Exotic East of Mauritius: Full-Day Incl Ile Aux Aigrette & Blue-Bay Marine Park

The "Exotic East of Mauritius" tour offers an immersive exploration of the island’s natural wonders. Visitors will discover the unique Ile aux Aigrettes, home to the Aldabra giant tortoise, before embarking on a captivating glass-bottom boat trip and snorkeling adventure in the vibrant Blue-Bay Marine Park. With a delectable 3-course lunch catering to various dietary needs, this full-day excursion promises an enriching experience amidst Mauritius’ stunning landscapes. Certified guides provide insightful commentary, ensuring an engaging and informative journey. What unexpected delights might this tour uncover for adventurous travelers?

Key Points

• This full-day tour offers an immersive experience in the east of Mauritius, featuring visits to the Ile aux Aigrettes nature reserve and the Blue-Bay Marine Park.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, private transportation, a certified guide, a 3-course lunch with vegetarian and halal options, and snorkeling equipment.
• Participants can explore the biodiversity of the Ile aux Aigrettes, home to endangered species like the Aldabra giant tortoise and the pink pigeon.
• The glass-bottom boat trip and snorkeling opportunity in the Blue-Bay Marine Park allow for close encounters with the vibrant underwater ecosystem and coral reefs.
• While the tour has received mixed reviews, it give you a comprehensive natural experience and cater to diverse dietary requirements.

Tour Overview

The "Exotic East of Mauritius: Full-day incl Ile aux Aigrette & Blue-Bay Marine Park" tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the island’s eastern regions.

Rated 3.7 out of 5 based on 10 reviews, the tour is priced from $145.18 per person and includes pick-up, private transportation, a certified guide, a 3-course lunch, and access to the Ile aux Aigrettes Island and Blue-Bay Marine Park.

Travelers can enjoy snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat trip, and the opportunity to see the island’s diverse wildlife.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, this full-day experience provides a well-rounded immersion into Mauritius’ natural wonders.

Inclusions and Highlights

Comprehensive offerings encompass the tour’s inclusions, providing visitors a multifaceted excursion.

The day starts with a convenient hotel pickup and transportation in a climate-controlled vehicle. A certified guide accompanies the group, offering local insights.

Lunch features a 3-course meal with vegetarian and halal options, accompanied by non-alcoholic beverages.

Travelers can explore the Ile aux Aigrettes Island and embark on a glass-bottom boat trip at the Blue Bay Marine Park.

Snorkeling equipment is provided for an up-close encounter with the vibrant underwater world.

Bottled water and gratuities are also included, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are arranged upon booking for this tour.

The tour representative, identifiable by their uniform and Freshverde Holiday badge, will greet you at your hotel or accommodation.

The tour starts promptly at 8:30 am. A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.

Infant seats are available, and infants aged 1-4 can join the tour free of charge.

Please note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and is located near public transportation.

It’s recommended to wear non-slippery shoes and bring towels for the snorkeling activity at Blue Bay Marine Park.

Exploring Ile Aux Aigrettes

Visitors venture across the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean to reach Ile aux Aigrettes, a small nature reserve home to a remarkable ecosystem. This island is a protected habitat for some of Mauritius’ most iconic species, including the Aldabra giant tortoise and the endangered pink pigeon. Guests have the opportunity to explore the island’s trails and learn about its rich biodiversity from their knowledgeable guide.

Highlights of Ile aux Aigrettes
Aldabra Giant Tortoise	Endangered Pink Pigeon
Coastal Mangrove Forests	Endemic Plant Species
Interpretive Walking Trails	Guided Nature Exploration

The tour allows travelers to enjoy the unique natural wonder of this island, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for Mauritius’ environmental conservation efforts.

Discovering Blue-Bay Marine Park

After exploring the tranquil Ile aux Aigrettes, the tour proceeds to the renowned Blue-Bay Marine Park.

This protected area is home to a vibrant underwater ecosystem, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Guests will embark on a glass-bottom boat trip, offering a unique perspective of the vibrant seascape.

Plus, they’ll have the opportunity to go snorkeling, with equipment provided, to get an up-close encounter with the abundant sea creatures.

The tour’s inclusion of the Blue-Bay Marine Park visit ensures a well-rounded experience, showcasing the natural wonders that lie just off the east coast of Mauritius.

Lunch and Refreshments

A delectable 3-course lunch is served during the tour, catering to various dietary preferences.

Vegetarian and halal options are available, ensuring that all guests can enjoy a satisfying meal. Refreshments, including non-alcoholic beverages, are provided during the lunch.

The timing of the lunch, however, has been a point of concern for some travelers, who’ve reported that it was served later than expected.

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

The reviews of this tour reveal a mixed response from travelers.

While some praised the giant tortoises at Ile aux Aigrettes and the local cafes, others expressed disappointment with the guide quality and scheduling issues.

Specific complaints include:

• Late lunch timing
• Cleanliness of facilities
• Disappointment with guide performance
• Problems with tour organization and scheduling

Important Considerations

While the reviews highlight some areas for improvement, there are several important considerations travelers should keep in mind when booking this tour.

Firstly, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility issues may face challenges. Plus, the tour includes a lot of walking, so it’s crucial to wear comfortable, non-slippery shoes.

Travelers should also advise the operator of any food allergies or illnesses at the time of booking, as the tour includes a 3-course lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code, but the tour provider recommends wearing non-slippery shoes and bringing towels for snorkeling. Casual, comfortable clothing is suggested to ensure a pleasant experience during the various outdoor activities.

What Is the Guide-To-Participant Ratio?

The tour has a private guide, so the guide-to-participant ratio is 1:1. This ensures personalized attention and a flexible itinerary to accommodate the group’s interests and needs throughout the day’s activities.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Guests can bring their own snorkeling equipment for the tour. However, snorkeling gear is provided as part of the tour package if you prefer to use the equipment included. Using the provided gear is recommended to ensure proper fit and functionality.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Activities?

The tour does not have age restrictions, though infants aged 1-4 can attend free of charge. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the activities involved.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated on Short Notice?

Yes, dietary requirements can be accommodated on short notice. Travelers are advised to notify the tour operator of any food allergies or special dietary needs at the time of booking to ensure proper arrangements are made.

Recap

This captivating tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Mauritius. Visitors can discover the iconic Ile aux Aigrettes, home to rare wildlife, and enjoy the vibrant Blue-Bay Marine Park, with a delectable 3-course lunch catering to diverse dietary needs. Guided by experts, this tour promises an enriching and memorable experience amidst the island’s stunning landscapes.