Things to Do

10 Museums in Yerevan That Will Help You Discover Armenia

November 29 2020 by Aram Vardanyan Leave a Comment

Armenia is a country teeming with history and artifacts and one of the best places to uncover this is at a museum. This is a guide to the top ten museums in Yerevan based on popularity and number of visitors. Don’t forget that by purchasing the Yerevan pass, you will have access to over 40 museums for free! And every single Yerevan museum on this list is included.

10 Museums in Yerevan That Will Help You Discover Armenia

One of the best-kept secrets in Yerevan is the sheer number of museums around the city that will give insight into Armenian history, culture, and more. While every museum may not be meant for every person, there is definitely a museum in Yerevan meant for every person.

museums in yerevan guide-2-2 — 10 Museums in Yerevan Worth visiting

These 10 museums in Armenia will all have something unique to offer visitors. Fortunately, if you are keen to do a little Yerevan sightseeing, you will see that the Yerevan Card has all of these museums included in the cost of the card (which is far more affordable than other city passes… trust us!)

Yerevan City Pass

If you’re looking for amazing discounts at restaurants and cafes, free public transportation, a complimentary taxi ride from Zvartnots Airport to the city center, and free entrance to most of the museums in Yerevan, you will want to most definitely invest in the Yerevan City Pass. Aram and I both have one and we use them regularly around the Armenian capital city.

All of the museums on this guide are included in the free entrance and you can even get discounted tours to the Temple of Garni and more by purchasing one. The best part is that you can pick it up directly once you arrive at the airport or right from their office by Republic Square.

>> Click here to purchase the Yerevan Card

Armenia Inspiration to Read Before Your Trip

Before you venture to the lovely country of Armenia, we recommend reading up on the history and culture of the country a bit. It is so complex and it will allow you to get the most out of these Yerevan museums when you visit them. Here is some suggested reading from us (including a guidebook that you may find useful for your trip!):

Click to Buy on Amazon

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Armenia?

We highly recommend getting travel insurance for your trip to Armenia. We use SafetyWing, a Norwegian company specializing in affordable policies and vast coverage for our travels. Armenia is really pretty safe but you never know what could happen no matter where you travel.

>> Click here to get an Armenia travel insurance quote

Do You Need a Visa for Armenia?

Armenia is visa-free for so many nationalities, but unfortunately not all. There are many websites online that offer visa services for Armenia but many of them are shady and not reliable. We recommend getting your Armenia visa sorted via iVisa, a reputable company that offers visa support for many nations around the world.

>> Click here to apply for a visa to Armenia

10 Yerevan Museums Worth Visiting

History Museum of Armenia

Year opened: 1919

Address: Republic Square

Working days and hours: Tuesdays-Saturdays from 1100-1800 and Sundays from 1100-1700

Days closed: Mondays

Entrance ticket: 2000AMD (free with Yerevan Card)

Public transport: 1, 22, 33, 37, 44, 54, 58, 62, 63, 67, 68

Republic Square: Two days in Yerevan itinerary -6 — History Museum of Armenia in Republic Square

This is one of the most famous museums in Armenia simply for its location and incredible collection of artifacts. The museum introduces Armenia and Armenian’s history and is considered to be of the utmost importance to the capital city.

The History Museum of Armenia houses the national collection of showpieces that are presented at exhibition halls of ethnography, archaeology, contemporary history, and numismatics. The complex housing the items creates an entire picture of Armenian culture and history, ranging from prehistoric times to the 15th-century.

The cuneiform inscription states that Erebuni (Yerevan) city’s foundation began in 782BC as the world’s oldest shoe was discovered during excavation works in Areni Cave, as well as the uncommon, wooden ornamental door of Saint Arakelots Monastery. You can find both in the History Museum of Armenia… and much more!

National Gallery of Armenia

Year opened: 1921

Address: Republic Square

Working days and hours: Tuesdays-Saturdays from 1100-1730 and Sundays from 1100-1630

Days closed: Mondays

Entrance ticket: 1500AMD (free with Yerevan Card)

Public transport: 1, 22, 33, 37, 44, 54, 58, 62, 63, 67, 68

The National Gallery of Armenia is the world’s biggest museum containing Armenian fine art and has the second most pieces from Hovhannes Aivazovsky’s collection. The museum itself has around 40,000 items. Since 2008, the Gallery hosts interactive, educational programs inside.

The museum has 12 branches in Yerevan and in other regions of Armenia. Inside of its Armenia, Russian, European, and Eastern thematic halls, you can admire the works of Martiros Sarian, Hovhannes Aivazovsky, Vardges Sureniants, Valentin Serov, Vasily Kandinsky, Donatello, August Rodin, Marc Chagall, and other prominent artists.

Matenadaran

Year opened: 1959

Address: 53 Mashtots Ave

Working days and hours: Tuesdays- Sundays from 1000-1700

Days closed: Mondays

Entrance ticket: 1500 AMD (free with Yerevan Card)

Public transport: 7, 16, 18, 23, 24, 27

Matenadaran was named after Mesrop Mashtots and is registered in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It consists of 15 demonstration halls which display thousands of artifacts including 20,000 ancient manuscripts, holistic manuscripts and fragments, old books, documents, and samples of precious bindings.

At Matenadaran, you can also find the largest book, Msho Charentir (1200-1202 AD) which weighs 27.5 kilograms in contrast to the smallest one, the Church Calendar from 1434 AD weighing just 19 grams.

“Ararat” Brandy Factory Museum

Year opened: 2000

Address: 2 Admiral Isakov Ave

Working days and hours: Tuesdays – Sundays from 1000-1700

Days closed: Mondays

Entrance ticket: 4500 – 10000 AMD (free with Yerevan Card)

Public transport: 5, 23, 29, 47, 67, 68

Two days in Yerevan itinerary -3 — Ararat Brandy Factory and Museum in Yerevan

The Ararat Museum is situated inside the Yerevan Brandy Company’s factory which was acquired by industrialist Nikolay Shustov. This is where you can study the process of making cognac as well as trying Armenia’s famous brandy. To be honest, we really think that trying Ararat brandy is one of the essential things to do in Yerevan and that everyone should partake in the experience of doing so.

Armenia has become symbolic for its brandy production and it is an important part of the history of the country. You can take a tour of the museum and learn a lot about the famous beverage.

Ter-Ghazaryan’s Micro-Art Museum

Year opened: 2018

Address: 8 Abovyan Street

Working days and hours: Tuesdays – Sundays from 1000-1700

Days closed: Mondays

Entrance ticket: 2000 AMD (free with Yerevan Card)

Public transport: 41, 13

Although Ter-Ghazaryan’s Micro-Art museum is one of the most recently opened museums of Yerevan, it has become very popular and famous within the city of Yerevan.

The main exhibition of the museum includes the micro-works of grandfather and grandson Eduard Ter-Ghazaryans which have been placed on specially designed lighting pedestals. The micro-creations of the elder Eduard Ter-Ghazaryan really showcase the mastermind and genius abilities this grandfather and grandson had.

If you’re looking for something a little different to do and want to still explore one of the newer museums in Yerevan, this is an excellent option.

Sergey Parajanov Museum

Year opened: 1988

Address: Dzoragyugh Ethnographic District, 15/16 House

Working days and hours: daily from 1030 – 1700

Entrance ticket: 1000 AMD (free with Yerevan Card)

Public transport: 5, 23, 26, 33, 47, 62, 67, 68

Sergey Parajanov’s Museum is dedicated to the decorated and well-known Armenian film-maker, artist, and writer. The museum is one of the most popular ones in Yerevan and it represents the artistic, literary, multi-layered and diverse heritage of Parajanov.

The collection includes 600 works of which include assemblages, flat and three-dimensional collages, dolls, drawings and film sketches, furniture, personal things, and more. Much of it was transferred from Tbilisi to Yerevan when Sergey was still alive.

Throughout the museum’s existence, a large number of items has been added and at this very moment, the number of items is 1500.

“Erebuni” historical-archeological Museum-Reserve

Year opened: 1968

Address: 38 Erebuni Street

Working days and hours: Tuesdays – Sundays from 1030 – 1630

Days closed: Mondays

Entrance ticket: 1000 AMD (free with Yerevan Card)

Public transport: 1, 16, 37, 39, 41, 46, 58

The Erebuni Museum presents the history of Yereven’s foundation and the archaeological excavations of Arin Berd, Karmir Blur, and Shengavit territories. It was founded in honor of Yerevan’s 2750th birthday.

Currently, the museum has two branches: ‘Shengavit” and “Karmir Blur”. The Yerevan History Museum is considered to be an important Urartuological center. The building symbolizes the construction of an Urartian Palace and preserves the principle of the people’s houses with external soundproof walls and a smooth roof surrounding and internal yard.

More than 12,000 archaeological artifacts are introduced to the public at the Erebuni Museum. The items have been found in various regions and places in Armenia from pre-Urartian, Urartian, Hellenistic, and even early periods of time. The most important piece on exhibit is the ‘Birth Certificate of Yerevan’.

Yerevan History Museum

Year opened: 1931

Address: 1/1 Argishti Street

Working days and hours: Mondays – Saturdays from 1100 – 1730

Days closed: Sundays

Entrance ticket: 500 AMD (free with Yerevan Card)

Public transport: 26, 29

The city of Yerevan is the 12th capital of Armenia. Founded in 782 BC by King Argishti and under the name ‘Erebuni’, the city of Yerevan is one of the oldest capitals in the world. The Yerevan History Museum details the entire history of old and new Yerevan. This is a great museum to hit up if you’re visiting Yerevan in winter.

There are approximately 94,000 items that have been gathered during the city’s existence and it gives us a better understanding of ancient Yerevan as well as how things have transpired and made the city into what it is today. Among the pieces on show at this museum in Yerevan are archaeological, ethnographic, and numismatic collections of items, art, and photos.

Aram Khachaturyan Museum

Year opened: 1982

Address: 3 Zarobyan Street

Working days and hours: Mondays – Fridays from 1100 – 1700 and Saturdays from 1100 – 1630

Days closed: Sundays

Entrance ticket: 800 AMD (free with Yerevan Card)

Public transport: 1, 8, 13, 16, 18, 35, 37, 45, 47, 57, 58

This museum was named after Aram Khachaturyan, a famous Armenian composer from the 20th-century. There are more than 18,000 valuable items inside that are dedicated to his life and his art. You will find photographs, letters, books, musical scores, music manuscripts, records, films posters, and personal documents inside of the Yerevan museum.

Inside the showroom, you will get to see interactive displays of his life accompanied by his brilliant music. You can watch movies and listen to records from Khachaturyan. He was considered to be the mastermind behind the Armenian ballet, symphony, concert, and music scene. Some of his most famous works include ‘Sabre Dance’ or ‘Suserov Par’ from the ‘Gayane’ ballet performance… which gave him great fame later.

Martiros Sarian House-Museum

Year opened: 1967

Address: 3 Saryan Street

Working days and hours: daily from 1100 – 1800

Days closed: Thursdays

Entrance ticket: 1000 AMD (free with Yerevan Card)

Public transport: 1, 5, 23, 24, 26, 27, 37, 44, 44, 44, 47, 54, 58

The final museum in Yerevan on our list is the Martiros Saryan Museum which celebrates the life and works of the famous Armenian artist. He is considered to be the founder of the Armenian School of Painting. He has more than 300 creative works that are chronologically introduced to visitors at the museum.

His paintings allow us to realize that art is not just a reflection of reality but rather a way to develop the imagination. The interesting fact is that the house-museum was created during his lifetime as an artist. The museum sits on Yerevan’s renowned Saryan Street.

Where to Stay in Yerevan

There are many options of where to stay in Yerevan but we tend to stay loyal to our favorites. Our top three picks are good for any type of budget. Here is where we recommend staying in Yerevan:

The Alexander (Splurge): This hotel is the most luxurious in Armenia. They have amazing rooms and amenities and it will make you feel pampered all while being a stone’s throw away from Republic Square. They have a really nice cigar bar inside that Aram and I have enjoyed before. Click here to check rates and availability.

Daniel Boutique Hotel (Mid-range): If you’re looking for an affordable place with comfort and amazing hospitality, Daniel Boutique Hotel is your best bet. The Yerevan property exudes charm and has a stellar location for its price. Click here to check rates and availability.

Grand Hostel (Budget): There are many great properties in Yerevan for those on a budget but we really love Grand Hostel because the hostel is spacious, clean, and has private rooms and dorms both. The family that runs it is fantastic and so hospitable. Click here to check rates and availability.

There are some really great museums in Yerevan that are worth visiting on your trip to Armenia’s beautiful capital city. If you have any museum suggestions, please drop them in the comments for us.

20 Best Day Trips from Boise – Sand Dunes, Forests, & More!

November 28 2020 by Karine Davtyan Leave a Comment

Idaho is one of the most underrated states when it comes to beautiful nature in the US. These epic day trips from Boise are proof of that!

There are many places to visit in Idaho – from the hot springs in Kirkham to mindblowing Shoshone Falls. And fortunately, many of these destinations can be visited on one of the many Boise day trips that are possible if you decide to use the city as a base.

This guide walks you through our curated list of the best day trips from Boise. If we are missing a place – please leave it in the comments below!

Places to Visit Near Boise Map

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Boise Day Trips (Within 2 Hours)

Bogus Basin

Distance from Boise: 18.4 miles (45 minutes)

Being merely 45 minutes north of Boise, Bogus Basin is a great location for a fun day trip, especially for those that love skiing.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor mountain activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, live music and events, tubing, disc golf, skiing, snowshoeing, and more! Also, the one and only mountain roller coaster in Idaho is located in Bogus Basin.

Moreover, if you’re planning to visit this magical place with children, there is a lot for them to do, such as trampolines, wall climbing, and checking out the Shafer Butte Mining Company. Note that unlimited day passes and season passes are available.

Bruneau Dunes State Park

Distance from Boise: 63.9 miles (1 hour and 6 minutes)

If you’re looking for a place to ski on dunes, then this is the only and probably one of the best places in the United States to do so. This dune is the tallest single structured one in the whole of North America, with a height of 470 ft.

When visiting Bruneau Dunes State Park, you will have a chance to rent sand boards from the Visitors Center and have some fun while riding them down the dunes.

Other available activities at the Idaho state park include birdwatching, fishing, camping, hiking, and swimming. Also, if you would like to do some stargazing, keep in mind that The Bruneau Dunes Observatory Complex is home to a 25” telescope and is one of two public observatories in Idaho.

Idaho City

Distance from Boise: 39.6 miles (54 minutes)

Idaho City, which once was a mining town, is located nearly an hour away from Boise. You can still feel the breadth of how life was here in the late 1800s.

With many antique shops, restaurants, and many unique places, Idaho City is now considered a historic city as it played a huge role during the historic gold rush in the Pacific Northwest.

Some of the main attractions in Idaho city are the Operational Saloon, which serves sarsaparilla, also has many festivals conducted during different seasons. There is also the Boise Basin Museum where visitors can take a glimpse into the past of the city.

Those are just a few of the wonderful things to do in Idaho City that make it one of the best day trips from Boise.

Operational Saloon serves sarsaparilla, festivals conducted on different seasons, and Boise Basin Museum, where visitors can have a look at the rich past of the city, are just a few highlights that can make your trip to Idaho City a day to remember.

Three Island Crossing State Park

Distance from Boise: 71.9 miles (1 hour and 10 minutes)

Located in Elmore County, Idaho, Three Island Crossing State Park is a wonderful recreation area where history lovers and nature lovers can get their fill of the place.

This park is the location where those on the Oregon Trail had to ford a river (the Snake River, to be exact). This area was used as a river crossing until Gus Glenn built a ferry across in 1869.

Today, you can venture there for some camping, hanging out in a cabin, disk golf, and more.

Eagle

Distance from Boise: 10 miles (19 minutes)

While Eagle may be an unassuming place to take a day trip from Boise to as it is essentially a suburb, you can definitely make a day of it by visiting.

The city has just shy of 20,000 residents and is known for its spas, golf courses, and spacious parks. There is a very well-known Saturday Market where visitors will be greeted with local, live music, vendors, and many produce sellers.

Eagle is known for being rather residential, but if you want to get out of the city and somewhere extremely close by, Eagle is a good choice.

Boise Day Trips (2-3 Hours)

McCall

Distance from Boise: 108.3 miles (2 hours and 14 minutes)

McCall is known as an Idaho destination that can be an excellent choice for the ones who love wild outdoor adventures.

It is great for families who are looking forward to finding a place to relax in an awe-inspiring forested mountain setting. So, if you want to relax and unwind yourself, McCall is a perfect choice!

Note that McCall is on a whole other level when it’s about winter activities. In the town, you can go snowboarding, snowmobiling, skiing, and much more.

Also, the Annual Winter Festival in McCall attracts the attention of more than 60,000 visitors to the mountains each year.

Idaho Wine Country

Distance from Boise: varies depending on where you’re going

Being based on elevations exceeding 3,000-feet and with ideal conditions for grape growing, Idaho has some of the most extensive vineyards in the Pacific Northwest.

Now there are more than 50 wineries in Idaho, most of which are located in the Snake River Valley and Eagle Foothills, Lewis-Clark Valley, and Sun Valley.

There are free tastings available mostly all year-round. The number of Idaho wineries has increased to 51, many of which are producing household brand, award-winning wines. Tour companies have day trip offers from Boise for those who want to experience Idaho Wine Country.

Silver City

Distance from Boise: 94.9 miles (2 hours and 26 minutes)

This destination is yet another ticket into the pas of an old mining town, but it has a lot to be remembered for. Heading southwest of Boise, this day trip will take you just over two hours.

In Silver City, there are more than 75 historical monuments remaining from the 19th-century. On days like the annual open house over Labor Day weekend, you can tour all the historic spots and perhaps imagine yourself horseback riding through the Owyhee Mountains as they used to do back in the day!

Silver City is indeed quite remarkable, but keep in mind that access to this city is always available throughout the year. It is accessible by vehicle only during warmer months and as soon as the weather gets colder and snow comes, you can only reach it by snowmobile.

Shoshone Falls Park (& Twin Falls)

Distance from Boise: 130.9 miles (2 hours and 5 minutes)

Shoshone Falls - Best Boise day trips — Shoshone Falls – Best Boise day trips

The home of Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls is most widely known as the Niagara Falls of the West. Those who visited this place claim that the views there are truly breathtaking.

There is a 3.6-mile hike to Twin Falls, which is a heavily trafficked out and back trail situated near North Bend, Washington. With this hike, you can easily reach the waterfall.

The difficulty of the route is rated as moderate. The trail can also be used for walking, running, and some relaxing nature trips. The recommended season for visiting is from March until October and this is easily one of the most popular day trips from Boise.

Snake River Canyon

Distance from Boise: 130.9 miles (2 hours and 5 minutes)

Located within Twin Falls, Snake River Canyon is where the Snake River cuts through ancient volcanic ash in a canyon. For those who like to walk, visitors of the canyon can walk across the Perrine Bridge (this bridge crosses the canyon at 500-feet).

This is the only bridge in the whole United States that is open all seasons of the year and offers BASE jumping. Just a 10-mile walking path along the southern rim of Snake River Canyon gives access to the visitor’s center, waterfalls, and the city of Twin Falls.

Boise National Forest

Distance from Boise: 83.8 miles (2 hours and 11 minutes)

Boise National Forest is a beautiful land of mountains, rivers, and forests. As a result, the location can be an excellent destination for every season of the year.

You don’t need to venture all the way to spend a weekend in Yellowstone… Boise National Forest can help with that nature therapy.

The list of available activities includes hiking, biking, snowboarding (when there is snow, of course), swimming, kayaking.

All of these make us believe that a visitor to Boise National Forest won’t wind up bored! The number of visitors to the forest every year is over 1.5 million. It is an essential Boise day trip!

There are more than 80 hiking trails in Boise National Forest and one of the most prominent trails is the Stack Rock Trail, which is a 10.9-mile, moderate difficulty, heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Boise. This particular trail features beautiful wildflowers, with the best season being from May to October.

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Distance from Boise: 130.9 miles (2 hours and 5 minutes)

Being just around 2 hours away from Boise, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument is known to be home to the Hagerman Horse fossil, which is a horse that evolved in North America and featured only one toe.

Of course, the latter is not the only type of fossil you can see at this US National Monument. There are some remains of a saber-tooth cat, bear, camel, ground sloth, mastodon, giant otter, rodents, swans and other birds, frogs, and many more.

In fact, for the late Pliocene epoch, Hagerman Fossil Beds is the richest deposit of fossils in the world. So, all the “fossil lovers” and archaeology enthusiasts will most definitely love this day trip from Boise!

Hailey

Distance from Boise: 141.3 miles (2 hours and 22 minutes)

Hailey, Idaho is a city in Blaine County and is known for its location around the Sawtooth National Forest. It is renowned for its skiing and extreme sports such as snowboarding, BMX riding, skateboarding, and more.

The city has its own ski hill named Rotarun Ski Area and while it may be less famous than Sun Valley Resort nearby, it is still worth a visit.

Some of the famous mountains in Hailey are Carbonate, Red Devil Peak, and Della.

Boat Box Hot Spring

Distance from Boise: 136.2 miles (2 hours and 42 minutes)

Boat Box Hot Springs is a famous place to visit and one of the best natural hot springs in Idaho. It is renowned for its wood hot tub located on the Salmon River.

The name references the wooden crate tub that you can soak in at the hot springs. The temperature of the water sits around 110F and this is a must-visit if you’re in the Stanley area or looking for a Boise day trip out in nature.

Weekend Getaways from Boise (Over 3 Hours)

While this guide focuses on day trips from Boise, we also wanted to include a section that offers fantastic weekend getaways from Boise.

Depending on daylight hours and your will to drive, all of these can technically be a day trip (even Coeur d’Alene if you’re really adventurous!), but we recommend staying overnight if you have the chance! These are just a few of the best weekend getaways in Idaho, so leave us your recommendations in the comments!

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

Distance from Boise: 172 miles (3 hours and 33 minutes)

Located along the eastern Oregon border and being about 3-4 hours away from Boise, Hells Canyon spreads over 3 states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. One of the famous things about this place is that it is known for having the deepest river gorge in North America.

Even though most of the canyon is inaccessible, you can still enjoy activities such as rafting, hiking, and jet boat rides. Apart from this, you also can see Hells Canyon Dam and take a guided boat trip along the Snake River.

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Distance from Boise: 175.7 miles (3 hours and 30 minutes)

Massive lava flows and overall just a volcanic wonderland… this is what you can see at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. The name itself also suggests that this is something extraordinary, and it truly is!

It is just over 3 hours away from Boise, so it can be a day trip or a weekend getaway. The guests can find some educational exhibits, films, and a lot of information about this destination upon arrival at the visitors center. There are various types of guided hikes available during the summer, with different distances and difficulty levels.

For those seeking the ultimate Idaho road trip, there is a 7-mile scenic loop to enjoy from behind the wheel of your own car. Children can also find something interesting for them, like participation in a junior ranger program or any other educational program.

Sawtooth National Forest

Distance from Boise: 157.3 miles (3 hours and 9 minutes)

Sawtooth National Forest is on the list of must-sees outside of Boise. Explore the location by hiking or gathering with friends or family and have a one day rest (or weekend) in nature, full of wilderness and beauty.

With an area of 756,000 acres, there are more than 700 miles of hiking trails, 40 mountain peaks, and a few alpine lakes. The forest is vast and open for visitors to enjoy mountain biking, rafting, wildlife spotting, kayaking, boating, swimming, canoeing, photography, and other outdoor recreation activities.

During the wintertime, Sawtooth National Forest also has skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing available in the area.

In addition to all of this, many campgrounds and cabins for rent are also offered in the National Forest. This is a magnificent weekend trip from Boise and one you must do yourself!

City of Rocks National Reserve

Distance from Boise: 208.9 miles (3 hours and 17 minutes)

One of the best places to enjoy backcountry adventuring is the City of Rocks National Reserve, situated in southern Idaho, just 2.5 hours away from Boise. This national reserve has an area of 14,407 acres and is a place where rock climbing, camping, hiking, and hunter are among the popular outdoor activities.

If needed, you can reach the visitor’s center for the City of Rocks and the nearby Castle Rocks State Park. They are open year-round and are both located in the Almo historic village.

St. Anthony Sand Dunes

Distance from Boise: 319.6 miles (4 hours and 31 minutes)

This is yet another great site located nearly 320 miles away from Boise, making it a fantastic weekend getaway from Boise.

St. Anthony Sand Dunes is perfect for off-roading, sandboarding, hiking, and horseback riding. The dunes are ranging from 10 feet tall to up to 400 feet high and they catch the attention of riders from throughout the west.

In case you’re interested to know the story of the formation of the dunes, know that they were formed about 10,000 years ago, approximately at the end of the last ice age when the Earth’s climate shifted and Eastern Idaho’s climate became a lot drier and warmer.

Coeur D’Alene

Distance from Boise: 458.3 miles (6 hours and 50 minutes)

Coeur d’Alene is a city located in northern Idaho and it is the county seat of Kootenai. The estimated population is just over 50,000 and the area is so naturally beautiful that it is best visited as a long weekend trip from Boise.

There is plenty to do in Coeur d’Alene such as hiking to Cougar Bay, visiting Silverwood Theme Park, and venturing to Independence Point. The nature around Coeur d’Alene is the main reason people visit the city and they are never left disappointed!

There are so many amazing and beautiful day trips from Boise and we hoped we highlighted some of the best. If you have any suggestions of the best Boise day trips (and Boise weekend getaways!), please leave a comment below.

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25 Things to Do in Mauritius – from History to Jaw-dropping Scenery

November 25 2020 by Aram Vardanyan 1 Comment

Mauritius is a cornucopia of adventure and beautiful places. This is a guide of amazing things to do in Mauritius – it will showcase what to do in Mauritius for history lovers, adventure seekers, foodies, and more! It also contains some of the most beautiful places to visit in Mauritius.

25 Things to Do in Mauritius

Travel is an amazing gift from the universe and there is no feeling like the feeling your stomach conjures up before arriving at a new destination. Traveling to Mauritius was like this for me.

I really wasn’t entirely sure what to expect but I was excited to discover somewhere new… especially a place that had a reputation for being a bucket list destination that is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful islands.

One thing I wished I had done prior to traveling to Mauritius was researched a little further. I knew vaguely what there was to do there but I genuinely had no idea that there were so many things to do in Mauritius. In fact, my biggest regret was not sticking around a little longer to discover more of the island than I did!

I hope that this guide will help you plan your Mauritius itinerary a bit better than I did. There are mind-blowing beaches, adventurous activities, delicious food, and stunning places all waiting for you to visit, do, or devour them. There is far more to do on the island than just party or hang around an all-inclusive resort.

This guide will touch upon some of the island’s tumultuous history, including its unsettling slavery past, how diversity defines the island today, and what else one can do to keep occupied in Mauritius.

If you have any additional recommendations for what to do in Mauritius, please leave your suggestions in the comments section for other travelers.

Do you Need Travel Insurance for Mauritius?

Despite hearing that Mauritius was safe before visiting, I still opted to purchase travel insurance for my trip there. You never know what will happen anywhere in this world and I also knew that I would be doing some activities there that I was unfamiliar with. We use SafetyWing, a reputable Norwegian brand, for the job and they have been outstanding so far.

SafetyWing has widespread policies at a fraction of the price of other companies. For two weeks of travel, I paid about $15. I highly recommend them for your Mauritius trip.

>> Click here to get a Mauritius travel insurance quote

What to Bring to Mauritius

I will soon have an entire guide of what I recommend packing for Mauritius but for now, here are a few things I think that will be useful for your trip:

Sunscreen: I didn’t look after my skin as well as I should have when I was in Mauritius. Definitely plan ahead and bring some sunscreen! Click here to see our recommended sunscreen.
Mosquito repellent: The mosquitoes in Mauritius were evil little devils and had no problem putting you on the menu for their dinner. Prepare by bringing some good repellent. Click here to see our pick for mosquito repellent.
Seabands: If you decide to take a boat tour at all when in Mauritius (and I think you should), you should definitely bring some seabands if you’re at all susceptible to seasickness. Click here to shop for seabands.

Renting a Car in Mauritius

Mauritius is a small island with not too many roads and the ones that they do have are pretty well-maintained. Renting a car in Mauritius will not only aid you in seeing the island at your own pace but it will also give you the chance to have the comfort of a car and air-conditioning if you’re struggling with the heat and humidity.

Do be aware that driving in Mauritius means driving on the left side of the road, NOT the right, so be sure you’re comfortable doing this before renting a car there.

If you’re unable to rent a car in Mauritius, no worries… there are many tours that will help you still see the island.

>> Click here to rent a car in Mauritius

Best Tours in Mauritius

I really had no idea how many things to do in Mauritius existed and I am really glad that I did have a chance to go on tours when there as it helped me see far more of the island than I had initially planned.

One thing to note about Mauritius is that the tours sell out fast! Book ahead if you can. I was limited on choices as I played things by ear and ended up with not as many options as a result. My Mauritius tours were outstanding but they were not necessarily my first choices.

Taking a tour in Mauritius is beneficial as you don’t have to rent a car and many of the tours will pick you up directly at your hotel. We created an entire guide of the top-rated and recommended Mauritius tours, but we are listing a few here to help you see what is available. At the end of this guide, you will also see quick links of ones we discuss throughout the text.

Here are a few top-rated Mauritius tours that we recommend:

FLYn’Dive Flyboard Mauritius

Mauritius: Wild South West Full-Day Public Tour

UNESCO World Heritage: Le Morne Brabant Guided Tour

Port Louis: Dodo Trail Tour with Lunch

Full-Day Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch Included

What To Do in Mauritius

Historical Things to do in Mauritius

The history of Mauritius is anything but a simplified one. Centuries of colonization and slavery had an immense impact on the island and the complexities of it are still very evident in society today.

While one could write a book about this topic, I am not really qualified to go into great detail about it except for a few overviews here and there as I would need a lot more time to really dive into it when there (and I will, next time).

One thing that was very noticeable to me when I was in Mauritius was the prevalence of Hindu culture. The British brought in thousands of Hindus from Indian in the 19th-century as indentured laborers to work in the sugarcane fields and factories. Many of these people remained in Mauritius and created a new life but kept in touch with their roots.

Nowadays, the Hindu presence is very commonplace around the island you will see Hindu temples and shrines everywhere… along with some religious sights from Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists, too.

I found the island quite peaceful despite the many cultures and religions represented on Mauritius. There are many museums and sights in Mauritius that showcase the diversity of the island, but particularly the Hindu presence there.

Pay Respects at Le Morne Brabant

The majestic landscape of Le Morne Brabant (Cultural Landscape) showcases gorgeous mountains hugging the Indian Ocean. Unfortunately, this mountain has a dark past as it was an alleged shelter for runaway slaves from the 18th-19th century. There are people disputing this but it has become recognized by UNESCO for its tragic past.

Located on the southwest side of the island, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit place in Mauritius simply for its remarkable history and breathtaking views. If you’re looking to hike the mountain with a skilled guide who can educate you along the way, check out this really awesome tour that allows you to learn while you soak up the wonderful Mauritius nature.

Head to Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis

Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis is the remains of the old immigration center (Aapravasi Ghat is Hindu for immigration center) that was used to process the thousands of ‘paid’ Indian laborers that were bought to the island to work on the plantation and in the factories by the British Empire after the abolishment of slavery.

The arrival of these works on Mauritius shaped the island’s culture in a massive way, with over 65% of today’s current population having its ancestry linked to the Indian migrants that came through the Aapravasi Ghat. The building has not fared well over the years with urbanization causing large parts of it to be destroyed.

However, the remaining parts have been preserved and granted UNESCO World Heritage status due to the cultural impact the Indian workers had on this tiny island way of life.

Interestingly, the use of Indian workers had not been done prior to the first ones that came to Mauritius, after this, the practice became commonplace with Indian workers transported to the various colonies throughout the world and bringing their own cultural impact wherever they went.

Learning more about the history of Indians on Mauritius is something that is crucial to do if you want to learn more about the culture in Mauritius.

Visit the Statues of Shiva and Durga Maa

One of the best places to visit in Mauritius south is in the Savanne district right next to the Grand Bassin. You will find an imposing and massive statue of two Hindu Gods there. The statue of Shiva and Durga Maa are more than 30 meters tall and are incredible to see in person.

According to Hinduism, goddess Durga Maa has eight hands and is the mother of the universe and the protector of evil for humanity. On the other hand, her husband, Shiva, is a god of destruction. Seeing these statues together is pretty conflicting and interesting, to say the least.

Since 2008, these statues became a popular tourist attraction since the area hosts a large festival annually called Maha Shivaratri, also known as the ‘Great Night of Lord Shiva’. It has since become one of the most popular, if not the most popular, festivals on Mauritius.

Check out Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin)

A couple of hundred meters away from the statues of Shiva and Durga Maa is one of the most sacred places in Mauritius, Ganga Talao… also widely known as Grand Bassin, which translates to ‘Sacred Lake’.

The Shiva Temple was built in 1897 and is located in the Ganga Talao area where locals are praying, blessing, and participating in Maha Shivaratri. The photogenic crater lake is surrounded by religious statues and flower-covered arches and was mind-blowingly beautiful.

In addition, the area is teeming with curious monkeys that are hunting for food so be sure not to provoke or disturb them during your visit to Ganga Talao!

Entrance to Ganga Talao is free.

Learn about Sugar at L’Aventure du Sucre

Sugar production and the industry behind it played a very important part in the history of Mauritius over the centuries. Mauritius may be a young country but its history is complex. You can learn a lot about the sugarcane industry historically and presently in Mauritius at L’Aventure du Sucre.

At L’Aventure du Sucre, you will learn about sugarcane, see the product from start to finish, and get educated on the crop’s end-uses.

My favorite thing about L’Aventure du Sucre is that it is not only a museum but it is also a large facility where you can cut the sugarcane yourself, enjoy the sugar in rum at a cocktail tasting, and eat desserts made especially from sugarcane.

The place is super interactive and is one of the best things to do in Mauritius for families, honeymooners, and more.

Ticket prices to L’Aventure du Sucre are 425 Rs for adults and 200 Rs for children (6-13 years of age and students).

Cultural Things to Do in Mauritius

Learn about Ship Building at Bobato

One really interesting thing on my itinerary in the south of Mauritius was a place called Bobato, a ship model shop that specialized in miniature models of beautifully built ships. Opened in 1992, the place specializes in ornate ships that are replicas of actual ones as well as ones you can customize yourself.

I found it really interesting to stop by this place in Curepipe to learn more about it and watch the masters go to work. It was amazing how detail-oriented the process is and how intricate it all was. These make for an interesting gift but just be careful about how you transport one home!

You can check out Bobato at 53A Sir John Pope Hennessy Street Curepipe/Daruty de Grandpre Avenue in Curepipe on Mauritius. You can also see the ships for sale at Pride of the Islands – Handcrafted Ship Models which is located at Royal Road in Floreal.

Visit the Port Louis Central Market

One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to find a local market and peruse the aisles. I like trying different local ingredients and I know that Megan loves toting back spices when she travels from various places too. The Port Louis Central Market is one of the most popular on the island and you can find a variety of unique fruits there. Some of the local fruits you can find on Mauritius are as follows:

Dwarf bananas, known as Banane Zinzeli
Sugar apple, known as Zatte
Lychee
Longan
Java Apple, known as Jamalac or Zamalac
Java Plum, known as Jamblon
Jackfruit
Pomegranate

Mauritius for Nature Lovers

The tropics evoke images of lush green landscapes and palms trees along perfect, cerulean beaches. Mauritius is definitely the tropics and these images are, in fact, very real. However, I did find the landscape to be much more diverse than I had initially thought it would be. The interior looked rugged and like some of the places I saw in Central Asia while the coastal regions looked like paradises I had only seen on postcards.

These varying landscapes create the perfect place for adventure tourism like hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, canyoning, and more. But, it also gives those who are not into adventure sports a chance to witness some of the most insanely beautiful scenery.

This next section is a recap of some of my favorite things to do in Mauritius for nature lovers.

Take a Tour to Ile aux Cerfs

Also known as Deer Island, Ile aux Cerfs is located on the east coast of Mauritius in the district called Flacq. Unfortunately, deer no longer exist on the 100-hectare island, but it does have one of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius (if not the world!) and it is an essential thing to do in Mauritius for visitors.

Ile aux Cerfs is also famous for its incredible looking lagoons, a golf course, 5-star hotels, and several water activities. To make your trip unforgettable and relaxing, you can take a catamaran tour to Ile aux Cerfs as I did and enjoy a peaceful day seeing one of the most beautiful places in Mauritius.

The tour operator will pick you up from your hotel and after about 40 minutes, depending on where you’re staying, you’re on a catamaran heading to Ile aux Cerfs. During the sail in the crystal clear Indian Ocean, you will have a chance to go snorkeling, visit a small waterfall, and eat a BBQ right on the boat.

On the island, you will find many restaurants so if you’re keen to try some local cuisine, this is the time to do it! Click here to arrange a catamaran tour to Ile aux Cerfs.

Visit Heritage Nature Reserve

Heritage Nature Reserve is a 2,500-hectare place that nature lovers and those looking to learn more about Mauritius should visit on their trip there. The reserve is filled with amazing waterfalls, gorgeous views, green nature, and many opportunities to relax or rest.

One of the greatest things about Heritage Nature Reserve is that there are many opportunities to picnic, ride quads around the reserve, and more. There are several hidden corners that will leave you constantly curious about what else there is to discover the many things to do in Mauritius.

You can check out this post on Heritage Nature Reserve for more information.

Explore Black River Gorges National Park

Located in the south of Mauritius sits one of the most famous sights in the country, Black River Gorges National Park. This natural wonderland is one of the biggest parks on the island and it was established in 1994. It is about 68km² and contains varying landscapes that are home to forests, rare birds, the Mauritian flying fox, and many rivers and lakes.

Inside the National Park, you will find great places to visit in Mauritius like Alexandra Falls and the friendly river dolphins.

Check out Alexandra Falls

Alexandra Falls is inside of Black River Gorges National Park and is a must-visit for those heading to Mauritius. While the waterfall pales in comparison to its nearby sister, Chamarel, it is still worth checking out as it offers a really great viewpoint over the mountains.

There is a special wooden staircase that takes you to a spot where you can see this hidden waterfall. It is definitely worth visiting when you’re in the National Park!

The area has parking and really easy and walkable trails.

Visit the Black River Gorge Viewpoint

The panoramic view from the Black River Gorge is something not to be missed in Mauritius. The viewpoint can easily be reached from nearby places such as Alexandra Waterfall or Chamarel Waterfall and offers one of my favorite views of the entire trip.

Technically speaking, you can see the Black River Gorge along with Seven Colored Earth, Alexandra Waterfall, and Chamarel Waterfall, along with heaps of other places within five hours.

The breathtaking view of the Black River Gorge is a green serpentine-like area looking ethereal and harmonious as it was a place in Mauritius that was looked after by the government for decades. It really gave me one of those ‘pinch me’ moments when I was there.

Before walking to the watchpoint, you can park your car in a special, dedicated parking space near a toilet that is about 30m away. Please also watch for the monkeys that will be lurking in the area. To find this viewpoint, plug in B103- Plaine Champagne Road Mauritius into your navigator if you rent a car.

Admire the Chamarel Waterfall

Easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mauritius, the Chamarel Waterfall is one of the icons of the island nation. The 83m tall mesmerizing waterfall is located on the southern part of the island between the Black River Gorges National Park and the Seven Colored Earth.

Not only is the waterfall a spot to chill out at and take it all in, but it is also a place where avid hikers go to enjoy the trail network. Seeing the Waterfalls of Chamarel and the Seven Colored Earth will cost a little, however, as the price for both is 250 Rs for adults and 75 Rs for children.

Making a stop at the Chamarel Waterfall is one of the best things to do in Mauritius, hands-down. If you want to take an organized tour of the south of Mauritius, this will be on it! And I highly recommend taking a tour as it makes transport easy.

>> Click here to beat the crowds and purchase your ticket NOW!

Marvel at the Seven Colored Earth

As previously mentioned, you will need to purchase a ticket to see Seven Colored Earth but I can assure you that the price, while possibly steep depending on your budget, is undoubtedly worth it. I have never seen anything like Seven Colored Earth in my life and it is a rare, natural wonder that makes it one of the most special places on the planet.

Seven Colored Earth is known as a geological formation of seven-colored sand dunes across a 7500 square-meter landscape. It is a large tourist attraction in Mauritius and to avoid the masses of visitors, I suggest you visit it early in the morning.

Please be aware that when you’re visiting Seven Colored Earth and the Waterfalls of Chamarel, it is illegal to fly a drone without permission.

>> Click here to beat the crowds and purchase your ticket NOW!

Take a Boat to Cocos Island

There is a unique opportunity to enjoy and relax your way over to Cocos Island, a beautiful island off of Mauritius that boasts white beaches and stunning scenery. Located off the southeastern coast of Mauritius, you can explore Blue Bay Marine National Park during your tour.

The Cocos Island tour also offers a chance to enjoy cocktails, delicious food, and epic ocean views from glass-bottom boats during your ride to the island. This is a luxurious Mauritius experience that no one should miss! Click here to see itinerary, rates, and availability for a trip to Cocos Island.

See Trou aux Cerfs Volcano Crater

Mauritius was formed because of volcanic activity millions of years ago and there is still evidence of this throughout the island. One example is Trou aux Cerfs volcano crater, a dead volcanic crater on Mauritius.

Located about 25 kilometers away from Port Louis, you will find Trou aux Cerfs, a massive hole in the earth that formed post-eruption a hundred thousand and some years ago. What was once a disaster zone is now an area flourishing with life and beauty.

The ride to Trou aux Cerfs is kind of unassuming as it all used to be part of a volcano that is kind of masked presently by the abundance of lush nature. I can assure you that there is something mysterious in Trou aux Cerfs. You can’t walk in certain areas there as they are protecting the space, but it is undoubtedly still worth a visit.

Also known as Murr’s Volcano, Trou aux Cerfs crater is 100 meters deep and has a diameter of 350 meters.

On a side note, next to Trou aux Cerfs is a very obscure building that is worth checking out due to its interesting construction design. It is actually a weather station. The locals continuously crack jokes that they don’t predict the weather being predicted here, regardless of how new and modern the station is.

You can easily see this part of the island on a private tour of the southwest of Mauritius. Click here to inquire more about a private tour.

Sail Around the Northern Isles

Visitors to Mauritius will be pleased to know that one can see so much of the islands easily by taking a tour of the northern isles of Mauritius. You will get to sail around the six islands and enjoy BBQ on the boat or a picnic lunch.

The closest island is located about four kilometers away from the main island and is called Coin de Mire. It is super easy to reach by organized catamaran and the views are epic. You will be able to disembark from the boat and enjoy a cocktail on the beach and just relax and soak up the gorgeous Mauritius nature at your fingertips.

Click here to check out Mauritius northern isle tour details, availability, and rates.

Visit the Botanical Gardens in Mauritius

There is one main botanical garden in Mauritius called the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden It is located in the district of Pamplemousses in the northwest of the island and it covers a space of 178.7 km2.

The botanical garden is insanely beautiful and is very well-kept and will blow your mind with its lush, green trees, miniature ponds, and colorful flora. The garden was established in the 18th-century and eventually became a home for more than 85 different types of palms from various islands in the Indian Ocean, Central America, Asia, and Africa.

For nature lovers, botanical gardens offer a respite from the craziness of city life or larger towns and this place is no exception. Click here to book your trip to the botanical gardens along with a tour of Port Louis.

Delicious Things to Do in Mauritius

One of the best things about Mauritius is the FOOD! And drinks. There is something completely remarkable about being in a place with such astoundingly flavorful cuisine. I could write on this forever, but I am listing a few of my favorite food and drinks experiences in Mauritius to help you plan what to do.

Try a Fruit-Based, Local Wine

The wine industry in Mauritius is mainly an import industry as the country doesn’t cultivate grapes or have any grape wine production. However, Mauritius produces its own variety of wine… from lychee fruit.

I found the taste of the wine to be very special and unusually delicious, which is a huge compliment as I come from a country with known wine production and the oldest winery in the world. While the wine is different and won’t taste the same as grape wine, it is absolutely worth trying when you’re there. It was delightfully refreshing.

Take a Street Food Tour and Try Dholl Puri

As previously mentioned, the cuisine of Mauritius is very influenced by that of India and Europe. One of the greatest things coming from India is the Dholl Puri, an enormously popular wrap that is ubiquitously found everywhere on the island.

Since it is common street food, you will find it with different varieties and sauces on the island. You will see it range from a Mauritius curry sauce to a tomato-based one. Another amazing combination to try is dholl puri with sweet kheer.

You can devour the famous Mauritian dish on your own or you can take a street food tour to learn more about it and the history of street food in Port Louis and beyond.

Eat Your Body Weight in Seafood

It’s no secret that if you’re visiting a tropical island, you will want to indulge in the local seafood and discover the best dishes the country has to offer. Mauritius was no exception. The European and Indian influences of the island made the fusion of dishes absolutely delightful and bursting with flavor.

You will have no issue finding amazing food on the island and while I would love to give a solid recommendation, EVERYWHERE that I dined at had exception food. I ate everything from fresh tuna to desserts made with local sugarcane and it was all outstanding. Be ready to eat!

Enjoy a Sugarcane Rum Cocktail (or Visit a Rhumerie!)

I had no idea that rum could be made from sugarcane (okay, I didn’t really know anything about rum, let’s be honest) and I certainly had no idea that it was so top-notch. The best rum I have ever had was actually in Mauritius. Lazy Dodo rum was truly amazing and worth knowing.

I had the opportunity to try rum at L’Aventure du Sucre Museum Factory where the professional and skilled bartenders explained how the rum was made and they gave me the opportunity to try different types of rum. If you enjoy cocktails, spirits, or just learning more about a place through drinks, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Mauritius.

What to Do in Mauritius for Active Travelers

Go Flyboarding at Grand Baie Beach

Located in the North of Mauritius is Grand Baie, a small village with a fantastic public beach dotted with sailboats and the secluded La Cuvette.

The area is popular with many 5-star resorts, restaurants, and craft stores… but one thing that is notable about the area is that there are heaps of water activities available. Including flyboarding.

For extreme water sports lovers, you can take to the skies… and the water by trying out the flyboarding experience at FLYn’Dive Flyboard Mauritius there. It was an unforgettable experience and one of the most interesting things I did on the island!

You can find out more information about flyboarding with FLYn’Dive Flyboard Mauritius here.

Go Golfing in Mauritius

I had no idea how popular golfing in Mauritius was until I got there and saw course after course! Golfers, this is paradise for you! There are over ten courses on the island and many are full 18-hole courses.

Golf has been a huge part of the culture of Mauritius since 1902 and they host many large championships there. If you’re into golfing, Mauritius is the perfect place to do it.

Go Snorkeling in Mauritius

If you love seeing what lies beneath, then snorkeling in Mauritius is definitely for you. The island is a paradise surrounded by rich coral reefs and a lot of gorgeous flora and sea creatures. There are many places to snorkel around Mauritius, but I suggest booking a snorkeling tour while there.

One reason I suggest booking a snorkeling tour in Mauritius is that the ecosystem and coral are very sensitive around the island. There are many rules that are not openly discussed yet are imperative to be followed. It is also helpful to have a knowledgeable guide around to help you identify creatures and what you should know before going below the water.

Click here to find a snorkeling tour in Mauritius that fits your needs.

Mauritius Tours Mentioned in the Post

We mentioned quite a few top-rated tours above that we suggest to help you achieve some of these awesome things to do in Mauritius. Here is a quick guide to the Mauritius tours we mentioned:

Where to Stay in Mauritius

I had the opportunity to stay in two different places in Mauritius. One of them was a luxury resort which was fantastic for those with a larger budget. The other place I stayed in Mauritius was more mid-range and I also highly recommend it!

LUX Grand Gaube (Luxury)

The LUX Grand Gaube is a stunning 5-star resort that was the first accommodation I had in Mauritius. I really loved everything about it- from the breakfast buffet to the DJs in the evenings… it truly had so much personality and life. The scenery was epic and the amenities were endless.

>> Click here for rates and availability at LUX Grand Gaube

Voila Bagatelle (Mid-range)

If you have a smaller budget but still want to feel great about your choice of accommodation in Mauritius, I can also recommend Voila Bagatelle as a wonderful place to stay. The property is a bit smaller and is not located on the water but it has everything you will need and then some.

>> Click here for rates and availability at Voila Bagatelle

*I was hosted by iAmbassador and Mauritius Tourism as part of the #MyMauritius Explorer Lab when I was in Mauritius. All opinions are my own.

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Svalbard Northern Lights Guide: How to See Them (+ Tips!)

November 25 2020 by Megan Starr Leave a Comment

One of the best reasons to visit Svalbard in winter is to check out the aurora from one of the most northern places in the world. This is a Svalbard northern lights guide that includes the best Spitsbergen northern lights tours in, photography tips, and what to expect when you’re there.

I hope this helps you plan your travels to Svalbard and I really hope that you are able to witness the northern lights in Svalbard… it will truly make for a memorable experience!

SVALBARD QUICK REFERENCE

Last minute planning? You can see our top travel recommendations for Svalbard right here:

Where to stay in Svalbard: Radisson Blu, Basecamp Spitsbergen, Funken Lodge, and Coal Miner’s Cabins (budget). Alternatively, you can read our guide about where to stay in Svalbard.

Top-rated Svalbard day tours and experiences:

Northern lights chase in a snowcat (from $92)
Historic Coal Mine Tour of Gruve 3 from Longyearbyen (from $83)
Northern lights with dinner at Camp Barentz (from $132)
Svalbard Wilderness Evening with Dinner (from $132)
Visit a Walrus Colony on Spitsbergen with a chance to see puffins (from $257)
Snowmobile Trip to the Land of the Polar Bear in Svalbard (from $375)

Need insurance for Norway? Be sure to check Norway travel insurance rates and coverage with our recommended provider, SafetyWing. SafetyWing is a Norwegian company and offers fantastic service.

3 Essential Things to Pack for Svalbard: Plug adapter (if coming from the US or a country that does not use a European plug), Sea bands motion sickness and seasickness bands (so essential, especially if you’re going on a boat tour in Svalbard), and Fodor’s Travel Essential Norway guidebook (we co-wrote it!).

Svalbard Northern Lights Guide

High in the Arctic, you will find the Svalbard archipelago, a series of wild islands that rise out of the sea with snowy peaks, imposing cliffs, and mesmerizing glaciers. The formidable islands are home to some of the Arctic’s most valuable treasures, such as the elusive polar bear or the mysterious northern lights that dance through the winter skies.

The allure of the northern lights brings millions of tourists to the Arctic each year, although few head to Svalbard, the northernmost inhabited land in the world. During the depths of winter, the sun never rises and for 84 days, the islands are doused in complete darkness with only the moon and shimmering lights of the aurora providing any break to the darkness.

Svalbard Northern Lights Guide: How to See Them (+ Tips!)

This darkness means that the chances of seeing the northern lights in Svalbard are greatly increased as they can appear at any point during the day. After taking so many northern lights tours that last until 2am in other parts of the Arctic, this is a huge sigh of relief!

The magic of the aurora is truly one of the world’s best natural wonders and will not fail to take your breath away. There are few sights in this world that have lived up to their hype, but thankfully, the northern lights surpassed my expectations and filled me with a childish wonder as I stood there with my mouth agape not believing fully what my eyes were seeing.

Seeing the northern lights is not always as easy as one may think, with various factors coming into play from the power of the solar activity to needing to be in the perfect location on the planet at that given time. In some cases, to unlock the true magic of the lights you will need to use a camera because what can appear to be an unassuming, delicate white whisper of cloud can turn out to be the northern lights streaking across the sky.

This makes taking a tour imperative as an expert tour guide will be able to hunt down the Svalbard aurora and teach you how to unlock their beauty. On Svalbard, seeing the lights away from the settlements can only be done with a tour due to safety reasons with polar bears (and it is required to have someone with a gun on board).

Looking for a trusty, additional resource for your trip?

We recently wrote the Arctic Norway chapters for Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ and covered everything from the Lofoten Islands to Tromsø to Nordkapp and beyond. We highly recommend purchasing a copy to take with you on your trip!

⇒ Click here to get your copy of Essential Norway

Seeing the Aurora in Svalbard & Beyond

Seeing the northern lights is not an exact science and there are many different elements that come into play. First of all, it needs to be winter or shoulder season when the nights are dark and long. These never-ending nights are perfect for seeing the northern lights in Svalbard and even unlock the beauty of the day time aurora, which appears outside of the more common aurora hours.

Although seeing the aurora during day time hours is possible, it is still more common to see them late at night around 10-11pm depending on where you are geographically-speaking.

The most important factor in seeing the lights is how clear the sky is. Cloud cover will block any chance of seeing the lights no matter how strong and perfect the displays are. However, thankfully the dry winter climate of Svalbard and its islands means that more often or not, the skies will be clear and perfect for spotting the lights play high above. Out of all the landmasses in the Arctic Circle, Svalbard tends to have the clearest nights.

On the other hand, Svalbard does sit quite close to the North Pole, so it is not always the ideal spot to view them. The lights can sometimes be stronger SOUTH of the islands. The northern lights are a guessing game anywhere and hard to predict- so just be patient and keep your fingers crossed!

The vibrancy of the lights really depends on how strong the solar activity is on any given night. A weak display will produce white, cloud-like displays where you will need to unlock the vivid greens using a camera. However, a strong display will be visible completely with the naked eye.

There are also several types of displays that may happen with some being simple streaks across the sky, while other, more impressive displays are more like curtains of light hanging from the heavens, consisting of vibrant greens and pinks.

Photographing the Northern Lights in Svalbard

Photographing the northern lights is not the easiest feat in the world and involves plenty of trial and error in order to take a clear picture of the stunning displays. First of all, you need to ensure you have the correct equipment with you.

You will need a camera that allows you to switch to manual. Once it is in manual, you will need to be able to configure the ISO, shutter speed, and F-stop. Ideally, you will want a wide-angle or 24mm (pancake) lens that can we switched to manual focus, a sturdy tripod, a remote, and some spare batteries.

Camera Settings

Photography in low light is a challenging test and one where you will need to configure your camera perfectly in order to get a clear and crisp picture. To start, you will need to switch your camera to manual and start adjusting the settings to let in the perfect amount of light while still maintaining a great quality picture.

ISO – The higher the ISO, the more light it will let in
Shutter Speed – The longer the shutter, is open the more light will be let in
F Stop – The lower the F Stop, the wider the lens opens, allowing for more light to enter the camera

The first step is to lower your F Stop as low as it will go, this will open up the lens. The lowest F Stop setting depends entirely on the lens you are using.

What to know before visiting Svalbard — The northern lights in Svalbard

Once your F Stop is lowered, find the perfect ISO setting for your camera, High ISO lets in more light but cheaper camera models struggle to handle these higher settings and the pictures can come out extremely grainy. I used one of the cheapest DSLRs on the market to photograph the lights and found that it was best not to push the camera past ISO 800 or occasionally, ISO 1600.

Finally, you will need to adjust the shutter speed. This will really depend on the conditions you are photographing in. If the displays are weak, you will really need to use a much longer shutter speed compared to stronger more vibrant displays. I found that a shutter speed of around 15 seconds was perfect, but if there is any additional light, you will need to lower it so it won’t blast out your picture with light.

Manual Focus

Once you have configured the camera’s settings, you will then need to switch the lens to manual focus and play around with it until it takes a clear picture. A lens on autofocus will not take pictures of the lights. Your guide should be able to help you configure these settings properly.

However, it really is a game of trial and error until you are able to take the perfect picture. Once the picture is crisp, try not to move or adjust your camera as you will need to readjust the focus again.

Tripod + Remote

You will need to have your camera mounted to a sturdy tripod that is weighty enough to remain completely still, even in windy conditions. Without a tripod, it is impossible to photograph the lights as you will need to keep the camera perfectly still for the length of the shutter or it will produce a very blurry picture.

I also recommend bringing a camera remote with you because touching the camera to take the photograph can cause blurriness. If you do not wish to get a remote, or simply forgot to bring yours, then you can use the timer function on the camera to start the process. Make sure you have no contact with the camera while it is taking the picture.

Spare Batteries

I also recommend purchasing some additional batteries because camera batteries tend to run out of charge far quicker in cold conditions. Store your additional batteries close to your body so that they remain warm and do not lose their charge while not being used.

Headlamp

If you wish to be featured in a picture with the lights, you should bring a torch or headlamp with you that can be used to paint you into the picture. While the picture is being taken, you will need to stand still while your partner or guide quickly shines the light up and down your body, lighting you up so you appear in the picture.

Guides should have this already but it never hurts to travel with a headlamp to the Arctic during winter!

Below you will find my recommendations for camera equipment, I am by no shape or means a professional photographer and use pretty fairly entry-level equipment to photograph the lights.

My Camera Equipment

Here are pieces of camera equipment that I travel with. Again, I am an amateur and still learning. So, this is fantastic beginner equipment!

WANDRD 31L bag (this is what I carry all equipment in and you can see a photo above from when I was in Honningsvåg, Norway (this is where you go to Nordkapp from)
A camera with manual functionality. This is the exact camera I use.
Canon 24mm lens (this is what I use to photograph the northern lights)
Manfrotto sturdy tripod (I carry this and a small portable one but I always use the large one for the northern lights)
Camera remote
Spare batteries for whatever camera you have
Headlamp (really great and useful for northern lights photography!)

What to Wear on a Spitsbergen Northern Lights Tour

The northern lights have this knack for only coming out when it is cold (darn them). These frigid temperatures means dressing appropriately is vital or you will struggle to function outside of the car, especially as northern lights viewing involves a lot of standing around while your camera does the hard work.

I recommend bringing the following items with you to make sure you remain as warm as possible. I am listing my favorite brands or ones I specifically use, but any brand will do as long as they are WARM:

Helly Hansen Svalbard Parka – This is the exact jacket I wear when I go to the Arctic. Helly Hansen is a Norwegian brand and I love their Svalbard parka because it is practical and super warm. Could you imagine wearing the Svalbard parka in Svalbard? Get out of here!
Warm Snow Pants – Keeping your full body warm is vital as once the cold is able to get in it will travel quickly around your body. I always fail to wear these and I regret it. I have no recommendations for good ones to wear, unfortunately.
Sorel Snow Boots – Good snow boots are VITAL in these parts during winter! It can reach temperatures below 2F and -20C! These are the exact Sorel snow boots that I wear.
Thermals – I really can’t stress enough how cold it is during the Arctic winter and every kind of thermal layer is vital.
Mittens – In the cold of the Arctic, it is best to wear a decent pair of mittens as they are far better at keeping your hands warm compared to regular gloves. With mittens on, you should still be able to use your camera’s remote. Here are a solid pair of mittens that will keep you warm.
Warm beanie – Keeping your head nice and warm is vitally important as much of our body’s heat is lost through the top of our heads. I love beanies from Libertine-Libertine or Samsøe Samsøe, two Danish brands I wear frequently. But, any warm hat will do.
Neck Gaiter – Gaiters are a brilliant way to keep your neck warm without having to use a bulky scarf. They can cover both your neck and face at the same time and I LOVE these ones by Kari Traa, a Norwegian brand of high-quality.

Polar Bears in Svalbard (and Why You Must Take a Tour)

Svalbard is one of the world’s last true wildernesses and the inhospitable conditions and months on end of cold darkness mean that few people live on the islands. This has allowed nature to flourish and one of the world’s most dangerous animals on the planet rules Svalbard, the polar bear.

As the world’s largest land-based predator, the king of the Arctic is one of the few animals known to actively hunt humans. During the winter, bears are commonplace on the island with a population of over 3,000 individuals calling the small space home.

This creates far more danger and means that anyone leaving a settlement will need to carry a firearm and flare guns with them to scare any bears that try to get too close away. As you will not be able to carry a firearm with you as a tourist without permission and registration, in order to leave Longyearbyen, you will need to go with a tour to view the northern lights in Spitsbergen.

Another challenge is that there is little infrastructure available on the islands and getting to places away from the northern lights means traveling by all-terrain vehicles and methods of transport.

In this Svalbard northern lights guide, I have highlighted the best tours to take to try and view the lights, each of which utilizes a different method of transport- from warm all-terrain vehicles to dog-powered sleds.

Best Northern Lights Tours in Svalbard

There are several northern lights tours available in Svalbard and each has its own unique selling point which is great for those who are wanting to try out different activities while hunting for the magical lights.

As always, seeing the northern lights is NOT guaranteed and it might be that during your time in Svalbard that you are unable to see them due to weather or low activity during that period. Do not leave a tour company a bad review because the northern lights didn’t come out. Seriously, it’s immature.

However, the below tours combine the hunt of the lights with other activities making for a fun and unique trip, even without seeing the lights.

Northern Lights Dog-Sledding Excursion in Longyearbyen

Tour Operator: Green Dog

Season Available: Winter

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

Headout into the Arctic wilderness with your guide and a trusty pack of dogs. On this relaxing trip, you will dress up in warm clothes and settle down into a comfy, warm sleeping bag on the sled.

Your guide will then lead you and the huskies through the tundra in search of the aurora. As you move along the ice and snow, you will be able to see the northern lights if they decide to show up. The trip is a peaceful way to hunt for the lights as you connect deeper with nature. The tour lasts around 5-6 hours and if the lights come out to play, you will get the opportunity to stop and take photographs.

Book Your Dog-Sledding Tour Here

Northern Lights Snowmobile Trip

Tour Operator: Better Moments Svalbard

Season Available: February – March

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

The vast and desolate islands of Svalbard are perfect for viewing the northern lights and one of the best ways to get out and see the lights is via snowmobile.

On this awesome tour, you will head out into the Arctic wilds to hunt down the elusive lights. Each trip will be different depending on the conditions that day and the chances of seeing the lights. You will head out into the wild valleys of Svalbard or up the remote glaciers where polar bears rule the land as you hunt down clear patches of sky and wait for the lights you will enjoy the magic of the arctic winter.

After exploring the wilderness and hopefully getting to witness the lights, you will head back to base camp where you will enjoy a three-course meal and warm up from the trip. Each snowmobile can fit two people, a driver and a passenger, and roles can be switched out throughout the journey although, all drivers must hold a valid driving license and have not consumed any alcohol prior to joining the tour.

Book Your Snowmobile Tour Here

Northern Lights Hunt by Snowcat

Tour Operator: Hurtigruten Svalbard AS

Season Available: Winter

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

If you are looking for a more comfortable and relaxing way to see the Svalbard northern lights, the Snowcat tour is a brilliant option. In the comfort of a specially designed all-terrain vehicle, you will venture out into the Advent Valley to try and spot the beautiful lights.

The specially designed vehicle is able to traverse the icy tundra and take you to parts of the island where traditional vehicles cannot reach. As you sit in the warmth, you will be able to look out over the landscape, while the guide teaches you all about Svalbard and its importance when it comes to scientific research into the northern lights.

Once the lights have been spotted, you will be able to disembark from the snowcat and photograph the beauty. Along the route, you will be provided with hot drinks and biscuits. During the depths of winter, the tours run throughout the days, but before and after polar nights, only night time excursions happen.

Book Your Snowcat Aurora Tour Here

Northern Lights Evening with Dinner at Camp Barentz

Tour Operator: Hurtigruten Svalbard AS

Season Available: Winter

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

Spend an evening in an Arctic camp learning all about the history of the islands and everything you need to know about the northern lights on Svalbard. You will set off on a 7.5-mile drive from Longyearbyen to Camp Barentz, a small camp in the Advent Valley that has been named after the Dutch explorer that is officially credited with discovering the islands.

As you arrive at the camp, you will be greeted by your friendly hosts with a gun and Aquavit in hand. They will talk you through the safety procedures before you head into the warm hut for a two-course dinner and stories about the Arctic.

For dinner, you will get to enjoy the traditional Sami dish of Bidos, a reindeer stew with root vegetables that has been cooked over an open fire. It is followed by a chocolate dessert and a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

As your hosts teach you all about Svalbard and the northern lights, spotters keep watch outside for the elusive nights. Once (and if!) the lights have been spotted, you will be taken outside to photograph and view the aurora while your hosts keep watch out for hungry bears.

The tour lasts around three hours and after your camp experience, you will be dropped off at your accommodation in Longyearbyen.

Book Your Camp Barentz Tour Here

Northern Lights Hunt by Electric Snowmobile

Tour Operator: Hurtigruten Svalbard AS

Season Available: Winter

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

Hunt for the lights on brand new environmentally friendly snowmobiles that are charged by wind and solar power. These state of the art snowmobiles are the perfect way to explore vast areas of Svalbard while not disturbing the peace of the Arctic nights with the rumbling of a gas-powered engine.

As you race silently through the night searching tirelessly for the lights, your guide will make random stops to talk you through Svalbard’s history and the way of life at the top of the earth. Once you have spotted the lights, you will stop and enjoy the wonders of the aurora, nature’s most amazing showpiece.

The Svalbard tour includes pick up and drop off from your hotel and after being picked up, you will head to the exhibition center to learn all about riding snowmobiles in Svalbard.

During the tour, you’ll get hot drinks and biscuits that will be served along the way. Drivers will need a full driver’s license to join the tour and no alcohol can be consumed before setting off. If you are found to be under the influence of alcohol, you can incur huge fines.

Book Your Aurora Snowmobile Tour Here

Where to Stay in Svalbard

If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Svalbard, you can check out our guide to hotels in Svalbard here. It lists our top picks and details where they are located.

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us and we will do our best to answer! I hope this guide helps you plan your visit to Svalbard!

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Lofoten Sea Eagle Safari in Trollfjord (How to Book + Tips)

November 25 2020 by Megan Starr Leave a Comment

There are many cool Lofoten tours and excursions to take when you’re visiting the islands. One of the most popular is inevitably the Lofoten sea eagle safari through Trollfjord. This Svolvaer activity is quick to sell out due to its popularity and as someone who has done it, there is a very good reason why!

This guide tells you tips, a review, practical information, and everything to know before you take a sea eagle safari in the Lofoten Islands.

SVOLVÆR QUICK REFERENCE

Last minute planning? You can see our top travel recommendations for Svolvær right here:

Where to stay in Svolvær: Svinøya Rorbuer (above water fisherman cabins… my FAVORITE), Anker Brygge (luxury), Scandic Svolvær (mid-range). Click here to see our guide to the best rorbuer in Lofoten.

Top-rated Lofoten day tours and experiences:

Sea eagle safari from Svolvær to Trollfjorden (from $104)
Northern lights tour from Svolvær (from $110)
Lofoten Islands midnight sun excursion (from $122)
Lofoten: Trollfjord Cruise and Guided Kayaking (from $186)
Svolvær: 5-hour Lofoten photography tour with guide (from $110)

Renting a car in Norway? You can get great options and the best rates here with Rentalcars.com.

3 Essential Things to Pack for Norway: Plug adapter (if coming from the US or a country that does not use a European plug), Sea bands motion sickness and seasickness bands (so essential, especially if you’re going to be on a sea eagle safari!), and a Norway Lonely Planet guidebook.

Lofoten Sea Eagle Safari in Trollfjord

I have done several activities in the Lofoten Islands and one of my favorites was the sea eagle safari in Svolvaer. I was very impressed by how ethical the tour was and how the safari actually helped feed the eagles despite their meager food supply in the fjords.

I hope this guide encourages you to book the same tour and check it out yourself!

Lofoten Sea Eagle Safari in Trollfjord: How to Book + Practical Info — Lofoten Sea Eagle Safari in Trollfjord

Trollfjord Sea Eagle Safari – My Experience

When I saw that the sea eagle safari in Svolvaer was on my itinerary, I didn’t really think too much about it. I am admittingly not a huge bird fan despite loving animals and I was looking forward to the boat ride through Trollfjorden more than the actual bird safari.

I took my Lofoten sea eagle safari in December when the light was… not really existent. However, the afternoons are like an extended sunset, so there was definitely visibility despite what most people think about winter in the Arctic.

We met mid-morning by the Svolvaer harbor with the rest of the people taking the tour and had to change into proper attire for the safari. I am claustrophobic, so this was no easy feat, but I still managed it without too much of a breakdown.

After changing, we got on the RIB boat for the sea eagle safari. We cruised through the fjords at a rapid pace and eventually stopped to feed the sea eagles in Raftsundet.

At that moment, I was amazed at the creatures and I think it was this tour that turned me into being a fan of birds. Sea eagles have the largest wingspan in the world and as impressive as that sounds in words- it is far more impressive when you get to witness it in person.

We continued to feed the birds along the journey and we ended up in a very narrow fjord called Trollfjord. The landscape was kind of mysterious as the darkness seemed to hover far below where it did out on the open seas. It was calm and quite humbling at the same time.

We ended up all the way into the fjord and we had the chance to do a little spotting for other sea creatures like sea otters. After doing a little spotting, we made our way back to Svolvaer, feeding the sea eagles as we moved along.

Honestly, this Svolvaer tour surprised me. I wasn’t expecting too much as I had never done a sea eagle safari or any boat trip involving birds at that point (I have done some since, FYI).

I highly, highly recommend this tour to travelers, families, and anyone who wishes to take to the seas at any time of the year and see creatures that will blow your mind. The sea eagles in Lofoten are simply breathtaking. This experience really gave me a much larger appreciation for the islands as I realized who diverse its inhabitants were.

Who Can Take a Sea Eagle Safari?

It is not recommended for pregnant women to take this tour. It is also not a great tour for those with back issues. Being in a RIB boat can be a bit harsh on the back if you have problems. For those that aren’t aware, riding in a RIB boat involves you more or less standing up with a small seat in between your legs. It is not the most comfortable of rides, but it is practical and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the nature.

When is the Best Time to Go?

The best time to take a sea eagle safari in Lofoten is any time you’re there! The tours run year-round but are available on fewer days of the week during the off-season in Lofoten. Do be aware that it is darker during the winter months and the weather will be significantly colder than if you were to go in July.

How to Book Your Sea Eagle Safari in Lofoten

Booking your sea eagle safari in the Lofoten Islands is pretty easy and straight forward. We recommend using GetYourGuide, a tour website that offers exceptional customer service and fantastic 24-hour cancellation policy. If you get to Lofoten and a major storm unexpectedly comes your way, you can easily cancel outside of that 24-hour window with no issues (we got hit by a storm when I was there!)

GetYourGuide always works with the top tour providers in destinations and does regular audits to ensure that they remain high-quality for all customers. We use them when we travel and have had only positive experiences.

Book your sea eagle safari here

What to Wear on a Sea Eagle Safari

To be honest, it depends on the time of the year that you go.

I went during the middle of winter in December and I had on a huge parka, winter scarf, beanie, and snow boots. Once I arrived at the harbor, I found out that they had suits for passengers to change into.

These suits went over our own clothes but they suggested we take our huge parkas off as it would be too hot underneath and would be rather constricting. I had no issues at all with temperature in the suit despite being out in the open on the RIB boat.

I have also visited Lofoten in summer and while my wardrobe changed drastically, it was still a bit chilly. I wore a light jacket at all times during the middle of the day and at night, I curled up in bed with large comforters.

Here are some of my Lofoten winter clothing staples:

Helly Hansen Svalbard parka
Sorel snow boots (these are my exact ones!)
a warm beanie (I love ones from Danish brands Libertine-Libertine and Samsøe & Samsøe)
Kari Traa (Norwegian brand) neck gaiter

Click here to view our Norway winter packing list. It is for both men and women and it gives tips for different parts of Norway and what to expect weather-wise.

Other Items to Bring on the Boat

Now that you know what to wear on a sea eagle safari, you need to also consider what other items you’re going to bring along for the boat trip. Here are some of my recommendations. Please note that I don’t recommend bringing your phone unless you have it in a waterproof case.

Friendly Swede dry bags (kept my equipment dry during the safari)
GoPro Hero8 Black: This is the best adventure camera that I have ever owned. It wasn’t out when I took this safari so make sure you don’t miss out!
Sea bands: If you get seasick at all or even slightly queasy, make sure you bring these with you.
Zoom lens: If you’re keen to get photos of the eagles up close and are quicker to snap a photo than I am (most of mine turned out blurry), invest in a good zoom lens for your camera. I use this affordable one from Tamron for my camera and it is just over $100 and works quite well.

Lofoten Sea Eagle Safari Details

The Lofoten sea eagle safari can be booked here. This is not a private tour and you will be alongside others for the journey. You must show up 30 minutes before the tour begins and you will get a confirmation before the tour from GetYourGuide letting you know everything is good to go.

A sea eagle safari lasts for two hours and runs year-round, even in the middle of winter! If you’re there during winter, expect dusk skies. If you’re there during summer, expect a lot of light!

Book a sea eagle safari here

Sea Eagle Safari in Lofoten FAQ

Here a few FAQ that might help you before you embark on a sea eagle safari in Lofoten:

What clothing is included in my sea eagle safari? The included items will be goggles, a life jacket, cap, gloves, and a knowledgeable guide.

Is it hard to photograph the eagles? If you’re good in sport mode on your camera, not really. My biggest issue was that I went when there was no true daylight and I’m a terrible photographer in lowlight situations.

Are the seas rough? The day I went was not rough but we were not in the open seas for long. Once you’re in Trollfjorden, the seas will be much calmer as the fjords in Norway are like that (they are not exposed to the rough Atlantic).

Does the tour offer hotel pickup? No. But the meeting point is so centralized in Svolvaer near the harbor that it should not be a problem. If you’re coming from another place in Lofoten, you will need to arrange your own transportation.

Is the sea eagle safari year-round? Yes. Just be sure to check the dates before booking as they don’t run every day of the week during the winter months.

Can you cancel your tour? If you book your tour through GetYourGuide, yes, you can cancel your tour up to 24-hours before it runs. This is a great option if you fall ill or the weather is not conducive to you wanting to be out on the sea.

How many people will be on your safari? The RIB boat can fit up to 24 people. If you’re keen to photograph, try to hop on first and get a really good spot!

Final Thoughts

This was an epic tour and one I recommend to everyone that is visiting the Lofoten Islands. If you’re staying in Henningsvaer, you’re not too far away and it is also a great excursion for you. It is also one of the best tours to do during the Lofoten winter as many are not in business during the low-season… but this one is! If you have additional questions or concerns, please reach out to us and we will do our best to help.

>> Click here to book your sea eagle safari in the Lofoten Islands

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How to Take an Ile aux Cerfs Tour in Mauritius + Useful Tips

November 25 2020 by Aram Vardanyan Leave a Comment

One of my favorite things I did in Mauritius was to take an Ile aux Cerfs tour on a catamaran. The journey was stunning and created some awesome memories from the trip.

This is my guide reviewing my tour to Ile aux Cerfs in Mauritius and tips, what to expect, and more.

How to Take an Ile aux Cerfs Tour in Mauritius + Useful Tips

Visiting Mauritius and not taking the opportunity to see some of its amazing islands in unimaginable and you should not leave without doing so. It will make your list of things to do in Mauritius larger, but trust me, it’s so worth it.

I definitely recommend planning your Mauritius holiday in advance. By really planning your Mauritius itinerary, you will be able to put aside some days to enjoy the beaches, islands, and nature of Mauritius.

This Ile aux Cerfs tour is one of the essential things to put on your list, in my opinion.

The emotions and benefits of sailing in the wind in the gorgeous Indian Ocean while a pod of dolphins is swimming by are absolutely unreal.

And having the chance to go snorkeling in Mauritius in a place where such beautiful creatures live among a famous reef is just a feeling that can’t be replicated anywhere else.

My tour to Ile aux Cerfs gave me all of these emotions and I highly recommend taking one yourself. This is a guide of how to take an Ile aux Cerfs tour, what to expect, and some tips if you choose to do so.

My Thoughts about My Ile aux Cerfs Excursion

One thing you should know before visiting Ile aux Cerfs is a little bit about the island.

Getting there was a bit crazy as the tours do book up quickly, and that is something I will reiterate a few times throughout this post! I hope it encourages you to book ahead.

How to Take an Ile aux Cerfs Tour in Mauritius + Useful Tips

Ile aux Cerfs Island

Ile aux Cerfs is a dreamy paradise island that is located near the main island of Mauritius on the east coast of the country. It is privately owned and has 87 hectares of preserved tropical forest and white sand beaches.

The island also has the largest lagoon in Mauritius and it is surrounded by luxury resorts, a golf course, and coral reefs where you can go snorkeling or scuba diving.

Booking a Tour to Ile aux Cerfs

After looking through a number of options for Ile aux Cerfs tours and seeing that many were already sold out, I settled on a Catamaran Cruise from Bluebay to Ile aux Cerfs. The cost was around €118.

Please note that I only booked this tour because it was the only one available last minute. There are cheaper ones and I showcase them below!

The biggest perk for me was that this tour actually offered a hotel pickup from where I was staying at the time.

My hotel was located in the center of Mauritius inland, so this was essential for me to easily be able to take this tour. They also dropped me back at my hotel after. This was included in the rate.

>> Click here to see tour details, rates, and availability for the one I took

Ile aux Cerfs Tour options

As I noted above, there are various tours sailing to Ile aux Cerfs. Mine was not the cheapest but I booked it merely because the other ones were already booked.

But, I think just getting there is the important thing. Here are a few alternative options that may suit you better:

Full-Day Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch Included (from €60 pp)

This tour is a bestseller that goes to Ile aux Cerfs. It may or may not include pickup depending on where you’re at (you can get in touch with them for conformation!) but it departs from Pointe Jerome.

Lunch is included as is snorkeling. You get free time on the island just like I had and this was the tour I wanted to actually book initially before booking the one I did.

>> Click here to check tour rates and availability

Mauritius: Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Ile aux Cerfs & BBQ (From €105 pp)

This tour is another hot one that offers the chance to take a speedboat instead of a catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs. It is wheelchair accessible and the tour will also take you to the Grand River to the waterfall, give you a chance to snorkel, and much more.

There are private and public tour options with this company, so definitely inquire to see which is the best suiting for you and your travel companions.

>> Click here to check tour rates and availability

Ile aux Cerfs Full-Day Cruise from Trou d’Eau Douce (From €58 pp)

Another viable option of a tour that pretty much is similar to other ones out there is this one to Ile aux Cerfs from Trou d’Eau Douce.

You will hop aboard a boat that will take you to the island and feed you a delicious BBQ lunch. In addition, you’ll get to snorkel and cruise the Grand River to the waterfall.

>> Click here to check tour rates and availability

Private Catamaran Charter to Ile aux Cerfs (From €850 per group)

If you’re looking for a romantic cruise to Ile aux Cerfs or simply one that isn’t combined with other people, this is definitely the option for you.

The cruise will take you to all the main sights leaving from Pointe Jerome. This is not an option for those in a wheelchair or mobility issues, unfortunately.

>> Click here to check tour rates and availability

Who Should Take This Tour?

Like most tours, there are some restrictions and there are some people who this tour is not a good fit for. You can see below who I recommend and don’t recommend this tour for:

This tour is a good option for you if:

You love sailing
You feel great in the open ocean
You enjoy snorkeling
You love drinking alcohol on a boat

This tour is NOT a good option for you if:

You are claustrophobic and don’t like crowded boats
You have seasickness issues on boats
You are pregnant
You are in a wheelchair or have mobility issues

What to Pack for an Ile aux Cerfs Trip

You will have lunch provided for the day as well as drinks on board, so you don’t really need to worry about that. But, here are a few items I think you should bring along with you to help you enjoy the Ile aux Cerfs trip to the fullest.

⇒ Good sunscreen: You will be on the open water right below the sun and the sun will hold no mercy. Be sure to bring a good sunscreen that will work with your skin for the day to protect you from the sun’s dangerous rays. Click here to see which sunscreen we recommend.

⇒ Towel and swimsuit/trunks: This tour involves a lot of swimming or opportunities to swim and be in the water. Be sure to bring a towel and swimming clothes with you.

⇒ Seabands: If you sometimes get a bit seasick or nauseous on boats, you will definitely want to invest in some seabands before you leave. They are affordable and lightweight and a perfect addition to your Mauritius trip. Click here to shop for seabands.

⇒ Sunglasses: The sun is killer on the open seas and you will want to protect your eyes while you’re out sailing the ocean. Be sure to bring a good pair of shades with you.

⇒ Travel insurance: I definitely recommend having travel insurance before you travel to Mauritius, especially if you decide to join a tour like this one. It is better safe than sorry. We recommend SafetyWing and that is who I used on my trip. Click here to get a Mauritius travel insurance quote.

On the Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran

My excursion to Ile aux Cerfs landed me at the Bay after my hotel pickup and we were then put on our catamaran to the island.

We were given unlimited access to soft drinks, beer, water, and rum cocktails all day which really made the trip even more fun than expected.

Snorkeling around Ile aux Cerfs

During our sailing experience, we stopped in the middle of the lagoon around Ile aux Cerfs where it wasn’t too deep and gave us snorkel equipment to dive into the warm and crystal clear Indian Ocean.

If you decide to partake, you will have the opportunity to see some colorful coral reefs surrounded by different types of fish.

This gave me a chance to master my swimming and snorkeling abilities in one of the most beautiful places in the world, so I had no complaints.

Boating in the River to a Small Waterfall

It turns out that there is a small and hidden waterfall on Ile aux Cerfs that you can take a boat to during the tour. We had to switch from the catamaran to a small, fast boat in order to see it, however.

The GRSE Waterfall is one of the sights on Ile aux Cerfs that can not be missed, in my opinion. It is surrounded by lush, green landscapes and scenery and is located in Grand River South East historic village there.

Arriving on Ile aux Cerfs

From first sight, you might find Ile aux Cerfs extremely crowded as it is a very popular day trip and Mauritius excursion, but it really depends on where your boat docks for the day.

We had about two hours on the island and that amount of time gave us the chance to swim in the white sand beaches, drink a cocktail at one of the local cafes, buy Mauritius souvenirs, and photograph hidden parts of the island all while sipping on a coconut.

This was my favorite part of the tour as it gave us the freedom to do what we wanted and it was the best time to photograph things.

BBQ Lunch on the Catamaran

After wrapping up our time on the island, we headed back to the catamaran and chilled out and relaxed.

We enjoyed a BBQ that was cooked right on the back of the boat that was being tended to as we sailed through the epic, blue waters of the sea. This was the best time to chill out, booze a little, and eat a delicious lunch.

Arriving Back to Your Hotel

Obviously, it will depend on where you’re staying at regarding what time you manage to get back. I arrived back at my hotel at 1730 that day. It was a nice, long day… and a much-needed excursion!

Final Thoughts

I can definitely say that I am satisfied with this tour and it was well worth the price I paid for it.

At first, I was skeptical as our catamaran definitely was filled to capacity, but everything turned out great and I had a blast and it was one of my favorite experiences from traveling in Mauritius.

This Ile aux Cerfs tour is highly recommended by me but I truly think that any of the boat tours to the island would be able to deliver exceptional results.

I am listing a few options of tours below as they fill up quickly so you will want to ensure you’re on one of them for the day!

Quick List of Tours to Ile aux Cerfs

Here is a list of tours that will take you to Ile aux Cerfs. They book up quickly so make sure you book in advance! I discuss them in more detail above.

Full-Day Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch Included (departure from Pointe Jerome)
Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise from Bluebay to Ile aux Cerfs (this was my tour and it included hotel pickup)
Mauritius: Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Ile aux Cerfs & BBQ (wheelchair access and private/public tour options)
Ile aux Cerfs Full-Day Cruise from Trou d’Eau Douce (leaves from Trou d’Eau Douce)
Private Catamaran Charter to Ile aux Cerfs (departure from Pointe Jerome)

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