Mauritius

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Spanning several kilometers along the island's eastern coast, this vibrant stretch features remarkably bright white sand and translucent turquoise waters. The seemingly endless shoreline makes it ideal for long morning walks and sunbathing.

Access. Accessible via multiple public entry points along the coastal road, backed by luxury resorts and casuarina trees providing natural shade.

Notes. The east coast can experience brisk trade winds, particularly during the winter months, which keeps the temperature pleasant but can create surface chop.

Grand Port

Hansueli Krapf / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Situated in the southeastern corner of the island, Blue Bay is famed for its extraordinarily clear, vibrant turquoise water and marine-rich coral garden. The powdery sand beach provides a lively atmosphere for swimmers and glass-bottom boat excursions.

Access. Located just a short drive from Mahébourg and the international airport, with a dedicated public parking lot and nearby snack stands.

Notes. The adjacent marine park is a protected area; swimming and snorkeling are excellent, but touching or standing on coral is strictly prohibited.

Black River

Benoît Prieur / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

A lively, palm-fringed public beach stretching for nearly three kilometers along the western coast. Its shallow, tranquil lagoon and coral reef protection make it a favorite for swimming, relaxing, and catching spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets.

Access. Very easy to reach with a long public coastal road, ample parking, food trucks, and nearby beachside restaurants.

Notes. Can become quite crowded on weekends and public holidays as locals gather for picnics and seaside recreation.

Savanne

Hansueli Krapf / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

A dramatic and rugged stretch of southern coastline where the barrier reef is absent, allowing powerful waves to crash directly against striking black basalt cliffs. While swimming is prohibited here due to dangerous currents, it is a breathtaking spot for coastal walks and wave-watching.

Access. Easily reachable by car near the village of Souillac, with a scenic clifftop parking area and a viewing platform.

Notes. Swimming is strictly forbidden due to treacherous undertows and violent waves crashing against the rocks.

Black River

"dronepicr" / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Framed by the dramatic basaltic monolith of Le Morne Brabant, this long stretch of soft sand offers calm, crystal-clear turquoise lagoons. It is world-renowned for its exceptional wind and kite surfing conditions, while the northern end provides relaxed swimming and sunbathing areas.

Access. Easily accessible by car with public parking areas near the main resorts. It can get busy on weekends with water sports enthusiasts and beachgoers.

Notes. Strong currents can occur further out in the pass, so swimmers should stay within the protected shallow lagoon.

Pamplemousses

ace yee / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

A classic crescent-shaped tropical beach featuring powdery white sand and exceptionally calm, shallow turquoise water. Protected by an offshore coral reef, it is widely considered one of the best and most family-friendly swimming spots on the island.

Access. Directly accessible from the coastal road with plenty of public beach access paths, street food vendors, and nearby amenities.