In Mauritius, much of the island's beauty can be discovered for free: beaches, viewpoints, markets, villages, and numerous national museums. This page compiles these free attractions. Below you'll find our selection of places to see without spending a penny.
What to see for free in Mauritius
Discovering Mauritius doesn't have to break the bank. Much of what makes the island so charming is freely accessible, from its natural beauty to its vibrant atmosphere. This page lists free attractions, allowing you to fully enjoy your stay regardless of your budget and create memorable days without financial constraints.
Nature, first and foremost, is offered without any cost. The public beaches are all free and freely accessible, as are many coastal viewpoints, hiking trails, and forests. The island's topography offers spectacular panoramas that can be admired without spending a penny, sometimes requiring a bit of walking.
In terms of culture and local life, there are plenty of opportunities too. Lively markets and bazaars can be visited freely, authentic villages can be explored on foot along their narrow streets, and several iconic sites are free: the sacred lake of Grand Bassin, the village of Mahébourg and its seafront, or even numerous national museums such as the national museum of natural history from Port Louis.
Here are a few pointers to help you make the most of your visit. Most of these places don't require reservations, but check opening hours, which vary from site to site. Also, keep in mind that some sites still charge admission—botanical gardens, private parks, or themed attractions—even when the surrounding area is free. To visit several places in one day, the most practical approach is to rent a car.
To locate these places and plan your route, consult our map of tourist sites in Mauritius It locates sites and provides access to our detailed articles. Whether you're looking for a beach, a viewpoint, a market, or a free museum, you'll find our selection of free activities in Mauritius below.
Port Louis
Everything you need to know about Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius: its history, geography, economy and must-see sights (central market, Caudan, Aapravasi Ghat, citadel…).
Markets and bazaars of Mauritius
Discover the markets and bazaars of Mauritius: atmosphere, products, street food, major events and tips to fully enjoy the experience.
Bain Bœuf Beach – Public Beach
Bain Bœuf, a small public beach in the north of Mauritius between Pereybère and Cap Malheureux, offers white sand, shade from casuarina trees and an exceptional view of Coin de Mire.
The Daruty Forest – Belle Vue Forest
Discover the Daruty Forest (Belle Vue): hiking trails, historic sugar mill ruins and tropical nature, 10 minutes from Grand Baie
Endemic garden of the Osterlog Valley
The Osterlog Valley endemic garden, covering 275 hectares, protects the last vestiges of the primary forest of Mauritius.
Hike to the Weeping Rock
The hike to La Roche qui Pleure is a coastal walk located next to Gris-Gris beach in Souillac, in the south of Mauritius.
Hiking in Mauritius
Mauritius boasts turquoise lagoons, but also spectacular terrain crisscrossed by dozens of hiking trails.
The Cave of Pont Bon Dieu
The Pont Bondieu cavern, one of the most impressive lava tubes in Mauritius, invites you to explore a 15-meter-high underground tunnel.
Bel Ombre – public beach
Bel Ombre beach is well worth a visit; stretching over two kilometers of golden sand, it offers a calm, shallow turquoise lagoon.
Saint Félix – public beach
Saint Félix public beach is captivating thanks to its crystal-clear waters, considered the most transparent in Mauritius.
Caudan Waterfront – Port Louis
The Caudan Waterfront is the main commercial and cultural complex in Port Louis, opened in 1996 on the old docks of the port.
Sunsets in Mauritius
It is at dusk that Mauritius reveals one of its most beautiful spectacles: breathtaking sunsets that set the sky and ocean ablaze.
Chamarel Viewpoint
The Chamarel View Point is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Mauritius. Located in the village of Chamarel
Gris-Gris Beach
Gris-Gris beach is distinguished by its wild and unspoiled character, its black basalt cliffs and its powerful waves.
Balaclava – public beach
Located on the northwest coast of Mauritius, Balaclava public beach represents one of the last public access points to the magnificent Turtle Bay.
Pointe aux Piments – public beach
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The Shri Sockalingum Meenatchee Ammen Temple – Kaylasson
Located in Abercrombie in Port Louis, the Shri Sockalingum Meenatchee Ammen Kovil (Kaylasson) temple is the oldest Tamil temple on Mauritius.
Wolmar – public beach
Wolmar public beach on the west coast of Mauritius, south of Flic-en-Flac, is a true hidden gem and peaceful spot on the island.
Fort Frederik Hendrik and its museum
In Vieux Grand Port in the southeast of Mauritius, Fort Frederik Hendrik is one of the island's most precious historical remains.
The Albion Lighthouse
At the top of the cliffs of Pointe-aux-Caves, the Albion lighthouse stands proudly with its characteristic red and white stripes.
Company Garden
The Company Garden, a silent witness to the evolution of Port Louis in Mauritius from the colonial era to the present day
Curepipe Botanical Garden
The Curepipe Botanical Garden, a green oasis in the heart of Mauritius, is the second largest botanical garden on the island after the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden.
Pereybère – public beach
Pereybère Beach: An Authentic Jewel of Northern Mauritius
Port Louis Citadel – Fort Adelaide
The Citadel of Port Louis has stood like a stone sentinel in the heart of the Mauritian capital for almost two centuries.
Savinia Beach
Savinia Beach, a wild and unspoiled gem in the south of Mauritius
Deer Hole
In Curepipe stands one of the most fascinating natural sites in the archipelago: Trou aux Cerfs, the crater of a dormant volcano
Macondé's Viewpoint
The Macondé viewpoint stands out as one of the most striking coastal viewpoints in Mauritius; it is located on the southwest coast.
Palmar – public beach
Nestled on the magnificent east coast of Mauritius, in the Belle Mare region, Palmar public beach is a true hidden gem that fully deserves its reputation as Mauritius's "secret pearl".
Mary Queen of Peace
Overlooking Port Louis from Signal Mountain, Mary Queen of Peace is one of the most iconic religious sites in Mauritius.
The Corner of Focus
Gunner's Quoin (Le Coin de Mire) stands majestically off the north coast of Mauritius near the village of Cap Malheureux
Le Morne Brabant
Le Morne Brabant is an iconic 556-meter mountain in the southwest of Mauritius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This basalt monolith offers spectacular panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Prison Beach
Nestled in the northwest region of Mauritius, near Port Louis, the capital, Prison Beach is paradise.
Belle Mare – public beach
The public beach of Belle Mare stretches for almost 10 kilometers, offering one of the most beautiful shores on the island.
Rochester Falls
Rochester Falls is one of the majestic and iconic waterfalls of Mauritius, located in the south of the island, near the village of Souillac.
Calodyne – public beach
In the northern region of Mauritius, Calodyne public beach is a gem that offers visitors an authentic and peaceful seaside experience.
La Pomponette – public beach
La Pomponette public beach is one of the coastal gems of Mauritius, located on the west coast of the island in the Tamarin region.
La Preneuse – public beach
Nestled on the west coast of Mauritius, La Preneuse public beach is a preserved gem, combining golden sand, turquoise waters, …
Tomb of Father Laval
An emblematic figure in Mauritian history, Father Laval is venerated as the "Saint of Mauritius".
Telfair – public beach
Welcome to Telfair public beach, a hidden gem located in Souillac, on the wild south coast of Mauritius.
Waterway – public beach
The public beach of Bras d'Eau is a true natural gem offering an ideal setting for a relaxing day with family or friends.