Discover Mauritius’ Islets and Accommodation Options

Mauritius’ tropical climate makes it the perfect destination for exploring its stunning islets, each offering unique adventures for the whole family. From relaxing beaches to rare wildlife, these hidden gems are a must-see for anyone visiting the island.

To make the most of your visit, selecting the right hotels in Mauritius as your base is essential. Whether you prefer luxury beachfront resorts, eco-friendly lodges, or boutique hideaways, the island’s accommodation aligns perfectly with your island-hopping itinerary.

Throughout this guide, you’ll find recommendations on accommodations, logistics for reaching each islet, activity suggestions, dining options and wildlife encounters. Integrate your stay at one of the finest hotels in Mauritius with expertly planned day trips to ensure lasting memories for the whole family.

Île aux Cerfs: The Premier East Coast Excursion

Overview and Accessibility

Located off the east coast at Trou d’Eau Douce, Ile aux Cerfs features a crescent-shaped lagoon and fine white-sand beaches. Boat transfers take just 15–20 minutes and are often included in half- or full-day excursions.

Activities and Marine Life

Choose from parasailing, snorkelling, speedboat rides and stand-up paddleboarding. The coral reefs teem with colourful fish, while glass-bottom boat trips offer a dry-feet alternative for marine exploration.

Dining and Local Vendors

On-beach vendors sell handmade wicker baskets, shell jewellery and local jams. Guide-prepared meals include grilled fish, fresh salads, tropical fruits and vegetarian dishes.

Nearby Hotels in Mauritius

• Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita: Private speedboat transfers and lagoon-view suites.
• Constance Belle Mare Plage: Experience island-hopping trips and beachfront rooms.
• LUX Belle Mare: Beach shuttle service and a dedicated kids’ club on the islet.

Île aux Bénitiers: Scenic Beaches and Crystal Rock

Getting There and Boat Tours

Accessible via a 45-minute boat ride from Black River, trips to Ile aux Bénitiers often include a stop at Crystal Rock, a dramatic volcanic formation rising from the lagoon.

Crystal Rock: A Natural Landmark

Surrounded by shallow turquoise waters, Crystal Rock is perfect for photographs and snorkelling. Guides share insights on its volcanic origins and local legends.

Beach Activities

Enjoy long swims, sandcastle building and kayaking. Equipment rentals at the landing point make it easy for families to get started.

Nearby Hotels in Mauritius

• JW Marriott Mauritius Resort: Guided excursions and spacious suites.
• Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort: Guided excursions and spacious suites.
• Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa and Dinarobin Beachcomber: Guided excursions and spacious suites.

Île aux Aigrettes: A Wildlife Sanctuary

Conservation and Guided Tours

Six hundred metres off the southeast coast, Ile aux Aigrettes is managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation to protect endemic species. Visits are strictly by guided tour to minimise impact.

Flora and Fauna Highlights

Encounter Aldabra giant tortoises, day geckos and the once-critically endangered Mauritian pink pigeon. Learn about habitat restoration and participate in tree-planting sessions.

Nearby Hotels in Mauritius

• Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa: Exclusive beachfront villas
• Ambre Resort & Spa: Adults-only property with conservation-inclusive tours.

Ilot Gabriel: Serene North Coast Getaway

Beach Bliss and Coral Reefs

Fringed by coral gardens, Ilot Gabriel offers calm snorkelling conditions and beginner-level water sports. Visits are usually part of a Grand Baie harbour cruise.

Relaxation and Water Sports

Sun loungers beneath thatched umbrellas line the shore, while paddle boarding and pedalos keep active families entertained.

Family-Friendly Dining Options

Beachside grills serve freshly caught seafood, rice salads, tropical smoothies and vegetarian wraps. Children’s menus include grilled chicken skewers and homemade ice cream.

Nearby Hotels in Mauritius

• Veranda Grand Baie Hotel & Spa: Complimentary shuttle and half-day islet excursions.
• Zilwa Attitude Hotel: Personalised tour desks
• Paradise Cove Hotel: Personalised tour desks

You can also learn more here on Mauritius northern island

Île Plate (Flat Island)

Overview and Heritage

About 11 km north of Cap Malheureux, Île Plate (Flat Island) rises to 95 m and once served as a quarantine station. Remnants of its old lighthouse and burial grounds remain visible.

Diving and Snorkelling

Sharing a reef with Ilot Gabriel, its calm waters host vibrant coral gardens. Divers visit “The Shark Pit” near Pigeon Rock to observe reef sharks in their natural environment.

Logistics and Tours

Catamarans and speedboats depart from Grand Baie or Cap Malheureux, often combining Île Plate with stops at Coin de Mire and Ilot Gabriel. Many trips include a beach barbecue.

Île Ronde (Round Island)

Conservation and Access

Some 22.5 km northeast of Mauritius, Île Ronde is a protected reserve managed by the National Parks and Conservation Service. Access is by permit only, reserved for scientific and conservation visits.

Flora and Fauna

Home to the Round Island skink, Round Island day gecko and endemic boa, restoration programmes since the 1970s have removed invasive species, allowing native flora to flourish.

Historical Note

Nearby waters saw the inconclusive Battle of Île Ronde between British and French squadrons on 22 October 1794, adding a layer of maritime heritage.

Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin)

Geological Landmark

Rising sharply to 163 m and covering 0.65 km², Coin de Mire sits 8 km off the north coast. Early sailors used its profile as a navigational reference.

Wildlife and Conservation

A protected reserve, it shelters nesting seabirds and cliff-dwelling plants. Landing is prohibited to preserve its fragile ecosystem.

Viewing and Boat Tours

Boat trips from Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux circumnavigate the Coin De Mire Islet, offering photography and occasional whale-watching opportunities.

Île aux Serpents (Serpent Island)

Geological Features

This rocky cone, 0.32 km² in size and 162 m high, is part of the northern islet chain—despite its name, it’s free of snakes.

Unique Fauna

The Serpent Island gecko and the centipede Scolopendra abnormis are endemic here. Thousands of seabirds also nest on its slopes.

Visiting Tips

Tours from Grand Baie include guided commentary on conservation efforts. Wear sturdy shoes for the brief landing and bring binoculars for birdwatching.

Planning Your Island-Hopping Adventure

Best Time to Visit

April to June and September to November offer minimal rainfall, temperatures of 24–28 °C and lower humidity—ideal for beach days and wildlife spotting.

Booking Hotels in Mauritius

• Early-Bird Offers: Book four to six months ahead for discounted rates.
• Package Deals: Look for combined hotel and excursion packages that include transfers and meals.
• Direct Reservations: Contact hotels directly to request upgrades or complimentary amenities.

Packing Essentials

• Sun Protection: Reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat and UV-protected sunglasses.
• Footwear: Reef-walking shoes and sturdy sandals.
• Insect Repellent: For early-morning wildlife tours.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Many resorts offer refill stations to reduce plastic waste.

FAQs: Exploring Mauritius’ Islets

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