Located at the southwestern tip of the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, there exists a captivating phenomenon that will leave you in awe. This mesmerizing spectacle is a result of water currents flowing through the gaps in the reefs, causing the trails of sand on the sea floor to be swept away. When observed from an aerial perspective, this natural occurrence gives the illusion of an extraordinary “underwater waterfall.”
Even satellite views, such as the captivating screenshot from Google Maps below, showcase a stunning underwater vortex seemingly emerging just off the coast of this tropical paradise.
Dominating the skyline is the majestic Le Morne Brabant, a towering basaltic monolith with its summit reaching an impressive height of 556 meters (1,824 feet) above sea level. Occupying an area of over 12 hectares (30 acres) on the Le Morne Brabant peninsula, the region known as Le Morne Cultural Landscape has been rightfully acknowledged as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Shielded by its isolated and inaccessible cliffs adorned with lush vegetation, this rugged mountain served as a refuge for runaway slaves during the 18th and early 19th centuries. These courageous individuals established small settlements in the mountain’s caves and on its summit, seeking freedom and defying the oppression they had endured. The oral traditions surrounding these “maroons” have transformed Le Morne into a symbol of the slaves’ struggle for liberation, their immense suffering, and the sacrifices they made. Mauritius, known as the “Maroon republic” due to the large population of escaped slaves residing on the mountain, played a significant role as a pivotal stopover in the eastern slave trade.
Photograph via The St. Regis Mauritius Resort
Recently, ReubenMRU, a talented videographer, took to the skies with his drone, capturing breathtaking footage of Le Morne Brabant and the nearby “underwater waterfall” from an aerial perspective.
