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Ile aux Aigrettes

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Île aux Aigrettes is a 26-hectare limestone island located in the Mahebourg Bay, off the southeast coast of Mauritius. It is managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and serves as a sanctuary for the last remnants of the island's dry coastal forest. Since the 1980s, massive efforts have been undertaken to remove invasive species and restore the original ecosystem. The island is now home to rare endemic species such as the pink pigeon, the Mauritius fody, and Aldabra giant tortoises. Geographically, the island's coral limestone structure differs significantly from the volcanic mainland of Mauritius. The reserve functions as an open-air museum for biodiversity and provides crucial data for conservation biology in the Indian Ocean. Scientists utilize the island's isolated location to study the survival of endangered populations within a protected environment. Protecting this fragile ecosystem is of central importance for the preservation of the natural heritage of Mauritius.

Location: Mauritius
Top sights: Île aux Aigrettes · Pointe d'Esny Public Beach · Ile aux Aigrettes - Booking
Nearby: Plaine Magnien (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	27	26	25	23	22	22	23	24	25	26
Rain mm	127	113	124	79	47	32	28	26	29	31	34	48

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time to visit is the winter season (May to September) on Mauritius when temperatures are mild. Giant tortoises and rare birds are active year-round, but the drier months make observation easier.

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Best time of day

Early morning brings the highest bird activity and tortoises emerge from their resting spots. Late afternoon tortoises return to feeding stations, offering excellent photo opportunities.

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Etiquette

Do not touch the giant tortoises and only feed them with the food provided by the wardens. Stay on designated paths to protect the island’s delicate vegetation and nesting sites.

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What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat are essential on the sunny island. A camera with macro or telephoto lens is good for capturing rare birds and tortoises.

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Getting there

Ile aux Aigrettes is a small coral island off Mauritius, accessible only by boat. Guided tours depart from Pointe d'Esny and must be booked in advance.

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What to expect

Rare birds like the Mauritius olive white-eye are shy and may not appear immediately. Sit quietly on a bench and wait for the wildlife to resume its normal activities around you.

Geography

Coordinates

-20.42100, 57.73200

Facts

The island is composed entirely of coral limestone.
It covers an area of exactly 26 hectares.
The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation took over management in 1984.
It hosts the only wild population of Telfair's skinks.
Over 20 endemic plant species have been successfully reintroduced.
The island is situated only 800 meters off the coast of Mahebourg.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Olivier1 km · EExplore →

Battle of Vieux Grand Port Monument3 km · SExplore →

Fort Frederik Hendrik3 km · EExplore →

Ile des Deux Cocos3 km · SWExplore →

Vieux Grand Port Ruins4 km · SEExplore →

Ile de la Passe4 km · NExplore →

Pointe du Diable Battery6 km · NEExplore →

Ile de la Passe Fortifications6 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Ile aux Aigrettes (6)

Île aux Aigrettes

Island in Mauritius. Nature reserve with endemic plants and rare bird species.

Pointe d'Esny Public Beach

Public beach at Pointe d'Esny. Shallow water, convenient for swimming.

Ile aux Aigrettes - Booking

Booking desk and visitor centre for trips to Île aux Aigrettes.

🌐 mauritian-wildlife.org🕒 Mo-Sa 09:00-16:00; Su 09:00-12:00

Pointe d'Esny Beach

Sandy beach at Pointe d'Esny. Quiet bay with clear water.

Waterfront Mahebourg

Viewpoint on the Mahebourg waterfront. Overlooks the bay and islands.

Blue Bay Public Beach

Public beach in Blue Bay. Popular for snorkeling and sunbathing.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How to reach the island?

Possible only via the official boat shuttle.

Is a guide mandatory?

Yes, a guided tour is necessary for nature conservation.

What can be seen here?

Rare plants and endemic giant tortoises.

Is swimming allowed?

No, it is a strictly protected nature reserve.

How long does the visit take?

Expect about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Ile aux Aigrettes: where is it located?

Ile aux Aigrettes is located in Mauritius.

Ile aux Aigrettes: what is there to see?

Highlights include Île aux Aigrettes, Pointe d'Esny Public Beach, Ile aux Aigrettes - Booking.

Ile aux Aigrettes: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Ile aux Aigrettes: why is it worth visiting?

Île aux Aigrettes is a 26-hectare limestone island located in the Mahebourg Bay, off the southeast coast of Mauritius.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →