Ile aux Aigrettes Travel Guide: Top Sights in Mauritius, Tours &

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Ile aux Aigrettes- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; Mauritius; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 3 hours

Ile aux Aigrettes, a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, is a protected nature reserve teeming with rare and endangered species. Discovered in 1638 and colonized by the French in 1715, it served as a base for sugar cane, cotton cultivation, whaling, and seal hunting. Purchased by the Mauritian government in the late 19th century and declared a nature reserve in 1965, it is now under the care of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, which works to preserve its unique ecosystem. The island hosts critically endangered species like the Pink Pigeon, Aldabra Giant Tortoise, Mauritius Kestrel, and Telfair's Skink, along with rare plants and coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, birdwatching, snorkeling, diving, and exploring the ruins of colonial buildings.

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Reviews of Aigrette

Sophie M

5
Reviewed: 2024-04-16

A nice 1.5-hour tour to do if you have some time! We booked our tickets online and were warmly welcomed by the staff the following day. Our tour guide was lovely and engaging.
ritika KALODE

5
Reviewed: 2024-03-10

Awesome place to snorkel.. Lovely island
Aidan Ashby

5
Reviewed: 2023-10-13

Ile aux Aigrettes, a small 27-hectare island off the southeast coast of Mauritius in Mahebourg Bay, is a haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The island is unique in that it's made up of coralline limestone, unlike the mainland's volcanic origin. A visit here offers a glimpse into Mauritius before human arrival, showcasing endemic animals and plants saved from extinction by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. It's a prominent ecotourism site where you can explore a treasure trove of nature's wonders. The nature reserve on the island operates from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It hosts a wildlife discovery centre, a plant nursery, and a private research centre. There are also restroom facilities available for visitors. To reach Ile aux Aigrettes, you can take a boat from Pointe Jerome, and the short ride to the island takes about 10 minutes. It's advisable to book your visit through the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. The guided tours on the island are highly informative, and visitors often appreciate the insight provided by the guides regarding the conservation efforts by the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation. Highlights of the visit include seeing giant tortoises and the pink pigeon, among other wildlife. It's crucial to note that swimming or picnicking is not allowed, and visitors are advised to wear closed shoes for the guided tour. Ile aux Aigrettes is not just a visit but an educational experience that enlightens you on the rich biodiversity of Mauritius and the efforts in place to conserve the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Yading Song

5
Reviewed: 2023-02-21

The guide explained endemic animals and showed us some of them in a guided walk. Very helpful information and make you realise how much damage we have done in the past few hundred years.
Marian Mandrea

5
Reviewed: 2019-04-20

Amazing place to visit with the Mauritian wildlife Foundation here. There is an animal sanctuary to be visited with lots of tortoises and reptiles. Please make sure you have a mosquito repellent because there are a lot of mosquitoes here.