In the morning, hop in the car and head to Le Morne Public Beach. For lunch, you can grab something tasty at the stalls right on the beach. The locals make simple but great food here – grilled fish, fried noodles, or Creole specialties. You can also pick up fresh fruit from vendors along the beach. The best choice is an ice-cold coconut, sweet mango, and juicy dragon fruit. A light, relaxing day by the ocean, exactly how a tropical vacation should start. I recommend booking the day 5 excursion to see dolphins, rays, and turtles today. The people who organize the trips walk along the beach offering them; just pick one and set a time. A lot of online guides suggest visiting the Casela nature park safari, but I skipped it because it's very expensive and doesn't really show any local nature. The trip to the underwater world is far more authentic.

In the morning, you'll head by car towards Chamarel Park, where a mix of nature and tranquility awaits you. First, you'll visit the Chamarel Waterfall, which cascades into the deep green jungle, and then move on to the Seven Colored Earths and the giant tortoise enclosure. The whole area feels like a little tropical world with a completely different atmosphere than the coast. After sightseeing, take a break at a local cafe where they make homemade lemonade from freshly pressed sugarcane. It’s the perfect spot for a quick stop to enjoy the valley view. On the way back, you'll find the best refreshment on the entire island – a small family stall serving local specialties: chicken noodles, soups, fried treats, and heaps of fresh fruit. The service is friendly, the food is simple and authentic, exactly the kind of place you'll remember. End your day with a stop at the iconic Macondé viewpoint, where the road curves in a dramatic arc over the ocean. It's a quick stop, but the view is among the best in Mauritius.