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Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve

Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve

Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve
4.5
IslandsNature & Wildlife Areas
About
Ile aux Aigrettes is a small (27 ha) island situated in the Mahebourg Bay, about 850 m off the south-east coast of Mauritius. Unlike the mainland which is of volcanic origin, Ile aux Aigrettes is made up of coralline limestone. It is home to the last remnants of dry coastal forest, once found around most of Mauritius. Like the mainland, Ile aux Aigrettes was affected by tree logging and land clearance, and the introduction of exotic animal and plant species almost destroyed the native fauna and flora. In 1965 the island was declared a nature reserve and our intense conservation efforts have resulted in the restoration of the forest and reintroduction of rare species that had long since disappeared from the island.
Duration: < 1 hour
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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  • Andrea
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An unforgettable visit to a unique island
    The tour to the Ile aux Aigrettes is truly worth it. Our guide was amazing knowing so much about the fauna and animals living there and on Mauritius. We saw some of the giant turtle and were lucky to spot a pink gigeon. On the boat ride to the island we got a first amazing impression of the turquois water of the ocean in Mauritius.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 October 2023
  • milcv
    Nottingham, United Kingdom398 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful island and nature
    We took the eco tour over to the island with the official Mauritian wildlife foundation, which you book via their website. This trip allows you actually into the interior of the island where a very knowledgeable guide takes you around the habit showing you the various flora and fauna - this also included talks on the species that were endemic to the islands but are now sadly extinct. However there was plenty of live wildlife to be seen, including the highlights of the wild Aldabra Giant Tortoises with 'Big Daddy' being a favourite, birds such as the pink pigeon and Mauritiun Dody and trees like endangered Ebony. Beautiful place, and a great trip would definitely recommend.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 November 2023
  • Valerie O
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great tour with our guide (beachcomber hotel)
    We went on a guided visit with Patrick (Shandrani Beachcomber hotel). We had a very interesting tour. We could sense the responsibility and willingness to protect this island and the animals. A great tour. Thanks Patrick!
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 10 November 2023
  • Ana
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Insights on how Mauritius looked 400 years ago, native forests and endemic species
    Definitively one of the best tours I did in Mauritius. Passionate conservationists that aim at restoring the native ecosystem. The explanations are well given and you have the chance to see endemic trees and endangered species.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 12 November 2023
  • Melissa W
    Perth, Australia376 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Conservation and natural beauty
    Great tour of the island which is home to lots of different wildlife species. I really enjoyed the guided tour and seeing the different animals that call the reserve home and finding out the conservation work which is being completed. Listen to the guide and stay quiet as you walk thru the reserve to help keep the peaceful atmosphere of the reverse. Lots to see and learn about as you wander through well kept pathways. The ferry ride to the island is very short and where you take off from is simply beautiful. The staff were friendly and informative throughout the tour and really glad I went. There are toilets on the island but not shops to buy drink or food so take a water bottle. There is a gift shop to exit through before leaving the island.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 12 December 2023
  • Terence
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highly recommended learning expedition!
    The Île Aux Aigrettes is a fascinating place. Most of the indigenous plants and animals of Mauritius were wiped out by European sailors and settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries, and scientists have now restored this little island to its indigenous state. We went with Patrick Athion from the Shandrani Hotel. He was an excellent guide, with a comprehensive knowledge of botany and zoology. He led us around the island for a couple of hours as he explained what the scientists and researchers are doing, and how its ecosystem works. Don't miss a trip to Île Aux Aigrettes with him if you are staying at the Shandrani! The tour had several highlights. Big Daddy is marvellous. I'd always thought of tortoises as living IN their shells, but actually they ARE their shells, and their nervous systems and spinal cord are attached to their shells. Fascinating! The Mauritius pink pigeons were also rather lovely. Flying foxes. The ebony tree, somehow growing on the thin soil. And the two plants there that display heterophylly – bois de boeuf and bois de rat. Their higher and lower leaves were astonishingly different. If you have any interest at all in conservation, then visit Île Aux Aigrettes and learn!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 December 2023
  • Benjamin J
    Forest Side35 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great island, but it's more like my garden
    We rode on a good boat, didn't get boatsick [see Robben Island review] since it doesn't have a roof. Hopped off, then saw Aldebra giant tortoise. First tour part was baby tortoises and bats. Then there were lizards, a kiosk, pink pigeons then it was garden right near extra giant tortoise, B.D. Afraid because it nearly bit my sister's finger. Other stuff and honestly like my garden.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 February 2024
  • J C
    244 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mauritius - The Island created before Heaven as per Mark Twain
    To save the Future Generation we must learn from our past errors. Ile aux Aigrettes is a must for anyone visiting Mauritius. The lady Guide was highly versed and took us ( a group of 17 persons) on a tour 200 years back to show mankind's devastating role in decimating flora & fauna of the Island. Thanks a lot to Laeticia.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 26 April 2024
  • robertamassabo
    London, United Kingdom13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing tour
    We were only 5 people and a very knowledgeable guide. The departure is from pointe Jerome, the boat trip to the island is very quick. The tour is amazing and lasts over all approximately two hours. We saw skink, bat, pink pigeon and other birds and tortoises. We were taught about different plants as well. If you like tours which respect nature, I sincerely recommend.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 28 April 2024
  • aubiac
    26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very important for everyone to visit
    Really interesting and knowledgable guide whose name I didn’t catch! Really good value for money with a lovely boat ride across the turquoise sea. Plenty of time given to see and hear about the important work being done to protect the endemic species Keep up the excellent work it’s so important for future generations Thank you for a lovely 2 hours
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 May 2024
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4.5
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T+J
Yorkshire82 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023
This is a great trip with a strong conservation ethos. We love doing wildlife and nature stuff, but are often concerned that commercial trips aren't very ethical; here, you're being toured by the island's own conservation group, who also manage the island and its eco-recovery. They also plough any profits from the trips and gift shop back into the conservation effort.
Our guide Julia was knowledgeable and friendly, and we walked at a relaxed pace which was good for me as I'm not very fast. The terrain is bumpy with rocks and roots, but not difficult if you can walk unaided ( if you have more significant mobility issues you might want to email ahead for advice; I did, and received a prompt helpful response). We saw amazing tortoise nurseries, and adults roaming wild, and also a skink, geckos, pink pigeon and Mauritian fody. Julia took great care to ensure everyone managed to see the wild birds, which is not easy when they're zipping about the bushes. She also told us how sensitive tortoise shells are (much thinner than you think, and with nerves right underneath) which made me sad that other local animal parks have people riding on them (!) but I am glad to know. We were able to stroke them gently, which was incredible.
It is very, very hot on Ile aux Aigrettes; hotter than the main island; water and hats are essential. There is a little shade but not consistently.
I would heartily recommend this trip and plan to book another one with this group.
Written 12 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Paul L
68 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
This would be a 5 star but cages too small for bats. Amazing location guide was very knowledgeable but don't let the initial spiel fool you when they want you to book, it's pretty but there are only tortoises to see, bats are locked up in a small cage and other birds fly free (as they should) so rare glimpses. They do some great work there but i don't like tiny cages for animals.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

milcv
Nottingham, UK398 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
We took the eco tour over to the island with the official Mauritian wildlife foundation, which you book via their website. This trip allows you actually into the interior of the island where a very knowledgeable guide takes you around the habit showing you the various flora and fauna - this also included talks on the species that were endemic to the islands but are now sadly extinct. However there was plenty of live wildlife to be seen, including the highlights of the wild Aldabra Giant Tortoises with 'Big Daddy' being a favourite, birds such as the pink pigeon and Mauritiun Dody and trees like endangered Ebony.
Beautiful place, and a great trip would definitely recommend.
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kanchana
84 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Couples
Île aux Aigrettes is a product of the honest effort taken by a group of dedicated people to protect the endemic flora and fauna of Mauritius; the evidence is there for all to see! After a 5-minute boat ride from Pointe Jerome, we were taken on a rewarding 1.5-hour long walk around the island by our guide, Mr Stefan. Some of the species we were fortunate enough to see were Mauritian fody, Mauritian flying fox, Pink pigeon, Telfair’s skink, Aldabra giant tortoise, Mauritius ornate day gecko, Vacoas tree, Ebony, Bottle palm, Bois boeuf, Bois de pomme and huge orchids growing on trees. We also saw the life-like bronze statues of a few of the extinct species of Mauritius placed along the trail (Dodo, Mauritius scops owl, Mauritian giant skink, and Domed Mauritius giant tortoise) – poignant reminders about the delicate balance of our ecosystem and the need to protect it.
The only roadblock on the visit was our language of communication. Speaking French would have made it much easier to understand and appreciate the names of the trees and such! Nevertheless, Mr Stefan earnestly and patiently tried to address all our queries and we had a great time on the island.
We booked our tickets in advance through the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) website, and reached Pointe Jerome 15 minutes prior. Though the walk itself is slow-paced through gradually sloping terrain, it is recommended to carry a bottle of water (food is not allowed), and wear shoes as there may be rocks along the path. Best to apply a mosquito repellent as well!
Written 2 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

NicJoT
38 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Family
Yesterday we had a full day Conservation trip to Ile aux Aigrettes. Absolutely fantastic!
Julia was our guide who was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the island and how the volunteers are trying to bring back some of the native species to the island. We had a tour round the island and saw the Pink Pidgeon, Olive White Eye, Ebony Trees and of course the giant tortoises who roam the island. The 'stud' of tortoises - Big Daddy followed us around wanting a back rub!
We helped plant some palm trees with Pascal who was telling my husband all sorts of gardening tips.
The highlight has got to be feeding and measuring the baby tortoises 🐢. They were so cute!
Lunch was included and of course a visit to the gift shop.
The trip there and back in a speed boat was exciting too.
Overall a fantastic day we'll remember forever.
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Davide R
Lissone, Italy47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
A small island that can be reached in a few minutes by boat crossing a lagoon that is nothing short of spectacular for the colors of the sea and the view of Mauritius. The flora and fauna conservation project is well structured and the guides are expert and kind. Absolutely recommended visit! (I recommend bringing some rupees to shop in the shop at the end of the tour; the items are nice, cheap, and above all the proceeds help support the project)
Google
Written 10 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Roberta
Milan, Italy277 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
We really enjoyed our visit. We had a wonderful guide who gave us a lot of very interesting information on the island, but also on the natural environment and the history of Mauritius. She was clearly very passionate about her work, very clear and always ready to answer our questions. It was exciting to 'meet' the giant turtles and several rare birds.
We really appreciated the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation's hard work to reintroduce endangered species and their efforts to spread awareness about the unicity of Mauritian's wildlife. Well done!
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Azul63
Milan, Italy319 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
Very nice trip, organized by the managers of the reserve. You have to book and then you go to the meeting point (small wooden bungalow, without services, which are on the island) where you pay for the visit, which includes boat transport and guided tour. You will see turtles, which are lovingly raised and then released free), bats and then the pink pigeon. It is a naturalistic visit and you cannot see the beaches. Unfortunately we found the weather terrifying, with rain and cold, but we enjoyed the trip a lot
Google
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Livia F
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Family
Very interesting visit, we did the VIP tour, it was just us (with a 6-year-old child) so the Guide kept up with us explaining many things about evolution, extinction and insertion of species in an environment. Beautiful to see the animals free in their environment! The commitment to maintaining the original habitat also shines through
Automatically translated
Written 21 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nadine S
Frankfurt6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Family
The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) tour to Ile aux Aigrettes is a must to explore Mauritius’ roots since you learn a lot about the original flora and fauna but also about its history.

We took the 90- minutes Eco tour which takes around 2 hours with the boat rides included. Our guide Rosa was very engaged in telling us about the (baby) turtles, flying foxes and different bird species living on the island. She also explained why certain animal species went extinct and what the MWF does to protect the remaining species. As we walked around the island, we also learnt a lot about trees and plants and how they are grown.

The island is quite rocky and you have to walk most of the time, which should not be a problem if you’re moderately fit and keep well hydrated. We took our 3- and 6-year old children and at least the older one managed to do the entire tour walking 😉
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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ILE AUX AIGRETTES NATURE RESERVE (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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