Freediving in Mauritius
Including Belle Mare Lagoon, Blue Bay Marine Park, and Gunner's Coin (Coin de Mire). On the map.
The vibe
Gliding down through the deep blue off the sheltered western coast feels serene and minimalist, far removed from the bubble-blowing crowds on standard scuba charters. The calmer summer months provide the most forgiving surface intervals and pleasant water temperatures for hanging on a buoy line. It remains a niche pursuit here rather than a mass tourist scene, relying mostly on independent local instructors and small-group boat charters.
Belle Mare Lagoon
Flacq
funktion1 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Belle Mare on the eastern coast features vast turquoise lagoons enclosed by an outer barrier reef. The pristine white-sand bottoms and clear currents provide a scenic environment for shallow breath-hold training.
Access. Shore entry from public access points along Belle Mare beach or via local operators on the east coast.
Notes. The east coast can experience stronger onshore winds and tidal currents compared to the sheltered west.
Blue Bay Marine Park
Mauritius
otterboris / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Blue Bay Marine Park offers exceptionally clear, shallow turquoise waters above a vibrant coral garden populated by hundreds of fish species. Freedivers visit this protected marine sanctuary for calm conditions and easy shallow reef exploration right off the beach.
Access. Easily accessible from the public beach at Blue Bay in southeastern Mauritius, with local glass-bottom boat operators and snorkel guides offering gear hire and localized breath-hold excursions.
Notes. Protected marine park rules strictly prohibit standing on or touching corals, and motorized boat traffic can be active near the park boundary.
Gunner's Coin (Coin de Mire)
Rivière du Rempart District
Coin de Mire features dramatic vertical basalt cliffs dropping into deep, crystal-clear oceanic water columns with rich pelagic life. It serves as an advanced site for depth practice and wall exploration off the northern coast.
Access. Accessible via specialized dive and freedive charter boats departing from Grand Baie in northern Mauritius.
Notes. Currents can be strong around the island corners, and open-ocean swells require confident breath-hold skills.
Le Morne Drop-off
Black River
"dronepicr" / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Situated beneath the dramatic silhouette of Le Morne Brabant mountain, this area features outer reef breaks and deep blue drop-offs. It attracts experienced freedivers looking for oceanic depth training and pelagic cruising.
Access. Reached via boat charters operating from the Le Morne peninsula or nearby southwestern coastal resorts.
Notes. Strong tidal currents sweep through the passes around the peninsula; recommended only for experienced freedivers with safety support.
Tamarin Bay
Black River
Walter Schärer / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Tamarin Bay is renowned for its calm morning conditions and frequent pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins cruising the outer shelf. Freedivers and breath-hold practitioners gather here for open-water encounters and coastal sessions.
Access. Located on the western coast of Mauritius, accessible via local licensed boat operators departing from Tamarin village who specialize in respectful dolphin-interaction freedives.
Notes. Afternoons can bring strong offshore winds and choppy surface conditions; boat traffic can be heavy during peak morning dolphin-watching hours.