Mauritius is a land of myriad wonders, boasting stunning beaches, jewel-toned lagoons, and patches of multi-colored earth. Yet, nestled in the southern reaches of the island, there exists a breathtaking sight that appears to defy the very laws of physics.
Formed by a volcanic hotspot in the Indian Ocean approximately 8 million years ago, Mauritius boasts its own unique flora and fauna, vast coral reefs, and a breathtaking sight: an underwater waterfall. While the concept of an “underwater waterfall” may seem improbable, there exists a compelling physical explanation behind this astonishing phenomenon.
The stunning underwater waterfall, found along the shores of Le Morne Brabant on the south west coast of Mauritius, is actually an optical illusion.
The Mascarene Islands (or Îles Mascareignes), where Mauritius resides, rest upon a submarine plateau, also referred to as an ocean shelf. While the shelf maintains a depth of no more than 150 meters below sea level, its abrupt drop-off plunges to depths exceeding 4000 meters. Rather than water cascading over the drop-off and descending to a depth of 4000 meters, what occurs is the movement of sand and silt slipping off the edge due to the ocean’s currents. Thus, instead of an underwater waterfall, it is more accurately described as an underwater sandfall.
This natural marvel is situated to the southwest of Mauritius, off the coast of the Le Morne Peninsula, which is home to another of the island’s prominent attractions: the imposing Le Morne Brabant Mountain, soaring to heights surpassing 500 meters and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adding to the area’s allure are two exceedingly rare plant species: the Mandrinette (Hibiscus fragilis) and the national flower, Boucle D’Oreille (Trochetia boutoniana).
You can discern a rough outline of the waterfall by embarking on a hike up Le Morne Brabant. From the summit of this 500-meter peak, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the island and the magnificent reef enveloping it.
For an exact perspective of the formation of the underwater waterfall, however, aerial exploration is essential. Helicopter sightseeing tours offer a bird’s-eye view of this natural wonder, providing a glimpse of Le Morne Peninsula and its glistening lagoon, while also allowing you to comprehend the incredible force of nature. The helicopter also flies along the lush countryside, magnificent lagoons, pristine coastlines, undulating sugar cane fields, majestic mountains, and over the wide sparkling sea with a personalised crew of professionals who can point out the main features of the island. For those seeking an exceptional holiday experience, consider booking a private seaplane for the added thrill of a water take-off.
