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Flat Island Quarantine Station

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ruins
—°1
Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)

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The ruins of the quarantine station on Flat Island (Île Plate) offer a somber look into the migration history of Mauritius during the 19th century. Established in the 1850s, the station was used to isolate indentured laborers arriving mainly from India to work in the sugar industry, ensuring that diseases like smallpox and cholera did not reach the mainland. The site still contains the remnants of stone hospitals, living quarters, and a cemetery, which are slowly being reclaimed by the island's vegetation. In addition to these ruins, Flat Island is home to a historic white lighthouse that remains operational to this day. Since the island is uninhabited and protected, it is only accessible via boat trips from Grand Baie. It serves as a poignant reminder of the hardships faced by early immigrants amidst a stunningly beautiful and isolated marine environment.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272827272524232323242526
Rain mm128116122674129262124292944

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The ruins of the quarantine station on Flat Island are freely accessible, but there are no facilities or tours. The site is an open area you can explore at your own pace.
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Typical hours
Since the ruins are outdoors, there are no opening hours. Best visited during a daytime boat trip when the light is good.
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Photography
Photography is allowed without restrictions. The crumbling walls and surrounding vegetation provide interesting subjects for history and nature photography.
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Time needed
Visiting the ruins takes about 20-30 minutes. If exploring the whole island, allow for a total of two hours on Flat Island.
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Combine with
The quarantine station is on Flat Island, so the visit automatically combines with exploring the island and the lighthouse. Snorkeling around the nearby reefs is also possible.
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Getting there
Flat Island is reachable only by boat. Most tours depart from Grand Baie. Book an organized boat trip that includes a stop at the ruins.
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Insider tip
Bring a flashlight to explore darker corners of the ruins. Watch out for loose stones and uneven ground - sturdy footwear is recommended.

Geography

Coordinates
-19.87890, 57.65280

Facts

  • The station was put into operation in 1856.
  • It primarily served for the quarantine of immigrants from India.
  • The buildings were constructed using stone and coral limestone.
  • There are several cemeteries for victims of epidemics on the island.
  • The station was significantly expanded in the 1870s.
  • Today, the remains are mostly overgrown by vegetation.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Flat IslandFlat Island<1 km · NEExplore →
Coin de Mire (Gunner's Quoin)Coin de Mire (Gunner's Quoin)6 km · SWExplore →
Notre Dame de l'AuxiliatriceNotre Dame de l'Auxiliatrice7 km · SWExplore →
Grand GaubeGrand Gaube7 km · WExplore →
Petit RaffrayPetit Raffray9 km · SWExplore →
GoodlandsGoodlands9 km · WExplore →
St. Geran MonumentSt. Geran Monument9 km · NWExplore →
PereyberePereybere10 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Flat Island Quarantine Station (1)

Île Plate📍 landmark

The uninhabited island served as a quarantine station for arriving ships in the 19th century.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the quarantine station?
A historical site for disease control in the 19th century.
Can one visit the ruins?
Yes, the ruins are part of a boat excursion.
How to get to Flat Island?
By catamaran from Grand Baie.
Is there shade on the island?
Very little, sun protection is essential.
Is snorkeling good there?
Yes, the water around the island is very clear.
Flat Island Quarantine Station: where is it located?
Flat Island Quarantine Station is located in Mauritius.
Flat Island Quarantine Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Flat Island Quarantine Station: why is it worth visiting?
The ruins of the quarantine station on Flat Island (Île Plate) offer a somber look into the migration history of Mauritius during the 19th century.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Port Louis — Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)
Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius and the country's economic hub.
Vacoas-Phoenix — Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)
Vacoas-Phoenix
Vacoas-Phoenix is one of the most populous municipalities in Mauritius.
Vacoas — Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)
Vacoas
Vacoas is located in the heart of the island and is known for its cooler temperatures.
Bassin — Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)
Bassin
Bassin is a residential village in the Plaines Wilhems district, near Quatre Bornes.
Beau Bassin — Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)
Beau Bassin
Beau Bassin is part of the larger Beau Bassin-Rose Hill urban area in the center of the island.
Curepipe — Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)
Curepipe
Curepipe, also known as 'La Ville Lumière', is the highest town in Mauritius.
Triolet — Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)
Triolet
Triolet is one of the longest villages on the island, located in northern Mauritius.
Goodlands — Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)
Goodlands
Goodlands is a bustling village in northern Mauritius that serves as an important economic hub for the region.
Bel Air Rivière Sèche — Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)
Bel Air Rivière Sèche
Bel Air Rivière Sèche is a large village in eastern Mauritius.
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Centre de Flacq
Centre de Flacq is the main village of the Flacq district in eastern Mauritius.
Mahébourg — Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)
Mahébourg
Mahébourg is a historic coastal town in the southeast of the island.
Olivier — Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)
Olivier
Olivier is a small village in the Grand Port district.
Saint Pierre — Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)
Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre is a centrally located village in the Moka district.
Le Hochet — Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)
Le Hochet
Le Hochet is a densely populated village in the Pamplemousses district, just north of the capital Port Louis.
Riche Terre — Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)
Riche Terre
Riche Terre is located on the outskirts of Port Louis.

History & landmarks

Curepipe Town Hall — Flat Island Quarantine Station (Mauritius)
Curepipe Town Hall
A fine example of colonial wooden architecture in the center of Curepipe.