Mauritius (short layovers) 2018

Several 24h layovers in Mauritius (2018)

• I visited Mauritius a few times in 2018 and apart from beautiful beaches I had time for some trekkings and sightseeing

Main places visited:

• a) La Cambuse beach
• b) Chamarel (Seven Coloured Earth & Waterfall)
• c) Le Morne
• d) Mahebourg & Blue Bay Marine Park
• e) Grand Baie
• f) Port Louis
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a) La Cambuse beach:

• I was in the southeastern part of the island for work so I cycled towards La Cambuse, isolated and beautiful beach
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• I had time for some water sports in the resort as well
  
  
  
  

b) Chamarel (Seven Coloured Earth & Waterfall):

• Renting a car I visited the southwestern part of Mauritius, totally worth it
• In Chamarel you can visit a few attractions with a ticket which costed $8 approximately
• Early in the morning I visited Chamarel, where I enjoyed views of a nice waterfall...
  
• and the Seven Coloured Earth,a beautiful geological formation in which iron and aluminium repel each other giving the field a separated reddish/brownish and bluish touch
  
  
  
  
• In the same area there are a few giant turtles brought from Seychelles
  

c) Le Morne:

• Le Morne is one of the highest peaks in Mauritius (still less than 600m high) and the area is gorgeus
• Beaches here are stunning, with cristaline water, lovely sand and green areas and mountanious views 
• It is a great area for water sports which require wind
  
• However, the activity I enjoyed the most was the trekking to Le Morne World Heritage Site, my favourite activity I have done in Mauritius so far
  
• Driving towards Hotel Riu Creole in La Morne you can find the start of the trek 
• The path is 7km return, approximately 3 hours at a good path, and it is completely free (sadly these free activities are every day less and less)
• The final part of it is challenging; you find signals advicing climbing experience but I do not consider that necessary
  
• During the path you have wonderful views at both sides of Le Morne
  
  
  
  
• Reaching the peak feels great, and the coastal views are some of the most amazing I have ever experienced
  
  
  
  

d) Mahebourg & Blue Bay Marine Park:

• The village of Mahebourg offers some colourful houses, a busy market and a relaxed waterfront but too much compared to other parts of the island
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• The Blue Bay Marine Park can be visited nearby. From the beach itself there are many boats offering a 1h snorkeling boat ride where you can enjoy colourful fishes, corals and if you are lucky turtles (not my case)
  
  
  
  

e) Grand Baie:

• In the north, with a rented car as well, I went to La Cuvette a beautiful beach in Gran Baie
  
  
  
  

f) Port Louis:

• On the way back to the south, we stopped for a few hours in the capital Port Louis, a "big city" in Mauritius
• Not much apart from a very busy market and a decent waterfront but still I am happy I saw something different in the island apart from beaches
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• I am looking forward to exploring the northern areas of Mauritius and travelling to the island of Reunion why not!