Heritage attraction
Heritage attraction
East Mauritius · Adventure
Ile au Phare (Lighthouse Island)
Step into a small piece of Mauritian history.
EastAdventureDiscoverIslandsNatureSeaSpeedboat Tours
Location
Grand Port, East Coast
East Mauritius
Opening Hours
Check locally
Confirm before visiting
Best Time to Visit
Plan ahead
Weather conditions may vary
Admission
Check access
Local conditions may apply
Why go
Step into a small piece of Mauritian history.
Ile au Phare, also known as Ile de la Passe, is a historic island that played a crucial role in the only naval battle won by Napoleon against the British.
The lighthouse that gives the island its name was built to guide ships through the treacherous reef passage.
Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the old fortress and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding lagoon.
Historical context
Historical context
Cultural visit
Cultural visit
Highlights
Why Ile au Phare (Lighthouse Island) Is Worth a Stop
- ✓Visit one of the most iconic heritage sites in the Grand Port region, known for its old lighthouse ruins and dramatic coastal setting.
- ✓Reach the island by boat from the Mahébourg or Blue Bay area, with beautiful lagoon views along the way.
- ✓Enjoy the contrast between the calm south east lagoon and the open Indian Ocean surrounding the island.
- ✓Discover a site linked to the historic Grand Port area and the old navigation routes of Mauritius.
- ✓Capture lighthouse ruins, rocky coastline, lagoon colours and the wild island atmosphere of Île au Phare.
Photo Gallery
See Ile au Phare (Lighthouse Island) Before You Go
Build a east day
Turn one place into a full island route.
Combine Ile au Phare (Lighthouse Island) with nearby viewpoints and the wider Mauritius landscape for a more rewarding day.
Easy viewpoint
Alexandra Falls
Start with the established viewpoint and get context for the highland landscape.
Explore stop →Main experience
Ile au Phare (Lighthouse Island)
Make this place the central stop, with enough time to explore without rushing.
You are here ↑Panoramic stop
Black River Gorges View Point
Continue the nature theme with broad views across protected forest and valleys.
Explore stop →Optional extension
Chamarel
Extend the day into the southwest for more scenery and major visitor attractions.
Explore stop →Mauritius Explored tips
Before you go
Keep the visit simple: allow enough time, prepare for local conditions and pair it with nearby stops that suit your day.
- 1
Book boat tour from Mahebourg or Blue Bay
- 2
Combine with a visit to Ile aux Aigrettes
- 3
Keep enough time to explore without rushing
- 4
Wear comfortable shoes for walking
- 5
Check current access for specific buildings
- 6
Carry only what you need in busier areas
- 7
Combine nearby stops to reduce unnecessary driving
Frequently asked questions
Ile au Phare (Lighthouse Island): quick answers
What is Ile au Phare (Lighthouse Island)?
Ile au Phare (Lighthouse Island) is a heritage and cultural stop in east Mauritius.
Why visit Ile au Phare (Lighthouse Island)?
Visit for local history, architecture and stories that add context to the island beyond its beaches.
Who is Ile au Phare (Lighthouse Island) best for?
It suits culture lovers, families and travellers building a more rounded Mauritius itinerary.
What should I check before going?
Check current visitor access and any photography rules before going; some heritage sites are best appreciated with time to read the context.
What should I bring?
Bring only what fits the activity, plus water, sun protection and suitable footwear where relevant.
Keep exploring
Nearby nature & next stops
Continue exploring nearby Mauritius places instead of ending your journey at a single attraction.
South · Waterfalls
500 Feet Waterfall (cascade 500 Pieds)
From highland forest to a 500-foot waterfall.
North · Explore
Belle Vue(daruty) Forest Trail
An easy Daruty forest walk with trees, history and old sugar-mill traces.
South East · Adventure
Biscuiterie H. Rault Mahébourg
Follow a local product back to where it begins.
Planning more than one stop?
Connect places, viewpoints, beaches and activities into a fuller east Mauritius day.