If you’re looking for beautiful, sunny surroundings, sandy white beaches, excitement, and plenty of island solitude – a vacation in Mauritius is waiting for you! Located in the warm Indian Ocean, this island escape is an easy four- to five-hour flight from top safari destinations South Africa and Kenya. It’s the ideal beach add-on to your bush adventure.
North, South, East West: Which Mauritius Beach is Best?
Weather in Mauritius
Peak season in Mauritius is between October and January. Being an Indian Ocean Island, however, does mean the low season is mild. July is meant to be the coldest winter month when temperatures are a moderate 20°C/68°F. That’s still pretty good for a beach escape. The north of Mauritius features stunning beaches like Grand Bay and Péreybère. The east of Mauritius is the windiest region of the island, especially in winter. Here, you can explore Belle-Mare, the longest beach on the island. The west and southwest of Mauritius are known for their sunny and dry climate, with the popular beach spots of Flic en Flac and Le Morne catering to families and sports enthusiasts. This Mauritius beach guide details ten of Mauritius’s best beaches, celebrated for their crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and mix of tranquil sanctuaries and recreational hubs.
1. Belle Mare Beach: Mauritius’ Longest Beach
Belle Mare Beach is located on the east side of Mauritius. It’s one of the longest beaches on the island, stretching about two kilometers from the village of Belle Mare to Trou D’Eau Douce. It’s also well-known for its beautiful resorts, such as the Constance Belle Mare Plage Resort. Belle Mare offers water activities like parasailing, undersea walks, and tube riding. The sheltered lagoon is a fantastic spot for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach.
2. Trou aux Biches: Family-friendly, Calm Waters
Trou aux Biches’ calm, shallow waters in the north make it safe for children to swim. A classic “postcard-perfect” beach, it’s been repeatedly ranked as one of the best beaches in Africa. The beach is a well-known spot for scuba diving and snorkeling as the coral reef begins to close in-shore. Kayaks, jet skis, stand-up surfboards, and catamarans can be rented. Parasailing and glass-bottomed boat trips are also available to book. Trou aux Biches is also one of the best places to swim with turtles and dolphins. Various accommodation options surround this beach, including the outstanding Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa.
3. Ile aux Cerfs: Private-island Adventure
Ile aux Cerfs, meaning “Island of Stags’ in English, is a privately owned island off the east coast of Mauritius. Take one of the regular shuttle boats from Pointe Maurice next to Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok hotel to get there. Or organize a catamaran trip from Trou d’Eau Douce to explore more of Mauritius at sea, with stopovers at Grand River South-East’s waterfalls en route to Ile aux Cerfs. Land activities on the island include ziplining and other treetop adventures, Sega dancing, and visiting the famous Grand River waterfalls. Golfers will love the 18-hole golf course designed by 2-time Masters’ champion Bernhard Langer.
4. Grand Baie: More Than Just a Day at the Beach
Grand Baie, located in the north, is perfect if you want more than just a day on the beach. It’s renowned for its vibrant nightlife, water-based activities, restaurants, shops, bars, nightclubs, and glitzy resorts. It’s also a great jumping-off point for island-hopping and day trips by boat or catamaran. The many activities include water skiing, windsurfing, yachting, and deep-sea fishing. There are numerous outstanding snorkeling and scuba diving sites. Get a different perspective of Mauritius’ marine life with a solar undersea walk, an underwater scooter experience, or a semi-submarine trip.
5. Pereybère: Firm Favourite with the Younger Crowd
You’ll love Pereybere Beach if you’re looking for a vibrant atmosphere. It’s just a few kilometers from Grand Baie in the north and also offers big game fishing, kite surfing, and water skiing. The accommodation available in the area caters to various preferences and budgets, including hotels, luxury resorts, self-catering options, and B&Bs.
6. Le Morne: Outdoor adventure playground
Rated as one of Mauritius’s top beaches, Le Morne lies between Mount Le Morne Brabant’s UNESCO World Heritage site on the peninsula and the warm blue ocean. This beach is excellent for diving and wind- and kite-surfing You’ll also be able to explore nearby attractions, Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth and its spectacular waterfall, and La Vanille Nature Park. Hiking, quad-biking, and horseback riding add to its outdoor-adventure appeal. Accommodations in the area include the opulent 5-Star St. Regis Mauritius and the equally luxurious Constance Le Prince Maurice. Both are close to two excellent golf courses, the Legend and the Links.
7. Flic en Flac: Explore Caves, Reefs and Shipwrecks
Flic en Flac in the west is known for its beautiful beach lined with casuarina trees stretching 8 kilometres/5 miles of coastline. Scuba divers and underwater photographers love it because of the excellent visibility, diverse marine creatures, and all the caves, reefs, and shipwrecks to explore. Kids will adore banana boating and paddle boating. Parasailing, water skiing, sailing, jet-skiing, deep-sea fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are all available. Casela World of Adventures, a 250-hectare nature park with many activities, is only a short drive away. Flic en Flac is a popular spot for sunset beach walks, or having a beach BBQ.
8. Mont Choisy: A Chic Family-friendly, Beach Spot
Mont Choisy is located in the northwest of Mauritius in the upmarket district of Pamplemousses. This relaxed, gently curving beach, with the shade of its casuarina trees, is ideal for family picnics. It’s a favourite with locals and visitors and is excellent for swimming, sunbathing and diving. Its shores are dotted with street food vendors selling a delicious food selection. It offers many activities, restaurants, and select resorts and hotels. This area’s exclusivity and rich historical heritage are reflected in its houses, villas, leisure areas, and outstanding golf course. It has a reliable bus service to key locations like Triolet, Grand Gaube, and Grand Baie.
9. La Cuvette: A Secret Hidden Gem
La Cuvette Beach, although quite close to the energetic Grand Baie, is a hidden gem tucked away at the end of a small road. Naturally shaded, its crystal-clear lagoon is perfect for swimming and just relaxing. It’s close to one of Mauritius’s best-known hotels, the renowned Royal Palm Hotel. Other activities at La Cuvette beach include an underwater sea walk, deep-sea diving, and parasailing.
10. Blue Bay Beach: A Leader in Marine Protection
The waters of Blue Bay, found in the southeast of Mauritius, are as blue as the name suggests, with its Blue Bay Marine Park a famous drawcard. As one of the best spots to observe marine life, this is where you need to do a deep dive or take a glass-bottomed boat tour. Blue Bay is close to Mahebourg, a charming colonial town known for its lively markets, fascinating museums, good restaurants, and street food stalls. A variety of accommodation options are available, including hotels, resorts, private villas, and welcoming guest houses. Ready to experience a holiday tour in Mauritius? Let one of our Discover Africa Travel experts tailor your next beach getaway-it’s an adventure waiting to unfold.
Author: Matthys Van Aswegen
Published: 4 March 2024