Places to Visit in Mauritius
GRSE Waterfall
A waterfall at the mouth of the island's longest river, reached the way it is best seen — from the water.
Location
Grand River South East — east coast
Time Needed
Around 30 – 45 minutes at the falls
Access
Normally by boat from Trou d'Eau Douce
Cost
Included in most east coast boat excursions
Best For
Scenery, photography, wildlife spotting
Combines With
Île aux Cerfs, on the same excursion
Overview
Discover the GRSE Waterfall
Grand River South East is the longest river in Mauritius, and it finishes its run in an unusual way: instead of widening quietly into the sea, it drops over a rock lip close to the estuary, so that fresh water falls almost directly into the lagoon.
That geography is exactly why it is normally visited by boat. Approaching from the water gives you the whole scene at once — the fall, the dark rock around it and the green banks closing in on either side. The land route down to the river is steep and awkward by comparison, and gives a far poorer view.
The banks along the approach are home to long-tailed macaques, which come down to the water's edge and are often the thing people remember most. They are wild animals, and feeding them is both bad for the monkeys and a reliable way to get bitten or scratched.
How impressive the falls look depends heavily on recent rainfall. After wet weather the flow is strong and loud; in a dry spell it can be considerably more modest.
Where the island's longest river
meets the lagoon
Why Visit
Why Visit the GRSE Waterfall?
Seen from the Water
The boat approach up the estuary is the whole experience — you get the fall, the rock and the river banks in one view.
River Meets Lagoon
An unusual meeting point where the island's longest river drops almost straight into the sheltered water of the lagoon.
Wild Macaques
Long-tailed macaques live along the banks and are frequently seen from the boat. Watch them; do not feed them.
Things to Do
What to Expect at the Falls
The Boat Approach
Skippers bring the boat up the estuary towards the fall, slowing for photographs. This is the main event and takes only a few minutes.
Photograph the Waterfall
Shoot from the boat as it turns; the light is generally best when the sun is high enough to reach into the estuary.
Look for Macaques
Monkeys come down to the banks and are often visible from the water. Keep food out of sight and never attempt to feed or touch them.
Take in the Estuary
Dense green banks, dark volcanic rock and the point where fresh river water meets the lagoon — a very different landscape from the beaches nearby.
On the River
The Longest River in Mauritius
Grand River South East drains a large part of the island's interior before reaching this stretch of coast.
The Estuary Banks
Steep, thickly vegetated slopes closing in on either side of the water as the boat moves upriver.
Resident Macaques
Long-tailed macaques, an introduced species now well established in Mauritius, are commonly seen along the banks.
Visiting the GRSE Waterfall
There is no ticket office and no entrance fee for the waterfall itself. In practice, almost everyone sees it as part of a boat excursion from Trou d'Eau Douce, most often on a speedboat or catamaran day that also visits Île aux Cerfs and includes lunch.
The stop at the falls is usually short — long enough for the boat to approach, hold position for photographs and turn back. It is a component of a longer day rather than a destination in itself.
It is possible to reach a viewpoint over the river by land, but the path down is steep and rough and the view is much less rewarding. The boat approach is what makes this worth doing.
MauTravel arranges private transport to and from the departure point on the east coast; the boat excursion itself is operated by licensed local boat operators.
Water flow varies significantly with recent rainfall, and boat trips can be cancelled in poor weather or rough sea conditions.
Travel Tips
Before You Go
- Do not feed the monkeys — it harms them and risks bites and scratches
- Keep food and drinks out of sight and hold bags closed near the banks
- The falls are strongest after rain and can be modest during dry spells
- Protect cameras and phones; there is spray on the approach and in the boat
- Wear a life jacket where one is provided and follow the skipper's instructions
- Trips may be cancelled or shortened in rough sea or poor weather
- The stop itself is brief — it is part of a longer excursion, not a standalone trip
- Confirm with your boat operator whether the waterfall is actually included in the route
- Take all rubbish back with you; nothing should go into the river
Getting There
Need Transport to GRSE Waterfall?
Enjoy the journey at your own pace with private transportation arranged by MauTravel. Hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged from locations around Mauritius.
Continue Exploring
Explore East Mauritius
The falls sit on the same stretch of coast as Île aux Cerfs and the eastern beaches.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There is a land route to a viewpoint over the river, but the path is steep and rough and the view is considerably poorer. The waterfall is designed, in effect, to be seen from the water, and virtually all visitors see it from a boat.
No. There is no ticket for the waterfall itself. The cost is the boat excursion, and the falls are normally included as one stop within a wider east coast trip.
Usually only a few minutes — long enough to approach, hold position for photographs and turn. It is one element of a longer day, most often combined with Île aux Cerfs.
Long-tailed macaques live along the banks and are frequently seen from the boat, but sightings are not guaranteed. Never feed or touch them: it is harmful to the animals and a genuine bite and scratch risk.
It varies with rainfall. After wet weather the flow is strong and dramatic; during a dry spell it can be quite modest. Its setting at the river mouth is a large part of the appeal regardless of flow.
Swimming is not part of a standard excursion here. Follow your skipper's instructions — river mouths carry currents and debris, particularly after rain.
Ready When You Are
Explore the East Coast by Boat
The GRSE waterfall and Île aux Cerfs make one natural day out. We'll handle the private transport and fit it around your boat departure.