Discover the Beauty of Mauritius with the 35km ATV Tour
If you’re looking for an adventure that combines adrenaline, scenic beauty, and a taste of local nature, the Discovery Tour 35km offers just that. This well-rated experience from Big Foot Adventure takes you through some of Mauritius’s most captivating sights on a powerful ATV. From rushing along riverbanks to stopping at gorgeous waterfalls, it’s an active way to explore the island’s lush landscapes.
What we like most about this tour is the variety of stops—from dramatic coastal cliffs to peaceful nature parks—and the opportunity to swim and sunbathe during free time. We also appreciate the upgradable transport option, making it convenient for those staying outside the meeting point. The only consideration is that the tour lasts around 5 hours, so it’s best suited for travelers ready for a full, energetic day.
This adventure suits those who enjoy outdoor activities, scenic drives, and authentic experiences off the beaten path. If you’re after a fun, active day that showcases Mauritius’s natural charm, this could be a perfect choice.
Key Points
- Scenic ATV ride through Mauritius countryside and along the Savanne River.
- Stops at key sights like Rochester Falls and Gris Gris Beach with free time to relax.
- Includes a hearty lunch at La Vanille Nature Park, plus opportunities for swimming.
- Upgrade available for hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience.
- Great for active travelers aged 16 and above, with a maximum group size of 4.
- Cancellations are flexible with full refunds if done 24 hours in advance.
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Exploring Mauritius on 35km of Adventure
This tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, scenery, and cultural sights, making it a compelling choice for those wanting to get a real taste of Mauritius outside typical tourist spots. The entire experience is centered around high-speed ATV riding through the countryside, which not only makes the journey exciting but also allows you to cover a significant stretch of the island’s beautiful terrain in a relatively short time.
The Itinerary: What to Expect and Why It Matters
Starting at Andrea Lodges, the adventure kicks off around 10:00 am, giving you ample time to enjoy the day. The first stop is Gris Gris Beach, famous for its stunning cliffs and the dramatic La Roche qui Pleure. Here, you’ll get 15 minutes to take in the views, snap photos, and breathe in the fresh sea air. Reviewers mention how gorgeous the scenery is, with one noting “really beautiful views” that make the short stop worthwhile.
Next, your group heads to Rochester Falls, often described as a highlight of the tour. Known for its impressive cascade and natural pool, it’s a perfect spot for a quick swim or just soaking up the tranquillity of the surroundings. One reviewer mentioned it as a “must-see in Mauritius,” and many appreciate the chance to dip into natural waters after the ATV ride.
The third highlight is La Vanille Nature Park, where you’ll enjoy a sizable lunch and see some of Mauritius’s native wildlife—crocodiles, tortoises, and more. The hour-long stop also offers a chance to rest, recharge, and explore the park at your leisure. This part of the tour adds an educational element, helping you understand the island’s flora and fauna.
The ATV Experience: How It Feels and Why It’s Fun
The core of the tour is the rough-and-tumble ATV ride. One reviewer fondly called it “super leuk tocht,” emphasizing how fun and beautiful the views are along the rocky riverbank paths. The tour is designed for both singles and doubles, accommodating the preferences of each rider. The route takes you through the lush Mauritian countryside—think rocky riverbanks, patches of greenery, and open fields.
The guides are experienced and supply helmets, dust masks, and caps, ensuring safety and comfort. They also coordinate the group, which is small (up to 4 travelers), making it easier to keep tabs on everyone and offer more personalized attention. A typical comment from a reviewer was about how long the ride felt—”the only downside was that the ride could have been longer,” but it’s worth noting that the focus is on quality, not quantity.
Practical Details: What You Should Know
- Pricing: At $267.52 per person, this tour offers good value considering the variety of stops, the inclusion of lunch, and the guided ATV experience. It’s a fairly comprehensive half-day adventure.
- Duration: Expect around 5 hours from start to finish, including stops, riding, and lunch. This makes it suitable for a morning or early afternoon outing.
- Transport: The tour includes an upgrade option for hotel pickup and drop-off, which adds convenience if you’re staying outside the meeting point.
- Safety: Helmets and masks are provided—essential for off-road riding—and children aged 6 and above can join as passengers, making it family-friendly.
- Weather Dependence: Since the activity is outdoors, poor weather could lead to cancellation, but the provider offers full refunds or alternative dates if that happens.
Authentic Experiences and Review Insights
One reviewer shared that “the tour had beautiful views” and appreciated the simple but tasty lunch at La Vanille. They also mentioned that “it felt a bit long” due to a quad malfunction, which caused a delay, but overall, the experience remained positive. Such insights remind us that technical issues can happen but don’t detract significantly from the fun.
Another review pointed out the breathtaking views at Rochester Falls and Gris Gris Beach, emphasizing how these stops elevate the entire trip. The mix of high-speed riding and peaceful nature stops creates a well-rounded experience, blending adrenaline with relaxation.
Benefits of the Tour
- Scenic diversity: From coastal cliffs to waterfalls and lush parks, it offers a thorough taste of Mauritius’s natural beauty.
- Small group size: With just four travelers, you’re assured personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
- Inclusion of lunch: A good, straightforward meal at La Vanille enhances the day without extra cost.
- Flexibility with pick-up: Upgrading to hotel transfers makes logistics easier, especially for travelers staying outside Riviere des Anguilles.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Not suitable for pregnant women or those with certain health restrictions, due to the physical nature of riding.
- The minimum age to drive is 16, but children aged 6+ can be passengers, which is great for families.
- The tour is most suitable for active travelers prepared for some rough terrain and physical activity.
- Weather can impact the experience—a rainy day might mean rescheduling or cancellation.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This adventure is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers eager to see Mauritius from a new angle. If you’re comfortable on a quad and want to experience the island’s natural highlights up close, this tour will deliver. It’s also suitable for small groups and families, especially those with kids over 6 as passengers.
Travelers looking for a combination of adrenaline, scenic stops, and cultural insights will appreciate how well this tour balances excitement with relaxed moments. If you’re on a budget but want a memorable, activity-packed day, the value for money is solid given the included lunch and multiple stops.
The Sum Up
The Discovery Tour 35km offers an engaging mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural exposure, making it a standout option for active travelers in Mauritius. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, and the stops at Rochester Falls and La Vanille add a layer of authentic, memorable experiences.
While the tour isn’t overly long, it packs a punch with varied landscapes, wildlife encounters, and the thrill of riding an ATV through lush terrains. Plus, the option to include hotel transfers simplifies logistics, especially if you’re staying farther from the meeting point.
This tour suits those who love outdoor activities, want to see Mauritius beyond the typical beaches, and don’t mind a bit of dirt and adventure. With consistently high ratings and positive review insights, it’s a reliable choice for a fun-filled, scenic day on the island.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Hotel pickup can be added as an upgrade during booking. The base price does not include transportation unless specified.
What is the minimum age to participate?
The minimum age to drive an ATV is 16 years. Children aged 6 and above can join as passengers, making it family-friendly.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, including stops, riding, and lunch.
What should I wear or bring?
Participants are provided with helmets, dust masks, and caps. Comfortable outdoor clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Are the stops at Rochester Falls and Gris Gris Beach free?
Yes, both stops are free. You’ll have about 15 minutes at each to enjoy the scenery and take photos.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If poor weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This detailed review should help you decide if this Mauritius ATV tour fits your adventure style. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or seeking scenic tranquility, this experience offers a well-rounded day in paradise.