14 Perfect Days in Mauritius: Beaches, Golf, Waterfalls, and Creole Flavors

Split your time between Grand Baie, Trou d’Eau Douce/Île aux Cerfs, and Le Morne/Chamarel for a sun-soaked island itinerary featuring world-class golf, catamaran cruises, dolphin encounters, and street food adventures.

Mauritius is a volcanic island framed by coral reefs, sugarcane fields, and Indian Ocean blues, shaped by waves of African, Indian, Chinese, and French influences. You’ll taste this heritage in its food—dholl puri, fish vindaye, gateaux piment—and see it in colorful temples, cool colonial-era arcades, and bustling markets. The island drives on the left, English and French are widely spoken, and the currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR).

Over 14 days, you’ll split time between the north (Grand Baie), the east (Trou d’Eau Douce/Île aux Cerfs), and the southwest (Le Morne/Chamarel). Expect beach-hopping, lighthouse-red chapels, UNESCO-listed mountains, spice-scented kitchens, and lagoon-lulled evenings. Golfers can notch bucket-list rounds at Mont Choisy, Île aux Cerfs, Anahita, Tamarina, and Paradis—each pairing immaculate fairways with jaw-dropping ocean views.

Budget-wise, Mauritius offers excellent midrange value—guesthouses, apartment-style stays, and a few nights of resort polish. Plan on a rental car or booked transfers to maximize flexibility. Reef-safe sunscreen, a light rain jacket, and reef shoes will serve you well, and mornings are ideal for golf, hikes, and wildlife outings.

Grand Baie

Welcome to the island’s lively north, where palm-framed bays meet a social marina, and evenings drift from sundowners to sega rhythms. Grand Baie is a great first base: calm lagoons for snorkeling, easy access to Port Louis and Cap Malheureux, and a full spread of cafés, Creole kitchens, and curry houses.

Top sights include Pereybere Beach’s swimmable waters, the postcard-red Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice chapel at Cap Malheureux, and views to Coin de Mire. Golfers: Mont Choisy Le Golf sits just inland—a modern, playable 18 with broad fairways, endemic landscaping, and ocean breezes.

Days 1–5: Settle in, explore the north coast, play Mont Choisy, and taste Port Louis

  • Arrival and transport: Fly into Mauritius (MRU). Compare long-haul options on Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com. From MRU to Grand Baie takes ~1 hr 10 min by car; private transfer runs about $45–60, or rent a car for ~$35–60/day.
  • Beach time: Ease in at Pereybere and Mon Choisy beaches; both are ideal for safe swims and golden-hour strolls. Snorkel from shore or join a local boat toward Coin de Mire for clearer coral and frequent turtle sightings.
  • Golf (pre-book tee times): Mont Choisy Le Golf. Expect €100–180 green fees depending on season; club rental ~€30–45. Morning slots offer cooler temps and lighter winds.
  • City and food immersion (day trip): Head to Port Louis for markets, the photogenic Caudan Waterfront, and Chinatown snacks. Consider a guided walk for context and tastings:
  • Port Louis: Street Food & City Highlights Walking Tour
    Port Louis: Street Food & City Highlights Walking Tour on Viator
    Sample dholl puri, haleem, and gateaux piments while hearing the stories of Chinatown and the old port.
  • Underwater Sea Walk & Beaches In The North
    Underwater Sea Walk & Beaches In The North With Transportation on Viator
    A fun option even for non-swimmers—walk the seabed among shimmering reef fish, then hop between the north’s best beaches.
  • Private taxi: North guided tour
    Private taxi : North guided tour of mauritius. on Viator
    See the SSR Botanical Garden, Citadel Fort, and coastal viewpoints without navigating on your own.
  • Eat & drink like a local:
    • La Rougaille Creole (Grand Baie): Homestyle octopus curry, vindaye, and rougaille sauces in a friendly garden setting.
    • Happy Rajah: Aromatic North Indian classics—tandoori platters and biryanis—popular with families.
    • Nomad (Pereybere): Bright, modern brunches (shakshuka, smoothie bowls) and good coffee before a beach day.
    • Banana Beach Club: Iconic cocktail spot with live music; pair sundowners with grilled fish or platters.
  • Getting to the next base: Drive or transfer Grand Baie → Trou d’Eau Douce (for Île aux Cerfs): ~1 hr, ~$40–55 by taxi. Leave after breakfast for an easy check-in.

Trou d’Eau Douce (Île aux Cerfs)

The east coast trades bustle for a breezy fishing-village pace—lagoon blues, hibiscus hedges, and the gateway to the sandbar heaven of Île aux Cerfs. Beaches like Belle Mare stretch for miles, palms rustle, and sunrise paints the sea blush-pink.

Golfers are spoiled: the famed Île aux Cerfs Golf Club (Bernhard Langer design) unfurls over its own islet, while Anahita’s Ernie Els course runs along the lagoon—two of the Indian Ocean’s most scenic rounds.

Days 6–9: Catamaran days, lagoon swims, and signature island golf

  • Golf focus:
    • Île aux Cerfs Golf Club: Boat shuttle from Trou d’Eau Douce jetty; greens often €190–250 including transfer (seasonal). Signature carries over mangroves; bring extra balls.
    • Anahita Golf Club: Els-designed fairways along the lagoon; look for twilight specials. Club rentals available; caddies optional.
  • Beach & snorkel: Belle Mare’s long sand shelf is perfect for sunrise walks and calm swims. For calmer snorkeling, ask skippers for fish-rich coral bommies out of the current.
  • Eat & drink on the east:
    • Chez Tino (Trou d’Eau Douce): Grilled catch of the day, octopus salad, and balcony views of the lagoon.
    • Republik Beach Club & Grill (Le Touessrok area): Wood-fired seafood and steaks with toes-in-sand ambiance.
    • Green Island Beach Restaurant: Simple, fresh plates—think fish curry with fragrant rice and local pickles.
  • Getting to the next base: Trou d’Eau Douce → Le Morne/Chamarel: ~1 hr 30 min via the coastal road; taxi ~$60–80. Depart early for a Chamarel lunch with a view.

Le Morne & Chamarel

In the southwest, emerald peaks drop to luminous lagoons. Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO site, tells a powerful story of freedom and resilience, while the coast is famed for wind sports, dolphin-rich waters, and painterly sunsets. Inland, Chamarel’s highlands offer waterfalls, coffee aromas, and the surreal 7-Colored Earth.

This is adventure country—hikes at dawn, catamaran days, quad trails, and some of the island’s most photogenic greens. Even rest days feel special, with quiet beaches at La Prairie and views toward Île aux Bénitiers.

Days 10–14: Hike, sail with dolphins, chase waterfalls, and tee off in the southwest

  • Golf focus:
    • Tamarina Golf Club: A rugged, savanna-style layout with Rempart Mountain backdrops; green fees often €120–180.
    • Paradis Golf Club (Le Morne Peninsula): Fairways right along the lagoon; guest rates at the peninsula resorts can be excellent.
  • Hike & culture: Consider a guided sunrise hike on Le Morne Brabant (permit and guide recommended). Learn the history at the base memorial, then recover with a lagoon swim at La Prairie.
  • Eat & drink in the southwest:
    • Wapalapam, The Nomad Table (Le Morne): Spice-led Mauritian dishes—try smoked marlin salad and creole curries.
    • Le Chamarel Restaurant (Chamarel): Long, lazy lunches with sweeping views—venison stew, grilled fish, and pineapple tart.
    • Roti Aka Vinoda (La Gaulette): Budget-friendly rotis stuffed with curried beans and chutneys after a morning on the water.
  • Optional add-ons: Quad-bike through coastal tracks and old chimneys, or swap in a dedicated dolphin-and-whale morning in season (June–October sightings are common offshore).
  • Homebound flights: Return to MRU from Le Morne: ~1 hr by car. Compare options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Practical tips for a smooth two weeks

  • Budget pointers (score 50/100): Mix apartment stays with a few resort nights; use lunch specials at beach clubs; street food dinners (dholl puri, mine frit) keep costs friendly.
  • Transport: Driving is on the left; main roads are good, but plan extra time on scenic routes. Taxis are plentiful; confirm fares before departing.
  • When to go: May–October is breezier and drier; November–April is warmer with tropical showers—great for lush landscapes and warm seas.
  • Safety & nature: Mind coral and urchins; choose lifeguarded beaches when possible. Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the lagoon.

Across these 14 days you’ll experience Mauritius from three angles: lively northern lagoons, the dreamy east with sandbar sails and signature golf, and the southwest’s mountains-meet-sea drama. Expect mornings of adventure and afternoons of lazing by glassy lagoons—seasoned with Creole kitchens, sega rhythms, and star-punched skies.

By the time you leave, you’ll have favorite beaches, a go-to roti stand, and perhaps your new personal best on an Indian Ocean fairway.

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