Mauritius is the lagoon in its purest form.
If you are looking for the the most beautiful beaches of Mauritius in 2026 (white sand, turquoise water, snorkeling, more secluded spots), this guide gives you a clear and actionable selection of the 12 must-sees, with concrete advice according to your style of stay: relaxation, family, water sports, “wow” landscapes.
Before you choose: 4 criteria that make all the difference in Mauritius
1) Protected lagoon vs. exposed coast
In Mauritius, many beaches are bordered by a Coral reef which forms a lagoon The water there is generally calmer and ideal for swimming. Conversely, some areas (especially in the south) are more exposed to swells: superb scenery, but swimming is sometimes inadvisable depending on the conditions.
2) Microclimates: the east is not the north
Wind and rain vary depending on the coast. north and west are often more sheltered, while the’East may be windier (great for water sports, less so for a "mirror" sea).
3) Periods to be aware of (weather & sea)
- Temperatures According to the Met Office (Plaisance station), average maximum temperatures are around 30°C in January–February, and around 24–26°C in the southern winter. Source: Met Office
- Warm sea The Met Office indicates a sea temperature that could reach 27°C in summer. Details here
- Official hurricane season : of November 1st to May 15th (This does not mean "cyclone every day", but it is relevant for the organization of sea trips). Official source (GovMU / NDRRMC)
4) Attendance: a useful indicator
Popular beaches can be busier during peak season. Note: 1 382 177 tourist arrivals were recorded in 2024 against 1 295 410 in 2023, according to Statistics Mauritius. 2024 Figures
Top 12 most beautiful beaches in Mauritius (with tips)
Summary table: where to go according to your preferences
| Beach | Region | Atmosphere | Perfect for | Namely |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trou aux Biches | Northwest | Lagoon & postcard | Families, snorkeling | Very accessible, popular |
| Mont Choisy | North | Large beach | Picnic, sunsets | Plenty of space |
| Pereybere | North | Small lively spot | Swimming, boat trips | Can be frequented |
| Deer Island | East (islet) | “Chic & wild” | Excursion, turquoise lagoon | Access by boat |
| Belle Mare | East | Long & bright | Walks, sunrise | More windy depending on the season |
| Ranking | East | Calmer | Peace and quiet, swimming | Wind is good for gliding |
| Blue Bay | Southeast | Snorkeling | Fauna & Corals | Protected area (marine park) |
| Pointe d'Esny | Southeast | Nature & lagoon | Kayak, photos | Respect private areas |
| Flic en Flac | West | Animated | After-beach outings | Stunning sunsets |
| Tamarind | West | Sporty | Surfing, local atmosphere | Possible currents |
| Le Morne | Southwest | Iconic | Kitesurfing, panorama | UNESCO site nearby |
| Grey Grey | South | Savage | Landscapes, cliffs | Swimming is often discouraged. |
1) Trou aux Biches (North-West): the “perfect lagoon”
If you want a beach that ticks almost all the boxes (easy swimming, light sand, turquoise water), Trou aux Biches is an excellent choice. The lagoon there is often calm, which makes it suitable for families and to casual swimmers.
- To do : snorkeling near coral areas, paddleboarding, boat trips.
- Advice Come early to enjoy the light and avoid peak times.
2) Mont Choisy (North): large beach, a real breath of fresh air
Mont Choisy Its length is appealing: even when it's crowded, you can often find space. It's an ideal beach for walking for a long time, go for a run by the water or have a picnic.
- Perfect for couples, groups of friends, “cool” activities.
- Namely : very pleasant atmosphere at the end of the day.
3) Péreybère (North): small beach, a classic
Pereybere It's a compact, lively and very popular spot. The water is generally pleasant for swimming, and the atmosphere is more "local + travelers" than "deserted".
- Perfect for Easy swimming, boat trips, a stress-free day.
- Advice : if you are looking for absolute peace and quiet, opt for early morning.
4) Île aux Cerfs (East): the "wow" lagoon on an excursion
It's impossible to talk about the most beautiful beaches of Mauritius without mentioning them. Deer Island. People come here for the contrasting shades of blue, the sandbanks, and the "paradise island" effect. According to the official website, the island stretches over 87 hectares and access is via a boat shuttle (timetable available on their website). Official source: Île aux Cerfs
- Perfect for : day trip, photos, lagoon swimming.
- Advice : check the schedules and leave early to enjoy before the arrival of the big excursions.
5) Belle Mare (East): the sunrise beach
Belle Mare is famous for its long stretch of sand and its light in the early morning. It's a beach that lends itself very well to walks and to relaxation days.
- Perfect for Walking, running, relative calm.
- Namely : it may be windier depending on the time of year—handy if you like to feel the sea air.
6) Palmar (East): more secluded, very pleasant
A few kilometers from Belle Mare, Ranking It is often cited by those who want a beautiful beach, but with a more "tranquil" feel. The lagoon is superb, and the beach is perfect for a simple day: towel, swimming, reading.
- Perfect for : to relax, to swim, to enjoy the scenery.
- Advice : perfect if you like areas less “urban” than the north.
7) Blue Bay (Southeast): the snorkeling benchmark
Blue Bay is a must for observing underwater life. Blue Bay Marine Park is a Ramsar site 353 hectares, known in particular for its diversity: 38 species of coral and about 72 species of fish They are mentioned in the Ramsar record. Ramsar Fact Sheet (Blue Bay Marine Park)
- Perfect for : snorkeling (with caution), guided outings, discovery.
- Good reflex : favor a “Reef-safe” sunscreen” and avoid walking on the coral.
Helpful reminder: In protected areas, respect local regulations (anchoring zones, supervised diving, navigation). This protects the lagoon… and your safety.
8) Pointe d'Esny (Southeast): pastel lagoon, nature-inspired setting
Pointe d'Esny It is often described as one of the most photogenic beaches in the southeast: very clear water, fine sand, peaceful atmosphere. It is also a good base for gentle activities (kayaking, paddleboarding depending on conditions).
- Perfect for Couples, lovers of peace and quiet, photos.
- Namely : some sections may be close to residential areas—stay on authorized access roads.
9) Flic en Flac (West): the “lively” beach at sunset
Flic en Flac It's a classic West Coast spot: a long beach, a lively atmosphere, and often spectacular sunsets. Very convenient if you like alternating between the beach, cafes, and going out.
- Perfect for : end of the day, dinner after the beach, outings with friends.
- Advice : for a more peaceful swim, aim for off-peak hours.
10) Tamarin (West): sports spot and local atmosphere
Tamarind It's known for its more "surf & nature" vibe than its "picture-postcard lagoon" feel. The scenery is superb, but the sea can be more dynamic depending on the area and the season.
- Perfect for : surfing, travellers who want another side of Mauritius.
- Security : pay attention to the conditions and avoid overestimating your skill level if the sea is rough.
11) Le Morne (Southwest): iconic beach, unique panorama
Le Morne It is one of the island's most famous landscapes: a splendid beach, frequent wind (sought after by kitesurfers), and a mythical mountain as a backdrop. Morne cultural landscape is registered at UNESCO World Heritage, particularly for its historical value related to marronage. UNESCO – Le Morne Cultural Landscape
- Perfect for : panorama, winter sports, photos.
- Advice : if you are not sporty, come mainly for the beauty of the site and the walks.
12) Gris Gris (South): the wild beach (without a lagoon)
Grey Grey is very different from lagoon beaches: here, the ocean hits harder, the cliffs and the swell create a spectacular atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for admire, less so for swimming (depending on conditions).
- Perfect for : landscapes, photos, a moment of “raw nature”.
- Security : avoid getting too close to the edges and respect the sea (especially in case of swell).
Practical tips (that really improve your beach day)
- Mask & snorkel : prefer areas known for snorkeling (e.g. Blue Bay) and avoid touching the coral.
- Water shoes : useful in certain coral areas (and to avoid small cuts).
- Schedules : morning = calmer water and more beautiful light; late afternoon = sunsets (especially in the west).
- Weather report : during cyclone season (officially November 1–May 15), keep flexibility on sea outings. Official information
FAQ: Everything you need to know about the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius
What are the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius for swimming with the family?
The beaches with protected lagoon are generally the easiest for families, as the water is calmer. In our top picks, Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy And Pereybere are often appreciated for their accessible swimming. Remember to arrive early, identify areas where other families are swimming (a good indicator), and pay attention to flags and local guidelines. For a more structured "nature + snorkeling" outing, Blue Bay It can be superb if the conditions are right.
Where to do the best snorkeling in Mauritius (without being an expert)?
Blue Bay is one of the key sites, particularly thanks to its marine protected area. The Ramsar listing of Blue Bay Marine Park It mentions a high diversity (corals and fish species), which explains its interest. See the Ramsar record To enjoy your trip stress-free, choose calm seas, avoid walking on coral, and consider using a local operator (shorter trips, safety briefings, suitable areas). Sunscreen that respects the marine environment is a real plus.
Which coast to choose: north, east, west or south?
For a stay with "easy beach + restaurants + outings", the north and the’west are safe bets. The’East is sublime, often more “large space”, with magnificent light at sunrise (e.g. Belle Mare), but perhaps windier. The south offers spectacular and wilder landscapes (e.g. Grey Grey), but not all areas are suitable for swimming. It's best to alternate between them depending on your preferences and the day's weather.
Will it be easy to visit Île aux Cerfs in 2026?
Yes: Île aux Cerfs remains a very accessible excursion. The official website provides information on access by boat/shuttle, as well as opening and service times. Official information Île aux Cerfs For a better experience, leave early, avoid peak hours, and bring the essentials (water, sunscreen, a small waterproof bag). If you prefer peace and quiet, compare it with the more "mainland" beaches of the east coast (Belle Mare, Palmar) for a less touristy atmosphere.
When is the best time to avoid cyclone season to make the most of the beaches?
There official cyclone season in Mauritius extends from November 1st to May 15th. Official source This doesn't mean there will be cyclones constantly, but the risk of disrupted weather is higher, and some activities (boat trips, open sea outings) may be canceled depending on the alerts. If you have tight schedules (excursions, sea trips), a more stable period outside this window can simplify planning.
And now what? (living near these beaches, not just visiting them)
If these beaches inspire you to turn your trip into a real life (or investment) project in Mauritius, EXPAT MAURITIUS can support you with a comprehensive approach: settling in, administrative procedures, projects, and local knowledge. Discover our services at [website address]. Living in Mauritius: turnkey expatriation and real estate and explore practical resources via the expatriation guides.
