When you think of Mauritius, it’s easy to picture luxury resorts, white-sand beaches, and perfect turquoise lagoons. And yes, Mauritius has all of that. But the best beaches in Mauritius are much more varied than the classic postcard image.
After spending two weeks exploring the island, I realized that Mauritius has everything from calm, crystal-clear lagoons perfect for swimming and snorkeling to wild, windswept stretches of coast backed by dramatic mountains. Some beaches completely surprised us, while others were every bit as beautiful as we had imagined.
In this guide, I’m sharing 10 of the best beaches we visited during our time in Mauritius, from the north and west coasts to the quieter beaches of the east. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful place to swim, snorkel, watch the sunset, or simply slow down for a few hours, these are the beaches that stood out to us.
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🥾 Pack reef shoes: They’re useful at several snorkeling spots around the island.
🌊 Check sea conditions: Beaches on the south coast, like Gris Gris, aren’t suitable for swimming because of the strong waves.
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Table of Contents
Best Beaches in Mauritius: The North
Mauritius’ north coast is home to some of the island’s most popular beaches, with calm turquoise lagoons, soft white sand, and plenty of places to swim, snorkel, and relax. While some spots can get busy, it’s easy to find a beach that feels more laid-back if you know where to look.
1. Péreybère Public Beach
Best for: Swimming, snorkeling & sunset
Just a short drive from Grand Baie, Péreybère Public Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Mauritius’ north coast. And for good reason. The small crescent of white sand is surrounded by clear, turquoise water, with trees providing some welcome shade along the shore.
The lagoon here is calm and inviting. This makes Péreybère a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. It can get quite busy, especially during the day and on weekends, but the lively atmosphere is part of its charm. If you prefer a quieter experience, come earlier in the day or stay until late afternoon.
One of my favorite things about Péreybère is the sunset. Come back in the evening and watch the sky change color over the lagoon. It’s a beautiful way to end the day.
And if you get hungry, look out for Chez Vanessa, a small local food stall near the beach where you can grab something to eat without leaving the seaside atmosphere.
If you want an easily accessible beach near Grand Baie with calm water, good snorkeling, local food, and a beautiful sunset, Péreybère is an easy one to add to your Mauritius itinerary.
2. La Cuvette Public Beach
Best for: Families, swimming, snorkeling & sunset
Tucked away in the heart of lively Grand Baie, La Cuvette Public Beach is a small but beautiful stretch of sand that feels surprisingly peaceful despite being so close to town. Its calm, crystal-clear lagoon makes it a great choice for swimming and a relaxing beach day, especially for families with children.
La Cuvette is also a good spot for snorkeling in Mauritius, with coral formations and marine life just beneath the surface. Keep an eye out for sea urchins in some areas, though. Water shoes are a good idea if you plan to explore the lagoon.
One of the things I love about La Cuvette is that you don’t have to leave the beach to experience a little taste of local Mauritius. Several food stalls serve Mauritian street food, from freshly grilled seafood to local favorites such as Dholl Puri and Gateaux Piment. Grab something to eat and enjoy it by the water.
For one of the best sunset spots in Grand Baie, walk towards the far left side of the beach in the late afternoon. It’s quieter there, with beautiful open views across the lagoon as the sun goes down.
La Cuvette may be small compared with some of the larger Mauritius beaches, but that’s part of its charm. With calm water, good snorkeling, local food, and an easy-going atmosphere, it’s one of the beaches I’d definitely include when exploring the north of Mauritius.
3. Mon Choisy Beach
Best for: Swimming, long beach walks & local atmosphere
Mont Choisy is easily one of my favorite beaches in Mauritius. Once you arrive, it’s easy to see why. This long stretch of soft white sand curves gently along the northwest coast, backed by tall Casuarina trees that provide plenty of welcome shade. It’s the kind of beach where you can arrive for a quick swim and somehow end up staying for hours.
The calm, crystal-clear lagoon is ideal for swimming, while the wide shoreline gives you plenty of space to walk, relax, or simply find a quiet spot by the water. Unlike some of the smaller beaches in the north of Mauritius, Mont Choisy feels spacious even when there are plenty of people around.
Weekends are particularly lively, with local families gathering under the trees for picnics and enjoying the beach together. I actually love this side of Mont Choisy. It feels less like a resort beach and more like a place where locals genuinely come to spend the day.
You’ll also find a few food stalls beneath the trees serving Mauritian street food, including freshly grilled seafood, samosas, Dholl Puri, and chili cakes. Grab something local and settle under the Casuarinas for a relaxed beach lunch.
Whether you come for a swim, a long walk along the sand, or simply to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, Mont Choisy Beach is one of those Mauritius beaches that is easy to fall in love with.
4. Trou aux Biches
Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, sunset & long beach walks
Located between Mont Choisy and Pointe aux Piments, Trou aux Biches Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Mauritius. The long stretch of soft white sand is backed by palm trees and slopes gently into a calm, turquoise lagoon. It is an easy place to spend a few relaxing hours.
The clear, shallow water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with plenty of marine life to discover around the reef. It’s also a lovely beach for a walk. The shoreline stretches far enough that you can find a quieter spot away from the busier areas.
Despite being one of the most popular beaches in Mauritius, Trou aux Biches still has a relaxed, local feel. You’ll find small food stalls along the beach, including Cabanne des Fruits de Mer, where you can pick up freshly prepared seafood and enjoy it right by the water.
Stay until late afternoon if you can. Trou aux Biches is a beautiful place to watch the sunset, with fishing boats and other small boats drifting across the lagoon as the sky changes color.
If you’re looking for one of the best beaches in Mauritius for calm water, snorkeling, and beautiful sunsets, Trou aux Biches is an easy choice.
5. Flat Island & Gabriel Island
Best for: Island-hopping, snorkeling & a full-day boat trip
If you want to experience some of the best beaches in Mauritius beyond the main island, a catamaran trip to the Northern Isles is well worth considering. Flat Island and Gabriel Island both offer beautiful white-sand beaches, clear turquoise water, and a completely different perspective of Mauritius.
The journey from Grand Baie takes around an hour, and the cruise itself is part of the experience. As you leave the coast behind, the water becomes increasingly turquoise, with beautiful views of the surrounding islands and open Indian Ocean.
Flat Island was our first stop. Its white sandy beach and crystal-clear water made it the perfect place to swim, relax, and enjoy the scenery. After spending some time on the beach, the crew served a BBQ lunch and drinks on board.
Next came Gabriel Island, where we had the chance to snorkel in the clear lagoon and explore the colorful marine life beneath the surface. The island is remote, and spending time in its turquoise waters was one of our favorite parts of the day.
The trip usually also includes a snorkeling stop near Coin de Mire, where you can explore the coral reefs and marine life before heading back towards Grand Baie.
We were actually hesitant to book the catamaran trip at first. After spending so much time exploring the best beaches in Mauritius, we wondered whether a boat trip would really add anything new. It did. Seeing the northern islands from the water and swimming in those incredibly clear lagoons ended up being one of the highlights of our Mauritius trip.
👉 Want to experience the Northern Isles for yourself? We took this full-day catamaran cruise from Grand Baie, including snorkeling, BBQ lunch, and drinks. Check availability and details here.
Best Beaches in Mauritius: The West
The west coast of Mauritius is hard to beat for scenery. With dramatic mountain views, calm lagoons, and some of the island’s best sunsets, this side of Mauritius has a little bit of everything—from lively beaches to quieter stretches where you can simply enjoy the view.
6. Flic En Flac Beach
Best for: Swimming, families, sunsets & a lively beach atmosphere
Stretching along the west coast, Flic en Flac Beach is one of the longest and most popular beaches in Mauritius. Its wide stretch of white sand, calm turquoise lagoon, and easy access to restaurants, bars, and local food stalls make it a convenient choice if you want more than just a day at the beach.
There’s plenty going on around Flic en Flac, from beachside restaurants and street food stalls to bars, shops, and waterfront resorts. But despite its popularity, the beach is large enough that you can still find quieter stretches if you walk away from the busiest areas.
The lagoon is relatively calm thanks to the offshore coral reef, making Flic en Flac a good option for swimming and families with children. Keep in mind that sea urchins can be found in some areas, so water shoes are a good idea.
One of the best things about Flic en Flac is how easy it is to combine a beach day with exploring the surrounding coast. Walk south along the shoreline and you’ll eventually reach Tamarin Beach, one of the few beaches in Mauritius that isn’t protected by a coral reef. The stronger waves make Tamarin a popular spot for surfing and give it a completely different feel from the calm lagoon at Flic en Flac.
If you’re looking for one of the best beaches in Mauritius with plenty of facilities, a lively atmosphere, and easy access to the water, Flic en Flac is a great choice.
7. Le Morne Beach
Best for: Mountain views, swimming, snorkeling & kitesurfing
On the southwest coast of Mauritius, Le Morne Beach is one of those places that feels almost too beautiful to be real. The dramatic silhouette of Le Morne Brabant frames soft white sand and a clear turquoise lagoon. This iconic mountain rises behind the peninsula and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The scenery alone makes Le Morne one of the best beaches in Mauritius. But there’s more to do here than admire the view. An offshore reef protects the lagoon, creating calm areas that are great for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also a great place to slow down and enjoy the landscape.
Further along the peninsula, the conditions change dramatically. Once you reach the area where the coral reef gives way, stronger winds and larger waves create ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. This is one reason Le Morne has become such a popular destination for water sports.
The combination of white sand, turquoise water, and the unmistakable Le Morne Brabant backdrop makes this one of the most memorable beaches we visited in Mauritius. If you’re exploring the southwest of the island, I’d definitely make time for it, even if you’re not planning to get in the water.
Best Beaches in Mauritius: The South
Mauritius’ south coast feels wilder and more dramatic than the island’s more developed beach areas. Here, you’ll find beautiful stretches of sand, rugged coastline, turquoise lagoons, and spectacular ocean views. Some beaches are perfect for swimming and relaxing, while others, like Gris Gris, are better known for their dramatic scenery and powerful waves.
8. Gris Gris Beach
Best for: Dramatic scenery, coastal walks & La Roche Qui Pleure
Located on the southern coast of Mauritius, Gris Gris Beach offers a completely different experience from the island’s calm, sheltered lagoons. This wild and rugged stretch of coastline is not protected by a coral reef. The Indian Ocean crashes against the shore with powerful waves and strong currents.
Swimming is not recommended at Gris Gris Beach, but that’s not really why you come here. The dramatic coastline and crashing waves make it one of the most impressive places to experience the wilder side of Mauritius.
Near the parking area, you’ll find a few benches where you can stop and take in the view. A pathway leads down towards the beach. Here you can walk along the golden sand and watch the waves roll in from the open ocean.
Continue along the coastline and you’ll reach La Roche Qui Pleure, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in this part of Mauritius. Here, the waves crash against the rocky cliffs, creating a dramatic scene that is especially impressive when the ocean is rough.
If you’re looking for something different from the postcard-perfect best beaches in Mauritius, Gris Gris is well worth adding to your itinerary. Come for the scenery, the wild coastline, and the sheer power of the Indian Ocean.
Best Beaches in Mauritius: The East
The east coast feels a little wilder and more peaceful, with long stretches of white sand, clear lagoons, and fewer crowds in many places. It can also be windier than other parts of the island, but that’s part of its charm. And the scenery is absolutely beautiful.
9. Belle Mare Beach
Best for: Swimming, long beach walks, water sports & getting away from it all
Located on the east coast of Mauritius, Belle Mare Beach is one of the longest and widest beaches on the island. And it quickly became one of our favorites. If you’re looking for somewhere to slow down, escape the crowds, and spend a long day by the ocean, Belle Mare is hard to beat.
The beach is backed by a calm, sheltered lagoon, with a coral reef protecting the shoreline. The clear water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, while the steady winds along the east coast also make this a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. You can also find other water activities, including jet skiing and scuba diving.
After a swim, there’s plenty of room to simply relax beneath the Casuarina trees that line parts of the beach. The long shoreline is perfect for walking, and even when there are other people around, Belle Mare rarely feels crowded because there is so much space.
One of the things that makes Belle Mare feel particularly special is the mix of natural beauty and local culture. Towards one end of the beach, you’ll find a small Hindu altar overlooking the lagoon. If someone is there, they may be happy to explain a little about the site.
For us, Belle Mare was more than just another beautiful beach in Mauritius. It was one of those places where we could slow down, enjoy the scenery, and feel like we had escaped for a while. If you’re looking for one of the best beaches in Mauritius for a relaxed beach day, Belle Mare deserves a spot on your list.
10. Île aux Cerfs
Best for: Island-hopping, swimming, snorkeling & water sports
Another must-do in Mauritius is a day trip to Île aux Cerfs, a beautiful island off the east coast. I know what you might be thinking. Another catamaran trip? We wondered the same thing after already exploring the Northern Isles. But trust me, Île aux Cerfs was absolutely worth it.
The island is surrounded by clear turquoise water and beautiful sandy beaches, with calm areas that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. If you’re looking for more action, there are also plenty of water sports available, making this an easy choice for a full day on the water.
One of the best things to do is simply explore beyond the main arrival area. Walk along the shoreline and you’ll find quieter stretches of sand where the crowds thin out. We loved being able to move away from the busier spots, find a peaceful stretch of beach, and enjoy the lagoon without feeling rushed.
For us, Île aux Cerfs was one of the best beach experiences in Mauritius. It combines beautiful beaches, clear water, snorkeling, and the fun of getting there by boat, making it much more than just another beach stop.
👉 Want to visit Île aux Cerfs? We took a full-day catamaran trip from Pointe Jérôme, including time to enjoy the island and its surrounding waters. Check the trip details and availability here.
Map of the Best Beaches in Mauritius
Underneath, you’ll find a customized map of the best beaches in Mauritius. Just open up this article on your phone and click on the frame in the upper right corner of this map. The Google Maps app will open, and you can check all the details. I hope it helps!
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Is Mauritius Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Mauritius is so much more than beautiful beaches and luxury resorts. After spending two weeks exploring the island, we found ourselves constantly surprised by how much there is to see and experience beyond the coastline.
What we loved most was the variety. You can spend a morning swimming in a calm turquoise lagoon, stop for a plate of local street food, explore a small village, hike through lush landscapes. Or simply get in the car and see where the road takes you.
And then there are the beaches—each one with its own character, from busy and lively to wild, remote, and completely untouched.
For us, Mauritius was the kind of place that made it easy to slow down and enjoy the journey rather than rush from one attraction to the next. If you’re looking for a destination that combines beautiful beaches, nature, local culture, good food, and plenty of opportunities to explore, Mauritius is absolutely worth visiting.
I’d happily go back, and there are still plenty of corners of the island we’d love to discover.
Practical Tips for Visiting the Beaches in Mauritius
Rent a car if you can. Mauritius is easy to explore by car. Having your own vehicle makes it much easier to visit several beaches in one day and stop at viewpoints, food stalls, or other places along the way. We rented our car through Discover Cars, which is also what we recommend for comparing rental options.
Bring water shoes. Some beaches have coral, rocks, or sea urchins in the shallower water. Water shoes are especially useful at places like La Cuvette and Flic en Flac.
Not every beach is safe for swimming. Most of the island’s lagoons are calm and protected by coral reefs. But some beaches have strong currents and large waves. Gris Gris, for example, is not suitable for swimming. Always pay attention to local conditions and warnings.
Go early if you want a quieter beach. Popular beaches can get busy, particularly on weekends when local families head to the coast for picnics. Early mornings are usually your best bet for a more peaceful experience.
Don’t overlook the food stalls. Some of the best beach experiences in Mauritius come with a side of local street food. Look out for Dholl Puri, samosas, Gateaux Piment, and freshly grilled seafood.
Bring sun protection and water. Shade is available at many beaches thanks to the Casuarina and palm trees, but you shouldn’t rely on it. A hat, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water are essential for a full day at the beach.
Stay for sunset. Some beaches are especially beautiful in the late afternoon. Péreybère, La Cuvette, Trou aux Biches, and Flic en Flac are all lovely places to end the day.
Respect the beaches and the marine environment. Avoid touching coral or marine life, take your rubbish with you, and leave shells and other natural items where you found them.
FAQs – Best Beaches in Mauritius
What is the best beach in Mauritius?
There isn’t one single best beach in Mauritius. It really depends on what you’re looking for. Belle Mare was one of our personal favorites for its long, spacious shoreline and peaceful atmosphere. Trou aux Biches is great for swimming and snorkeling. If you want dramatic scenery, Le Morne Beach is hard to beat. Gris Gris is the place to go for wild coastal landscapes rather than swimming.
Which part of Mauritius has the best beaches?
The north and east coasts are particularly well known for their beautiful, calm lagoons and sandy beaches. The west is also popular, especially around Flic en Flac and Le Morne. The south is more rugged, with beaches such as Gris Gris offering a very different experience.
What are the best beaches in Mauritius for swimming?
For calm water and easy swimming, Péreybère, La Cuvette, Mont Choisy, Trou aux Biches, Flic en Flac, and Belle Mare are all good options. Conditions can vary depending on weather and sea conditions.
What are the best beaches in Mauritius for snorkeling?
Péreybère, La Cuvette, Trou aux Biches, and Belle Mare are good choices for snorkeling, with clear lagoon waters and marine life around the reef. You can also find excellent snorkeling opportunities on boat trips to the Northern Isles and Île aux Cerfs.
Are the beaches in Mauritius free to visit?
Yes. Most public beaches in Mauritius are free to access, including popular beaches such as Mont Choisy, Péreybère, La Cuvette, Flic en Flac, and Belle Mare. Some areas around resorts may have limited access, but you can generally find a public beach nearby.
Can you visit the best beaches in Mauritius without a car?
Yes, but having a rental car makes exploring Mauritius much easier. Public buses connect many towns and popular areas. Taxis and private tours are other great options. If you want to visit several beaches in different parts of the island, driving gives you much more flexibility.
Is it safe to swim at all the beaches in Mauritius?
No. While many beaches have calm, reef-protected lagoons, some areas have strong currents and large waves. Gris Gris, for example, is not recommended for swimming. Always pay attention to local signs, weather conditions, and advice from locals before entering the water.
What is the prettiest beach in Mauritius?
That’s subjective, but Le Morne Beach, Belle Mare, Trou aux Biches, and Mont Choisy are among the beaches we found particularly beautiful. If dramatic scenery is what you’re after, Le Morne is probably the hardest one to beat because of the incredible backdrop of Le Morne Brabant.
Final Thoughts
Mauritius has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but what makes the island special is how different they can feel from one another.
After spending two weeks exploring Mauritius, we realized that some of our favorite moments weren’t necessarily at the most famous beaches. They were the unexpected stops, the quiet stretches of sand, the local food stalls, and the places where we simply wanted to stay a little longer.
So don’t feel like you need to see every beach on this list. Pick a few that match your travel style, rent a car if you can, and leave some room for the unexpected. That’s when Mauritius really comes to life.
I hope this guide to Mauritius’s best beaches was helpful. If you’re interested in discovering other parts of the island, take a look at my other articles:
10 UNIQUE PLACES TO VISIT IN MAHEBOURG
A QUICK GUIDE TO VISITING PORT LOUIS
15 EXCITING THINGS TO DO IN GRAND BAIE
TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTH MAURITIUS FOR FIRST TIMERS




























