Best waterfalls in Mauritius: top 7 places worth seeing

Mauritius - is an island of volcanic origin, which is why its landscape is so distinctive. Picturesque mountains stand alongside steep slopes and plateaus, while fast rivers form impressive cascades. A trip to the waterfalls of Mauritius is a great option for an active day on the island and a chance to add adventures in tropical nature to a beach holiday.

We will tell you which waterfalls in Mauritius are worth visiting, how to get there and what to consider when planning your trip.

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Which waterfalls in Mauritius are worth visiting

Mauritius has very different waterfalls that tourists enjoy exploring. Chamarel is convenient to view from an observation deck, Tamarin and Eau Bleue are suitable for trekking and canyoning, while Grand River South East is usually reached by boat. The underwater waterfall near Le Morne can only be seen from the air.

Chamarel Waterfall

Chamarel Waterfall, formed by the Saint Denis River, is the most recognisable and the highest single-drop waterfall on the island. Streams of water fall from a vertical basalt cliff about 100 metres high, disappearing into a dense amphitheatre of tropical forest. This place is worth visiting not only because of the height of the cascade, but also because of the unique microclimate of the gorge.

Chamarel is part of the Seven Coloured Earth, which, in addition to the famous Seven Coloured Earth, has observation decks, a tortoise park, a cafe and a souvenir shop. It is ideal for a family trip around Mauritius. For those looking for more adventure, there is trekking to the foot of the mountain, where you can swim in a natural pool.

The geopark is open all year round without days off. The ticket costs 800 rupees for an adult and 400 rupees for a child aged 5-11. Children under 5 can visit the location free of charge.

Nearby hotels: Chamarel Mountain Chalets, Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge.

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Tamarin Waterfalls

Tamarin is located in the central part of Mauritius. It is also known as 7 Cascades. This is a deep canyon gorge where the Tamarin River drops down in a series of waterfalls.

Here Mauritius appears in its pristine form. Instead of manicured golf courses, there are dense thickets complemented by basalt cliffs. This is a place for those who value the process, not only the result. Here you will climb over tree roots, jump from rocks into the water and pass through curtains of water. Good physical fitness is therefore required for the route, although the route itself is considered medium in difficulty.

For safety, a guide is necessary here. Without a guide, it is easy to lose the way or reach dangerous sections of the cliff. Excursions usually offer two options:

• Half day - the route covers the first 3-5 waterfalls, which is usually enough for most tourists.
• Full day - a challenge for the hardy, involving a descent to the very bottom of the gorge and a return up a steep climb.

The cost of a group tour starts from 50 euros per person for half a day.

Professional canyoning is organised at Tamarin Waterfalls. Such an excursion may include rock climbing, abseiling, jumping and swimming. The cost starts from 75 euros.

Hotels nearby: 7 Cascades Restaurant Bar & Lodges, Raj Adventures Hideaway.

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Alexandra Falls

If Tamarin is about adrenaline, Alexandra Falls is about contemplation and scale. This waterfall, named after Queen Alexandra, is part of Black River Gorges National Park, and represents a classic high-altitude viewpoint on the island. Here you stand on the observation deck watching thin white streams of water fall into the abyss, while behind them a turquoise strip of ocean glitters on the horizon.

No special preparation is required to visit the waterfall. The best time is the first half of the day to avoid the heat and clouds that may block the ocean view. It can be windier and several degrees cooler here than on the coast, so bringing a light sweater is a good idea.

The most convenient way to reach the waterfall observation deck is by car, taxi or organised excursion. The sacred Hindu lake Grand Bassin is nearby, so these locations can easily be combined into one route.

There is parking nearby and small stalls with local street food. Visiting the waterfall is free.

Hotels nearby: Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge, Heritage Le Telfair, Shanti Maurice - A Nira Resort.

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Rochester Falls

Unlike the previous waterfalls, this one is not high, but it is powerful and wide. Rochester's main feature is its wall made of rectangular basalt columns. This is the result of lava cooling rapidly millions of years ago. The unique natural wall is compared to a church organ. The water does not simply fall down, but flows smoothly over these steps, creating the effect of "water stairs". Locals can often be seen making spectacular jumps here.

Visiting the waterfall is free. A dirt road through sugar cane plantations leads to it. After leaving the main road, follow the handmade signs. In rainy weather, it is better to walk the last 300-500 metres, as a car may get stuck.

Hotels nearby: Maison Rochester, Residence Des Cascades, Shanti Maurice - A Nira Resort, Heritage Awali, Kaz'alala Hosted B&B.

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Grand River South East Waterfall

This is a fairly popular route on the south-east coast of Mauritius. Unlike mountain waterfalls, there is no need to walk to GRSE. Visitors approach it by motorboat or catamaran. The waterfall is a powerful stream squeezed between high basalt cliffs, where wild macaques and bats can often be seen.

Visiting this waterfall is a standard part of a catamaran cruise to Île aux Cerfs. The boat enters the river mouth and comes as close as possible to the cascade so that you can feel the spray and take photos. Such an excursion costs about 50 euros.

Nearby hotels: Laguna Beach Hotel & Spa, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, Anahita Golf & Spa Resort, Shangri-La Le Touessrok.

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Eau Bleue Waterfalls

Eau Bleue Waterfall, also known as Cascade Rama, is a series of 5-6 cascades from 8 to 15 metres high, hidden among sugar cane plantations near the village of Cluny in the south-eastern part of Mauritius.

The name of the small waterfall translates as "blue water", and this is no exaggeration. Unlike most rivers on the island, which can become muddy after rain, the water in its pools keeps an azure shade because it is fed by underground springs. The main pool is a wide basin with water of such an intense turquoise colour that under certain lighting it can look as though there is illumination at the bottom.

The surrounding amphitheatre of lush greenery creates complete isolation from the outside world. Unlike, for example, the popular Chamarel, crowds are rarely found here. This is a place for those who value seclusion and the sounds of the jungle. The location is considered "secret" because there are no ticket offices, signs or paved paths here.

If visiting independently outside a tour, entrance is free. Walking excursions lasting 3-4 hours are offered, including rope descents and jumps into the water.

Hotels nearby: Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort, Holiday Inn Mauritius Mon Trésor.

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Underwater waterfall near Le Morne

The underwater waterfall is perhaps the most famous visual phenomenon in Mauritius. It is important to understand that technically it is not a waterfall, but an optical illusion created by nature. But the scale of the sight is impressive.

Mauritius is located on the edge of a huge oceanic plateau. Along the south-west coast, near the Le Morne peninsula, the depth drops sharply from 10-30 metres to more than 4,000 metres. Strong currents wash sand and silt from the shallow plateau and carry them into a deep ocean trench. From a bird's-eye view, it looks as if a colossal descending current is raging beneath the turquoise surface of the water and disappearing into the abyss. The difference in shades of water, from bright sapphire to deep indigo, enhances the impression of a three-dimensional waterfall.

It is important to note that the illusion is practically invisible from the shore, from a yacht or even from the top of Le Morne mountain. To see the "waterfall", you need to look at it vertically from above.

The most reliable way is a helicopter or seaplane flight. It is one of the VIP excursions on the island. Pilots know the ideal viewing angle and, depending on the duration of the excursion, can make several circles above the waterfall. The approximate cost starts from 170 euros for a 15-minute seaplane flight.

Nearby hotels: The St. Regis Le Morne Resort, LUX Le Morne, Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa.

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What you need to know before visiting the waterfalls of Mauritius

The power of the waterfalls and the condition of the routes can change depending on the season and amount of rainfall, so it is best to check current conditions shortly before your trip. For trekking and independent visits, it is useful to bring:

• hiking or sports shoes with good grip and closed toes;
• comfortable clothing and a light jacket or raincoat;
• sunscreen and a hat;
• insect repellent;
• water and a light snack;
• a swimsuit and towel.

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