Les plus belles plages
Mauritius Beaches: Where to Swim, Snorkel and Watch the Sunset
The best beaches in Mauritius are Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy in the north for calm swimming, Belle Mare and Ile aux Cerfs in the east for white sand and turquoise lagoons, Flic en Flac in the west for sunsets, Blue Bay in the south-east for snorkelling, and Le Morne in the south-west for scenery and kitesurfing.
Almost the whole island is ringed by a coral reef, so most beaches have a sheltered lagoon. Each coast still has its own feel, and the best beach for you depends on whether you want to swim, snorkel, watch the sunset or simply find a quiet spot.
North: calm water and family beaches
Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy are long, gently shelving beaches with calm, clear water, ideal for children and easy swimming. Pereybere is a smaller, lively cove close to Grand Baie, with cafes across the road. Trou aux Biches is also good for snorkelling straight from the beach.
East: long beaches and wide lagoons
Belle Mare is one of the longest and most beautiful beaches on the island, with soft white sand and a wide lagoon. It can be breezy, especially from May to October. From Trou d’Eau Douce, boats cross to Ile aux Cerfs, an island with sandbanks and some of the clearest water in Mauritius. Go early to avoid the crowds.
West: sunsets and a long public beach
Flic en Flac has a long public beach lined with casuarina trees, food stalls and restaurants. It is the place to watch the sun go down, and there is good diving off the reef. Tamarin is known for surfing and early-morning dolphin trips rather than swimming.
South and south-east: snorkelling and scenery
Blue Bay is a protected marine park with coral gardens close to shore, perfect for snorkelling and glass-bottom boat trips. In the south-west, the beach below Le Morne Brabant has a beautiful lagoon and is the island’s kitesurfing centre. Further along the south coast, cliffs such as Gris Gris are spectacular to see but have no reef and strong waves, so they are not safe for swimming.
Beaches in Mauritius are open to the public, so you can walk along the sand in front of hotels. Weekends and public holidays are busy with local families, which is part of the fun.
Beach tips
- Use reef-safe sun cream and wear reef shoes when snorkelling near coral. Stonefish live in some lagoons.
- Go early or late in the day for softer light, cooler sand and fewer people.
- Ask locally about currents before swimming outside the lagoon or on unfamiliar beaches.
- Do not take shells or coral. Many species are protected.
Want to see the lagoon from the water? Try a catamaran cruise or the Ile aux Cerfs day trip.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best beach in Mauritius?
It depends on what you want: Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy for calm swimming, Belle Mare and Ile aux Cerfs for white sand, Flic en Flac for sunsets and Blue Bay for snorkelling.
Which beach in Mauritius is best for families?
Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy in the north. The water is calm and shallow, and there are shops and restaurants nearby.
Where is the best snorkelling in Mauritius?
Blue Bay Marine Park in the south-east, where coral gardens start close to the beach. Trou aux Biches in the north is also good.
Are all beaches in Mauritius safe for swimming?
Most beaches are inside the reef and calm. The exceptions are parts of the south coast, such as Gris Gris, where there is no reef and the waves and currents are strong.
Want this planned around your dates?
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