Offshore
Islands and islets
Mauritius is one main island plus a scatter of islets. Most ‘island days’ are lagoon products. Round Island is a closed reserve — anyone selling a landing is lying.
Republic of Mauritius
The real island
Nine districts, Le Morne as the southwest finger, Port Louis on the northwest harbour. Tap a district or an islet. Round Island and Serpent Island are marked on the chart — you do not land there.
Base map: Wikimedia Commons Map of Mauritius.png · CC BY-SA 3.0. Pins are ours.
Hold a boat day
West lagoon, east Cerfs, or the north islets. Licensed skippers only.
Southwest lagoon · Crystal Rock
Île aux Bénitiers
A low sand islet off La Gaulette. Catamarans stop here with Crystal Rock. Walk to the quiet end; the jetty end is stalls.
East lagoon · Trou d’Eau Douce
Île aux Cerfs
The famous east islet: beach, water toys, golf. Easy to overpay for a boxed BBQ day. The boat ride is the point.
North islet · cliff, usually viewed not landed
Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin)
The sharp rock north of Cap Malheureux. Catamarans circle it. Landing is not a casual picnic.
Far north · day-sail sand
Flat Island and Gabriel Island
A northern pair on catamaran maps. Snorkel and sand, then back. Not a place to be dropped and forgotten.
Southeast · conservation island
Île aux Aigrettes
A coral islet off Mahebourg run as a wildlife reserve. Booked guided visits, not a beach club.
Far north · no landing for visitors
Round Island
A scientifically famous reserve. You do not go. Put it on a list of things Mauritius protects, not a Tuesday plan.
Grand Port · 1810 battle
Île de la Passe
A fortified islet at the mouth of Grand Port. History, not a beach club. Access is by organised boat, not a swim.
Northeast lagoon · mangrove
Île d’Ambre
A larger northeast islet with lagoon and mangrove. A different product from Cerfs: quieter, more nature, still a boat.
Blue Bay · private islet
Île aux Deux Cocos
A private luxury islet in the southeast lagoon. You book a product. You do not turn up with a cooler.