South Mauritius tour: Grand Bassin, crocodile park, rum tasting

Feel the ocean’s wild crash at dramatic cliffs before savoring island flavors and wildlife encounters

A full-day guided tour of South Mauritius visiting Grand Bassin's sacred Hindu site, Alexandra Falls, Gris Gris Beach, and Black River Gorges National Park, with a three-course Mauritian lunch, rum tasting at Saint Aubin Rhumerie, and entry to La Vanille Nature Park to see giant tortoises and crocodiles. Private air-conditioned transport, a guide in English, French or Hindi, bottled water, and all admission fees are included. The tour runs 6 to 8 hours and suits travelers wanting to cover the island's spiritual, natural and cultural landmarks in a single outing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Black River Gorges National Park30m
2. Gris Gris Cape30m
3. St. Aubin House & Sugar Estate44m · entry included

South Mauritius adventure and wildlife

• Visit Grand Bassin Hindu site
• See Alexandra Falls waterfall
• View Black River Gorges National Park
• Admire Gris Gris Beach cliffs
• Enjoy three-course Mauritian lunch
• Taste rum at Saint Aubin Rhumerie
• Explore La Vanille Nature Park

The experience

The day starts at Grand Bassin, Mauritius' most sacred Hindu site, where you'll see the 33-meter Lord Shiva statue and colorful temples set in lush forest. From there you move to Alexandra Falls, a waterfall viewpoint with panoramic views of green valleys, then to the Gorges Viewpoint overlooking Black River Gorges National Park: a place to spot native birds like the pink pigeon and feel the mountain air. Gris Gris Beach comes next, a wild stretch of coast where powerful waves crash against dramatic cliffs, unlike the calm lagoons elsewhere on the island.

Lunch is a three-course Mauritian meal at a local restaurant, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, including halal food. After eating, you'll head to Saint Aubin Rhumerie for a guided rum tasting, where you'll sample locally made rums distilled from pure sugarcane and learn about traditional production methods. The tour ends at La Vanille Nature Park, where you walk through tropical gardens to see giant tortoises, crocodiles, iguanas and monkeys, plus butterfly and insect sanctuaries.

Your driver stays with you throughout, and the guide speaks English, French or Hindi depending on your preference. Bottled water is provided, and all park entries and the meal are covered in the price.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transport with a personal driver.
• admission to Grand Bassin, Alexandra Falls viewpoint, Black River Gorges National Park, La Vanille Nature Park and Saint Aubin Rhumerie.
• a three-course Mauritian lunch with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
• a guided rum tasting with samples of locally made rum.
• bottled water.
• a guide fluent in English, French or Hindi.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to7h before

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and Hindi

Audio guideSpanish, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Paradise In Your Palm Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this private tour if you want a guide who speaks your language steering the pace through five scattered sites (Grand Bassin, Alexandra Falls, Gorges Viewpoint, Gris Gris Beach, and a local lunch stop) rather than navigating between them yourself.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and Hindi.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Grand Bassin and why is it on this tour?

Grand Bassin is Mauritius' most sacred Hindu site, surrounded by lush forest with a serene lake, colorful temples and a 33-meter statue of Lord Shiva. It's included because it represents the island's spiritual heart and offers a peaceful start to the day before the natural and coastal stops.

Does the tour include lunch, and what kind of food is served?

Yes, lunch is a three-course Mauritian meal at a local restaurant, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including halal food if you need it. The meal is included in the tour price.

What happens at the rum tasting, and is it included?

At Saint Aubin Rhumerie, a guide walks you through the art of Mauritian rum-making, and you sample a selection of locally crafted rums made from pure sugarcane. You'll learn about traditional distillation methods and the flavors that reflect the island's heritage. The tasting and entry are included.

What animals will I see at La Vanille Nature Park?

La Vanille Nature Park is home to giant tortoises, crocodiles, iguanas and monkeys, plus butterfly and insect sanctuaries. You'll walk through lush tropical gardens and have close encounters with the animals as part of the tour.

How long does the tour take, and what's the transport like?

The tour runs 6 to 8 hours and uses a private air-conditioned vehicle with a personal driver. Your guide speaks English, French or Hindi, and bottled water is provided throughout the day.

Is Gris Gris Beach different from other beaches in Mauritius?

Yes. Gris Gris Beach is a wild, dramatic coastline where powerful waves crash against high cliffs, unlike the calm lagoons found elsewhere on the island. It showcases Mauritius' raw ocean beauty and is a key photo stop on the tour.