Visit to Ile Aux Aigrettes – 2 hours

Description

Schedule 

Meeting Point: Pointe Jérôme, South-East Mauritius

Duration: 1h30 – 2h00 Daily

Departures: 9:30 AM · 10:30 AM · 1:30 PM · 2:00 PM

Sail across to Île aux Aigrettes, one of the last surviving coastal forests in Mauritius and once a natural habitat of the Dodo. This guided nature excursion offers a full immersion into the island’s endemic flora and fauna, along with an inside look at the conservation programs protecting the south-east coast of Mauritius. Led by expert naturalist guides, this tour is a must for wildlife lovers.

Highlights 

✔️ Scenic boat crossing from Pointe Jérôme to Île aux Aigrettes

✔️ Professional bilingual guide (English & French)

✔️ Spot the Pink Pigeon, a critically endangered species

✔️ Encounter the Mauritius Kestrel, an endemic bird of prey saved from extinction

✔️ Come face-to-face with century-old giant tortoises (Aldabra & Mauritian species)

✔️ Discover rare, endangered skinks found nowhere else on Earth

✔️ Explore rare endemic plants, native trees, and orchids

✔️ Multiple daily departures, available year-round

✔️ An educational experience showcasing ongoing conservation work

Did You Know? 

🐦 The Pink Pigeon is one of the rarest birds in the world, brought back from the brink of extinction through dedicated conservation efforts.

🦅 The Mauritius Kestrel once numbered just four individuals in the wild, today it stands as one of the world’s greatest conservation success stories.

🐢 Some of the giant tortoises on the island are over 100 years old.

🌿 During World War II, the British used Île aux Aigrettes as a military base, clearing much of its original forest. Thanks to intensive restoration efforts, the island is now a global model for species reintroduction programs.

What’s Included

• Professional naturalist guide (English & French)
• Full safety briefing and wildlife interaction guidelines
• Round-trip scenic boat transfer
• Access to the Île aux Aigrettes nature reserve
• Wildlife photography opportunities
• Educational insight into ongoing conservation programs
• Access to the gift shop (proceeds support the island’s conservation)

What’s Not Included

• Round-trip transport to Pointe Jérôme (pick-up & drop-off available at extra cost)
• Meals and refreshments
• Personal expenses and souvenirs

What to Bring

🧴 Sunscreen & hat

🦟 Insect repellent

👟 Comfortable walking shoes 

👕 Light clothing

💧 Water bottle

📷 Camera

🩱 Towel and extra clothes

🎒 Small backpack for personal belongings

Itinerary

→ Welcome & Briefing: Meet your guide for an introduction to the island and its conservation program.

→ Guided Tour: Discover endemic flora and fauna, including the tortoise nursery, native birds, and endemic         reptiles.

→ Conservation Programme: Depending on the day’s schedule, learn about ongoing species conservation           work,  with the possible chance to take part in certain activities.

→ Tour Conclusion: Visit the museum dedicated to the extinct species of the Mascarene Islands before                 stopping by the gift shop.

Safety Guidelines

• Inform your guide of any medical conditions
• Do not touch or feed the wildlife without authorization
• Stay on marked trails and wear suitable footwear
• Stay hydrated throughout the visit
• Activities may be adjusted depending on weather conditions
• Follow all conservation guidelines to help protect wildlife
• Keep to marked paths only
• Alcohol consumption before the activity is not recommended
• Leave all your valuable objects in your car
• Arrival at least 15 minutes before departure is strongly recommended
• Late arrivals may result in loss of your reservation without refund

Why Choose This Excursion?

⭐ An authentic, science-based experience alongside real conservation biologists

⭐ A unique historical site, restored to reflect its natural state from over 400 years ago

⭐ Active conservation work ongoing since 1985, directly supported by your visit

⭐ A complete nature experience of tortoises, birds, reptiles, botany, and museum

Booking & Cancellation

Advance booking is recommended

Available between 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Punctuality required at the meeting point (see Safety section)

Itinerary subject to change based on weather conditions

For changes or cancellations, please contact our team before booking