5 Best Islands in Mauritius
What are the Most Beautiful Islands to Visit in Mauritius?
The best Islands in Mauritius are some of the most idyllic islands in the Indian Ocean, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking beauty. You can take in the serenity of a remote volcanic island paradise fringed with pristine sandy beaches or snorkel in crystal-clear waters and lagoons brimming with marine life.
History buffs can venture through historic military forts, and nature lovers can hike through incredible natural landscapes, ducking under the hanging roots of walking banyan trees, while encountering giant tortoises and rare birds. Read on to find out more about the special charm and experiences each of these Mauritian islands has to offer.
1. Rodrigues Island
One of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands
Categoría: Familias, Gastronomía en
Few visitors to Mauritius make the extra 600 km trip to Rodrigues Island, one of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands. Those who do enjoy its treasures almost to themselves. Rodrigues is the perfect place to disconnect. Its sleepy, crime-free community winds down by 9 pm.
Until then, you can enjoy its uncrowded white-sand beaches and snorkel in the pretty lagoon and later savour the island’s speciality of fresh octopus cooked in various creative ways. The local buses play lively music and are a fun way to get around. Don’t miss the François Leguat Giant Tortoise and Cave Reserve in the southwest, where you can explore impressive underground caves and see giant tortoises.
Rodrigues Island
2. Flat Island (Île Plate)
Lagoon snorkelling and shark sighting
Categoría: Familias, Parejas
Take a day trip to Flat Island (Ile Plate) from Mauritius for excellent snorkelling, diving and hiking. The island is a protected reserve with pristine sandy beaches and a lagoon rich in marine life. Neighbouring islet Pigeon Rock is an iconic arched rock formation and home to The Shark Pit, an internationally famous diving site for observing sharks.
You can hike to the lighthouse on Flat Island’s only hill, passing 19th-century ruins from its time as a British quarantine station. There is no infrastructure on the island and the only way to visit is by speedboat, which can be rough in choppy seas, or catamaran, a slower but smoother ride.
Flat Island (Île Plate)
3. Île Aux Aigrettes
Family-friendly biodiversity sanctuary
Categoría: Familias, Parejas, Foto
Île aux Aigrettes is a tiny coralline limestone island and nature preserve about 850 metres off the southeast coast of Mauritius. Managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and declared a nature conservation in 1965, its mission is to rescue native fauna and flora from extinction, and has so far had positive results.
To visit you must book a spot on one of the organised tours, which are suitable for both adults and children. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides tell you all about the island’s fascinating ecosystem as you hike through its trails, encountering giant tortoises, lizards, cardinals and native bird and plant species. Be sure to bring closed-toe shoes, mosquito repellent and water.
Île Aux Aigrettes
4. Île de la Passe
Site of historic military defences and Mauritian National Heritage
Categoría: Familias, Historia
The site of Napoleon’s only naval victory over the British, Île de la Passe is a historic island with the ruins of 30 military and historically significant structures. Both the British and French built fortifications on the strategic island and their ruins are some of the best-preserved coastal defences in Mauritius.
The earliest defences date to 1759, with additional fortifications built during the Napoleonic period, and prior to World War II under the British. Highlights include the Napoleonic Powder House, which could hold over 200 barrels of explosives, and Hot Shot Furnace, used to heat cannonballs to set enemy ships on fire.
Île de la Passe
5. Île d’Ambre
Hiking through a stunning lagoon landscape to the sound of birdsong
Categoría: Familias, Foto
Île d’Ambre (Isle of Amber), is a protected national park spanning 140 hectares where the last dodo was sighted in 1662. Surrounded by mangroves with no beaches or residents, it sees only a few visitors daily. You can explore the island’s hiking trails accompanied only by birdsong or investigate the biodiversity hidden in its mangrove habitat by canoe or kayak.
Hike to the ancient fish-filled volcanic crater and explore smaller lakes and lagoons, passing thriving native flora along the path. You’ll see the vast hanging roots of the walking (banyan) trees and ruins from French colonisation overgrown with vines, which add to the island’s unique and verdant charm.
Île d'Ambre
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