Discovery Tour 35km

Getting a taste of Mauritius’s lush countryside doesn’t necessarily mean staying on paved roads or sticking to typical sightseeing routes. This Discovery Tour 35km offers a chance to explore the island’s natural beauty from the seat of a powerful ATV, with stops at some of the most striking sights, including waterfalls and scenic beaches.

Though only about five hours long, it packs a punch with high-speed fun, stunning views, and plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in the surroundings.

We love that this tour combines adventure and natural beauty—you get the thrill of riding through rugged paths along the Savanne River, complemented by breathtaking vistas like Rochester Falls and La Roche qui Pleure. Plus, there’s a chance to cool off with a swim and enjoy a relaxed lunch in the open air. However, if you’re looking for a longer, more leisurely day or prefer a very social group, this might feel a bit brisk.

This experience is ideal for active travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures and want to see some of Mauritius’s most photogenic spots without the hassle of planning. Families with older children (16+) are welcome, and those who love a bit of speed and nature combined will find plenty to love here.

This experience made our article of The 16 Most Popular Tours & Things To Do In Chamarel.

Key Points

• Authentic countryside exploration: Ride through rugged terrains along the Savanne River.
• Stunning natural sights: Rochester Falls, Gris Gris Beach, and La Roche qui Pleure dominate the itinerary.
• Flexible options: Upgrades available for hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Family-friendly: Minimum age to drive is 16; children over 6 can be passengers.
• Value-packed: Includes lunch, safety gear, and all taxes for a transparent price.
• Limited group size: Max 4 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Duration

The adventure kicks off at Big Foot Adventure in Rivière des Anguilles at 10:00 am, giving you a good morning start to beat the heat and crowds. The entire trip lasts approximately five hours, which strikes a nice balance between seeing a good chunk of the countryside and not feeling rushed. The tour is small, capped at four travelers, so if you’re hoping for a more intimate experience, this is a plus.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Do

Stop 1: Gris Gris Beach
Your first stop is the scenic Gris Gris Beach, famous for its dramatic cliffs and the hauntingly beautiful La Roche qui Pleure. You’ll get about 15 minutes here, enough time to snap some photos of the rugged coastline. The view of nature’s raw power and beauty makes this a very photogenic spot. It’s an ideal introduction to Mauritius’s varied landscape and a good reminder of the beauty that lies just beyond the beaches.

Stop 2: Rochester Falls
Next, it’s onto the magnificent Rochester Falls, renowned for its smooth, multi-tiered cascades and deep blue pools. Here, you’re encouraged to enjoy some leisure time—perhaps a quick swim or just lounging by the water. As one traveler noted, “A must-see in Mauritius!” The falls are a highlight, providing a perfect blend of natural spectacle and relaxation. The 15-minute stop allows just enough time to appreciate the scene without feeling rushed.

Stop 3: La Vanille Nature Park
The third stop is a bit different—a wildlife encounter at La Vanille Nature Park, where you can see crocodiles, tortoises, and other local fauna. The park visit includes lunch, which is a thoughtful addition, giving you a chance to refuel after the outdoor activities. This break also offers a chance to stroll, take photos, and enjoy a change of scenery from the riverbanks and waterfalls.

The ATV Ride: What It Means for You

The core of this tour is riding powerful ATVs along rocky riverbanks and rugged paths. Guided by a knowledgeable local, you’ll get a safe but exciting ride through some of the island’s more untraveled areas. Reviewers highlight the stunning views that open up along the route—expect lush greenery, rocky outcroppings, and glimpses of the river winding through the landscape.

The ride is suitable for those with some riding experience, as the minimum age to drive is 16. Helmets, dust masks, and caps are provided, emphasizing safety and comfort. The guide’s expertise ensures that even less experienced riders feel confident navigating the terrain, but if you’re unsure about riding a quad, being a passenger is perfectly acceptable—children over six are allowed to accompany as passengers.

Additional Tour Highlights: Natural Beauty and Relaxation

After the adrenaline rush, the tour takes a moment for downtime. You can swim in the cool river pools or just soak up the sun, taking in the spectacular surroundings. The optional upgrade for hotel pickup and drop-off enhances convenience, especially if you prefer not to worry about transportation logistics—many travelers appreciated this added service.

Value and Cost Analysis

At $267.52 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience, including all taxes and fees, safety gear, lunch, and guide services. While it might seem a touch pricey at first glance, consider that it combines adventure, sightseeing, and a local meal—elements that can be costly if booked separately. The small group size adds to the feeling of exclusivity and personal attention, making it a good value for those seeking a tailored outdoor experience.

What the Reviews Say

One traveler summed it up: “Was super leuk tocht. Echt geweldig mooi uitzicht. En lekkere simpele lunch op een mooie locatie. De tocht had van mij wel langer mogen duren.” The review highlights the stunning views and the satisfaction of a good, straightforward meal. The mention of a quad malfunction—“Omdat er een quad uit viel moest ik mijn quad inleveren”—is a reminder that technical hiccups can happen, but overall, the experience remains positive.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure appeals most to active travelers who crave a mix of adrenaline and nature. It’s suitable for families with children over 6 who are comfortable on a quad, as well as small groups looking for a personalized experience. If your goal is to see some iconic sights like waterfalls and beaches with an exciting twist, this tour will meet those expectations.

However, if you prefer a very leisurely, lengthy day or dislike riding ATVs, you might find this tour slightly short or intense. Also, travelers who want a very relaxed, scenic drive without active participation might prefer other options.

The Sum Up

The Discovery Tour 35km offers a balanced blend of adventure, natural beauty, and relaxation in Mauritius. It’s a vivid way to see some of the island’s most photogenic sights—like Rochester Falls and Gris Gris Beach—while getting your adrenaline fix on rugged terrain. The small-group format and inclusion of lunch add value, making it a worthwhile choice for those keen on outdoor activities and authentic experiences.

While there’s a chance of minor delays due to technical issues, the overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many travelers raving about the stunning views and the fun of riding through Mauritius’s countryside. It’s a tour that suits curious, active visitors who want more than just a typical sightseeing bus ride, offering a chance to connect with the island’s natural side in a lively, engaging way.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately five hours, including stops for sightseeing, swimming, and lunch.

Is transportation included?
Transportation can be added as an upgrade. The tour starts at Big Foot Adventure in Rivière des Anguilles. If you choose the upgrade, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Can children participate?
Children over 6 can be passengers, and the minimum age to drive is 16. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What safety gear is provided?
Helmets, dust masks, and caps are included to ensure safety and comfort during the ride.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 4 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What is included in the price?
All taxes, fees, handling charges, lunch, and safety gear are part of the package.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.

This Mauritius ATV adventure offers a unique way to combine outdoor thrills with natural beauty. For travelers eager to explore beyond typical beaches and enjoy some exhilarating off-road riding, it’s a memorable option worth considering.