How To Visit Ile Aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve (2025 Guide)
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Mauritius was a virgin island (no one lived there) before it was discovered by the Dutch in 1598. The sailors would have encountered an island covered in thick coastal forest and a haven for birds such as the dodo.
Now, much of the native wilderness is gone and the dodo is sadly extinct. However, there’s still one place where the wild reigns supreme: Ile aux Aigrettes island!
Here, lush coastal forest carpet the island, making it a home for rare animals including weaver birds, giant tortoises and geckos.
A protected nature reserve run by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, it’s a perfect example of eco-tourism at its best.
No trip to Mauritius is complete without visiting Ile aux Aigrettes. Here’s everything you need to know about this amazing island and how to see it.
What is Ile aux Aigrettes and why should you visit?
Ile aux Aigrettes nature reserve is a top example of ecotourism!
Ile aux Aigrettes (pronounced ‘il-oz-egret’) is a tiny island off the southeast coast of Mauritius. In fact, it’s only 27 hectares across!
Unlike the mainland’s volcanic origins, the island is made up of coralline limestone. It’s essentially on top of a coral reef and has some of the last remaining dry coastal forests in Mauritius. There are no beaches here.
Similar to much of the mainland, Ile aux Aigrettes was affected by logging and the introduction of invasive plant and animal species which almost destroyed the native flora and fauna.
It was also used as a British military base in World War II which of course meant more forest was cleared.
In 1965, the island was declared a nature reserve by the government. Restoration work is now under the care of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and is supported by organisations all over the world.
Today, the island is one of the last remaining strongholds of endemic flora and fauna. It gives you a glimpse of what Mauritius was like before humans arrived.
Quick info about Ile aux Aigrettes
Entrance fee: From £17.94 for an adult
Opening times: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
How to book: Visit Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
What’s there: Wildlife discovery centre, plant nursery, toilets, private research centre, amazing wildlife.
How to reach it: Ile aux Aigrettes is located off the southeast coast of Mahebourg, Mauritius. You can catch a boat from Pointe Jerome and it’s just 10 minutes to the island.
Boat departure times:
Monday – Saturday: 9:30 AM, 10 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 2 PM, 2:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM, 10 AM, 10:30 AM
Things to do at Ile aux Aigrettes
Native ebony trees thrive here
Since the island is a protected area of conservation, you can only see it on a guided tour run by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.
These tours are an amazing way to see the entirety of the island and learn about the important conservation work being carried out.
What’s more, all proceeds from these activities go directly into supporting the island restoration. It’s a true example of ecotourism!
There are three tours you can choose from:
Guided Eco Tour
Their standard guided tour includes the boat transfer from Pointe Jerome (the Old Sand Jetty to be precise!).
The tour is approximately 1.5-2 hours and follows a walking trail around the island led by an expert ecotour ranger.
Afterwards, you’ll be able to pick up some souvenirs at the visitor centre. Group size varies on this tour but it can be from 1 to 17 people! The ticket price starts from £17.
VIP Guided Tour
This ecotour is the same as the standard tour above. The only difference is that it caters more to small group tours with up to 8 people.
This is a good option if you would prefer a more personalised experience. The price is double though at £34. Honestly, I recommend sticking to the standard tour!
Tailored Tour
If you have a particular interest you want to focus on at Ile aux Aigrettes such as wildlife photography or bird watching then a tailored tour might be just what you need!
These tours are private and need to be booked 72 hours in advance. Prices vary depending on the activity.
Editor’s tip: Want to see Ile aux Aigrettes and more of Mauritius at the same time? This tour takes you to the beautiful Bois Cheri Tea Factory and includes lunch at a colonial house too. Discover this top-rated Mauritius tour here.
What you can do on these eco tours
The plant nursery at Ile aux Aigrettes
Whichever tour you choose, highlights include:
Wildlife photography
I recommend bringing your camera and your binoculars so you can really see and remember the wildlife you encounter on the island.
It’s a great opportunity to brush up on your nature photography skills!
Editor’s tip: just remember to keep a good distance from the animals so as not to scare them. You can read more about how to have an ethical wildlife encounter here.
Wildlife discovery centre
Ile aux Aigrettes has a small outdoor wildlife discovery centre where you can learn about the different flora and fauna, why they’re under threat and how they’re being protected.
As you wind your way through the island, you’ll come across some extremely lifelike sculptures of some of the island’s animals. They fooled me once or twice!
Plant nursery
It’s not just wildlife at Ile aux Aigrettes. Endemic plants are grown here too. Visit the plant nursery to see how the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation is protecting rare and endangered plants.
The plant saplings in the nursery are also redistributed to other Mascarene islands.
Discover beautiful trees such as ebony and plants with odd names including Ox wood, Bottle palm, Rat palm and Pipe wood.
But the very best thing to do on Ile aux Aigrettes? Go wildlife spotting!
What animals live on Ile aux Aigrettes?
A giant tortoise chilling on a rainy day
The wildlife on the island is endemic to Mauritius.
They’re a natural part of the island’s ecosystem and give a snapshot of what it was like before the arrival of invasive species and human activities.
These creatures are also incredibly rare and in some cases, not found anywhere else outside of Mauritius!
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Yep, you can see giant tortoises! The ones you see in Mauritius aren’t actually endemic.
The Mauritian species suffered the same fate as the dodo and went extinct in the 1700s – most likely as a result of being eaten and the introduction of predators such as rats, cats and dogs.
However, giant tortoises play a vital role as seed dispersers in the natural ecosystem. So, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation introduced the Aldabra Giant Tortoise from Seychelles in 2000.
At Ile aux Aigrettes you can see giant tortoise nurseries where hatchlings of varying sizes are kept safe until they reach maturity.
The adult tortoises are allowed to roam free and it’s incredible to see them munching and snoozing their way across the island.
Pink Pigeon
The Pink Pigeon is endemic to Mauritius and was brought back from the brink of extinction. There were only 9 of them left in 1990!
Although still critically endangered, there are now about 500 of them in the wild. Ile aux Aigrettes is one of the last remaining strongholds.
Mauritius Fody
The colourful Mauritius Fody is a little orange and green-feathered bird with a lot of character. It’s endemic to Mauritius and classed as endangered.
It’s a weaver bird so if you’re there during mating season you might be able to spot their nests hanging from the branches.
Telfair’s Skink
This small reptile is one of Mauritius’ last remaining endemic reptiles.
They’re’ also known as the Round Island Skink as Round Island was the only place they were found after going extinct on the mainland. They’re now labelled as vulnerable.
Ornate Day Geckos
These colourful little guys seem to be faring much better and are relatively safe from extinction – for now!
They can easily be spotted across the island. Look out for their jewel-like red-spotted backs as they dart over the rocks.
Tips for visiting Ile aux Aigrettes Island
Dinner time!
Read these top tips to help you prepare for your visit to the island.
How to get to Ile aux Aigrettes
As previously mentioned, Ile aux Aigrettes is only accessible by boat as part of a tour. To get there, you’ll need to get to Pointe Jerome in Mahebourg.
You’ll know you’re in the right place as there’s a sign saying ‘Embarkation Point.’ Across the road, you’ll see a small visitor centre which is the meeting point for your eco tour.
It’s then just a short 10-minute boat ride across the water to the island. It’s only 800 meters to travel from the mainland!
If you’re driving, there are plenty of places to park at Pointe Jerome.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to get there by public transport so I recommend booking a transfer with the hotel you’re staying at. They will be able to help you with pick-up timings.
Alternatively, keep reading to find the best hotels within walking distance!
What to pack for Ile aux Aigrettes
You don’t have to cover a great distance by any stretch on this island but it’s a good idea to have the below items to hand so your trip is more comfortable:
- Comfortable / walking shoes – the ground is uneven in most places.
- Reef-safe sunscreen – although covered by trees, you’re still outside
- Sun hat – for the same reason as above!
- Water bottle – bring a reusable one to save on plastic.
- Camera – for taking pics of the tortoises and other creatures.
- Insect repellent – for chancing mozzies.
- Light raincoat – yes it IS a tropical island but I was there on one of the very few days a year it rains and I got soaked! So you never know…
- Cash – for the souvenir shop.
Read my complete packing list for Mauritius.
What precautions should you take when visiting Ile aux Aigrettes?
Ile aux Aigrettes is first and foremost a protected area of conservation. Tourism helps fund the vital work that they do.
It’s worth bearing in mind that the island is wild. This means some of the tracks are uneven and bumpy. You’ll be venturing through the trees too so it might not be suitable for people with mobility issues.
It’s still one of the easiest and best walks in Mauritius!
All wildlife on the island is wild so do your best not to disturb them, don’t feed them, touch them and definitely no littering!
The island is a true adventure in the wilderness for wildlife lovers. If you’re looking for an island with beaches, restaurants and other leisure activities, you would be better off going to Ile aux Cerfs instead.
Editor’s tip: You can visit Ile aux Cerfs on a full-day catamaran cruise which includes lunch, drinks and snorkelling! View it here.
Best resorts near Ile aux Aigrettes
The beautiful beach at Preskil Island Resort!
Here are some top-rated hotels nearby:
Preskil Island Resort
The closest in terms of walking distance (five minutes down the road on foot – be careful when walking as some roads don’t have pavements!), Preskil is a beautiful four-star beachfront resort.
It has pools, three restaurants, spa facilities and accommodation to suit a range of budgets. It’s also a few minutes’ drive from the airport so a good choice if you’re arriving or departing!
Compare prices and book: Booking.com | Tripadvisor
LeBovallon B&B
A slightly more casual experience, LeBovallon is a B&B with a shared lounge, garden and pool.
Depending on which accommodation you book, some rooms have their own kitchenette so handy if you want to do your own cooking.
Located in Mahebourg, the B&B is just six minutes from Ile aux Aigrettes by car.
Compare prices and book: Booking.com |Tripadvisor
CHILLpill Guest House
CHILLpill is another great guesthouse and it’s a nine-minute walk from the beach. The B&B type accommodation features an infinity pool, sun terrace, garden and rooms have balconies.
It’s just seven minutes by car from Ile aux Aigrettes.
Compare prices and book: Booking.com | Tripadvisor
Discover more recommendations for the best places to stay and coolest areas in Mauritius.
Final thoughts: Is Ile aux Aigrettes worth it?
Giant tortoises roam free across the island
Yes, Ile aux Aigrettes is 100% worth it!
Not only is it a prime example of ecotourism (tourism that directly supports the environment), your money goes towards the continual survival of some of the rarest creatures on earth.
Plus, who wouldn’t want to see a giant tortoise?!
If you’re wildlife and adventure then you’ll love Ile aux Aigrettes. That being said, if beaches and restaurants are more your speed then I would visit Ile aux Cerfs on your holiday instead.
