Islands and lagoon: the best sea excursions in Mauritius
Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Benitiers, Flat Island, Ile aux Aigrettes: islets orbit Mauritius, earned by catamaran or speedboat, between sandbanks, snorkeling and fishermen's barbecues. Here is how to pick yours depending on your coast and your budget.
Ile aux Aigrettes
A coral islet and nature reserve, open-air laboratory of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation: pink pigeons, kestrels, day geckos and giant tortoises in Mauritius's last intact coastal dry forest.
Ile aux Cerfs
The east coast's iconic lagoon island: white sandbanks, translucent water and coconut palms make it the dream setting for catamaran trips. 18-hole golf course and every water sport.
Gabriel Island
A little paradise of white sand and translucent water next to Flat Island, goal of the north's finest catamaran trip. Swimming, lagoon snorkeling and BBQ on board: the ultimate castaway day.
Ile aux Bénitiers & Crystal Rock
A large flat coconut island in the lagoon off La Gaulette, minutes away by boat. Photo stop at Crystal Rock, a coral boulder rising from turquoise water, and snorkeling in a natural aquarium.
Gunner's Quoin
A spectacular wedge-shaped islet 4 km off Cap Malheureux, a no-landing nature reserve. Tropicbird cliffs and some of the north's finest dive waters.
Flat Island
11 km north of Mauritius, this island topped by a 19th-century lighthouse shares a crystal lagoon with Gabriel Island. A former quarantine station, visited on day catamaran trips.
Amber Island
A wild mangrove-ringed island in the north-east lagoon, off Poudre d'Or, famous for the Saint-Géran shipwreck. Explored by clear kayak or paddleboard along mangrove channels.