Snorkelling in Mauritius - 10 Best Sites to Explore

Mauritius, Africa's one of the best tourist destinations, is also the best destination for snorkelling. To the east and south-west of the island, the lagoon, with a surface area of 300 square km, is at its most extensive. Besides, Mauritius also has around 430 different species of underwater creatures. The quality of the seabed and corals varies sharply. Though you can take to the water all through the year in Mauritius, the weather conditions differ extensively. Mauritius has a tropical climate. The water temperature is average in summer (28° Celsius) and 21°C in the winter season. The water temperature is ideal for snorkelling throughout the year. 

Best Time for Snorkelling in Mauritius

November to April is the best time for snorkelling in Mauritius. Also, it is better to snorkel before the start of water sports. Until 10 AM is the best time to snorkel, as you get to see schools of fish, which would otherwise move away due to the sound of the boat.

Mauritius Snorkeling Map
From Flic en Flac to Ile Aux Cerfs and Trou Aux Biches, there are plenty of sites for having a fantastic snorkelling experience in Mauritius. While beginners enjoy seabed that can be accessed from the beach, experienced snorkelers might opt to take a boat and visit some of the most spectacular areas.

Turtles Spotting: November to March 
Dolphin Watching: June to October 
Shark Spotting: November to April

10 Best Spots for Snorkelling in Mauritius

1. Blue Bay Marine Park

Known for its clean, soft white sandy beaches and clear coastline, Blue Bay Marine Park is one of the best spots for snorkelling in Mauritius. It is a protected marine park just off the southeast corner of Mauritius. Ranging between 5 and 6 metres in depth, the Blue Bay Marine Park is ideal for beginners. In addition, the clear waters in this park make for excellent visibility.

You don't need to take a motorboat to get into these waters. Instead, you can directly wade in from the Blue Bay Beach. Avid snorkelers find this place magical. One can spot a plethora of exciting and vibrant fish. In addition, wrasse, clownfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and various flora can be spotted in these waters. The flora comprises coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses and algae.

Approximate cost: MUR 430

2. Flic en Flac

Flic en Flac beach covers an extended part of the western Mauritian coast. The beach boasts of clear waters and amazing aquatic life. The powder white sands stretch along the blue water, making the beach a phenomenal place to watch a dramatic Mauritian sunset from. With typically calm waters, the lagoon of Flic en Flac is suitable for beginners and is also considered safe for snorkelling.

The lagoon has gently shelving sands and is home to an array of beautiful fish like white-spotted boxfish, Moorish idols, and blue barred parrotfish, to name a few. However, as the lagoon has an enormous population of Sea Urchins and shells on the ocean floor, it is advised that you go to the nearby supermarket or a local market and buy a pair of swimming shoes. Also, there are fantastic opportunities to spot dolphins here, occasionally. 

Approximate cost: MUR 3,500

3. Pereybere Beach, Grand Baie

Pereybere is an excellent location for those looking to go snorkelling in Mauritius. Located in the north of Mauritius, the lagoon at Pereybere has exquisite crystal clear waters, making it ideal for snorkelling. It is phenomenal to spend a day at this beach and enjoy the views of blue turquoise waters.

The beach at Pereybere is trendy as it has various things to offer. From food stalls along the coast to affordable restaurants and an array of water sports, you can do much more here apart from just snorkelling. Snorkel in these waters to discover the variety of flora and fauna

Approximate cost: MUR 4,137

4. Pointe aux Piments

Pointe aux Piments is a long beach on the northwest coast of Mauritius. It has an offshore protected reef, making it a perfect destination for snorkelling in Mauritius. The beach is exceptionally narrow in places, but it has more extensive sections great for sunbathing and lazy picnics.

You can plunge in and out of the water throughout the day. Pointe aux Piments is also renowned as one of the best places in the area to spot sea turtles. In addition, one can find Parrot Fish, Trumpets, Sweet-Lips Fish, Groupers, Napoleons, clownfish and moray eels while snorkelling in Pointe aux Piments.

Approximate cost: MUR 2974

5. Mahebourg Bay

Mahebourg Bay is 1.3 km off the island and offers a heavenly place for snorkelling in Mauritius. A small patch of reef is found here, accessible by boat. You can go on a tour from Mahebourg itself, but make sure that you are going with an authorised tour company accompanied by a local guide.

Mahebourg Bay is considered a 'best-kept secret' amongst snorkelling sites in Mauritius. The bay also boasts of a phenomenally preserved coral that attracts exotic fish schools. The unusual marine life includes colourful clownfish, needlefish, damselfish, and barracudas. The waters also host patches of stag horns and fire corals with predominantly tubular corals in between.

Approximate cost: MUR 850

6. Trou Aux Biches

One of the most beautiful places to do snorkelling in Mauritius, Trou aux Biches, is also perfect for an outing with friends or family. It is located in the North-West of Mauritius and is one of the best beaches due to its ideal weather for swimming and snorkelling. The beach is 2 km long and is perfect for sunbathing as well. The Mauritian sunset view from this beach has been mesmerising visitors for centuries.

This stunning spot is known for its casuarinas trees that line the beach instead of tropical palm trees. There is a lagoon which is shallow and usually very calm. A reef is close to the seashore, making it an ideal snorkelling destination for beginners. Swim out of the reef through the shallow waters to enjoy a fantastic view of the underwater life in these waters. Sometimes, the wind picks up and blows strong. It might be harder to swim back than it is on the way into the waters.

Approximate cost:  MUR 14,388 

7. Ile aux Cerfs

Just off the coast of Mauritius, Ile aux Cerfs is a must-visit islet in the Indian Ocean. The beach offers good waters to roll in, and every water sport is possible here. In addition, the island is excellent for snorkelling. It has a turquoise lagoon and is surrounded by white sandbars.

Sandbars make it easy for swimming and snorkelling. The place also has lovely underwater filled with colourful fish and coral. Starfish, sea bream, blue striped snappers and parrotfish are some of the many species found in these waters. Groupers often hide in the grass beds near the reef, so make sure you don't miss seeing them.

Approximate cost: MUR 5219

8. Tamarin Bay

A beautiful village located five kilometres from Flic en Flac, Tamarin, boasts a natural aquarium. The Natural Aquarium is one of the most beautiful seascapes of Mauritius. Apart from snorkelling, you can jet-ski, paddle boats, and swim with dolphins.

Tamarin Beach is famous for the large population of dolphins that made Tamarin their natural habitat. So snorkelling to see Spinner Dolphins is a fascinating experience here.

Approximate cost: MUR 8,001

9. Coin de Mire

Situated near the wreck site of Djabeda, Coin de Mire provides a gorgeous view. The ocean floor covered with pinkish coral reefs, seabeds and rocks is an enchantment for the snorkelers. The site is one of the popular ones for underwater photography of the vibrant marine life. It is better to stay in the shallower part to avoid drifting away due to strong water currents. Eagle rays, tunas, and turtles can be observed in Coin de Mire. The site has a depth of 80 feet, or 25 metres and is ideal for experienced snorkelers.

Also known as Gunner's Quoin, the snorkelling conditions are suitable throughout the year. The coral reef is home to a diversity of species like Damsel Fish, surgeonfish, butterflyfish, juvenile sailfin tangs, and tiny pipefish. Also, with some luck, you may see some dolphins during the snorkelling.

Approximate cost: MUR 10,400 (for a private snorkelling trip)

10. Benitiers Island

Benitiers Island is a little off the west coast of Mauritius. It can be seen from Le Morne Mountain and the Le Morne beach. Many trips to this island depart from Le Morne Beach, which is 4 km long. Benitiers Island is famous for its enormous number of Dolphins.

Approximate cost: MUR 6047