Ile aux Aigrettes is a small coral islet in the lagoon just off Mahébourg, and it is the nearest thing in Mauritius to a time machine. Before people arrived, the whole island was covered in dense native forest, and almost all of it has since been cleared for sugar and settlement. This little islet is one of the few places where that original coastal forest survives, and a long-running conservation effort has restored it, removing invasive plants and animals and bringing back threatened birds, reptiles and giant tortoises. Walking its trails is the best way to see what the island once looked like. Visits are guided, and the guides are wonderful storytellers who explain how ebony, tambalacoque and other native trees survived, how the islet was cleared of rats and cats, and how once-endangered species have been returned to the wild. You cross by a short boat ride from the mainland, walk the shaded paths looking for rare birds and lizards, and meet the giant tortoises that now graze across parts of the island. The islet is small, so the walk is gentle and flat, but the stories give it great depth. The day tour wraps the reserve into a broader journey through the south. Alongside the islet, the route takes in the turquoise bay at Blue Bay, a nature park at La Vanille with giant tortoises and other wildlife, and the dramatic Gris Gris coast, where waves crash against black cliffs at the island’s southern edge. It is a fine way to see the quieter, wilder south, which many first-time visitors miss entirely.
How it works
This is a full-day guided tour of the south and south-east, and it names Ile aux Aigrettes among its stops, together with Blue Bay beach, La Vanille Nature Park and Gris Gris. Check the pickup arrangements, start time and entry inclusions when you book, since details vary.
The island visit itself is a guided walk of roughly an hour and a half, with a short boat crossing from the Pointe Jérôme area near Mahébourg. Numbers on the islet are limited to protect it, so the reserve is often booked well in advance in busy periods.
What you see
On the islet, expect native ebony forest, endemic geckos and skinks, rare birds, and giant tortoises that move slowly through the undergrowth. It is quiet, shady and informative, a world away from the busy beaches. At Blue Bay, the lagoon is wide, shallow and brilliantly clear, with a marine park offering snorkelling.
La Vanille Nature Park is home to giant tortoises and other animals, and Gris Gris is a wild, windy viewpoint where the reef gives way to rough ocean. Swimming at Gris Gris is dangerous, so stay at the viewpoint and respect the signs.
Making the most of it
Wear closed shoes for the forest trail, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent, and bring water and a camera with a decent zoom for the birds. Respect the rules on the island, which exist to protect fragile species: stay on the paths, do not touch the wildlife and carry out any rubbish. The reserve is run for conservation, so entry fees support the work.
Where it fits
The south and south-east are close to the airport, so this makes a good first or last-day outing, or a day away from the resorts of the north and west. It pairs well with the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran for a full east-coast stay, and it is a quiet counterpoint to the busier sights. If you are travelling with children who love animals, the tortoises are usually the highlight.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day guided tour of the south and south-east that includes a guided walk on Ile aux Aigrettes, plus Blue Bay beach, La Vanille Nature Park and the Gris Gris cliffs.
Best time
The cooler, drier months from May to December suit the forest walk, and mornings are best for spotting birds.
How long
A full day of around eight hours, with the island walk lasting roughly an hour and a half.
Tips
Wear closed shoes, carry water and insect repellent, stay on the paths and do not swim at Gris Gris, where the sea is rough.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Nature lovers and families who want to see what Mauritius looked like before the sugar fields.
- Families
- Children love the giant tortoises, and the flat, short island trail suits most ages.
- Couples
- A quiet, scenic day away from the resorts, with lagoon views and dramatic cliffs.
- Pair with
- The Ile aux Cerfs catamaran from the east coast, or Chamarel and the Black River Gorges on another day.
- Time needed
- A full day, so start early.
Good questions
What is Ile aux Aigrettes?+
It is a small coral islet in the lagoon off Mahébourg, a conservation reserve where native coastal forest, rare birds, reptiles and giant tortoises are being restored.
How do I get to Ile aux Aigrettes?+
You cross by a short boat ride from the mainland near Mahébourg, usually as part of a guided visit. Many visitors join a day tour of the south that includes it.
What will I see on the island?+
Expect native ebony forest, endemic lizards and geckos, rare birds and giant tortoises, with a guide explaining the restoration work.
What else does the tour include?+
The day tour also visits Blue Bay beach, La Vanille Nature Park and the Gris Gris cliffs, though stops and inclusions can vary, so check when you book.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes, the island trail is short and flat, and the tortoises are a favourite with children. Closed shoes and insect repellent are advised.
