Although Mauritius is known for its countless beautiful beaches, it is also home to a number of spectacular waterfalls. Some of the best waterfalls in Mauritius include Citron Waterall, Tamarin Falls, Grand River South East Waterfall, Eau Bleue Reservoir, Eureka Waterfall, Exil Falls, Chamarel Falls, Cascade 500 Pieds, Mare Aux Joncs Waterfall, and Alexandra Falls.
Although the south of Mauritius has the largest concentration of waterfalls, there are many waterfalls dotted all over the island. Some of which are easily accessible through public transportation or car, but some may require a bit of hiking in order to reach the waterfall.
The best waterfalls in Mauritius
- Citron Waterfall
- Tamarin Falls
- Grand River South East Waterfall
- Eureka Waterfall
- Eau Bleue Waterfall
- Exil Falls
- Rochester Falls
- Waterfalls of the Black River Gorges
- Chamarel Waterfall
- Underwater Waterfall (honourable mention)
Citron Waterfall
Citron Waterfall can be found in the Ruins of Balaclava estate, in Pamplemousses, which can be accessed via the Maritim Hotel. The Ruins of Balaclava are a national monument dating back to the 18th century. Although Citron Waterfall is a small waterfall the Ruins of Balaclava is the perfect place to unwind. You can take a walk through the lush, scenic grounds and alongside the waterfall check out the Scent Garden, the Mill, the Maritim Equestrian Centre, and the animal farm. There is also the option of taking part in a guided tour or enjoying the culinary delights at one of the two restaurants on-site.
Tamarin Falls
Tamarin Falls is also known as the 7 Cascades. It is located in the central plateau in Mauritius, just outside of a small village called Henrietta. Tamarin falls consists of 7 waterfalls, whose source is from the Tamarin Reservoir which flows all the way to Tamarin on the west coast. To explore the waterfalls you will need to have a good level of fitness. Depending on the route you take, you may need to hike through dense forest and also do a bit of scrambling. Unfortunately, the hike is not suitable for those afraid of heights. It’s not the easiest of hikes and therefore I would recommend taking part in a half-day or full-day tour of Tamarin Falls.
Grand River South East (GRSE) Waterfall
The Grand River South East (GRSE) Waterfall is located on the east coast of Mauritius and is one of the island’s top tourist attractions. The GRSE waterfall is located at the mouth of the river and the easiest way to experience this waterfall is via boat. You can hire a private boat or if you take part in a catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs, like I did, visiting the GRSE Waterfall is most often included on the itinerary.
Eureka Waterfall
Eureka Waterfall is located in Moka, a little bit past Eureka House. From Eureka House, there is a little path, which can be quite challenging, that takes you down to where the waterfalls are. En route to the waterfall, you will encounter palm trees, mango trees as well as endemic trees. In the riverbanks of Eureka Falls, there are many aquatics plants and marine animals, including water lilies, tilapias, and eels.
Eau Bleue Waterfall
Eau Bleue Waterfall is located in Cluny, in the southeast, and has to be one of the best waterfalls in Mauritius. It has beautiful turquoise, clear and clean waters which are perfect for taking a dip in after the hike to the waterfall. Although, Eau Bleue Waterfall is stunning, it is one of the lesser known waterfalls, but it is slowly gaining poularity amoung locals and tourists who like to venture off the beaten track.
Exil Falls
Exil Falls is located in in the most southern part of Mauriitus on the periphery of the Combo Forest. To reach these waterfalls, you need some experience in hiking or should go with a guide as the waterfall is surrounded by lush, tropical forest.
Rochester Falls
Rochester Falls is located in the Savanne district of Mauritius, a short drive away from Souillac. It is known as the widest waterfall in Mauritius and its unique jagged rock formation
Waterfalls of the Black River Gorges
The Black River Gorges is located in the southwest of Mauritius and is national park composed of more than 6,500 hectacres. The Black River Gorges is home to indigenous wildlife, flora, fauna and several waterfalls. There are many hiking trails which range from easy to very challenging. In the Black River Gorges you will find Alexandra Falls, Mare Aux Joncs Waterfall, and Cascade 500 Pieds. There are parking facilities, alongside other facilities including an information centre and picnic area.
Chamarel Waterfall
Chamarel Waterfall is Mauritius’ highest waterfall which pluges over 100m, as is located in Chamarel (as the name suggests) in the southwest of Mauritius. There are two points where one can take in the views at Chamarel Falls. The first is a vantage point high above the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Reserve. The second view is near the bottom of the waterfall, and the water gushes down on rock surfaces, creating an enchanting and peaceful natural atmosphere.
Underwater Waterfall
The Underwater Waterfall is located off the southwest coast by the village of Le Morne. It’s technically not a waterfall, but an optical illusion caused by sand and silt sediments that are constantly moving. This illusion can only be observed from above either by helicopter or seaplane. I opted to view the Underwater waterfall by seaplane with Lagoon Flight.