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Iconic gardens, waterfront, nature & aerial views

Mauritius is full of spots that look like they were made for the 'gram—from giant water lilies and umbrella alleys to sacred lakes, mountain viewpoints, and even an underwater waterfall. This itinerary strings together some of the island's most photogenic places: Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, Caudan Waterfront, Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao), Black River Gorges, Crystal Rock, and the famous Underwater Waterfall experience.

Whether you're after golden-hour shots, cultural backdrops, or once-in-a-lifetime aerial views, these stops will fill your feed with the best of Mauritius. Book helicopter or boat tours in advance for Crystal Rock and the Underwater Waterfall.

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6 stops81.8 km

Stops on this itinerary

1. Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere, home to giant water lilies. The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, commonly known as Pamplemousses, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mauritius. Founded in 1770, the garden spans 37 hectares and features an impressive collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the famous giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies. The garden is also home to giant tortoises, deer, and a variety of bird species, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
Stop details13.5 km~13min to next stop
2. Caudan Waterfront
Port Louis's premier shopping and entertainment complex on the harbor. Located on the waterfront of Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, the Caudan Waterfront is one of the island’s most popular destinations for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Overlooking the harbor and marina, this lively complex offers visitors a vibrant atmosphere where modern attractions meet the historic charm of the city. The Caudan Waterfront is well known for its boutiques, local craft shops, duty-free stores, and souvenir markets, making it a great place to shop for Mauritian products, clothing, jewelry, and handmade crafts. Visitors can also explore art galleries, bookshops, and specialty stores showcasing local creativity. Food lovers will find a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, and street food stalls offering both Mauritian cuisine and international dishes. From fresh seafood to traditional Creole flavors, the waterfront is a perfect place to enjoy a meal while overlooking the ocean. The area also features cinemas, street performances, cultural events, and the famous Umbrella Square, one of the most photographed spots in Port Louis. Located close to major attractions such as the Port Louis Central Market, Blue Penny Museum, and Aapravasi Ghat, the Caudan Waterfront is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the capital city of Mauritius.
Stop details35.3 km~40min to next stop
3. Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)
Discover Grand Bassin in Mauritius, also known as Ganga Talao, a sacred crater lake with Hindu temples, Lord Shiva statues, peaceful scenery and spiritual heritage. Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, is one of the most sacred and important religious sites in Mauritius. Located in the highlands near Savanne, this peaceful crater lake is surrounded by temples, statues, forest scenery and a deeply spiritual atmosphere. It is a meaningful place for Hindu devotees and one of the best cultural attractions for visitors who want to understand the spiritual side of Mauritius. The site is especially important during Maha Shivaratri, when thousands of pilgrims walk to Grand Bassin to offer prayers. Visitors can admire the impressive Lord Shiva statue, explore the lakeside temples, see colourful religious architecture and enjoy the calm mountain setting. Grand Bassin is ideal to combine with Black River Gorges, Alexandra Falls, Bois Chéri Tea Factory and other south Mauritius attractions.
Stop details10.6 km~12min to next stop
4. Black River Gorges
Mauritius's only national park, covering 67 square kilometers of pristine forest. The Black River Gorges Viewpoint is one of the most spectacular scenic viewpoints in Mauritius, located in the heart of Black River Gorges National Park in the southwest of the island. Surrounded by lush mountains and dense tropical forest, this viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views over deep valleys, green hills, and one of the last remaining native forests in Mauritius. From the viewpoint, visitors can admire the dramatic landscapes of the national park, which covers thousands of hectares of protected rainforest. It’s a perfect stop for photographers and nature lovers who want to experience the wild and untouched side of Mauritius beyond its famous beaches and lagoons. The area is also known for its rich biodiversity, and visitors may even spot rare endemic birds such as the Pink Pigeon, Mauritius Kestrel, and Echo Parakeet. Several hiking trails begin within the park, making the viewpoint a great starting point for exploring the natural beauty of Black River Gorges National Park. Easily accessible by car and located near popular attractions like Chamarel and Seven Coloured Earth, the Black River Gorges Viewpoint is a must-visit stop for travelers exploring the southwest of Mauritius. It offers one of the most impressive panoramic landscapes on the island and a chance to experience the island’s incredible natural heritage.
Stop details19.5 km~27min to next stop
5. Crystal Rock
Discover Crystal Rock at Île aux Bénitiers in Mauritius, a famous west coast lagoon landmark known for turquoise water, Le Morne views and boat trips. Crystal Rock is one of the most photographed lagoon landmarks in Mauritius, located near Île aux Bénitiers on the west coast. Rising from the shallow turquoise water, this unique coral rock formation has become a must-see stop on boat trips around Le Morne, Black River and Tamarin. A visit to Crystal Rock is usually part of an Île aux Bénitiers catamaran cruise, private boat tour or west coast lagoon excursion. The scenery is beautiful, with clear blue water, views of Le Morne Brabant and the peaceful island backdrop of Île aux Bénitiers. It is a perfect stop for photos, swimming, snorkelling and enjoying one of the most iconic lagoon views in Mauritius.
Stop details2.9 km~6min to next stop
6. Underwater Waterfall Tour
Witness the incredible optical illusion of the underwater waterfall from above Witness the incredible optical illusion of the underwater waterfall from above by helicopter or seaplane. Off the coast of Le Morne on the southwest of Mauritius, sand and silt on the ocean floor are carried by currents in a way that creates a stunning visual effect resembling a waterfall flowing beneath the surface. This natural phenomenon is one of the most iconic aerial views in the world and has been featured in countless films and documentaries. The best way to experience it is from the air—either on a helicopter tour or a seaplane flight that takes you right over the spot. Tours typically depart from the airport, Triolet helipad, or selected hotels. Morning flights offer the clearest visibility and the most dramatic contrast between the turquoise lagoon and the deeper blue where the 'waterfall' appears.
Stop details

Tips

1Route runs north to south then west: start at Pamplemousses and Caudan, then Grand Bassin, Black River Gorges, Crystal Rock, and the Underwater Waterfall experience.
2Pamplemousses: giant water lilies and baobabs – best in morning light.
3Caudan: umbrella alley and harbour – great for golden hour.
4Grand Bassin: dress modestly; the Shiva statue and lake are iconic.
5Black River Gorges: viewpoints and forest trails – bring water and good shoes.
6Crystal Rock: book a boat tour from Le Morne or Black River; low tide is best for photos.
7Underwater Waterfall: helicopter or seaplane from Le Morne/airport – book in advance.