Hidden Gems of East Mauritius: Ile aux Aigrettes Tour with Lunch

Overview

Discover the East of Mauritius on this 8-hour private tour combining nature, culture, and history. Your journey begins with a boat transfer across the turquoise lagoon to Île aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, where you will explore this unique island and discover endemic plants and animals found only in Mauritius. Next, visit the Mahebourg National History Museum, where fascinating exhibits reveal the island’s rich heritage and the story of the famous dodo. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to the scenic Mahebourg Waterfront, offering stunning views of the lagoon and Lion Mountain, and see the monument commemorating the historic naval battle of Grand Port. Stroll through the lively Mahebourg Market to experience the vibrant local culture. Then head to the Frederik Hendrik Museum, showcasing remnants of the first human settlement in Mauritius, before ending at Pointe Canon, a historic viewpoint known for its cannons and panoramic views over the bay.

Itinerary

1. Mahebourg

   Begin your 8 hours East tour with a hotel pick-up at your accommodation anywhere in Mauritius. You will meet and be greeted by our certified guide and after boarding to your comfortable vehicle, then set off for your first stop which is a visit to Ile aux Aigrettes Island

   · 15 min

2. Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve

   Afterward, continue to Ile aux Aigrettes, a tiny coral island just off the coast of the town of Mahebourg. The island has been declared a nature conservation site & is being preserved by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. The boat trip to Ile aux Aigrette departs from Pointe Jerome. You will discover Ile aux Aigrettes & enjoy original Mauritian nature with an expert guide alongside leading the way. You will discover plants & animals, unique to Mauritius & found nowhere else in the world. Some of them have come close to extinction like the pink pigeon, a bird that was in danger of extinction for many years. You will also visit the indigenous plant nursery. When visiting Ile aux Aigrettes you will get to see breath-taking scenery of the South East of Mauritius and will be given a glimpse of the history of Mauritius. You will also get to see beautiful trees with strange names like Ox wood, Pipe wood, Rat wood, and Bottle palm. There is also the chance to see a rare orchid in full bloom.

   · 2 h· Admission included

3. Musée Historique et Naval

   Then, you'll head to a local restaurant to savor a 3-course lunch comprising Fresh Salads, Rice, Soups, chicken, fish & vegetables Then, head to Mahebourg to visit the National History Museum of Mauritius, which will take you into a historical journey of the island dating back to the 18th century. The Naval Museum of Mauritius contains the reminiscences of the French colonial empire. The interesting aspects of the Naval Museum lie not solely in its collection of exhibits, but also in its history as a building. It is worthwhile to see both the exterior of the building & the different exhibitions. In addition, you will also get to see exquisite artifacts of many other ships' wrecks. Some bones of an extinct species of Giant Tortoises & of the Dodo are displayed at the museum. These bones bear testimony to their existence until some few hundred years back.

   · 2 h· Admission included

4. Mahébourg Waterfront

   After some time, visit Mahebourg waterfront to know about the Culture and History of Mauritius which is very interesting. Located in the traditional Mauritian Village, the new Mahebourg Waterfront is ideal for a relaxing walk as well as a journey back in time taking part in the local Mauritian history! You will get the chance to see and learn more about the epic battle that was fought in this region. There is also the memorial known as Bataille de le Passe that pays homage to the fighters who lost their lives in the battle. You will get to see the panoramic view where the battle took place.

   · 40 min· Admission included

5. Then head to the mahebourg local market, is a spectacular sight for those who wish to experience the lively local culture. You will find amazing products here at a great bargain.The Mahebourg market was initially focusing on silks and textiles, but today you are sure to find a large variety of World of Seashells on offer. The market offers typical market products such as vegetables, fruits for the surrounding locals but also a wide variety of local handicrafts and souvenirs of the paradise island. One thing we surely advise you not to miss is the food. At the Mahebourg Market, you will have a large selection of food such as Briyani, Dholl Puri (lentils pancakes), Chinese Noodles or the very famous Gato Pima (fritter made with split pea). They make up for a delicious street food tasting, don’t worry we won’t tattle to your diet!

   · 40 min

6. On the way, we will go to to visit the Frederick Hendrick Museum. The Frederik Henrik Museum is a historical site which at present bears the remnants of the first human settlement in Mauritius. Located at Old Grand Port, this place is considered a historical site bearing witness to the Dutch and French colonial settlements in Mauritius, on the coast of south east Mauritius. The very first inhabitants of Mauritius, the Dutch, settled here to colonize the island. The museum is surrounded by a luxuriant tropical garden, includes a visitors’ centre with an exhibition of artifacts found during archaeological excavations in the area since 1997 and the remains of some ruins. They consist of building materials: stones, bricks, nails; military objects like musket balls, cannon balls, flint stones and many other interesting utilities.

   · 30 min· Admission included

7. Pointe Canon is an interesting place to go to have a nice overview of the different sites surrounding Mahebourg. You will see the imposing Lion Mountain that overlooks the sugar cane fields, Mouchoir Rouge islet, facing the waterfront, and Ile aux Aigrettes further north, a small protected island located in the lagoon and which is also a nature reserve. Pointe Canon is the place where the inhabitants of the region meet during events such as regattas and the commemoration of the abolition of slavery celebrations in February. You will see the panoramic view of the South East and the ocean.

   · 20 min· Admission included

8. Blue Bay

   With white, delicate sand and shade provided by the filaos, Blue Bay is very suitable for family outings and it remains true to its name by offering an amazing emerald blue water of pure beauty, a white sand beach surrounded by large casuarina trees. Blue Bay is also home to a marine park, ideal for snorkeling with an almost translucent clear water allowing you to rub shoulders with small colorful fish and abundant marine life that live among the many corals disperse in the lagoon.

   · 25 min

Pickup

Pickup included.

Thank you for booking with us! We provide hotel pick-up and drop-off all around Mauritius. Please mention or email us your hotel or accommodation location at the time of booking! Our representative will meet you at the reception. You will recognize him by his uniform and the "Freshverde Holiday badge."

How to use your ticket

What to know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Vegetarian meals available – please request when booking
• Children 3 years & under are free; notify if a infant seat is needed
• Inform us of any food allergies or illnesses
• Wear non-slip shoes and comfortable clothes

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Reviews

Product code: 87409P67

Activity offered by Freshverde Holidays via Viator.