Île aux Aigrettes — Nature Reserve

Île aux Aigrettes is probably the rarest experience I offer. This 27-hectare coral islet off Mahébourg is managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation — a nature reserve closed to mass tourism, accessible only by boat with a licensed guide.

The project aim: restore Mauritius’s ecosystem to how it was before human arrival. You’ll encounter Aldabra giant tortoises roaming freely on the paths, the Pink Pigeon of Mauritius (critically endangered), Telfair’s Skink lizards and an endemic ebony forest that has been growing back under visitors’ eyes for decades.

I book the boat and guided access. The visit on the islet lasts about 2 hours — allow a half-day in total. Pairs well with an afternoon at Mahébourg village or Blue Bay to round out the day.