Best Beaches in Mauritius (Top 15 You Must Visit)

Mauritius is world-famous for its flawless beaches, warm lagoons and turquoise waters. Protected by a coral reef along most of its coastline, the island offers calm, shallow seas ideal for swimming, snorkelling and family holidays, as well as wilder stretches of coast perfect for surfers and photographers. Whether you are looking for a postcard-perfect bay near your resort or a more natural, untouched corner of the island, this guide to the best beaches in Mauritius will help you choose where to go.

Below you will find the top beaches in the north, west, east and south of Mauritius, with practical tips on when to visit, how to get there and what each beach is best for.

For a complete overview of the island, including weather by season, where to stay, transport and travel tips, make sure you also read our full Mauritius Travel Guide.

Best Beaches in North Mauritius

The north of Mauritius is the most popular region for first-time visitors. It combines lively coastal villages, good nightlife and plenty of restaurants with some of the island’s most accessible and family-friendly beaches.

Trou aux Biches

Trou aux Biches regularly appears on lists of the best beaches in the world, and it is easy to see why. The sand is soft and powdery, the lagoon is shallow and calm, and the offshore reef provides excellent snorkelling just a short swim from the shore. Large casuarina trees offer shade, making it ideal for long, lazy beach days.

• Best for: families, swimming, snorkelling, sunset walks
• Facilities: public parking, snack stalls, restaurants and hotels along the coast
• Local tip: come early in the morning for calm seas and fewer people; the light is also perfect for photos.

Mont Choisy Beach

Mont Choisy is one of the longest beaches in Mauritius, curving gently between Trou aux Biches and Pointe aux Canonniers. It has a relaxed, local feel, with plenty of shade from casuarina trees and wide open sections of sand that never feel crowded.

• Best for: couples, jogging, picnics, sunset views
• Facilities: food trucks and small kiosks on busy days, public parking
• Local tip: on weekends the atmosphere becomes lively with local families; during the week it is much quieter.

Pereybere Beach

Pereybere is smaller but deeper than many other beaches in the north, which makes it popular with strong swimmers. The village around it offers plenty of restaurants, cafés and small supermarkets, so it is easy to spend a full day between the sea and nearby spots to eat.

• Best for: swimming, people-watching, quick stops from Grand Baie
• Facilities: toilets, showers, parking, many cafés and restaurants a short walk away
• Local tip: arrive early in peak season as parking spaces fill quickly.

La Cuvette (Grand Baie)

Hidden just outside Grand Baie, La Cuvette is a small cove that feels surprisingly peaceful considering how close it is to the main resort town. It is a good option if you are staying in Grand Baie and want a quick swim in a sheltered bay.

• Best for: short swims, relaxed afternoons near Grand Baie
• Local tip: walk along the coastal path from Grand Baie to discover this small but beautiful spot.

Best Beaches in West Mauritius

The west coast is known for its spectacular sunsets and relatively dry, stable climate. The sea is generally calm, making it great for year-round swimming.

Flic en Flac

Flic en Flac is one of the longest beaches in Mauritius, stretching for several kilometres along the west coast. Shallow water and coral patches close to shore provide good snorkelling, while the beach itself offers wonderful sunset views and a range of cafés, bars and restaurants nearby.

• Best for: snorkelling, sunset views, beach walks, nightlife
• Facilities: public parking, toilets, restaurants, bars and shops just across the road
• Local tip: wear reef-safe water shoes if you plan to snorkel, as there are coral and rocks underfoot in some areas.

Tamarin Beach

Tamarin has a more natural, rugged feel than Flic en Flac. Once a quiet fishing village, it is now known for surfing, stand-up paddle and its slightly wild landscape backed by mountains. The waves here are stronger than in the lagoon beaches, which attracts surfers and more adventurous swimmers.

• Best for: surfing, photography, relaxed local atmosphere
• Local tip: early mornings sometimes offer the chance to see dolphins offshore; always choose ethical boat operators that keep a respectful distance.

La Preneuse

La Preneuse is a quieter alternative to Flic en Flac, with a mix of sandy stretches and rocky sections offering views towards Le Morne. The old Martello tower gives the area some historical interest.

• Best for: peaceful swims, views towards Le Morne, snorkelling near rocks

Best Beaches in East Mauritius

The east coast is home to some of the most beautiful, unspoilt beaches in Mauritius, with long stretches of sand and a slightly wilder, windier feel. Many luxury resorts are found here, but there are also public access points and quieter areas.

Belle Mare Beach

Belle Mare is a long, gently curving beach backed by casuarina trees and a mix of resorts and quieter public sections. The water is clear and usually calm, and the sand is among the softest on the island.

• Best for: sunrise, long walks, luxury resorts, peaceful beach days
• Local tip: this is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunrise, especially between May and October.

Palmar Beach

Palmar, just south of Belle Mare, feels more intimate and less developed. The lagoon is shallow and calm, making it excellent for swimming and paddling.

• Best for: couples, swimming, quiet beach days
• Facilities: a mix of hotels and small guesthouses, with local snack vendors on busy days

Île aux Cerfs

Île aux Cerfs is a small island off the east coast, reached by boat or catamaran from Trou d’Eau Douce and other nearby points. It is one of the most famous beach destinations in Mauritius, with turquoise water, white sand and plenty of water activities.

• Best for: day trips, water sports, postcard-perfect scenery
• Facilities: restaurants, beach bars, sunbeds, golf course, water sports centres
• Local tip: if possible, visit outside the busiest weekend hours or pick a combined excursion that includes less crowded coves around the island.

Many Mauritius activities and day trips include time on Île aux Cerfs, combining the beach with stops at nearby waterfalls or snorkelling spots.

Best Beaches in South Mauritius

The south of Mauritius is less developed, with a wilder coastline and fewer resorts. The lagoon is narrower in some places, so certain beaches have stronger waves and currents. Always check local safety advice before swimming.

Le Morne Beach

Le Morne sits at the base of the dramatic Le Morne Brabant mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is one of the most photographed spots in Mauritius. Parts of the lagoon are calm and shallow, while the area near the reef pass is famous for kitesurfing.

• Best for: kite and windsurfing, scenic views, couples, photography
• Facilities: public beach access near hotels, water sports centres, parking
• Local tip: even if you are not kitesurfing, watching the colourful kites in the late afternoon is an experience in itself.

Gris Gris Beach

Gris Gris is very different from the calm lagoon beaches in other parts of Mauritius. Here the reef drops away and the full force of the Indian Ocean reaches the shore, creating powerful waves and dramatic cliff views.

• Best for: sightseeing, photography, feeling the wild side of Mauritius
• Warning: due to strong currents and waves, Gris Gris is not suitable for swimming.

Blue Bay

Blue Bay, near Mahébourg in the south-east, is home to the Blue Bay Marine Park, one of the best snorkelling spots on the island. The beach itself is popular for swimming and family outings, while glass-bottom boats and snorkelling trips allow visitors to explore the coral reef.

• Best for: snorkelling, boat trips, families
• Local tip: choose a marine-park tour that allows enough time in the water and supports reef protection.

Which Mauritius Beach Is Best for You?

With so many options, it helps to narrow beaches down by travel style:

• Best beaches for families: Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, Belle Mare, Blue Bay
• Best beaches for couples: Palmar, Le Morne, Flic en Flac, quiet sections of Belle Mare
• Best beaches for snorkelling: Trou aux Biches, Blue Bay, parts of Flic en Flac
• Best beaches for surfing and kitesurfing: Tamarin (surf), Le Morne (kite and windsurf)
• Best beaches for photography: Le Morne, Gris Gris, Belle Mare at sunrise, Flic en Flac at sunset

If you are still unsure where to base yourself, our guide to Where to Stay in Mauritius explains the pros and cons of each region in more detail.

Practical Tips for Visiting Beaches in Mauritius

• Sun protection: the Mauritian sun is strong, especially between 11am and 3pm. Use reef-safe sunscreen, wear a hat and seek shade regularly.
• Respect the reef: avoid standing on or touching coral when snorkelling and never break off pieces as souvenirs.
• Public vs hotel beaches: all beaches in Mauritius are public up to the high-tide line, even in front of hotels. Some facilities (like sunbeds) remain reserved for guests.
• Weekends and holidays: popular beaches are busier with local families, which can be a great cultural experience but less quiet.

FAQ – Best Beaches in Mauritius

Which side of Mauritius has the best beaches?

All coasts of Mauritius have beautiful beaches, but the north and west coasts offer the most consistently calm lagoons and wide sandy bays, making them ideal for swimming and family holidays. The east coast is more unspoilt and scenic, while the south has a wilder feel with dramatic cliffs and waves.

What is the nicest beach in Mauritius for swimming?

Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, Belle Mare and Blue Bay are among the best beaches for swimming thanks to their calm, shallow lagoons and soft sand. Conditions can vary with the weather, so always follow local safety advice.

Where is the clearest water in Mauritius?

Water clarity is often excellent around the island, but snorkellers particularly appreciate Blue Bay Marine Park, Trou aux Biches and parts of Île aux Cerfs for their visibility and marine life.

Which beach is best for sunsets?

The west coast, especially Flic en Flac and Tamarin, is known for spectacular sunsets over the ocean. Le Morne also offers beautiful afternoon light with the mountain as a backdrop.

Is it safe to swim at all beaches in Mauritius?

Most lagoon beaches are safe for swimming, but certain areas with strong waves or currents, such as Gris Gris, are not recommended. Look out for local warning signs and ask locals or lifeguards if you are unsure.

Do I need to stay in a beachfront hotel to enjoy the beaches?

No. Many of the best beaches in Mauritius have public access and parking, so you can stay in guesthouses or inland accommodation and still enjoy the coast every day.

Final Thoughts

From calm, family-friendly lagoons to wild, wave-lashed cliffs, the beaches of Mauritius offer something for every kind of traveller. Use this guide to choose the coast that matches your style, then explore as many different beaches as you can during your stay.

To plan the rest of your trip, including the best time to visit, where to stay, transport options and top things to do, continue with our complete Mauritius Travel Guide.