Decoding the Famous Underwater Waterfall: Mauritius & Denmark
Waterfalls are already pretty epic, but an underwater waterfall? Now that’s the dreamy, mind-bending sight you must see to believe. And guess what? You will find this unreal natural phenomenon in Mauritius. Known for its lush national parks, like Black River Gorges, and some of the most stunning beaches and lagoons in the Indian Ocean, this island is also home to one of the world’s coolest optical illusions—an underwater waterfall straight out of a sci-fi film but is entirely real.
But here’s something even the most seasoned travelers might not know—Denmark has its own underwater waterfall (the largest in the world). Unlike Mauritius’ dramatic illusion, Denmark’s is hidden beneath the Denmark Strait, invisible to the naked eye yet impressive in scale.
Let’s unravel the science behind these two fascinating underwater waterfalls, explore how to experience them, and compare these wonders from two different corners of the globe.
What Makes Mauritius’ Underwater Waterfall Famous?
Near the southwestern tip of Mauritius, off the shore of Le Morne Brabant, lies the underwater waterfall illusion. From the air, it’s easy to believe you are witnessing water plunging off an oceanic cliff, but here’s the kicker: it’s all about the sand. The illusion is created by the interplay of silt and sand being swept off the ocean shelf into the deeper waters below. When seen from above, it gives the illusion of a massive waterfall pouring into the depths of the sea.
Le Morne Brabant itself is more than just a pretty backdrop. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the mountain holds deep cultural significance for the people of Mauritius, tied to their history of slavery and survival. The juxtaposition of the underwater illusion with this rich history adds a layer of depth (pun intended) to the experience.
Aerial tourism has taken off, with helicopter rides and drone operators offering travelers a bird’s-eye view of the phenomenon. And in a world dominated by viral content, Mauritius’ underwater waterfall has become the poster child for natural illusions that leave us all scratching our heads.
How & When to Visit the Mauritius Underwater Waterfall?
Want to witness this mind-bending illusion for yourself? The best time to visit Mauritius is during the dry season, from May to December, when the skies are clear, and the waters are hush. These ideal conditions make the optical illusion even more striking.
There are a few ways to get close to the action:
- Helicopter tours are the most popular, giving a bird’s-eye view of the illusion in all its glory.
- If heights aren’t your thing, some boat tours will take you to the surrounding areas, but bear in mind the illusion is best appreciated from above.
- Hack—Book your tour in advance and try to go in the morning when the light is just right.
Can You Swim Near the Underwater Waterfall?
While the underwater waterfall may tempt you to plunge right in, swimming near this optical phenomenon is not an option. The illusion itself is just that—created by the swirling sands and silt being swept into deeper waters. It is a captivating sight from the air, but there’s no actual waterfall to swim around.
Moreover, the waters ringing the underwater waterfall can be erratic. Strong currents and varying depths make it less than ideal for swimming.
Science Behind (Real) Underwater Waterfall: A Global Attraction
While Mauritius’ illusion captures hearts, Denmark calmly boasts an underwater waterfall of its own, tucked beneath the icy waters of the Denmark Strait. It’s not something you can snap a photo of or admire from above, scientifically, it’s a whole different kind of impressive. The Denmark Strait Cataract is the world’s largest underwater waterfall, with a staggering drop of around 11,500 feet—yes, feet.
Here, cold water from the Arctic collides with warmer water from the Atlantic. The cold, dense water sinks below the warmer water, creating a vertical flow akin to a waterfall—just hidden beneath the surface. It’s a stark contrast to the optical trickery of Mauritius. This is a natural occurrence that’s more about the power of the ocean than its beauty.
Mauritius vs. Denmark’s Underwater Waterfalls
Mauritius delivers pure eye candy, while Denmark’s underwater waterfall is the kind of mind-blowing, hidden fall that only deep-sea scientists geek out over. Both are extraordinary, but they cater to entirely distinct types of explorers. In Mauritius, you chase that perfect shot—the one that floods Instagram feeds.
Denmark’s version, however, is all about the scale and mystery—think of it as the introvert of natural wonders. You can’t see it, can’t touch it, but knowing it exists? That’s the kind of stuff that will leave you humbled. At nearly three times the height of Angel Falls, it’s a quiet giant lurking in the Denmark Strait, flowing thousands of feet beneath the ocean’s surface.
More Hidden Wonders Around the World
Mauritius’ underwater waterfall isn’t the only covert gem worth exploring. If illusions and underwater marvels pique your interest, there are plenty of natural phenomena to add to your bucket list. Consider the Great Blue Hole in Belize, a giant marine sinkhole that draws divers from across the globe. How about the Silfra Fissure in Iceland, where you can swim between tectonic plates (for real)?
Bonus: For those craving more, the Maldives’ underwater hotels provide a chance to dine and sleep beneath the waves. While these may not be natural waterfalls, they certainly are experiences that will leave you just as mesmerised as Mauritius’ optical wonder.
Conclusion: Why Visit Mauritius for the Ultimate Illusion?
Mauritius’ underwater waterfall isn’t just a fetching picture—it’s an optical illusion that gives reality a run for its money. It’s the kind of marvel that should be framed in an art gallery rather than floating in the Indian Ocean. Seriously, how often can you say you’ve seen something that is so intriguing?
Snapping that stunning illusion from a helicopter or contemplating the enigmatic depths of Denmark’s watery wonders (with hot cocoa in hand, of course), these underwater waterfalls invite you to connect with nature in ways that feel refreshingly out of the ordinary. Mauritius lays out a visual feast that begs for your Instagram feed. In contrast, Denmark reminds us that nature has a way of showing off in a modest (yet powerful) way.
