Beaches & Islands to visit:

 

Ile aux Benitiers and Crystal Rock

Located on the west coast of Mauritius, the small island of Ile aux Benitier is one of the most unique places to visit in Mauritius. From strolling along the sandbar to snorkeling in the crystal-clear water or just lazing on the beach, you’ll find plenty to do there. 

On your way to the island, make sure to stop at the Crystal Rock and for a swim and a chance to spot some colorful fish.

For a hassle-free day, I recommend that you book a tour of Ile aux Benitiers which includes snorkeling at Crystal Rock, BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks and the chance to spot some dolphins!

 

Ile aux Cerfs Boat tour

With calm shallow waters and a beautiful sandbar that stretches out to the sea, Ile aux Cerfs is one of the most popular islands and places to visit in Mauritius. Some of the best things to do there include parasailing, kayaking, snorkeling and relaxing on the beach.

There are a few restaurants on the island but those tend to be expensive. If you’re on a budget, I recommend taking an Ile aux Cerfs tour which includes a delicious BBQ lunch and a visit to Ilot Mangenie and GRSE waterfall.

 

Relax and snorkel on Pointe D’Esny Beach 

Pointe D’Esny is a small stretch of white-sand beach located on the southeast coast of Mauritius. Due to its remote location, the beach is usually not very crowded, making it one of my favorite beaches in Mauritius! Unfortunately, the beach doesn’t have too many shady spots but the crystal-clear water should be enough reason to visit!  

Tip: If you plan on taking a snorkeling trip, I highly recommend this tour which includes snorkeling at the Blue Bay Marine Park, Pointe D’Esny (to see an old shipwreck) and a visit to the private island of Ile des Deux Cocos where you’ll be served a Creole lunch.

 

Island hopping to Ile de la Passe 

This is where the British and French fought for Mauritius Island back in the 1800s. There are only a few ruins left on Ile de la Passe and it’s a popular stop on the Mauritius southeast islands hopping tours. 

 

Visit Ile Au Phare (Ile aux Fouquets National Park) 

Ile au Phare (also known as Lighthouse Island) is a small island located not too far from Ile de la Passe. This island features a lighthouse that was built in 1864. Unfortunately, the stairs inside the lighthouse are not well maintained but you can still enjoy the view and relax in the shallow water. 

 

Visit Ile aux Aigrettes 

Located in the bay of Mahebourg, Ile aux Aigrettes is a small nature reserve home to several endangered species of plants and animals and also one of the top places to visit in Mauritius!

 

Swim in the Rochester Falls 

Being one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Mauritius, visiting the Rochester Falls is a must! The waterfall is accessible through a dirt road from Souillac and does not involve any strenuous hike. 

 

20 Best Beaches & places to go Snorkeling in Mauritius:

 

Mauritius, a small country off Africa’s eastern shores is full of palm-fringed white sandy beaches, bright blue waters and lush jungle and is well known as a paradise destination. It also offers many luxury and boutique hotels, offers an array of incredible sights and activities accessible to almost everyone.

Mauritius is not only a honeymoon destination, as the islands are home to waterfalls, gardens and national parks which are ideal for hiking and cycling, making it a sought after destination for nature lovers. If you love sun, sea and sand, you can’t go wrong here, as among its 16 islands and islets, you’ll find plenty of secluded spots and virgin beaches in Mauritius all to yourself. This is where you can experience some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving, including swimming with wild dolphins and exploring stunning coral reefs.

 

1.  Le Morne Beach

Le Morne beach is located  on the west coast of Mauritius at the foot of the majestic Morne Brabant mountain listed as a World Heritage by the Unesco. The public beach of Le Morne  is particularly popular with windsurfers and kite surfers, conditions are perfect for practicing these sports almost all year round.

 

2. Flic en Flac Beach

Situated on the west coast of Mauritius, this 8km long white sandy beach is one of the largest on the island. It offers turquoise shallow water and shady Casuarina trees making it a perfect  destination for a family day out with a picnic. 

 

3. Ile aux Cerf

The Ile aux Cerfs Leisure Island lies off Trou d’Eau Douce in the largest lagoon of Mauritius and offers picturesque surroundings in a “chic and wild” setting for a breathtaking experience of natural beauty. It is home to beach restaurants, an adventure park, a wide array of water sports and an 18-hole golf course as well as untouched tranquil beaches.

 

4. Pereybere Beach

Surrounded by shady palm trees, beautiful white sand and turquoise water…add friendly locals into the mix and this bustling beach features swimming, sunbathing, kayaking and picnicking making it a great tropical beach destination.

 

5. Belle Mare Beach

Belle Mare Beach is located on the southeast coast of Mauritius, it comprises a long stretch of pristine white sand backed by a thick canopy of native casuarina trees. Despite the beauty of this scene, Belle Mare Beach remains largely undeveloped and is probably the least established area on the island, providing a more authentic vision of Mauritius. With a coral reef just off shore it’s a great spot for snorkeling and diving to get a glimpse of the ocean life that visits the reef.

 

6. Tamarin Bay

Tamarin Bay is just past the village of Black River, on the west coast of Mauritius. The Beach offers one of the best spots in Mauritius for surfing and bodyboarding. Swimming is not recommended for children and inexperienced swimmers because of the unpredictable currents and big waves that break on the shore, however it is ideal for a nice relaxing walk along the beach or to just spend time watching the sunset.

 

7. Blue Bay Beach

Blue Bay truly lives up to its name with its amazing emerald blue water, its white sandy beach surrounded by large casuarina trees.  Blue Bay is also home to a marine park, ideal for snorkeling with an almost translucent clear water allowing you to get up close and personal with the small colorful fish and abundant marine life that live among the coral dispersed throughout the lagoon. The public beach at Blue Bay is suitable for swimming and especially popular for scuba diving and glass-bottom boat tours.

 

8. Pointe d’Esny

Pointe d’Esny Beach is located in the village of Pointe d’esny, in the southeast part of Mauritius.
It is effectively sealed off by one luxury residential property after the other, this true gem of a beach is near impossible to find, unless you’re really looking for it. Without trespassing on private property, the only way to access Pointe d’esny beach from the road is through a 2 meter wide 150m long pathway between two private properties in the center of Pointe d’esny.
However, once you are there you will find  a good kilometer of white sandy beach and crystal clear ocean sea. Probably not the best spot for a full day out due to its lack of facilities but still a must visit for a peaceful away from it all dip in the Ocean.

 

9. Plage de Trou aux Biches

Trou aux Biches is one of the most beautiful beaches in the north of the island, located between Mont Choisy and Pointe aux Piment, this beautiful beach lined with coconut trees, its white sandy beach and crystal clear turquiose water is famous among photographers for its setting and postcard scenery. It has been elected several times as one of the most beautiful beaches in the African continent and often cited as one of the finest beaches in the world.

 

10. La Cuvette Public Beach

La Cuvettte is a small and intimate beach situated between Grand bay and Pereybere. An ideal location for soaking up the sun, taking a refreshing swim in the turquoise Ocean or lazing around in the shade watching the world go by.

 

11. Moint Choisy Beach

This is the longest beach in the north of Mauritius, stretching out in either direction to Trou aux Biches and Pointe aux Canonniers, a beach of endless beauty. The white sandy beach and crystal turquoise water  is lined by thousands of large casuarinas trees. Here you will find places to grab a bite to eat  and a wide range of water attractions. Mont Choisy is one of the most popular beaches and gets crowded on weekends and bank holidays.

 

12. Grand Bay Public Beach

Grand Bay located in the north of Mauritius is a very popular destination for tourists and locals. Despite it not being the most spectacular beach it does offer a great place to relax during the day with an abundance of restaurants, hotels, and lively bars nearby.
Grand Bay is a hub for deep-sea fishing tours, and other water sports such as windsurfing, sailing and flyboarding.
If you’re looking for slightly more peace and quiet, you can sometimes catch a boat to nearby coves, which are often completely deserted, or when evening rolls around, take a sunset catamaran trip either for cocktails or dinner. As darkness looms Grand Bay transforms into party central and has some of Mauritius’s best bars, restaurants  and clubs.

 

13. Gris Gris Beach

Gris Gris  beach  is located in the extreme south of the island. This part  of the island does not have a coral reef, and the big waves come crashing on the shore offering amazing views to its visitors. It’s a stark contrast from the other beaches in the South and around the Island that are popular for their calm sea.

Gris Gris is the only place in Mauritius where swimming is strongly discouraged due to its strong currents and huge waves making it an extremely dangerous beach.

 

14. La Preneuse

La Preneuse is one of Mauritius’ more historic beaches, famous for the Martello Tower and the number of old cannons that line the sand.The beach is a bit out of the way from the main tourist areas, meaning it remains quiet and the shallow waters here are ideal for children.
The beach is only around a kilometer in length, and it is best to visit at low tide when most of this appears, as there is very little left at high tide. Swimming and water sports are possible here, however, it is less popular for snorkeling and diving than other beaches due to the lack of a coral reef.
You can also catch excursions such as boat trips and dolphin spotting tours from here, but La Preneuse often gets busy at weekends and in the evening when it has spectacular sunsets.

 

15. Anse la Raie Beach:

Anse la Raie is a laid-back, romantic beach in the north of Mauritius home to exclusive luxury hotels, popular among honeymooning couples. It has a diverse mix of attractions, so is a great place to base yourself to experience the island, from the quaint fishing villages nearby to the endless views of the Indian ocean.
Beach vendors and hotels offer many water sports, and it is particularly popular for stand-up paddleboarding and kitesurfing further out to sea.
Whether or not you’re staying in the area, Anse la Raie is a perfect beach on which to spend the day, knowing you can get a cold drink and food from the hotels, plus many boat trips go from here to nearby islands such as Coin de Mire or the capital of Port Louis.

 

16. Poste Lafayette Beach

Poste Lafayette is a rugged yet stunning beach on the southeast coast. This Mauritius beach is rarely visited as volcanic rocks surround it and the sea here is often choppy. This makes it a favorite spot with kite surfers and other water-sports enthusiasts; however, it isn’t recommended unless you’re a strong swimmer. If you’re looking for an untouched, remote desert island-style beach and can manage the waters, you’ll be rewarded by windswept natural bluffs, a spectacular coral reef and a small sweeping cove of white sand where virtually no one goes.

 

17. Bain Boeuf Beach

If you want to experience a scenic beach in Mauritius without having to compete with the crowds then you definitely have to visit Bain Boeuf beach. 
Often overlooked for Pereybere, Bain Boeuf beach is found less than 2 km away with calm and shallow water, making it great for families with kids.
If you head towards the right side of the beach, you’ll find a few secluded spots with views over Coin de Mire Island. 

 

18. Poudre d’Or

The name Poudre d’Or translates to ‘Golden Powder’, so you already know what to expect at this stunning beach located a short way from the capital of Port Louis. The beach has pristine sand and clear waters, although it is known for its lush greenery, including nearby marshlands and palm and casuarina trees along the shoreline.
There is nothing much to do at this beach except relax, and the beach is only accessible via one road.
However, it makes a great place to spend a few hours after visiting the nearby village of the same name to learn about the area’s history, which saw many shipwrecks.

 

19. Trou D’Eau Douce

The small fishing village of Trou D’Eau Douce is not only the main jumping-off point for day trips to Ile aux Cerfs, one of the most popular islands in Mauritius, but it’s also a great place to stay on the east coast.
There are several hotels and resorts in the area such as Tropical Attitude, La Koquillishe, Friday Attitude and Sangri-La Le Touessrok as well as a huge selection of local restaurants. You’ll also find many tour operators from which you can book a boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs or any kind of watersport activities like parasailing, diving and snorkeling.
The beach itself is beautiful with soft white sand and turquoise water but keep in mind that you might find some seaweed along the shore during certain times of the year.

 

20. Palmar beach

Palmar beach isn’t as popular as the neighboring Belle Mare beach so if you want to avoid the crowds, this is the place to go. Note that the waves can be strong during certain times of the year (especially during the winter months), so it’s not swimmable all year round.