Ile Aux Aigrettes Island – Visit & Tour

About this activity

Ile aux Aigrettes Island offers visitors a rare glimpse into Mauritius’ original coastal forest ecosystem that once surrounded much of the island. Declared a Nature Reserve in 1965, this internationally important conservation site has become a sanctuary for plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. Nature enthusiasts and conservation-minded travelers will discover an extraordinary haven where 18 endangered Mauritian plant species grow in their natural habitat.

Furthermore, a visit to Ile aux Aigrettes provides families and couples on holiday with a unique 1.5-hour guided tour through this pristine environment. During this immersive experience, visitors can observe beautiful trees with intriguing names like Ox wood, Pipe wood, Rat wood, and Bottle palm. The island also houses remarkable wildlife that has been rescued from the brink of extinction, including the pink pigeon that was endangered for many years. Indeed, for those seeking an authentic Mauritian experience beyond beaches and resorts, this protected nature reserve represents one of the island’s most precious ecological treasures.

A Journey into Mauritius’ Natural Heritage

Located off the southeast coast of Mauritius, Ile aux Aigrettes stands as a living museum of natural history. This 26-hectare coral limestone island showcases what Mauritius looked like before human settlement, preserving a precious fragment of the coastal ebony forest that once flourished throughout the main island.

The conservation story of Ile aux Aigrettes began in earnest when the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation took over management in 1985. Since then, this small yet significant island has become the centerpiece of Mauritius’ conservation efforts. Visitors walking along the shaded paths can witness firsthand how dedicated conservationists have gradually restored this ecosystem by removing invasive species and reintroducing native plants and animals.

What makes this island particularly special is the opportunity to see rare wildlife in their natural habitat. Lucky visitors might spot the vibrant Mauritian fody with its bright red plumage, or catch a glimpse of the Ornate day gecko with its striking emerald coloring. The Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely, serving as ecological replacements for the extinct Mauritian tortoises that once shaped this environment.

For couples seeking a meaningful experience beyond typical tourist attractions, Ile aux Aigrettes offers a tranquil escape where they can connect with nature while learning about conservation. The peaceful ambiance of the island creates the perfect setting for making memories together amid surroundings of exceptional beauty and significance.

Families will find the island equally rewarding, as children have the chance to experience an educational adventure they’ll remember long after returning home. The guided nature walk transforms into an interactive learning experience that sparks curiosity about ecology and conservation in young minds.

Consequently, a visit to Ile aux Aigrettes represents more than just a tourist activity—it’s an opportunity to participate in Mauritius’ conservation journey while enjoying a uniquely intimate encounter with one of the world’s most remarkable island ecosystems. The knowledge that your visit directly supports ongoing conservation work adds another layer of value to this already extraordinary experience.