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sea kayak amber island

Amber Island Kayak Excursion – Price, Reviews and Essential Tips

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By on Mauritius

Sea Kayak in Mauritius: Amber Island Excursion

Looking for a genuine natural outing during your holiday in Mauritius?

The Amber Island kayaking trip is one of my favorites in the north of the island.

It’s an activity you absolutely have to do during your stay!

Far from the mainstream tourist trails, it offers a chance to discover untouched nature in an enchanting setting, with a small group.

For about 2 hours, you’ll explore the tranquil waters of the north-eastern lagoon, weave through mangrove roots, and make a stopover on Amber Island, a protected islet.

All the while, learning a lot about the biodiversity of Mauritius and the history of this region, thanks to passionate guides!

So, how does the Amber Island kayak excursion go? What are the rates? What do you need to prepare?

I will tell you everything!

Kayak Ride through the Mangroves in Mauritius

The Amber Island kayak outing is one of my favorite excursions in Mauritius. It’s organized by Yemaya Adventures, starting from Bain de Rosnay, in the north-east of the island.

This is far from noisy excursions focused on thrills. Here, it’s quite the opposite!

For an entire morning, you paddle peacefully through the mangrove, observe the flora and fauna, breathe in the sea air, and let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the landscape.

If you enjoy water activities, nature outings and off-the-beaten-path tours, this excursion is for you!

I have personally tested it and I’ll tell you all about it in detail in this article.

It will give you a taste of what to expect and allow you to book easily with confidence.

1. Arrival at Bain de Rosnay and Embarkation

The early morning meeting was set for 9 AM.

Once the reservation was made online, the Yemaya Adventures team sent us the exact location of the meeting point, some technical instructions, and a small list of things to bring (I’ll talk more about this later).

So, we arrived at the designated spot that morning around 8:45 AM. There’s a small parking area where you can easily park across from the pier. The weather was perfect: a beautiful clear sky and a brilliant sun glittering on the lagoon.

bain de rosnay
Departure point for the kayak excursion to Amber Island, Mauritius

The Yemaya team warmly welcomed us and equipped us with:

  • life jackets
  • beach shoes
  • waterproof bag to keep our essential belongings with us

We were a small group of 8 people (+ 2 instructors).

The guide then briefed us on handling the kayak: how to hold the paddles correctly, how to turn, accelerate, slow down, etc.

Don’t worry, even if you are a complete beginner, there’s nothing complicated, it’s very intuitive.

Then, it was time for embarkation. We got on the kayaks in pairs (except for the 2 instructors who accompanied us, who had single kayaks).

I book my Amber Island kayak excursion now! I want to embark on an Amber Island kayaking adventure in Mauritius
Voyage Ile Maurice - Tips

Heading to Mauritius soon and need help planning your stay?

I’ve prepared 5 detailed itineraries to ensure you don’t miss a thing and to help you save time.

Click on the orange links below to discover the itinerary to follow based on the duration of your trip to Mauritius:

2. Lagoon Crossing and Mangrove Exploration

The adventure begins with a crossing of the lagoon to reach the mangrove in about 15 minutes.

Travel Advice for Mauritius

During the crossing, the sun was beating down hard. It’s essential to plan for sun protection because on the kayak in the middle of the sea, you are completely exposed.

kayak ile ambre ile maurice
Crossing the lagoon

Once we reached the mangrove surrounding Amber Island, the scenery was magical. The atmosphere was so peaceful and transporting!

We felt wrapped in the mangroves, with their shade offering a refreshing break. The only sounds were the gentle lapping of the water and the singing of birds.

There’s nothing better than a kayak trip through the mangroves in Mauritius to calm the mind and disconnect from everything. Truly!

kayak mangrove maurice
Arriving in the mangrove around Amber Island

After a few minutes, the guide gathered us for a brief pause to enlighten us about this unique ecosystem.

He taught us many fascinating things about the mangroves (the trees that make up the mangrove) , their remarkable reproductive system, and the importance of the mangrove for Mauritian biodiversity.

I won’t reveal more to let you discover all this on the day itself 🙂

paletuvier ile maurice
The seeds of the mangrove tree (known as propagules)
racines paletuviers
The red roots of the mangroves, whitened by salt

Click below to book your kayak trip in the mangrove at Mauritius:

I book my Amber Island kayak excursion now! I want to explore Mauritius' mangrove by kayak

3. Snorkeling in the Mangrove

We then grabbed our paddles and headed a bit further to a secluded spot perfect for snorkeling.

Equipped with our masks and snorkels, we enjoyed 20 minutes of underwater exploration in the tranquil mangroves. The clear water allowed us to see pretty fish, some not shy at all, nibbling at our feet ^^

Before heading out again, the guides took this opportunity to offer us some fresh fruits they had sliced that morning: slices of mango and juicy pineapple 🤤

Then we set off again, towards Amber Island.

Travel Advice for Mauritius

For more ideas on things to do in the north of Mauritius, don’t miss my comprehensive article: Top 11 Activities and Attractions Near Grand Bay

4. Stopover on Amber Island, Guided Tour, and Snack Time

Amber Island is the largest of the Mauritian islets. It was once inhabited by a few settler families and is now a classified protected reserve.

It’s also a legendary place, having provided refuge to survivors of the Saint-Géran in 1744, and inspired the famous novel Paul and Virginie!

Upon arrival at the entrance, we left our kayaks along the rocks and disembarked on the island where we enjoyed about 1 hour of stopover.

On the agenda:

  • Guided walk to the ruins
  • Guide’s explanations about the ruins, the history of the place, and the families who lived here
  • Discovery of a natural crater
arrivee ile d ambre
Landing on Amber Island
ile d ambre
The crater on Amber Island
visite ile ambre
Guided walk on Amber Island
ruines ile ambre
The ruins of Amber Island, remnants of ancient dwellings

After the tour, we headed to a small kiosk for a friendly snack.

Our guides had everything planned:

  • cool drinks
  • local specialties they had prepared themselves: napolitains (typical Mauritian pastries), banana cake, and a few savory biscuits
  • coffee
Mauritius Travel Anecdote

The kiosk on Amber Island is inhabited by a whole colony of endemic geckos.

While I’m used to observing them from a distance in my garden and see them flee when I approach, there, they are almost tamed. They easily approach visitors to share some cake crumbs and fruit juice caps.

Well, I’m not sure if it’s very good for their health, but they are certainly adorable, and I had never seen them so close ^^

After that, it was about 12 p.m., and it was already time to head back.

If there’s time left, the guide usually ends the excursion with another short stop at Ilot Bernache and its magnificent white-sand beach. We were a bit late, so we didn’t have time.

So we ended this sea kayaking trip in Mauritius with a stunning return journey across the blue lagoon and under the sun, back to Bain Boeuf.

You too can embark on this adventure! With family or as a couple, it’s one of the most beautiful outings in Mauritius.

Book your Amber Island kayaking adventure by clicking the button below:

(This activity is becoming increasingly popular, so I recommend booking as early as possible!)

I book my Amber Island kayaking adventure now! I'm ready for a kayaking adventure on Amber Island in Mauritius
Sea kayaking in Mauritius
Kayaking excursion at Amber Island, Mauritius
Mauritius Travel Tip

Want to make your trip to Mauritius truly unforgettable? To do that, there’s nothing better than including other exciting excursions and activities during your stay!

Here’s my Top 5 experiences not to miss during your trip to Mauritius, in addition to kayaking at Amber Island:

(Click on the orange links for details and to book your spots)

1. Catamaran cruise to the Northern islets – A day at sea in a paradise setting with stops at several islands

2. Seaplane flight over the underwater waterfall – A breathtaking experience to have at least once in a lifetime!

3. One-day cruise to Ile aux Cerfs (with on-board barbecue) – Sail through the sublime eastern lagoon, snorkel and explore Ile aux Cerfs

4. Private Southwest tour – Discover Chamarel, Black River Gorges, Grand Bassin and more, accompanied by a passionate local guide

5. Guided ascent of Morne Brabant at sunrise – THE not-to-be-missed hike in Mauritius, with an exceptional view at the top!

Sea Kayaking in Mauritius to Amber Island: My Review

If you’re wondering where to go kayaking in Mauritius during your stay, I highly recommend this particular excursion.

I’ve tried several and this one is definitely my favorite.

The setting is exceptional, between the mangroves, the lagoon and the protected islet.

I also enjoyed that the adventure is punctuated with a variety of activities: paddling in the open lagoon, then under the trees in the mangroves, some snorkeling, followed by a guided tour on Amber Island (not to mention the tasty pauses along the way 🙂 )

With a mix of nature, history, and adventure, this outing is both rich in experience and relaxing.

An advantage is also that the guides take their time. The excursion lasts an entire morning, which gives you time to soak it in, disconnect, and thoroughly enjoy.

This kayaking trip to Amber Island is a great family activity in Mauritius. Children as young as 5 years old can participate.

Everything is very well organized and supervised, with a guide instructor at the front, and another one at the rear of the group to ensure everyone’s safety.

I also find that the price is very reasonable given the richness and duration of this excursion (€50/adult and €35/child).

In short, if you’re looking for an authentic nature outing during your stay in Mauritius, I strongly encourage you to go on this excursion to Amber Island with Yemaya Adventures.

If you already have your travel dates, I recommend booking now to ensure you get a spot. It’s easy, just click below:

I book my Amber Island kayaking excursion now! I want to go on a kayaking adventure to Amber Island in Mauritius!

Amber Island Kayak Excursion in Mauritius: Prices and Booking

So, a kayak trip through the mangroves of Mauritius sounds appealing to you?

Here’s what you need to know:

  • the excursion lasts about 3 hours in total, with a start around 9 am and return around 12 pm
  • the activity is accessible to children from 5 years old
  • all equipment is provided (waterproof bag, snorkel masks, water shoes) => But you can also bring your own
  • it takes place in the Northeast of Mauritius, about 25 minutes from Grand Baie

Regarding prices:

  • Adult rate: €50
  • Child rate (5-12 years): €35

The activity is organized during the week and on weekends, depending on bookings.

I recommend you book your spots as soon as possible because Yemaya Adventures prefers small groups, and the days fill up quickly.

Book your Amber Island kayaking adventure without delay by clicking on the button below:

I book my Amber Island kayaking excursion now! I want to go on a sea kayaking adventure to Amber Island in Mauritius!

Voyage Ile Maurice Tip

Booking your Amber Island kayaking excursion in Mauritius via Manawa allows you to benefit from the same price as booking directly through Yemaya Adventures, while saving time.

The payment is 100% secure, and once you’ve made your booking, you will receive all the information about your activity (date, time, what to bring) by email and SMS.

Yemaya’s team will then contact you directly with practical information.

By using Manawa, you also benefit from the Weather Guarantee and free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled date.

kayak ile ambre
Kayaking excursion to Amber Island, in the East of Mauritius

Kayaking in Amber Island, Mauritius: What to Prepare For

To help you prepare as best as possible for this excursion, here are my tips on things to bring:

Sunscreen and Hats

Very, very important: remember to take sun protection! Make sure to bring sunscreen (highest SPF), hats, and sunglasses. Out in the kayak under the full sun, it gets intense and sunburn is inevitable if you do not protect yourself well.

Personally, my skin is super sensitive to the sun, so I even brought a pareo, which I laid over my legs in the kayak, for extra protection.

But I still ended up with a sunburn on my shoulders, despite the sunscreen 😅 (I made the mistake of not reapplying it after the snorkeling break).

Mauritius Travel Tip

Moreover, if you plan to go swimming, remember to use a “reef-safe” sunscreen, which has no negative impact on corals and marine life. A simple action, but it truly helps preserve the mangroves and the oceans 💙

Comfortable Clothing

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to sit extended on the kayak without any discomfort.

For example, avoid jeans, and opt instead for pants or shorts made of flowing material. Keep in mind that your clothes will definitely get wet.

Beach shoes are also essential, but if you do not have any, they can be provided to you.

Water

As I mentioned, it gets super hot in the sunlight while kayaking, so a water bottle will be really handy to stay hydrated during the 3-hour trip.

You can easily store it on the kayak in the provided waterproof bag.

A Waterproof Pouch for Your Phone

This is very useful, even essential, if you want to take photos/videos of your adventure since there’s a high risk of dropping your smartphone in the water.

Alternatively, you can keep it stored in the waterproof bag provided by the guides.

Something to Dry Off and Change Into

Also bring towels and spare clothes for the return trip as you will likely be wet.

If you have planned other walks or visits after the excursion, a change of clothes will keep you comfortable to fully enjoy the rest of your day!

With all this, you’ll be ready to go paddle through the mangroves of Mauritius!

Book your spots with just a few clicks using the button below:

I book my Amber Island kayaking tour now! I want to go on a sea kayaking excursion to Amber Island in Mauritius
ile maurice kayak
Kayaking in Amber Island, in the northeast of Mauritius

Travel Insurance for Mauritius: My Advice

My Advice

Many travelers mistakenly think (wrongly) that healthcare in Mauritius is affordable and that they don’t need travel insurance. But in reality, the public healthcare system is fragile, and even the slightest consultation in a private clinic is very expensive!

That’s why it is essential to take out travel insurance with good medical coverage before you leave.

To travel safely, I recommend the following 2 insurances (both include epidemic guarantee – like Covid-19, which is very important!)

To subscribe, it’s very simple, just click on the orange links below:

Book your trip and save!
🏨 Book your hotel
🚗 Rent a car
🗽 Book your tickets and guided tours
🏄 Book your sports activities
🚤 Rent a boat
🌍 Get your travel insurance
✈️ Book your flight

You’re traveling to Mauritius? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mauritius: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mauritius are listed there.

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Places to Visit

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Organize your stay

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kayak amber island mauritius
kayak amber island mauritius
Anonymous

I've been living in Mauritius for ten years now, and I'm passionate about this jewel of the Indian Ocean. As I love exploring and writing, I have created this blog to give you all my best tips to organize your trip to Mauritius!

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