saw Chamarel Falls—a double cascade dropping 100 meters—and the famous multicolored sand dunes. The park also has slow-moving tortoises over 100 years old and fresh sugarcane juice pressed right in front of you. Next up: Chamarel Rhumerie for a rum tasting. Twelve rums. That’s right—twelve. The mandarin liqueur was the standout, but by the end, I was feeling it. Time for lunch before I forgot how to walk. Lunch was at Chez Ruben, which my driver claimed was the best restaurant in Mauritius. The Phoenix beer was light and refreshing, but the food—chicken with saffron, rice, and fritters—was just okay. Not bad, but not the best in Mauritius. Heading south, we reached Macondé Viewpoint. The drive here is intense—sharp turns, cliffs, and dramatic ocean views. Locals were fishing with wide nets along the beaches, which was unexpectedly fascinating to watch. Back at the cruise port, I learned our ship would be staying an extra night due to the cyclone. That gave me one more morning to explore the northern part of the island. First stop: SSR Botanical Garden, named after the man who fought for Mauritius’ independence. The giant lily pads were a highlight, and there were tortoises, deer, and loads of tropical plants. Next, the famous red-roofed church, Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice de Cap Malheureux. It’s one of the most photographed places on the island. Honestly, I don’t see the hype, but it’s there if you’re interested. I wrapped up with a quick drive through the northern beaches, home to most of the island’s resorts and nightlife, before stopping at Fort Adelaide. The fort was closed, but the panoramic views over Port Louis were worth the visit. Back at the Caudan Waterfront, the umbrellas had reopened, so I got my Instagram moment. I wandered through Chinatown, but since it was Sunday, most shops were closed. Finally, I returned to the cruise port and set off for my 11-day African cruise. Don’t forget to subscribe for more travel content from ports around the world! For full guides, check out NowGoSeeIt.com. Now Go See Mauritius!