There are two types of people who visit Mauritius. There are those who are content to sit on a sun lounger, rotating occasionally like a rotisserie chicken to get an even tan. Then there are those of us who look at the ocean and think “I wonder what is happening down there?”
If you are in the second group, welcome to the club.
Mauritius is essentially a giant volcano that decided to retire and become a coral reef sanctuary. Because the island is almost entirely encircled by a barrier reef, we have massive, calm lagoons that act like natural swimming pools. This makes it a world-class destination for snorkelers. You don’t need to be a Navy SEAL to enjoy the underwater world here; you just need a mask, a snorkel, and the ability to float.
At Creole Mauritius, we believe that the best part of the island is often the part you cannot see from the road. Whether you want to high-five a sea turtle (metaphorically, please do not touch them) or swim alongside wild dolphins, we have mapped out the best snorkeling spots in Mauritius for you.
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The South Coast: The Heavy Hitters
If you are serious about seeing fish, and we mean a lot of fish, the south coast is where you start. This area is less developed than the north, meaning the marine life has had a bit more peace and quiet to flourish.
Blue Bay Marine Park
If snorkeling had a capital city in Mauritius, it would be Blue Bay. Located near the village of Mahebourg, this protected marine reserve is basically an underwater metropolis.
What makes Blue Bay special? It is the accessibility. You don’t need a boat to get to the good stuff (though glass-bottom boats are available if you want to scout the area first). You can wade in right from the beach. The water is shallow, usually around 5 to 6 meters max, making it perfect for beginners or those who aren’t strong swimmers.
The Highlight: The brain coral here is legendary. There is a massive brain coral garden that is estimated to be over 1,000 years old. It looks exactly like a giant brain, which is a great reminder that nature is both beautiful and slightly weird.
Because it is a protected park, the fish are remarkably bold. You will be surrounded by wrasse, clownfish (yes, Nemo), parrotfish, and butterflyfish. They know they are safe here, so they don’t scurry away the moment you splash. It is hands down one of the best snorkeling spots in Mauritius for pure density of marine life.
Pointe d’Esny
Just around the corner from Blue Bay lies its quieter, more introverted cousin: Pointe d’Esny.
If Blue Bay is a bustling city, Pointe d’Esny is a private library. It is a hidden gem that many tourists miss because there are limited public access points to the beach. But if you find your way there, you are rewarded with crystal-clear water and almost zero crowds.
The lagoon here is pristine. Because fewer people kick up the sand, the visibility is often better than anywhere else on the southeast coast. It is a fantastic spot to just drift and watch the underwater world go by. Just be aware that currents can be a bit stronger here depending on the tide, so keep your wits about you.
La Prairie Beach
Located between Le Morne and Baie du Cap, La Prairie is a spot that often gets overlooked. It sits right at the foot of the majestic Le Morne Brabant mountain. The scenery above the water is dramatic, and the scenery below is tranquil.
This is a great spot for “lazy snorkeling.” The water is very shallow for a long distance out. It is also one of the few places where you can spot tiny cushion starfish. It is quiet, uncrowded, and feels like a secret.
The West Coast: Dolphins and Drama
The west coast is famous for its sunsets and its vibe. If you have been reading our guide on the best places to eat in Flic en Flac, you know this area is buzzing. But underwater, it offers a different kind of excitement.
Flic en Flac Beach
This is the island’s longest beach, and it serves as a massive playground for snorkelers. The lagoon is wide, shallow, and protected by a reef that is quite far out.
The area near the shore is safe and calm, making it great for families. You will spot blue-tailed parrotfish and the funky-looking boxfish (which looks like a swimming crouton). If you are a confident swimmer and venture closer to the reef, the marine life gets bigger and more diverse.
The “Cathedral”: While technically a dive site, the area known as “The Cathedral” features underwater caves and dramatic rock formations. Even from the surface, the topography here is stunning. It is less about colorful coral gardens and more about impressive underwater architecture.
Tamarin Bay
Tamarin is not your typical snorkeling spot. You don’t come here for the coral; you come here for the locals. And by locals, we mean the dolphins.
Tamarin Bay is the morning commute route for large pods of Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins. While we always advocate for respectful distance, jumping into the deep blue and seeing a pod of dolphins swimming beneath you is a life-changing experience.
Pro Tip: You need to be an early bird for this. The boats usually leave between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM. After your swim, you can head back to shore and grab breakfast at one of the best breakfast spots in Mauritius.
Île aux Bénitiers & Crystal Rock
If you take a boat trip from Le Morne or Black River, you will likely stop at Crystal Rock. It is exactly what it sounds like, a floating chunk of fossilized coral that sits in the middle of the lagoon like a natural sculpture.
The snorkeling around the rock is fantastic. The water is shallow and turquoise, offering great visibility. You will see plenty of parrotfish and angelfish darting around the base of the rock. Afterward, most tours head to the nearby Île aux Bénitiers for a beach BBQ, which is the perfect way to refuel.
The North and Northwest: Turtle Territory
The north is the tourist hub of Mauritius, filled with resorts, bars, and nightclubs. But just off the coast, nature is doing its thing.
Pointe aux Piments (Turtle Point)
If seeing a sea turtle is on your bucket list, put a giant red circle around Pointe aux Piments on your map.
The reef here is famous for being a “cleaning station.” This is basically a car wash for turtles. They come here to let smaller fish nibble algae and parasites off their shells. Because the turtles are preoccupied with their spa treatment, they are usually quite chilled out and don’t mind snorkelers floating nearby.
Important: Never touch a sea turtle. We know they look cute, but oils from human skin can damage their shell and make them susceptible to disease. Just watch and enjoy.
Trou-aux-Biches Beach
Trou-aux-Biches is often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and the snorkeling lives up to the hype. The water here is incredibly clear and calm, largely because the reef is close to the shore.
There are two main entry points. The southern end is deeper and great for diving, but the northern end (near the public beach) is shallow and perfect for snorkeling. You will likely spot moray eels peeking out of rocks and lionfish showing off their fancy fins. Because it is so close to the shore, it is one of the best snorkeling spots in Mauritius if you don’t want to pay for a boat.
Pereybere Beach
Pereybere is a tiny cove that packs a punch. It is arguably the best swimming beach in the north because the water gets deep quickly.
For snorkelers, this means you can see some interesting things without swimming halfway to India. The coral gardens here are vibrant, but it does get busy. We recommend going early in the morning before the crowds (and the pedal boats) arrive. It is crystal clear and feels like swimming in a giant aquarium.
Turtle Bay (Balaclava)
As the name suggests, this area is a haven for marine life. Located near several upscale resorts, it functions as a dedicated marine park. The water is calm and abundant with tropical fish. Guided trips are available from nearby hotels, allowing you to explore deeper parts of the reef where you might spot rays.
The East Coast: Island Hopping
The east coast is wilder and windier, but the lagoons around the offshore islands are sheltered and stunning.
Île aux Cerfs
This is the most popular day trip in Mauritius. Most people go for the beaches and the golf course, but the snorkeling is underrated. The lagoon surrounding the island is vast and teeming with life.
You can snorkel in the shallow lagoon, which is safe for kids, or head to the outer reef for more drama. You will see blacktip groupers and blue stripe snappers. Since you are already there for the day, combine it with a BBQ and some water sports.
Palmar Beach
If you want something quieter on the east coast, Palmar is a great choice. The lagoon is protected and very shallow, making it ideal for families with small children. The sandy seabed means you don’t have to worry about stepping on urchins every two seconds (though you should always be careful).
The Northern Islands: For the Pros
If you have done all the lagoon snorkeling and want to level up, you need to head off the mainland.
Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin)
You can see this triangular island from anywhere in the north. It looks like a wedge of cake sitting in the ocean.
Coin de Mire is not for the faint-hearted. It is an open ocean site, meaning there is no reef protection. The currents can be strong, so we only recommend this for confident swimmers or intermediate snorkelers.
However, the payoff is huge. The water is deeper, the visibility is insane (often 20+ meters), and you see the “big stuff.” We are talking about barracudas, large parrotfish, and majestic eagle rays gliding by. The coral health here is also superior to the lagoons because there is less human traffic.
Île Plate (Flat Island)
Situated further north, Île Plate offers pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. It feels more remote and untouched than the mainland spots. The marine life here is vibrant, and escaping the crowds makes the experience even more special.
Practical Tips for Snorkeling in Mauritius
Before you rush off to buy a mask, here are a few practical things you need to know to ensure your trip is safe and fun.
Best Time to Snorkel
Mauritius is a year-round destination, but the ocean does change.
- Summer (November to April): The water is warm (around 28°C), and visibility is generally excellent. This is peak snorkeling season. However, this is also cyclone season, so keep an eye on the weather forecast.
- Winter (May to October): The water drops to around 23°C. It is still swimmable, but you might want a wetsuit top if you plan on staying in for a long time. The trade winds can make the east and south coasts a bit choppy during these months. For a full breakdown, check our guide on the best time to visit Mauritius.
Gear and Safety
- Equipment: Most hotels and boat operators provide gear. However, if you are a germaphobe or have a weirdly shaped face, bringing your own mask and snorkel is a good investment.
- Reef Shoes: We highly recommend these. Stonefish exist, and sea urchins are everywhere. Stepping on either will ruin your holiday faster than a bad curry.
- Sun Protection: You will burn. You won’t feel it because the water is cool, but you will come out looking like a lobster. Wear a UV rash vest (swim shirt). It is better for your skin and better for the reef than slathering on chemical sunscreen.
Eco-Etiquette
We love our reefs, and we want them to stay alive.
- Don’t Stand on Coral: It is a living animal, not a rock. Standing on it kills it.
- Don’t Feed the Fish: They have a specific diet. Bread makes them sick and disrupts the ecosystem.
- Take Nothing: The only thing you should take is photos (and maybe some plastic trash if you see it).
Planning Your Snorkeling Trip
If you are planning to hit multiple spots, you will need to get around. Public transport is great for town hopping, but for beach hopping with wet gear, a car is better. Check our guide on buying and registering a car in Mauritius if you are staying long term, or just rent one for your trip.
Also, snorkeling makes you hungry. It is a scientific fact. After a day at Blue Bay or Flic en Flac, you are going to need calories. Whether you want a fancy meal or street food, our guide to the top food spots to try in Mauritius has you covered.
Final Thoughts
Mauritius offers a snorkeling experience for everyone. From the “I just want to float in knee-deep water” beginner to the “I want to chase currents in the open ocean” adventurer, we have a spot for you.
The underwater world here is peaceful, colorful, and surprisingly busy. It is a reminder that while we are rushing around on land worrying about emails and traffic, there is a whole other universe just below the surface doing its own thing.
So grab your mask, respect the ocean, and dive in. The fish are waiting.
Ready for more island adventures? Explore our Travel Category for more guides.
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