Plizio Visual Lab

Flat Island

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Flat Island, known locally as Île Plate, is the largest of the northern islets off the coast of Mauritius. It is characterized by its extensive flat limestone plateau, which gives the island its name, and a single prominent hill. Historically, the island served a somber purpose as a quarantine station during the 19th century to prevent the spread of diseases from arriving immigrants. The historical lighthouse, built in 1855 and still operational today, stands atop the hill as a testament to the island's maritime importance. Nowadays, Flat Island is a premier destination for day-trippers arriving by catamaran from Grand Baie. It gives pristine white sandy beaches and shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters well-suited for snorkeling and swimming. Adventurous divers are drawn to the 'Shark Pit' located nearby, a world-renowned dive site where several species of sharks can be observed in high concentrations. The island remains largely uninhabited and undeveloped, preserving its wild natural beauty and serving as an important sanctuary for various sea bird species, including the tropicbird.

Location: Mauritius
Nearby: Grand Gaube (8 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	28	27	27	25	24	23	23	23	24	25	26
Rain mm	128	116	122	67	41	29	26	21	24	29	29	44

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Flat Island is an uninhabited island reachable only by boat trip. Visitors can explore the sandy beaches and the historic lighthouse building, but not its interior.

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Typical hours

No fixed opening hours; boat trips typically operate during daylight. The best time is morning to avoid heat and afternoon winds.

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Photography

Photography is allowed all over the island, especially the pristine beaches and the lighthouse are popular subjects. Bring a waterproof camera bag, as the boat ride can be wet.

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Time needed

A trip to Flat Island including boat ride takes about three to four hours. Time spent on the island itself is usually one to two hours.

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Combine with

Combine the tour with a visit to nearby Gabriel Island or Coin de Mire. Many boat operators also offer snorkeling trips to the reefs.

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Getting there

Flat Island is reached by boat or catamaran from Grand Baie. Book a guided tour in advance, as private landings are seldom allowed.

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Insider tip

Bring snorkeling gear, as the waters around the island are rich in marine life. Wear sturdy footwear for the rocky path to the lighthouse.