Ile aux Aigrettes

A small coral island 850 metres offshore from Mahébourg, Ile aux Aigrettes is managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation as an ecological restoration project recreating the island's pre-human ecosystem. Aldabra giant tortoises have been introduced as ecological replacements for the extinct Mauritian giant tortoise, and the island shelters the last remnant of dry coastal forest once found across Mauritius. Access is by guided boat tour only, maintaining the fragile restoration effort.