Mauritius’ Underwater Waterfall
Explore the fascinating phenomenon of an underwater waterfall off the southwest coast of Mauritius. From above, it appears as though water cascades into the ocean depths, but this natural wonder is actually an optical illusion created by the flow of sand and silt over the edge of an underwater plateau. Here’s what you need to know about this unique spectacle.
Is There Really an Underwater Waterfall in Mauritius?
While Mauritius is home to many stunning waterfalls, the underwater waterfall is unlike anything you’ve seen before. It’s not water tumbling down, but rather sand and silt being pushed by ocean currents off the edge of the Mascarene Islands’ submarine plateau, creating the illusion of a waterfall beneath the sea.
How Does It Work?
Mauritius, along with nearby islands like La Reunion and Rodrigues, was formed by volcanic activity around 8 million years ago. The island sits on a shallow ocean shelf that suddenly drops off to depths exceeding 4,000 meters. The underwater waterfall illusion is created by sand and silt being swept off this steep drop-off by strong ocean currents.
Where Can You See the Underwater Waterfall?
This captivating sight is located just offshore from the Le Morne Peninsula, which is also home to the towering Le Morne Brabant Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, including rare plant species like the Mandrinette and Boucle D’Oreille, the national flower of Mauritius.
How Can You Experience It?
For a glimpse of this phenomenon, you can hike up Le Morne Brabant, where the view from the 500-meter peak offers a rough outline of the underwater waterfall. However, to truly appreciate the spectacle, take to the skies. Helicopter tours provide a bird’s-eye view of the Le Morne Peninsula and the dazzling lagoon, allowing you to fully grasp this natural wonder. Alternatively, for an adventurous twist, you can charter a private seaplane and enjoy the thrill of a water take-off before soaring over the island.
