Underwater 'Waterfall' in Le Morne, Mauritius

Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, was formed by volcanic activity 8 million years ago and is home to rare plants, animals, and 1.2 million people. The island is the second largest of the Mascarene Islands, located on a submarine plateau. Along the southwestern coast, a dramatic site can be seen where coral reefs appear to give way to an enormous underwater waterfall. However, this waterfall is an optical illusion caused by erosion, as ocean currents move sand and sediment over the edge of the coastal shelf. Despite being an illusion, the site is still stunning and can be viewed from the top of Le Morne Brabant, a 500-meter peak, or through helicopter sightseeing tours. The coastal shelf drops off to a depth of 4,000 meters, creating a streaming effect that resembles a waterfall. Real underwater waterfalls exist in other parts of the world, such as the Denmark Strait Cataract, but this is not one of them. The aerial view of the faux waterfall is the most astounding, making helicopter tours popular. The island's unique features and stunning scenery attract visitors from around the world.