Here’s Everything You Need to Know
There are countless breathtaking waterfalls around the world—but none quite like this.
Off the coast of Mauritius, the ocean appears to drop away into a deep, endless void. Known as the “underwater waterfall,” this stunning natural phenomenon has become one of the island’s most iconic and mysterious sights. It’s mesmerizing, surreal—and not without its dangers. What looks like pure beauty from above hides powerful forces beneath the surface that many visitors overlook.
Where is it?
This stunning underwater waterfall is located on the south west coast of the island of Mauritius, which is part of a chain of islands about 2,000 miles off the eastern coast of Africa.
What is Mauritius known for?
Aside from the underwater waterfall, the south coast of the island is known for being the most luxurious part of Mauritius because of its stunning white beaches, majestic mountain landscape, and world-class hotels.
How many people live on the island?
Mauritius is the largest of the chain of islands, and is home to over 1.2 million people.
It is also home to an enormous series of coral reefs, and a unique flora and fauna, as well as the beautiful natural phenomenon—the underwater waterfall.
Is the underwater waterfall real?
The underwater waterfall in Mauritius is absolutely real—at least, to your eyes.
From above, it looks like the ocean is dramatically cascading into the depths, but don’t be fooled. This jaw-dropping sight is actually a trick of perspective—an illusion crafted by nature that leaves even seasoned travelers doing a double take. It might look like a waterfall, but what’s really happening beneath the surface is something entirely different.
Myroslava Bozhko, Shutterstock
How was it created?
The underwater waterfall is not a waterfall at all, it’s actually the sand shifting off the shelf of the ocean by the force of the current.
How is the illusion created?
The illusion is created from the variation of different colored sands and reflections of light—but what created this deep shelf?
Khoroshunova Olga, Shutterstock
How was the island created?
Most of the land masses on Earth are present in the well-known form of continents, but there are a few exceptions to that rule—including the island of Mauritius.
Volcanic Forces
Some islands are born in fire—pushed upward by powerful volcanic eruptions from deep within the Earth. These fiery forces create oceanic islands and even entire chains that rise from the sea.
But the story doesn’t end at the surface. Beneath the waves, these same forces form vast underwater structures known as submarine plateaus—hidden landscapes that shape the ocean floor and play a major role in the world above.
Saïda, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
What is a submarine plateau?
A submarine plateau is an area of flat ocean floor that is raised above the level of surrounding seafloor, delimited by a steep slope.
The one we are referring to here is known as the Mascarene Plateau.
MauriceBer, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
How is this relevant?
A submarine plateau differs from a usual continent in the sense that, instead of going from dry land into shallow waters that slowly wade deeper, it suddenly drops down to a depth of thousands of meters.
Thus, creating the depth—and illusion—of the underwater waterfall.
Myroslava Bozhko, Shutterstock
The Mascarene Plateau
The Mascarene Plateau is one the newest major features on Earth, having only been created over the most recent few million years during the eruption of the Réunion hotspot—which created all of the Mascarene Islands in the geological blink-of-an-eye.
B.navez, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
How deep is the underwater waterfall?
At first glance, the water doesn’t seem all that deep. The Indian Ocean shelf off Mauritius only dips about 150 meters below the surface—hardly dizzying.
But venture a bit farther out, and everything changes. The seafloor suddenly plunges, revealing a dramatic drop that tells a very different story.
Ihor Pokryshchenko, Shutterstock
The Drop-Off
The drop-off goes beyond the shelf’s edge and plunges to an incredible 4,000 meters into the Indian Ocean into an unknown abyss.
How can we see the drop-off?
The underwater waterfall-look is created by the sand that is moved back-and-forth over the shallow shelves by the ocean currents.
Sinking Sands
As the sand is pushed over the edge of the submarine plateau, it gives the illusion of the underwater waterfall. The sands sink through the deep water down to the bottom of the ocean.
Can you swim in the underwater waterfall?
Swimming is a favorite activity at the underwater waterfall, thanks to the island’s crystal-clear, warm turquoise waters that practically beg you to dive in. But the adventure doesn’t stop there...
Scuba Diving
The underwater waterfall is such an intriguing wonder that it attracts professional scuba divers from all over the globe. The island also offers diving tours.
...your local connection, Flickr
Surfing
Surfing is another popular activity that visitors enjoy doing over top of the underwater waterfall. Thought when it comes to safety, there is one small concern.
Svein-Magne Tunli, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Will the currents pull you down?
It is always suggested to exercise caution while swimming in the underwater waterfall, due to strong ocean currents.
What can happen?
On especially wavy days, powerful currents can quickly pull swimmers away from the edge of the underwater waterfall and out into deeper waters—posing a serious risk of drowning.
Has anyone been hurt at the underwater waterfall?
Unfortunately, yes. In 2014, seventeen-year-old, Callum Howkins was snorkeling from a tourism boat over top of the underwater waterfall when the strong undercurrent took him away “in seconds.”
Sadly, he’s not the only person to lose his life.
Other Drownings
Apparently, Howkins was fourteenth person to have drowned that year in the same bay. Only two days earlier, a dolphin conservationist also drowned because of the strong undercurrents.
Popularity & Procedures
The family of Howkins said there was little to no procedures in place for when accidents like this occur.
In fact, there were so many boats and people around that apparently no one had even noticed when they were screaming for help—including the boat operator.
No Warning Signs
Howkins’s family said there were no warning signs about the dangerous undercurrents, and that boat tours and activities didn’t adequately prepare visitors for emergencies like this.
Maybe it’s best to admire this incredible natural wonder from a safer distance.
How else can you experience the underwater waterfall?
The only way to see this natural phenomenon in all of its glory is from above, by sea plane or helicopter. The nation’s airline, Air Mauritius offers year-round flight tours that offer the best view of the waterfall.
You can partially see it from a mountain top as well.
Myroslava Bozhko, Shutterstock
Can you see the waterfall from Le Morne Brabant Mountain?
Yes, you can see a glimpse of the shape of the island’s underwater waterfall by hiking up to the 500-meter peak of the island’s beautiful mount Le Morne Brabant.
When is the best time to see it?
The winter months, between November and December, offer the best visibility.
Wonderful Nature, Shutterstock
What are the seaplane tours like?
Seaplane tours are available through your hotel or Air Mauritius, offering a 40-minute flight with a brief history of this incredible natural wonder.
What are the helicopter tours like?
The helicopter tours last about an hour, and give you a picturesque panoramic view of the mountain, the Indian Ocean and the stunning underwater waterfall.
These helicopter tours can seat 4 people.
What are the beaches like?
The beaches on Mauritius are known as some of the best beaches in the world. The west coast offers calm, quiet and warm beaches that are safe and peaceful.
Where else can you snorkel?
If you’re not comfortable swimming over top of the underwater waterfall, there are several other areas around the island that are safe to do so—and these beautiful lagoons are swimming with some of the world’s most stunning marine life.
Marine Life
Mauritius teems with vibrant marine life—from playful dolphins and colorful clownfish to curious moray eels, graceful sea turtles, and a variety of sparkling reef species.
Final Thoughts
The beautiful island of Mauritius offers stunning views, from colorful fish and pristine beaches, to the natural phenomenon known as the underwater waterfall.
Although it is beautiful, it has a dangerous risk for drowning that is often overlooked by both visitors and tour operators.
If you plan to visit, take necessary precautions—and lots of photos!
Francisco Somborn, Shutterstock
