These outer islands are very different from the others, and are barely inhabited; the two islands of Agalega have barely 300 residents and the nearly 40 sand banks and islets of St. Brandon atoll an even smaller handful (and mostly non permanent) scattered across several settlements. Options to explore include sunning and swimming on pristine, white-sand beaches; snorkeling with sharks, giant sea turtles, and other tropical fish on its coral reefs; witnessing Green and Hawksbill sea-turtle nesting and spawning; and on Agaléga watching the locals engage in the main "industry" here: harvesting coconuts.

Read more in Tripatini contributor Patricia Margaret's post The Islands of Mauritius Will Take Your Breath Away.