Mauritius -Your Next Island Getaway
- thebrieadventure
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Imagine soaring high above the Indian Ocean in a helicopter, gazing down at what looks like a swirling underwater vortex—like the earth itself is draining into the sea. This natural optical illusion, known as the Mauritius Underwater Waterfall, is reason enough to put this remote island on your travel list. But it’s just the beginning of what this dazzling destination offers.
First, the Main Event: The Underwater Waterfall Illusion
Located off the coast of Le Morne Brabant, this stunning visual spectacle is caused by the movement of sand and silt on the ocean floor, creating the appearance of a cascading waterfall beneath the surface. While you can spot a hint of it from the mountaintop, the best way to truly take it in is by helicopter. From above, it’s jaw-dropping like something out of a CGI dream sequence, but it’s entirely real. The flight itself is short, smooth, and worth every minute.
Tip: Book a Helicopter tour early and schedule your ride for the morning when skies are clearer and winds are calmer.
A Blend of Cultures, A Modern Island
Mauritius is small, just under 800 square miles, but the island is a vibrant mix of African, Indian, Chinese, and French influences. Expect to hear locals speak English, French, and Mauritian Creole, sometimes all in one sentence.
Despite its exotic allure, the island is incredibly modern. Roads are smooth and well-marked (though you’ll need to drive on the left side though), and renting a car is both safe and smart. You’ll want your own wheels to explore everything at your own pace. Alternatively, there are plenty of tours available, but that is a more expensive option that guarantees you will be traveling with a crowd.
What Else to Do-Here’s the rundown of Mauritius’ greatest hits:
Swim with Dolphins (But Manage Expectations)
Off the coast of Tamarin Bay you can swim alongside wild dolphins which is an unforgettable, if not slightly chaotic, experience. It is pretty incredible to be able to snorkel and swim with wild dolphins, but be warned: it’s a bit of a mob scene with dozens of boats chasing the same pods. Still, if you’ve never swum beside a dolphin in open water, it’s quite exciting!
Seven Colored Earths
A must-see geological marvel in Chamarel, this surreal landscape features naturally occurring sand dunes in hues of red, brown, violet, blue, green, yellow, and purple. You’ll wonder how it’s not man-made—it’s that perfectly strange.
Chamarel Waterfall
Just a few minutes away from the Seven Colored Earths is Chamarel Waterfall, the tallest on the island. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s ideal for scenic photos, especially after recent rains.
Le Morne Brabant
For hikers, Le Morne is both challenging and iconic. This UNESCO World Heritage Site holds deep cultural significance and rewards climbers with sweeping views of the coastline and reef.
Flic en Flac Beach
One of the island’s longest beaches, Flic en Flac is perfect for swimming, sunset walks, and watching local life. It’s family-friendly and dotted with tasty but very cheap snack shacks and beach bars.
Rum Distillery Tour
The Rhumerie de Chamarel offers a fun and educational look into local rum production, but it is an intense tasting session. They pour 11 generous rum tastings of all the different flavors and varieties in about 15 minutes. Not for the faint of heart (or liver) and I struggled to finish most of mine! Thankfully there is a restaurant on site to sober up before hitting the road and the surrounding sugarcane fields add to the charm and beauty.
Sailing (When It Happens)
We booked a catamaran day trip, but unfortunately, it was canceled last minute because of 'bad conditions' despite being the nicest day of the trip. That said, sailing to Île aux Cerfs or Île aux Benitiers is a popular way to spend a day—weather and bookings permitting.
Other Adventures
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, Mauritius also offers skydiving, scuba diving, kite surfing, deep sea fishing, and epic waterfall hikes. The central highlands offer a cooler, mistier climate with rugged trails for those who like to stay active.
Useful Tips Before You Go
Drive on the Left: And rent a small car, the roads can be narrow in towns.
Best Time to Visit: May to December is dry and cool. Avoid cyclone season (January to March).
Currency: Mauritian Rupee. Many places accept card, but keep some cash for local markets.
Safety: Very safe overall, but standard travel precautions apply.
Language: English and French are widely spoken, and everyone is very friendly.
Food: Don’t miss the street food! Try dholl puri and Creole curries.
Mauritius is the kind of destination that offers both eye-candy wonders and real, grounded experiences. It’s not overdeveloped, but it has all the comforts you want. Come for the underwater waterfall, stay for the culture, the food, the people, and the feeling that you’ve stumbled onto something truly unique!
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