Best Beaches in Mauritius You Can Easily Reach by Car

You can find a beautiful beach within minutes of almost any accommodation in Mauritius, but the best ones are often the ones that take a little effort to reach. With a car, you can pick the beach that matches the day: calm water for children, wind for kitesurfers, shade for a long lunch, or simply a quiet corner.

A coral reef surrounds much of the island, so many lagoons are sheltered and calm. Still, conditions change between coasts and seasons, so treat the information below as a guide and always follow local signs, flags and lifeguard advice.

East coast: Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce

The east coast is known for long, wide beaches and calm lagoons. Belle Mare has one of the island’s longest stretches of sand, with space to walk and few crowds outside peak times. From Trou d’Eau Douce, boats run to Île aux Cerfs, a small island with beaches and water sports. The east can be breezy and is exposed to the trade winds, so bring a layer for the afternoon.

South-east: Blue Bay

Blue Bay is a marine park near Mahébourg, known for its clear shallow water and excellent snorkelling. It is close to the airport, so it is a natural first or last beach of your trip. Weekends and school holidays are busier, so arrive early for parking and a spot in the shade.

West coast: Flic-en-Flac and Tamarin

Flic-en-Flac is one of the longest beaches on the west coast, with restaurants, shops and sunsets. It is popular and lively, especially at weekends. Nearby Tamarin has a different feel: a bay known for surfing, with dolphins often spotted on boat trips along the coast. The west is generally drier and sunnier than the east.

South-west: Le Morne

The beach at Le Morne sits below the dramatic mountain and is a hub for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Wind and swell can be stronger here, so check conditions before swimming. The scenery is among the best in Mauritius, and many viewpoints along the road make it a drive worth taking. You can collect your car at Le Morne.

North: Grand Baie, Pereybere and Cap Malheureux

The north has small beaches and coves rather than long sweeps of sand. Grand Baie is the lively centre with boats, restaurants and nightlife. Pereybere is a popular, smaller beach just up the coast, and Cap Malheureux has a quiet bay with the red-roofed chapel as a backdrop. For a full route, read our north coast road trip.

Practical tips for a beach day by car

• Arrive early for parking, especially at weekends and in school holidays.
• Never leave valuables visible in the car, and avoid taking more than you need to the beach.
• Carry water, sun protection and a hat: shade can be limited.
• Respect warning flags, signs and local advice about swimming and currents.
• Do not drive onto sand or soft ground; park only in clearly legal spaces.
• Keep a towel and a spare dry set of clothes in the boot for a more comfortable drive home.

Best time of day and year

Mornings are usually calmer, with clearer water and softer light, and the late afternoon is good for sunsets on the west coast. Many people prefer the cooler months for comfort, while the warmer months are hotter and more humid. Check forecasts for wind and rain when you plan which coast to visit.

Combining beaches with other sights

Pair a beach with a nearby attraction: Blue Bay with Mahébourg, Tamarin with the salt pans, or Le Morne with Chamarel and Black River Gorges. Our list of top attractions by car shows how the areas fit together, and the 7-day itinerary puts it all in order.

Water safety basics

• Swim where it is signed as safe, and avoid channels in the reef where currents can be stronger.
• Watch the wind and swell on exposed coasts, particularly the south and south-west.
• Wear water shoes on rocky or coral shores, and never stand on live coral.
• Keep a close eye on children and non-swimmers, even in shallow lagoons.
• Do not swim after drinking alcohol, and do not swim alone.

Beach etiquette and the environment

Public beaches are shared spaces. Take your rubbish with you, keep music at a considerate volume, and avoid feeding fish or disturbing marine life. Reef-friendly sun protection and a hat or shirt for long days in the sun are kinder to the lagoon, and to you.