Underwater Waterfall

Cascade sous-marine du Morne

An aerial spectacle off the coast of Le Morne peninsula: sand and sediment cascade down the steep seabed slope, looking from above like a waterfall plunging into the depths. It can only be seen from a helicopter or seaplane.

The "Underwater Waterfall" lies at the southwest edge of the lagoon off Le Morne Mountain. It is actually an optical illusion. Mauritius sits on an undersea plateau, and the lagoon is only a few dozen meters deep, but the edge of the plateau drops steeply into an ocean trench 4,000 meters deep. Currents push sand and silt from the shallows down the steep slope, and from the air the white sand flows down the deep blue abyss like a waterfall on the seabed. It is considered one of the most spectacular aerial sights on Earth. The only way to see it is from the air. Helicopter sightseeing flights depart from Trou aux Biches, the airport, or takeoff points on the west coast. A 15-minute flight focused on the underwater waterfall costs about MUR 12,000-15,000 per person (you can share a helicopter with 3 to 5 people). A 45- to 60-minute island flight including the Seven Coloured Earths, Le Morne Mountain, and Deer Island costs about MUR 25,000 or more. Seaplanes (departing from Trou d'Eau Douce or Le Morne) cost about MUR 9,000-12,000 per person. They fly lower and slower, and the photos are just as good. Book 3 to 5 days in advance and confirm based on the weather. Flights are cancelled in strong winds or overcast skies, so leave flexibility in your itinerary. Window seats, polarizing filters, and wide-angle lenses produce the best results. Drones require permission in the Le Morne area, and flying at the permitted altitude will not capture the full effect. As a budget alternative, you can climb Le Morne Mountain, where you can see part of the "waterfall" outline from the top, or buy aerial postcards online.

Underwater Waterfall

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