History and Nature Journey: Explore East Mauritius with Ile aux Aigrettes Visit and Lunch
3.8
4 Ratings
Mahebourg
Embark on a captivating journey through the history and nature of East Mauritius. Explore Ile aux Aigrettes, visit the Mahebourg National Museum, savor a delicious lunch, and discover the vibrant local culture at Mahebourg Market. Don't miss the Frederick Henrick Museum and the historical viewpoint at Pointe Canon!
Duration: 7 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Mahebourg - Start your 8-hour East tour with a pick-up from your hotel anywhere in Mauritius. You’ll be welcomed by our certified guide and, after boarding your comfortable vehicle, head to your first stop: Ile aux Aigrettes Island.
  • Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve - Next, visit Ile aux Aigrettes, a small coral island near Mahebourg. This island is a nature conservation site preserved by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.

The boat trip to Ile aux Aigrettes departs from Pointe Jerome. Explore the island with an expert guide, discovering unique Mauritian plants and animals, some of which are near extinction, like the pink pigeon. You’ll also visit the indigenous plant nursery. Enjoy breathtaking views of the South East of Mauritius and learn about its history. See unique trees like Ox wood, Pipe wood, Rat wood, and Bottle palm, and possibly a rare orchid in bloom.

  • Mahebourg Museum - Afterward, enjoy a 3-course lunch at a local restaurant, featuring fresh salads, rice, soups, chicken, fish, and vegetables.

Then, visit the National History Museum of Mauritius in Mahebourg, which offers a historical journey of the island dating back to the 18th century. The Naval Museum showcases the French colonial empire’s remnants and the building’s history. See exhibits, shipwreck artifacts, and bones of extinct species like the Giant Tortoises and the Dodo.

  • Mahebourg Waterfront - Next, visit the Mahebourg waterfront to learn about Mauritius’ culture and history. Located in a traditional Mauritian village, the waterfront is perfect for a relaxing walk and a historical journey. Learn about the epic battle fought in this region and see the Bataille de le Passe memorial. Enjoy panoramic views of the battle site.

  • Bazar Street - Then, explore the Mahebourg local market, a vibrant place to experience local culture. Initially focused on silks and textiles, the market now offers a variety of products, including seashells, vegetables, fruits, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Don’t miss the delicious street food like Briyani, Dholl Puri, Chinese Noodles, and Gato Pima.

  • Frederick Hendrick Museum - On the way, visit the Frederick Hendrick Museum, a historical site with remnants of the first human settlement in Mauritius. Located in Old Grand Port, this site showcases Dutch and French colonial history. The museum features a tropical garden, a visitor center with artifacts from archaeological excavations, and ruins of old buildings and military objects.

  • Pointe Canon - Pointe Canon offers a great overview of Mahebourg’s surrounding sites. See Lion Mountain, Mouchoir Rouge islet, and Ile aux Aigrettes. This spot is popular for events like regattas and the abolition of slavery celebrations. Enjoy panoramic views of the South East and the ocean.

  • Blue Bay - Finally, visit Blue Bay, known for its white sand, shade from filaos trees, and stunning emerald blue water. Ideal for family outings, Blue Bay also features a marine park perfect for snorkeling, with clear water and abundant marine life among the corals.

What's Included
  • Boat trip to Ile Aux Aigrettes Island
  • Visit/Entrance to Ile aux Aigrettes Island
  • Beverages during lunch (Non- Alcoholic)
  • 3-course Lunch (Veg and Non-veg) Note: Halal food
  • Services of a fully qualified certified private guide/driver
  • Private transportation in a fully air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water upon arrival
  • Pick-up and drop-off at any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities (Optional)
Additional Information

You will discover the East of Mauritius in this 8-hours private tour including a visit to Ile aux Aigrettes where you will enjoy a boat trip on the translucent waters of the lagoon to discover this island to see the endemic animals & plants.

Next, you’ll head to the Mahebourg National museum, where you will be amazed with the rich history of Mauritius & the dodos. Then, you will savor a 3-Course lunch & Continue to Mahebourg Waterfront which is a peaceful place to contemplate the magnificent views over the lagoon, the lion mountain & see the Monument that commemorates the naval battle.

Next, head to the Mahebourg Market where you will have spectacular sights for those who wish to experience the lively local culture. Then, you’ll head to Frederick Henrick Museum which bears the remnants of the first human arrival in Mauritius.

Then, head to Pointe Canon which is a historical viewpoint for its cannons.

  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
  • Infant aged 1 to 4 are free of charge. Please notify of CHILD/ INFANT SEAT at the time of booking.
  • Please advise of any food allergies or illness
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking
  • Please bring a raincoat (In case of a rainy day) and wear non slippery shoes
Location
Mahebourg
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
3.8
(4 Ratings)
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1 star
618luckyp
Apr 11, 2024
visiting the east with raj - we had a fun day visitng the east with raj.. nice visit to the island.. great food and good ambiance. lucky that the weather was good!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ann_b
Oct 19, 2023
Disappointing - Lack of communication by organisers- taken to a boat and send around the bay on this boat and driver left us, lack of information and not knowing who to contact. Workers on beach helped locate driver / guide and he returned and did seem to do his best, though not a tour guide. however this trip was not as stated on the site, we did not get to certain areas as scheduled in the list which was disappointing as it cost us lot of money.
Review provided by Viator
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minimum 2 guests
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up to 15 guests
2 Adult
July 2024
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