Situated in the Indian Ocean, the island of Mauritius is surrounded by turquoise sea, flanked by hundreds of white sand beaches.
Here’s our list of the top 10 must-see beaches in Mauritius.
Grand Baie beach, Mauritius
1. Grand Baie
On the sheltered north coast, Grand Baie is teeming with hotels, restaurants and shops. It may not be the quiet spot it once was but it’s definitely worth a visit and has a magnificent beach. You can enjoy watersports and deep sea fishing from here too.
2. Péreybère
One of the most popular places for swimming on the island is the northern beach of Péreybère. Popular at weekends with local Mauritians, the water is beautifully clear.
3. La Cuvette
Close to Péreybère is this gem of a beach. It’s a small, horse-shoe shaped beach with glass-like water. There are shady spots under the trees dotted along the top edge of the sand. Get here early at the weekend as it’s popular with local people.
Constance Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius
4. Belle Mare Plage
On the peaceful East coast is the beach belonging to Constance Belle Mare Plage. This long stretch of beach gently curves around the bay, and faces directly out to the reef beyond. The water is calm for swimming. Catch amazing sunrises from here if you’re up early enough, and at night you can enjoy some fabulous star gazing.
5. Roche Noires
North of Belle Mare Plage along the East coast is the beach of Roche Noires. Black volcanic rocks line part of the water’s edge, wedged deep into a long stretch of white sand. Calm water makes it safe for swimming. The east coast gets the offshore winds in the winter, making it a good spot for sailing.
6. Blue Bay
In the south-east of the island, near the airport, is the well-known Blue Bay beach. Soft sand, clear calm water and shady spots make this beach very popular at the weekend. Further along the beach are some rocks, from where you can head into the water for some great snorkelling.
Gris Gris beach, Mauritius
7. Gris Gris
The south of the island is home to the most dramatic beaches on the island. Top of these is the breathtakingly beautiful Gris Gris. From the cliffs above you can look down to the wide stretch of sand below, and the large waves as they come pounding into the shore. It’s not safe to swim here but walk along the shell-filled beach and shoreline, and feel your spirit soar.
8. Pomponnette
Children playing on Pomponnette beach
Drive west along a winding road through small fishing villages with colourful houses, verdant vegetation and Hindu temples until you reach the long beach of Pomponnette. Untouristy and quiet, the water’s calmer here than at Gris Gris but still be careful when swimming.
9. Flic en Flac
This small village on the West coast is popular with tourists. You’ll find a growing hotel and restaurant trade, as well as dolphin watching tours. The white sand beach is popular at the weekend.
Surfers at Tamarin Bay
10. Tamarin
North along the West coast is Tamarin bay. Tamarin isn’t protected by the reef, so the sea is rougher here than at Flic en Flac. But that makes it ideal for surfing, and long walks along the sand. The Tamarin river forms an estuary here, backed by mountains to the East.
