Mauritius South Island Tour with Chamarel Geopark & Grand Bassin

Mauritius South Island Tour with Chamarel Geopark & Grand Bassin

Wild beauty abounds in Mauritius. But the island's colourful south is absolutely bursting with it. This tour takes you to a roll call of must-sees. Trou aux Cerfs volcano, a sacred lake, the seven-coloured earth of Chamarel and much more await. Sandya, one of our local guides, says, ‘The south is how I imagine my island was 400 years ago. I try to imagine how our animals lived, such as the giant tortoises and extinct dodo, and the now-protected luxuriant forests.'The fun kicks off at Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano with a 90-metre-deep pine-studded crater. Next, we'll visit Voiliers de l'Océan, where artisans handcraft teak models of 18th century galleons. Laurna, another of our local guides, says, ‘It takes about 300 hours to complete a small boat of 70cm, while for larger boats about 1 to 3 months, depending on the size.' At the Takamaka winery, sample lychee wines and find out how discarded skins are used. This visit supports the employment of locals in a traditional business.Then, at Grand Bassin, a lake sacred to Hindus, you'll visit a temple and maybe offer prayers. A drive through Black River Gorges National Park takes you to a restaurant in Chamarel for a lunch made from locally sourced ingredients. Highlights in the park include the 100-metre drop Chamarel waterfalls and the seven-coloured earth of Chamarel. These barren volcanic dunes are surrounded by greenery.

Northern Mauritius Tour with Sugar World and Botanical Garden

The north of Mauritius is awash with history, culture and nature – this trip dips into all three in the photogenic north of the island. Visiting Cap Malheureux village and Pamplemousse Gardens, you'll stop for lunch and a rum tasting experience before free time to shop in the Caudan city craft market. Jean, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Pamplemousse is a unique botanical garden, famous for its big pond full of giant water lilies, the largest leaves of which can support a weight of around 50 kilos.'The morning begins with a photo stop at the pretty village of Cap Malheureux, home to the iconic, red-roofed church of Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice, a bright contrast to the colours of the Indian Ocean beyond. Next, we'll take a trip to Pamplemousse Gardens – the oldest botanical gardens in the southern hemisphere. Explore more than 500 rare plant species sprouting among the shady palm avenues and spice plantations here, then head on to Sugarworld for lunch.This factory and museum won't just see you fed, it's also the place to be schooled in the sugar trade, its history and to sample some sugarcane. There's some special Mauritian rum to wash it all down with too. You'll also visit the Blue Penny Museum, where displays include the famous postage stamps of 1847. Rounding off, we'll head to the city of Port Louis for free time to shop the modern boutiques down at Caudan Waterfront or hit the historic quarter's old craft bazaar.

Mauritian Tea Route Tour with Bois Chéri factory and Plantation

When there's so many things to see and do in Mauritius, a cultural highlights tour is just the ticket. Your jam-packed day calls by the island's oldest tea factory, Les Aubineaux colonial house and a rum distillery. But that's not all - you'll also be served up a classic Creole lunch and finish with a guided nature walk to spot some tropical wildlife. Aurelie, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘You'll follow the story of the island through its monuments and most important products – sugar, tea, rum and vanilla. It's a fascinating story that I love to tell our guests.'This tour offers a snapshot of Mauritius, from the past to the present. We begin with visits to the opulent colonial-era manor house at Les Aubineaux, offering a glimpse into the island's past. Built in the 19th century, Les Aubineaux showcases the architectural style of the time, combining French and British influences. Then, at the Bois Chéri tea factory, you'll tour through sprawling tea fields, explore the museum, and of course, break for a cup of tea.At the luxurious 19th Century St Aubin plantation, you're served up a traditional Creole lunch. And after your fill of tasty local produce, you'll head for a rum tasting experience at the local distillery. There's also a guided nature walk in La Vanille Reserve where you'll see a variety of luxuriant tropical vegetation. The reserve has a strong focus on conservation and it's home to giant Aldabra tortoises, Nile crocodiles and a fantastic botanical garden.

Mauritian Spices & Traditions Tour with Port Louis

Mauritius may be a small island, but it has so much to offer. This tour packs in the Pamplemousse Botanical Garden, a visit to the citadel, a panoramic tour of Port Louis and free time at the Caudan Waterfront.The morning begins with a trip to explore Pamplemousse Botanical Garden, the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, you can observe more than 600 rare plant species sprouting among the shady palm avenues and lily ponds.Next, it's on to one of the island's best panoramic viewpoints at 'La Citadelle'. Here, your guide will point out the Champs de Mars racecourse and Port Louis skyline before driving through central Port Louis with views from of Cathedral, Supreme Court and Government House. To finish the tour, we'll enjoy some free time at Caudan Waterfront where you can browse the craft bazaar and the modern boutiques.

Île aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise

Mauritius already looks like you're in paradise, this trip just adds to the luxury. Aboard a swish catamaran, you'll discover the island's blue lagoons, thick jungle and powder-white beaches. Along the way, you'll enjoy lunch on board and have plenty of time to swim, snorkel or top up your tan.Casting off from port, you'll set sail down the east coast of Mauritius. This patch of Indian Ocean once played host to historic naval battles between 18th Century France and England. Nowadays, it's a treasure-trove of Insta-worthy snaps. Grab your camera as you cruise past backdrops of mountains, lagoons and hidden coves.Then, you'll tuck into a barbecue lunch before heading to Ile-aux Cerfs – translated in English as Deer Island. The deer disappeared some hundred years ago but you'll still find some of the best and most secluded beaches in Mauritius where you've free time to swim, snorkel or just spread out your towel and relax on the sand.

Île aux Bénitiers Catamaran Cruise

From the comfort of a luxurious catamaran, you'll glide along the vast blue lagoon on the west coast of Mauritius to Île aux Bénitiers. Sail past thick jungle and white beaches and the dolphin-rich Tamarin Bay while you relax on the nets. And there's also snorkelling and a barbecue lunch on deck to enjoy.Leaving Le Morne Anglers' behind you, the Aquarelle will sail into the open seas with blue skies above you and shades of aquamarine and green shimmering from the water. In the horizon, you'll see Le Morne Brabant, a bulky peak that was once a refuge for runaway slaves. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the national symbols of Mauritius.Your captain will drop anchor, giving you the chance to dip your toes in the ocean. Snorkel off strangely shaped rocks and off Île aux Bénitiers, where tropical waters kiss coconut tree-fringed beaches. Then, it's back onto the catamaran for a barbecue lunch on board before returning to port.

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