The coastal forest
The last piece in the world.
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Île aux Aigrettes is a 27-hectare islet off the southeast coast of Mauritius, 850 m from the shore, serving as a nature reserve and scientific research station. It is the largest islet in Grand Port bay and conserves the world's only remaining piece of Mauritius Dry Coastal Forest. It is formed of coral limestone, unlike the mostly volcanic main island. Logging and invasive species devastated its plants and animals over centuries, as across Mauritius, and the dodo and native giant tortoises died out. It was declared a nature reserve in 1965, followed by long work to restore the vegetation and reintroduce species that had vanished from it. You walk with a guide along paths among rare ebony trees and native plants, and may see the rare pink pigeon, the large Telfair's skink and colourful day geckos. Aldabra giant tortoises live here too, brought in to take over the extinct tortoises' role of spreading seeds and renewing the forest. The shore gives views of the lagoon and distant mountains. It is 2.9 km in a straight line from the Mahébourg waterfront, reached by a short boat ride as part of the tour. Book ahead, as visits are organised, wear closed shoes and bring water and sun protection. Do not feed or touch the animals, and stay on the paths with your guide. Tour companies sell pricey packages, so compare them with booking directly through the operator if you can.
The last piece in the world.
Spreading seeds through the forest.
Among the island's rarest birds.
Grand Port bay, off the southeast coast
Yes, visits are organised guided tours, so book ahead.
A rare forest and Aldabra tortoises, and perhaps the pink pigeon and Telfair's skink.