Picture this: powdery white sand between your toes, water so clear and turquoise it barely looks real, and the kind of calm that makes you forget what day it is. That's Mauritius. This small island packs in some of the best beaches in Mauritius, and the best part? Every stretch of beach feels completely different. Whether you're chasing waves, exploring underwater worlds or simply doing absolutely nothing with maximum commitment, Mauritius holidays deliver the kind of beaches most people only dream about. Here's where to go.
Best beaches for surfing
1. Tamarin Bay
Tamarin Bay has long been the heartbeat of the island's surf scene. Famous for its consistent left-hand point break, it draws experienced surfers from around the world. Getting there is easy, it's a 45-minute drive south of Port Louis and the town itself has a real relaxed, surfer-village vibe. The surrounding black volcanic rocks and golden sand make it visually stunning even when you're watching from shore.
2. One Eye (Le Morne)
One Eye is one of the most dramatic surf spots in the Indian Ocean. It's strictly for advanced surfers, with powerful waves that can reach over two metres. Boat transfers from Le Morne beach get you out to the break and on the islands around Mauritius you'll rarely find anything that matches the raw energy here. The backdrop of Le Morne Brabant mountain rising behind you doesn't hurt either.
3. Ile aux Cerfs
The waters around Ile aux Cerfs offer gentler surfing conditions that are far more beginner friendly. The island itself is accessible by boat from Trou d'Eau Douce and the beach is arguably one of the most beautiful in the country. Strong trade winds from the south create ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing too, making this a useful spot for anyone who likes their beach time with a bit of action.
Best beaches for snorkelling and diving
1. Blue Bay Beach
Blue Bay is home to Mauritius's most protected marine park and the reef here is extraordinary. It's a 30-minute drive from the capital and one of the most accessible dive sites on the island. Mauritius diving doesn't get much more beginner-friendly than this. The water is shallow, calm and absolutely teeming with sea turtles, parrotfish and staghorn coral. Snorkelling gear can be rented right on the beach.
2. Flic en Flac
Flic en Flac is where serious divers come to play. The reef drops dramatically and sites like Rempart Snake and the Keel, a sunken shipwreck, attract octopus, moray eels and schools of barracuda. Numerous dive operators in the area offer guided dives for all levels. If you want to go deeper into what's possible here, check out our guide on diving in Mauritius for a full breakdown.
3. Trou aux Biches
If you’re eager to try snorkelling in Mauritius, this gem is consistently ranked among the best snorkelling beaches in the whole Indian Ocean. The lagoon is wide, shallow and sheltered by a barrier reef, making the underwater visibility exceptional. Dolphins are regularly spotted just offshore, particularly in the early mornings. It's about 20 km from Port Louis and the village has plenty of restaurants and guesthouses if you want to linger.
Best beaches for sunbathing
1. Belle Mare
If you came to Mauritius to lie on a beach and look beautiful doing it, Belle Mare is your beach. Over 3 km of white sand, palm trees at just the right intervals and a lagoon so calm it barely ripples. This is where you'll find the most celebrated luxury Mauritius holidays, with five-star hotels lining the shore. Getting here is a 45-minute drive from the airport, basically the first thing you should do when you land.
2. Mont Choisy
Mont Choisy is one of the longest beaches on the island, a 3 km arc of soft sand that rarely feels crowded despite its popularity. It's shaded by casuarina trees, which means you get relief from the midday heat without having to abandon your spot. The water is safe for swimming and the northwest-facing position means gorgeous sunsets. Drive about 30 minutes north of Port Louis and you're there.
3. Pereybere
Pereybere is smaller and more intimate. The beach is lined with beach vendors, colourful snack stalls and rental loungers, and it's got energy without being hectic. The water is clear and warm year-round and the sunsets paint the whole bay amber. It's the kind of place where an hour turns into four without you noticing.
Best remote beaches
1. Île aux Aigrettes
This coral island off the southeast coast near Mahébourg is a nature reserve and one of the most unusual beaches in the Indian Ocean. Access is strictly by guided boat tour, which is part of what keeps it so immaculate. The snorkelling is exceptional and the island itself is being restored to its pre-human state with giant Aldabra tortoises roaming the shore. It's wild, it's quiet and it feels a world away.
2. Baie du Cap
Baie du Cap is far enough off the tourist trail that you'll often have the beach to yourself. The drive down takes about an hour from Port Louis and it winds through sugarcane fields and coastal scrubland. The beach itself is rugged with dramatic rock formations and strong Indian Ocean swells. It's not a swimming beach, but as a place to stand and feel genuinely far from everything? Perfect.
3. Pointe d'Esny
Pointe d'Esny is a sheltered bay with shallow, clear water and almost no tourist infrastructure, which is exactly the point. A handful of local boats bob in the shallows, the beach is narrow and natural and the mangrove forests behind give it a serene, end-of-the-world quality. Catch it in the early morning and you may well be the only person there.
Best beaches for families
1. Trou aux Biches (Family pick)
Yes, it appears twice because it genuinely deserves to. For families, the shallow and calm lagoon at Trou aux Biches is hard to beat. Kids can snorkel safely, the beach is wide enough to set up camp for the day and the local vendors mean you're never more than five minutes from an ice cream. Hotels along this stretch cater brilliantly to families, with organised activities and child-friendly pools.
2. La Cuvette, Grand Baie
La Cuvette is a small, protected public beach that's perfect for families. The surrounding reef keeps the water gentle and the shallow entry is safe for little ones. Grand Baie itself is packed with restaurants, shops and water sports operators, everything you need for a great family day. If you're planning a family trip to Mauritius, this area is one of the most practical bases on the island.
3. Flic en Flac (Family side)
The southern end of Flic en Flac beach, away from the dive boats and toward the public park area, is a brilliant family spot. There's a long grassy park running alongside the beach with benches, shade and space for kids to run around. The beach itself is wide and sandy, the water is clear and the sunsets here are genuinely spectacular.
Start planning your Mauritius trip
Mauritius beaches aren't just beautiful, they're varied, surprising and often completely crowd-free if you know where to look. From world-class surf breaks to idyllic family lagoons, this island really does have it all. If you're ready to stop scrolling and start packing, the team at Away Holidays can help you build the perfect trip. Whether you're after barefoot luxury, an action-packed adventure or a relaxed family escape. Get in touch and let's make it happen.
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