Underwater waterfall and Chamarel sands - calling cards of Mauritius

Mauritius island, known first of all as a resort center with beaches, corals and lagoons, hides several unique natural phenomena that do not exist anywhere else in the world. And this is not an exaggeration for the flow of tourists at all, but truly fascinating places. Every traveler who goes to Mauritius should set the task of seeing the underwater waterfall and the seven-coloured sands of Chamarel, which have become the calling cards of Mauritius.

Depositphotos

Underwater waterfall of Mauritius

One of the most impressive attractions of Mauritius is located off the coast of the Le Morne Brabant peninsula. From a bird's-eye view, it seems as if a giant cascade has opened up in the ocean abyss, going down into the depths of the Earth.

Optical illusion

However, despite the name, this "underwater waterfall" is not a waterfall at all, but a unique optical illusion created by nature. The waters of the lagoon around the Le Morne Brabant peninsula fall over an underwater cliff, where strong ocean currents pick up geological rocks and carry them into deeper layers of the ocean. This creates the effect of cascading flows visible from above.

The illusion of the underwater waterfall is caused by the contrast of water colors: the shallow lagoon of a bright turquoise shade suddenly changes to darker ocean water. When currents carry sandy deposits along the edge of the underwater plateau, they form a visual stream. From the right angle, it looks strikingly realistic.

Depositphotos

How to see the underwater waterfall in Mauritius

You can see the "waterfall" in all its beauty only from above, from a helicopter or a seaplane. From the shore or from a boat you will notice only a beautiful turquoise lagoon. In addition to air tours, the effect can partly be seen from elevated points on the Le Morne Brabant cape.

There are several official operators on the island that offer a helicopter excursion to the Underwater Waterfall of Le Morne Brabant:

• Mauritius Helicopter Ltd. One of the largest licensed providers. Flights depart from the airport and from the resort area of Bel Ombre.
• Corail Hélicoptères. A Franco-Mauritian operator that makes departures from the resort village of Chamarel. Convenient if you stay in a hotel in the south of Mauritius.
• Private tours. For example WOW Tours Mauritius, Super Holidays Mauritius, Mauritius Attractions or GetYourGuide.

Depositphotos

How much does a flight with a view of the underwater waterfall cost

One of the not cheapest entertainments in Mauritius, nevertheless the price fully pays off with impressions.

• 15-minute flight to the waterfall - about 180-250 euros per person.
• 25-minute flight - about 250-300 euros per person.
• 35-45 minutes - up to 400-500 euros per person.

There is also a luxury travel format - an individual flight to the waterfall plus a route around the island.

Depositphotos

Chamarel geopark - 7 colours of earth

Chamarel 7 Coloured Earths is one of the brightest natural attractions of Mauritius. Like the Underwater Waterfall, the dunes are located in the south-western part of the island. They are a small area of land that shimmers with shades of red, brown, purple, green, blue, violet and yellow, creating otherworldly views.

The reason for the variety of shades lies in the changing chemical elements that are released during the weathering of volcanic rock. Iron is responsible for red and brown tones, and aluminum for blue and violet shades. Different shades are explained by the fact that many millennia ago the lava here cooled at different rates at different temperatures on the surface.

Geological feature of the Chamarel sands

The most amazing feature of the Chamarel sands is their ability not to mix. If you take a handful of sand of different colors and mix it, over time the particles will separate by color again. Scientists offer different views on this phenomenon, in particular, the separation of different colors is explained by the fact that particles of iron and aluminum in the sandy bands repel each other, but the exact mechanism of such separation is still a matter of discussion.

The seven-coloured sands are not a fixed color, but a living landscape that can change over time under the influence of rainfall and sunlight. For example, after rain or on cloudy days the colors may seem less bright. And on a dry sunny day the shades of the dunes are separated especially clearly.

Depositphotos

Chamarel waterfall

More about the waterfall located in the park, next to the seven-coloured sands. This is the highest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius, with a fall of about 100 meters. The waters of three streams merge into a river and plunge into the gorge, creating a powerful cascade. The number of water streams changes depending on the season: in the dry period the waterfall divides into two streams, and in the rainy season into three.

Viewing platforms and many photo spots are equipped here. There is also a route to the lower point of the waterfall through a green canyon, where you can swim in a natural pool under refreshing spray.

Depositphotos

How to visit Chamarel park

The place is designed as a geopark with an area of 8.5 hectares, where visitors can walk along specially equipped paths and viewing platforms to see the colourful dunes from different angles. Gardens with endemic plants are also recreated here, emphasizing the natural richness of the region.

In addition to the dunes and Chamarel waterfall, the park has viewing platforms, a tortoise park, a cafe and a souvenir shop. The excursion will be quite comfortable and exciting for family trips.

Tourists also have access to guided tours of the Chamarel coffee plantation with an aromatic tasting.

Opening hours and visit cost

The geopark is open all year round from 8:30 to 17:30 - in the period from October to May and from 8:30 to 17:00 - in the period from June to September, including weekends and public holidays.

The ticket price for an adult is about 17-20 euros, for children under 12 years old - a 50% discount, and for children under 5 years old admission to the park is free. The price includes a visit to the seven-coloured sands, the tortoise park and access to the viewing platforms of Chamarel waterfall.

Depositphotos

How to get to Chamarel park

The park is located in the south-west of the island, not far from the village of Chamarel of the same name. It is easy to get here by car. Convenient from the resorts of Bel Ombre or Flic en Flac. You can take a taxi, but it is worth considering the option of an organized excursion if your hotel offers it.

Chamarel rum factory (Rhumerie de Chamarel)

A trip to the seven-coloured dunes should be complemented by a visit to the rum production factory located in a colonial estate near the village of Chamarel. The production was founded in 2008 and offers excursions, acquaintance with the rum-making process, tastings and the sale of souvenirs.

The underwater waterfall and Chamarel sands are only the beginning of your acquaintance with the amazing places of Mauritius.

Depositphotos