You may have seen this one on TikTok. There have been numerous video clips making the rounds claiming that there’s an underwater waterfall off the coast of Mauritius. In reality, this is an optical illusion, but that really doesn’t make it any less cool.
For the uninitiated, Mauritius is a small island country in the Indian Ocean, located about 1,200 miles off the southeast coast of Africa, 700 miles from the eastern coast of Madagascar. The “waterfall” is located off the coast of Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the southwestern coast of Mauritius. It is best seen from atop the water or from the air, as the effect is not visible from the shore.
Part of what makes this stunning “waterfall” effect possible is that Mauritius is a relatively young island, geologically speaking, and its underwater topography is still being shaped by erosion. Off the coast of Le Morne Brabant lies a steep underwater slope that drops down to abyssal depths of 4,000 meters. This slope is covered in sand and silt sediments. Strong underwater currents flow down the slope, carrying the sediments with them. The sediments are light in color, and when they are disturbed by the currents, they create the illusion of a waterfall.
As tempting as it might be to dive right in, the “waterfall” is not safe for tourists to swim through. The currents are strong and the sediments can be stirred up, making it difficult to see. The best way to see the effect is by boat or helicopter. Catamaran tours typically take about two hours and start from the town of Flic-en-Flac. Boat tours can run from $50 to $150 a person. Helicopter tours are considerably more expensive — $200 to $500 a pop — but they offer a better view of the waterfall effect and the surrounding area.
Aside from the waterfall, Mauritius is a pretty spectacular destination on its own. There’s a broad range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy on the island’s many beautiful beaches, including water sports like snorkeling and diving. There also real waterfalls on the island, ones that aren’t dependent on any optical illusion, as well as nature reserves and botanical gardens. Visitors can partake in adventure activities like zip-lining and hiking or immerse themselves in the island’s culture and history by visiting museums and heritage sites.
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For any non-adventurous types in your party, there’s plenty to enjoy in the island’s vibrant capital city, Port Louis, where you can find many world-class restaurants that feature a unique blend of Indian, French, and Creole cuisine. There are ample opportunities for shopping in the city’s public markets. There’s also Champs de Mar, a former horse-racing track from the 19th Century that’s been turned into a public park featuring gardens, fountains and, as a reminder of the island’s colonial history, a statue of Queen Victoria.
Have you ever been to Mauritius and seen the “waterfall” in person? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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