All Inclusive Full Day Tour: Chamarel Rhumrie,7-Coloured & Lunch

A fast day in the southwest of Mauritius. You’ll roll through a string of major sights—Grand Bassin, Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth, and multiple waterfalls—without having to plan routes or buy tickets. What makes this tour especially appealing is the all-in-one format: hotel pickup, guided stops, admission where needed, and a 3-course lunch.

I also like the variety of experiences jammed into one outing: Hindu culture at Grand Bassin, a real rum-factory visit with tasting at Rhumerie de Chamarel, then nature stops where you can spot monkeys and giant tortoises. One consideration, though: the day is tightly paced, so you should expect shorter stops and more time in the car than you might hope—especially if you’re someone who likes to linger.

Key things to know before you go

• Seven Coloured Earth Geopark + 272ft falls: a high-impact photo stop with giant tortoises and waterfall views
• Rum tasting included at Rhumerie de Chamarel: factory tour plus sample time
• Grand Bassin is culture-heavy: your guide explains Hindu festivals and prayer rituals
• Black River Gorges for monkeys: quick rainforest viewing at a national park
• Two waterfall moments: Rochester Falls for pictures and a possible swim
• Private for your group: you share the day only with people in your booking (minimum 2)

A tightly packed south-coast day that starts right at 8:00

This tour begins at 8:00am and runs about 7–8 hours, with hotel pickup and round-trip transfers included. The “good news” is that you don’t need to manage driving, parking, or ticket lines. The “trade-off” is that the route is designed for coverage, not slow travel.

You’re based around Chamarel, then zig-zagging through some of the southwest’s best-known stops. That means you’ll see a lot even if you’re not staying in the south. It’s also why this works well for first-timers: you get a sampler platter of Mauritius beyond the typical beach-and-pool routine.

One practical note: wear non-slip shoes. Several stops involve uneven ground, walkways, or viewpoints where you’ll want secure footing—especially at waterfalls.

Price and logistics: what your $120 really buys

At $120 per person, the value depends on what you’d otherwise do on your own. In this tour, you’re paying for the big time-savers:

• Round-trip hotel transfers
• Admission at key stops where included
• A guided day that connects multiple distant sites
• A 3-course lunch (veg or non-veg)

You’re also getting rum tasting as part of the Rhumerie de Chamarel stop, which can be one of those costs you’d otherwise add later if you were DIY-ing.

What I’d plan around: this doesn’t position itself as a “snacks and drinks all day” experience. A longer day with multiple quick stops can mean hydration gets forgotten. I’d bring your own bottle of water and keep it handy in your bag, just in case. Also, Rochester Falls includes the option to swim, so you’ll want to be ready with a towel you bring yourself.

Grand Bassin: 30 minutes of Hindu rituals and festival context

Grand Bassin is where the tour slows down a bit—just enough to make it feel purposeful. You’ll spend about 30 minutes here, and your guide focuses on Hindu practice and what visitors are seeing. Expect explanation of Hindu festivals celebrated at the site, how devotees pray, and the idea of sacrifice within the religious tradition.

For many people, Grand Bassin is the most culturally distinct stop on the day. It’s not just a scenic viewpoint. It’s a place where you’re meant to understand the meaning behind the activity—so listen when your guide is talking, even if the time feels short.

Tip: keep your expectations realistic. Thirty minutes is enough to get your bearings and understand the basics, but not enough to become an expert on the traditions. If you care about culture, come with a couple of questions in mind and ask early.

Rhumerie de Chamarel: rum tasting at the source

Next comes the fun factor. Rhumerie de Chamarel is the tour’s “production plus tasting” stop. You’ll have about 45 minutes here, including admission, and you’ll visit a factory where they show how local rums and different flavored varieties are made in Mauritius. The big win: rum tasting is included, so you don’t have to build that into the day separately.

This part is usually where the tour feels most like an activity, not just a stop. A guided walkthrough beats wandering around a shop because you get a bit of context for what you’re tasting. Even if you’re not a hardcore rum person, you’ll likely find something interesting in the way flavors are presented and sampled.

What to consider: tasting means your “keep it moving” mindset should be strong. Don’t plan to be delicate here. If you’re driving later that day, or you’re sensitive to alcohol, you’ll want to pace yourself.

Black River Gorges National Park: a quick monkey encounter

At Black River Gorges National Park, you’re in for a short hit of nature: about 20 minutes, with admission included. The point here is simple—forest views and a chance to see monkeys.

This stop works best if you think of it like a wildlife-and-view teaser. It’s not a full hike. You’ll likely spend more time moving from viewpoint to viewpoint (or waiting a moment for wildlife to be active) than you will in long stretches of walking.

Practical advice: keep your eyes up and scan around rather than locking onto one spot. Monkeys don’t always appear on a schedule. And remember that any time you’re in a natural setting, you’ll want to watch your step—especially if the ground is slick.

Seven Coloured Earth Geopark: 272ft waterfalls and giant tortoises

Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth Geopark is the centerpiece for many people, and this tour gives it a meaningful time block: about 45 minutes, including admission.

You’ll see the 272ft waterfalls, which are the kind of sight that makes you stop taking photos for a second and just stare. Then you’ll move to the colored sand area—the Seven Coloured Earth—where you can capture those iconic Instagram-style pictures.

One detail I appreciate in this stop is that it also includes giant tortoises. That means it’s not only geology and viewpoints. It adds a living-creature element that helps the time pass faster.

How to make this stop work for you:

• Go in expecting both viewpoints and “quick photo moments.”
• If you care about photos, decide in advance which angle matters most to you so you’re not spending all your time re-framing.

Le Morne in 15 minutes: a quick stop with heavy meaning

Le Morne is brief on the schedule—about 15 minutes, and admission is free. But the mountain carries real historical weight. You’ll see Le Morne Mountain, known as a place where enslaved people used to hide.

This is one of those stops where short time can still land, because the story is clear: it’s not just a dramatic silhouette. It’s a reminder that Mauritius has a complex past, and the geography is part of that history.

If you want more context than a quick introduction provides, this is the moment to ask your guide specific questions—what the site represents and why it matters today.

Rochester Falls: pictures, rest, and a bring-your-own-towel swim option

After Le Morne, the tour heads to Rochester Falls, where you’ll spend about 30 minutes. Admission is included, and the falls are described as among the most beautiful waterfalls in the south.

Here’s the practical part: you’ll have time to take photos and relax, and there’s also a swimming option. The key condition is that you must bring your own towel.

This stop is a good “reset” for the day. You’re not only looking; you can actually cool off if conditions allow. If you’re visiting during a drier period, it can feel like a refreshing break from the heat and car time.

Safety note: waterfalls areas can be unpredictable. Even if swimming is offered, follow instructions and stick to the safe spots your guide points out.

Gris Gris Beach after lunch: stunning views with danger warnings

Lunch happens before you head to Gris Gris Beach. Then you’ll spend about 30 minutes relaxing and taking in the beach views. Admission is included.

Gris Gris is described as a dangerous beach. That matters. In practical terms, it means you should treat this more like a viewpoint-and-walk-around stop than a “hang out in the waves” plan. Keep an eye on where people are standing and obey any warnings.

This is a nice ending segment because it slows down compared to earlier hammer stops like rum-tasting and quick park viewing. After lunch, it’s the kind of place where you can just breathe, check the photos you took, and wait for the last leg of the return trip.

The day’s biggest strength and its most common snag

I like that this tour strings together major south highlights with minimal effort on your side. The hotel transfers and bundled admissions are exactly what you want when you’re short on time or simply don’t want to think about logistics.

But you should go in knowing the schedule is tight. The “all-day” feeling can tip into “mostly in transit” if traffic or timing doesn’t cooperate. Also, since the tour relies on a driver/guide to move you smoothly between stops, you may get more or less explanation depending on their communication style and language comfort.

My advice: aim to get value from the stops themselves, not from deep lecture-style storytelling. If culture and history are your priority, come prepared to ask questions early—then watch what you’re shown rather than expecting a long, detailed narration at every site.

Also, hydration is something you should personally manage. Even if you’ll have a lunch break, the safest move is to bring your own water and small sun protection.

Who this tour suits (and who should plan differently)

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want an organized day that covers Grand Bassin, Rhumerie de Chamarel, and multiple nature sights
• Like the idea of a 3-course lunch included in the package
• Prefer round-trip transfers over renting a car
• Are happy with shorter time at each attraction if it means seeing more overall

It may be less ideal if you:

• Hate long car days and want to slow down at just one or two places
• Care a lot about language-specific, detailed cultural interpretation
• Need lots of free time on your own rather than a guided schedule

Given the route hits multiple regions, this is best as a “see the essentials” day. If you want to go deep into geology, wildlife, or history, you’ll likely want a separate half-day or full-day add-on later.

Should you book this Chamarel full-day tour?

If you want a well-connected day that mixes culture, rum tasting, and major south scenery—without planning or ticket hassles—this is an easy yes. The included lunch and the Rhumerie tasting give you real payoff, and the Seven Coloured Earth + waterfalls stop is the kind of sight you’ll remember.

Just book with clear expectations: it’s efficient, not slow. Bring non-slip shoes, a towel for Rochester Falls, and your own water. If you do that, you’ll spend the day seeing Mauritius instead of managing it.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 8:00am.

How long is the full-day tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Is pickup and round-trip transfer included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and round-trip hotel transfers are provided.

Is lunch included, and can I choose vegetarian?

Yes. Lunch is included as a 3-course meal, and a vegetarian option is available if you advise at booking.

Do I need to bring anything for Rochester Falls?

For Rochester Falls, you can swim, but you must bring your own towel.

What happens if weather is extreme or the tour can’t run?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.