Le Morne, Mauritius: Mountain, Beach and Underwater Waterfall

Home / Travel guide

Destinations

Le Morne, Mauritius: Mountain, Beach and Underwater Waterfall

Updated · 2 min read · By Mauritius Travels

Le Morne Brabant rises above one of the island's most beautiful lagoons. Here's what to see, do and know before you go.

Le Morne is a peninsula at the south-western tip of Mauritius, dominated by the dramatic basalt mountain Le Morne Brabant. Below it lie a long white beach and a wide turquoise lagoon, making this one of the most photographed places on the island.

Le Morne Brabant: a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Le Morne Brabant was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, the mountain was a refuge for escaped enslaved people, and today it stands as a symbol of resistance and freedom. A memorial at the foot of the mountain tells their story.

Things to do at Le Morne

Hike Le Morne Brabant

The hike up the mountain is steep in places but rewards you with incredible views over the lagoon. Go early in the morning, bring water, and consider a local guide for the upper section.

The “underwater waterfall”

Off the coast, sand and silt flowing off the ocean shelf create the illusion of a waterfall beneath the sea. It is best seen from the air, on a helicopter or seaplane flight.

Le Morne beach and lagoon

The public beach is long and beautiful, with calm water inside the reef. The lagoon is also one of the world’s best-known kitesurfing spots.

Crystal Rock and Île aux Bénitiers

Our catamaran cruise to Île aux Bénitiers sails past Le Morne to Crystal Rock and the dolphins of Tamarin Bay.

Chamarel

The Chamarel Waterfall and Seven Coloured Earth are a short, scenic drive inland. Read our Chamarel guide.

How to get from SSR Airport to Le Morne

Le Morne is on the opposite side of the island to the airport. The drive along the south coast usually takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.

Vehicle SSR Airport to Le Morne
Sedan (up to 4 passengers) Rs 2,000
SUV (up to 5 passengers) Rs 2,200
7-seater Rs 2,800
Minibus (up to 14 passengers) Rs 3,900
Luxury car Rs 7,700

Prices are fixed, per vehicle and one way. They include meet and greet, flight tracking and free waiting time. Book your Le Morne transfer online.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Le Morne Brabant a UNESCO site?

It was listed in 2008 because it served as a refuge for escaped enslaved people and is a symbol of their fight for freedom.

Can you see the underwater waterfall from the beach?

Not really. It is an optical illusion best seen from the air, on a helicopter or seaplane flight.

How long is the drive from the airport to Le Morne?

Around 1 hour 15 minutes along the south coast.

Keep reading

More travel guides

All guides
Mauritius Honeymoon Guide: Romantic Experiences and Getting Around
Travel guide · 2 min read

Mauritius Honeymoon Guide: Romantic Experiences and Getting Around

Private tours, island picnics, sunsets and a luxury car waiting at arrivals: how to plan a honeymoon to remember.

Read guide
Driving in Mauritius: Rules and Tips for Visitors
Car rental · 2 min read

Driving in Mauritius: Rules and Tips for Visitors

Thinking of hiring a car? Here are the road rules and local tips that make driving in Mauritius easy.

Read guide
15 Best Things to Do in Mauritius
Travel guide · 2 min read

15 Best Things to Do in Mauritius

From island hopping to volcanic craters, our local team picks the experiences you should not miss.

Read guide