An island or isle is a piece of subcontinental land surrounded by water. Very small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets, skerries, cays or keys. An island in a river or a lake island may be called an eyot or ait, and a small island off the coast may be called a holm.
How Many Islands Are In Mauritius
BELOW ARE THE ISLANDS IN MAURITIUS:
Mauritius Island
Home to the Mauritius capital – Port Louis and the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, one of the best islands to visit in Mauritius is the mainland itself.
Check out colourful canoes called pirogues being raced and manoeuvred skillfully in Pointe Canon, or drive beside the ocean along the picturesque hairpin bend of Baie du Cap road. For those who always wanted to try their hands at surfing, Rivière des Galets is the place for you.
Highlights of the Mainland Mauritius Island:
– Home to the Mauritius capital – Port Louis which is accessible to every other island.
– Ideal place for surfing and driving alongside beaches.
Rodrigues Island
One of the best islands to visit in Mauritius, Rodrigues has beautiful sandy beaches and a total accessible coastline of 80 km. The Francois Leguat nature reserve here is home to over 3,000 giant tortoises.
Explore the fabulous network of walking trails crisscrossing the island, or enjoy the great range of watersports such as wind and kite surfing, ziplining, scuba diving and more.
How to Reach from Port Louis:
– To reach Rodrigues Island from Port Louis, you will have to take a flight from Mauritius Airport.
– Alternatively, a car ferry operates from Port Louis to Port Mathurin once a week.
Highlights of the Rodrigues Island:
– An 80 km coastline with water sports for the adventure seeker.
– Home to more than 3,000 tortoises.
Agalega and St. Brandon Island
Two distinguishing beautiful islands in Mauritius, Agalega and St. Brandon Island are sparsely inhabited and untouched, making them all the more alluring.
You can take a special 8-day fishing trip to the St. Brandon Islands on a customized luxury catamaran where you can snorkel with sharks, tortoises and other big fish; explore white sand flats and broken coral islands; observe nesting tortoises and more.
How to Reach from Port Louis: To reach Agalega and St. Brandon Island from Port Louis, you will have to take a flight from Mauritius Airport.
Highlights of the Agalega and St. Brandon Island:
– An 8-day fishing trip to the St. Brandon Islands.
– Snorkelling with sharks, watching tortoises’ nests, etc.
Ile des Deux Cocos
Also known as the ‘Island of Coconuts’, this place is a haven of tranquillity that lies amidst the Blue Bay Marine Park.
Tour the stunning Blue Bay in a glass-bottom boat, or indulge in water sports like snorkelling, diving, fishing, solarium, scuba diving, etc. here. You can also explore the Blue Bay Maritime Reserve, an underwater reserve with lovely corals and colourful marine species.
While here, visit the ‘Follies’ Villa, which was built in the 1920s. The villa is an amalgamation of British, Moorish, and Mauritian designs.
How to Reach from Port Louis: Easily accessible, you can reach Ile des Deux Cocos from Port Louis by bus, car, or even a ferry.
Highlights of Ile des Deux Cocos:
– The ‘Follies’ Villa.
– Tour Blue Bay in a glass-bottom boat.
– Snorkelling, diving, fishing, solarium, scuba diving, etc.
Le Morne Brabant
One of the best Mauritius islands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Le Morne Brabant is famous for its peninsular formations with a 556 m high basaltic standing guard against natural calamities. The place has some of the most intense caves alongside its steep slopes.
While here, go for the Le Morne Brabant hike to check out exotic plants and trees. Do not miss out on visiting the Le Morne Brabant underwater waterfall here which is a dramatic sight right in the middle of the ocean.
How to Reach from Port Louis: To reach Le Morne Brabant from Port Louis you can take a bus or drive down to Le Morne Brabant and then take a boat ride or ferry.
Highlights of the Le Morne Brabant:
– 556 m high basaltic peninsular formations.
– Le Morne Brabant hike and underwater waterfall.
Le Souffleur
Ideal for those looking for a wild and rugged landscape, it is said that Le Souffle was created when the rough sea crashed against hot lava rocks.
The island has natural springs in a lot of places and also has a half-formed grotto-like structure that has a natural geyser fountain which spouts water up to 20 m high. It is one of the best views among all other Mauritius islands you wouldn’t want to miss.
While here, visit the cliff, that has the famous Pont Naturel, the naturally formed bridge, worth taking out your camera for.
How to Reach from Port Louis: You can drive down or take a bus and then take a boat ride or ferry to reach Le Souffler from Port Louis.
Highlights of the Le Souffle Island:
– Natural springs and geyser fountains.
– Naturally formed bridge.
Ilot Sancho
Ilot Sancho’s connectivity to the mainland depends on the time of the day. Separated from the mainland by a tidal channel, it is a fun island to visit when the tide is out.
Blending history and nature perfectly, it is a favourite surf spot in the South. With magnificent views of the ocean, you can combine both a visit to the islet and a picnic on the beach.
How to Reach from Port Louis: You can drive down to Ilot Sancho from Port Louis or take a bus and then take a boat ride or ferry.
Highlights of the Ilot Sancho Island:
– Best surf spot in the South.
– Ideal place for a day picnic.
Ile De La Passe
Ile de la Passe is in the lagoon of the Mahebourg coastal village, just off the southeast coast of Mauritius. Among the other Mauritius islands, this one is historically significant and is full of ruins, which were once fortifications that were used to protect the Grand Port Bay from the rocky island.
Ile de Passe hosts a wide range of activities and things to see for history fanatics. There is also a graffiti wall with the names of the soldiers engraved on it here.
How to Reach from Port Louis: You can drive down or take a bus and then take a boat ride or ferry to Ile de la Passe from Port Louis.
Highlights of Ile De La Passe Islet:
– Historically significant.
– Wall graffiti.
Ile Aux Flamants
One of the most scenic islands in Mauritius, the Ile aux Flamants is a must-visit for a quick and memorable getaway.
The lush green palm trees here that are set against sparkling blue water are a sight to behold. You can also travel around this island on luxurious catamarans.
How to Reach from Port Louis: You can drive down or take a bus and then take a boat ride or ferry to reach Ile Aux Flamants from Port Louis.
Highlights of the Ile Aux Flamants Island:
– Perfect for a quick getaway.
– Enjoy nature’s bounty.
Gunner’s Quoin
One of the most unique islands in Mauritius, Gunner’s Quoin is a little islet located a few kilometres north of Mauritius. Although not open to the public, it continues to be a must-visit island in Mauritius if you can get the required permissions.
With remarkably clear water, it is a perfect spot for snorkelling, underwater diving and other water activities. The island has beautiful marine life and sightings of whales are quite common here.
How to Reach from Port Louis: You can reach Gunner’s Quoin from Port Louis by ferry or a boat ride.
Highlights of the Gunner’s Quoin Island:
– An ideal spot for snorkelling, underwater diving, etc.
– Wonderful marine life.
– Spot sharks here.
Ile D’Ambre
One of the largest and the best islands to visit in Mauritius, Ile d’Ambre has a ton of activities to offer such as lagoons, well-maintained nature walks, beautiful picnic spots, and ample places to kayak in.
Surrounded by varied vegetation adding to the natural beauty, the lagoons here are a must-visit. While here, do not forget to check out the Mangrove forests.
How to Reach from Port Louis: You can drive down or take a bus and then take a boat ride or ferry to reach Ile d’Ambre from Port Louis.
Highlights of the Ile D’Ambre Island:
– Go kayaking here.
– Beautiful lagoons and well-maintained nature walks.
– Mangrove forests.
Ile Plate
Ile Plate is a blend of incredible scenic views and turquoise waters apt for diving. Located towards the northernmost point of Mauritius, it is also known as the Flat Island.
Used as a quarantine station in the 19th century, the island has a small army base too. Visit the oldest and the only operating lighthouse in the islands of Mauritius, the Isle Plate Lighthouse. The island is a breeding site for seabirds and also offers water activities like diving and snorkelling.
How to Reach from Port Louis: You can reach Ile Plate from Port Louis by ferry or a boat ride.
Highlights of the Ile Plate Island:
– Oldest and the only operating lighthouse.
– Diving with sharks.
– A breeding site for seabirds… Ile du Phare
Ile du Phare
Also known as Ile aux Fouquets, the Ile du Phare was one of the first islands in Mauritius to be discovered by the Dutch back in the 15th century.
Reputed as one of the national parks of the island nation, it is relatively hilly and has a ruined lighthouse that sits on its topmost point, from which the island derives its name. The views from all across the island are nothing short of spectacular.
How to Reach from Port Louis: You can reach Ile du Phare from Port Louis by ferry or a boat ride.
Highlights of the Ile du Phare Island:
– A national park.
– Offers spectacular views.
Hermitage Island
Enjoy the clear waters of the blue lagoon and snorkel at Hermitage Island, situated in the South of Rodrigues. Surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, the island has remarkable natural beauty and is also reputed to be the location of a buried treasure.
How to Reach from Port Louis: You can plan ahead and visit Hermitage Island along with Rodrigues Island from Port Louis.
Highlights of the Hermitage Island:
– Clear waters with beautiful coral reefs.
– Enjoy the Robinson Crusoe treasure hunt experience.
Ilot Gabriel
True to the serenity offered by other Mauritius islands, Ilot Gabriel has beautiful beaches, good food and sunny blue skies.
Situated in the North of Mauritius, it has the most enchanting beaches and is one of the best islands to visit in Mauritius. Enjoy the luxury rides to the island and once there, indulge in massages, sunbeds and the like. There are also a lot of water sports here for adventure seekers.
How to Reach from Port Louis: You can reach Ilot Gabriel from Port Louis by ferry or a boat ride.
Highlights of the Ilot Gabriel Island:
– Pristine beaches and blue skies.
– Water sports.
Read Also: How Many Prisons Are There In Mauritius
Z’ile Beach
A highlight amongst all Mauritius islands, Z’ile Beach offers an innovative concept and a unique setting with an amazing floating beach concept.
An amalgamation of a floating island with the blue lagoon this “Floating Beach” is moored in the middle of the turquoise lagoon in Mont Choisy, located about 500 m from the main shoreline. A secluded environment, it is perfect for parties and intimate gatherings to make your vacation memorable.
How to Reach from Port Louis: You can drive down or take a bus and then take a ferry or a boat ride to reach Z’ile Beach from Port Louis.
Highlights of the Z’ile Beach Island:
– Unique floating island concept.
– Ideal for intimate gatherings.
Île aux Cerfs
Ile Aux Cerfs happens to be one of the star Islands in Mauritius because of its luscious beaches and coral ridges. It is a private island that is located on the eastern coast of Mauritius. The island is spread over an area of 87 hectares and is home to some of the rich vegetation and gorgeous beaches. This place is popularly known as deer island.
How to Reach from Port Louis: The best way to reach Ile Aux Cerf from Port Louis would be to take a taxi boat from Troue D’Eau Douce.
Highlights of the Island: Water Sports like scuba diving and snorkelling.
Ile Ronde
Ile Ronde is an ecological treasure that is home to many species of endemic plants and endemic reptiles, some of which no longer exist on the mainland. It was classified as a Nature Reserve in the 1950s.
How to Reach from Port Louis: Since the island has a rocky shoreline, one cannot access it by boat. The only safe and easy access to the Ile Ronde island is by helicopter from Port Louis.
Highlights of the Ile Ronde Island:
– An ecological treasure.
– Home to rare endemic plants and endemic reptiles.
Île aux Aigrettes
Ile Aux Aigrettes happens to be an island in Mauritius that is located close to the southeast coast. This islet mainly functions as a nature reserve and a scientific research station. Apart from all these, the islands are home to coastal vegetation and can be considered as a natural museum where you can find a wide range of flora and fauna.
What islands belong to Mauritius?
The Republic of Mauritius is a group of islands and archipelagos in the Indian Ocean comprising Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agalega, Tromelin, Cargados Carajos (Saint Brandon) and the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.
What is the largest island of Mauritius?
Mauritius is a small island country in Africa with the main islands called Mauritius and Rodrigues. The island of Mauritius, called Île Maurice in French, is the biggest island of the Republic of Mauritius.