Absolutely Stunning Illusion of an Underwater Waterfall in Mauritius

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Mauritius is an island nation officially called the Republic of Mauritius, or in French, République de Maurice, located in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometers off the southeast coast of the African continent. Mauritius was initially discovered by the Arabs in 975 AD, followed by the Portuguese between 1507 and 1513. The islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues as well as the French department of Réunion form part of the Mascarene Islands. Since its discovery then there have been periods of succession and colonization by the Dutch, French, and British. Mauritius gained republic status in 1968.

What To See

Approximately 1,200 miles off the southeast coast of Africa lies an island nation known as Mauritius that gives off the illusion of an underwater waterfall at the southwestern tip of the island. The visually deceiving impression, created in the water due to the runoff of sand and silt deposits, is especially effective and breathtaking in aerial shots. In fact, the illusion can even be seen on Google Maps.


The St. Regis Mauritius Resort
When viewed from other angles, the ocean is clearly just a spectacular spectrum of blues, greens, and white, visually simulating a sense of three-dimensionality that dives down like a streaming waterfall. Though it's made obvious that there isn't a roaring cascade, there's still something extremely magical about the idea of an underwater waterfall, especially since there is so much left unknown about our planet's oceans.


Google Maps
A fascinating illusion can be found at the Southwestern tip of the island. When seen from the air, a runoff of sand and silt deposits makes the illusion of an underwater waterfall. The visually deceiving impression is absolutely breathtaking when seen from aerial shots. In fact, the illusion can even be seen on Google Maps. Satellite views are dramatic, as an underwater current seemingly appears off the coastline of this tropical heaven. Viewed from other perspectives, the ocean appears to be a spectacular gamut of greens, blues, and whites, creating the false impression that it plummets down just like a raging waterfall.


Sofitel So Mauritius on Flickr