Places to visit in

Mauritius

Île aux Aigrettes is a small coral island off the southeast coast of Mauritius that has been restored and managed as a nature reserve to protect the island's remaining fragments of native coastal forest and rare endemic species. The site is important for Mauritius' conservation story: it demonstrates successful ecological restoration and species recovery efforts and serves as an outdoor laboratory for native flora and fauna reintroduction and monitoring.

Îlot Gabriel is a small, uninhabited islet off the southeast coast of Mauritius, valued primarily for its natural importance. It contributes to the island's coastal biodiversity by hosting coral gardens, seagrass beds and providing resting or feeding habitat for seabirds and marine fauna. The islet is a popular stop on local boat excursions and plays a role in the recreational and ecotourism economy of the nearby coastal towns (Mahebourg / Blue Bay area).

Île Plate (Flat Island) is a small offshore island north of mainland Mauritius, valued primarily for its natural marine environment. It forms part of the northern islets that protect the Mauritian lagoon and supports coral reef systems, seabird nesting sites, and diverse reef fish populations. The island is a popular day-trip destination for snorkeling and diving, contributing to Mauritius' marine tourism.

Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin) is a small, distinctive offshore islet located off the northern coast of Mauritius. Formed from volcanic activity, it stands as a striking natural landmark visible from Cap Malheureux and surrounding coastal towns. The islet is ecologically important for its surrounding coral reefs and as a resting/nesting area for seabirds, and it has long served as a navigational reference for sailors and local fishermen.

Île aux Bénitiers is a small uninhabited islet off the southwest coast of Mauritius, close to Le Morne Brabant. Its importance is primarily natural: it forms part of the island's rich lagoon ecosystem with coral reefs, shallow turquoise waters and sandbanks that attract snorkelers and beachgoers. The islet also offers iconic views of Le Morne Brabant (a UNESCO World Heritage site), creating a powerful visual and cultural connection to Mauritius's history — especially the legacy of Maroon slaves associated with Le Morne. The islet contributes to local tourism economies via day trips, boat excursions and marine activities.

Île d’Ambre is a small islet off the coast of Mauritius valued primarily for its natural environment and as part of the island's coastal heritage. The islet forms an important micro‑habitat for coastal plants, seabirds and marine life, helping to maintain local biodiversity and coastal ecological networks. Historically it has been a waypoint for local fishermen and visiting boats; its sheltered coves and reefs have featured in local maritime stories and small‑scale subsistence use.

Flic en Flac is one of Mauritius's longest and most famous white-sand beaches, located on the west coast. It is important as a major recreational and tourism hub for both locals and international visitors. The beach fronts calm lagoon waters protected by a coral reef, making it significant for marine biodiversity, snorkeling, and conservation efforts. The surrounding area features a blend of Creole culture, local fishing heritage, and growing hospitality infrastructure.

Tamarin Bay on the west coast of Mauritius is primarily important for its natural and recreational values. It is a well-known surf and dolphin-watching location that has helped shape the island's coastal tourism scene. The bay's long shoreline, coastal lagoon and nearby mountain backdrop contribute to local biodiversity and scenic importance for residents and visitors.

La Preneuse Public Beach is a culturally and historically significant west-coast shoreline in the Black River (Rivière Noire) region of Mauritius. The site is best known for its 19th-century Martello tower (a coastal defense remnant) and as a beloved local gathering place for swimming, sunsets and seaside recreation. Naturally, it fronts a shallow reef and rocky headlands that support marine life and offer easy snorkeling close to shore.

Le Morne Brabant (the mountain) and Le Morne Beach form the Le Morne Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area is a powerful symbol of resistance and refuge for runaway slaves (maroons) in the 18th and 19th centuries. Natural importance includes a dramatic basaltic peninsula, a turquoise lagoon protected by coral reefs, and coastal and marine biodiversity important for snorkeling and conservation.

La Prairie Beach sits on the southeast coast of Mauritius near the historic town of Mahebourg and the Grand Port district. The area is notable for its natural coastal lagoon environment, coral reef systems and proximity to the site of the 1810 Battle of Grand Port — Mauritius's most famous naval engagement. The beach contributes to the local fishing and tourism economy and offers insight into traditional coastal life on the island.

Trou aux Biches is a celebrated beach on the northwest coast of Mauritius known primarily for its natural importance: a long, palm-fringed white-sand shoreline and a calm, shallow turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef. The site is significant for marine biodiversity (snorkeling directly from shore) and as a major recreational and hospitality hub for both local residents and international visitors. It also forms part of the cultural fabric of northwest Mauritius, with nearby villages and resorts reflecting Creole, French and Indian influences.

Mont Choisy Beach is one of Mauritius's longest public beaches, stretching about 3 km along the northwest coast. It is valued for its natural coastal ecosystem—powdery white sand backed by casuarina trees, shallow turquoise waters and reef-protected swimming areas. The beach is important locally as a popular recreational area for residents and visitors, and it provides habitats for coastal birds and marine life.

Pereybere Public Beach is one of Mauritius's most popular small public beaches, prized for its clear turquoise lagoon, fine white sand and safe swimming conditions. It serves as an accessible coastal hub for both locals and visitors, offering a classic example of the island's coastal environment and contemporary beach culture.

La Cuvette Beach is a small, sheltered white-sand beach on the northern coast of Mauritius near Grand Baie. It is valued for its calm, shallow lagoon protected by a fringing coral reef, making it popular with families and swimmers. The beach forms part of the island’s coastal tourism offering and provides scenic views of the turquoise waters and nearby rocky outcrops.

Belle Mare Beach is one of Mauritius's iconic east‑coast beaches — celebrated for its long ribbon of powder‑white sand, clear turquoise lagoon and a protective coral reef. The area blends natural coastal beauty with the living culture of a small fishing community and nearby sugarcane landscape. Its sunrise vistas and calm shallow waters make it an important recreational shoreline for both locals and visitors.

Palmar Beach lies on the east coast of Mauritius in the Flacq district. It is valued for its natural coastal beauty — a long stretch of white sand, a calm turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef, and nearby coconut and sugarcane landscapes that reflect the island's plantation history. The area combines the relaxed character of an east-coast fishing village with resort development, offering both authentic local life and tourist amenities.

Poste Lafayette Public Beach, located on the northeastern coast of Mauritius, is valued primarily for its natural coastal beauty rather than historical monuments. It offers a tranquil stretch of sand backed by Casuarina trees and framed by dramatic offshore reefs and headlands. The beach is an important local recreational spot and contributes to the island's reputation for scenic, unspoiled shorelines.

Anse la Raie is a small coastal bay on the northern shore of Mauritius near Grand Baie and Pointe aux Canonniers. It is valued primarily for its natural importance: a calm, shallow lagoon protected by a reef that supports coral, seagrass beds and local marine life. The area forms part of the island's rich coastal ecosystem and is popular with residents and visitors for recreation and traditional small-scale fishing.

Bain Boeuf Public Beach is a small, family-friendly beach on the northern coast of Mauritius, valued mostly for its natural coastal scenery rather than major historical monuments. It is part of the island’s rich marine and lagoon ecosystem and offers views toward nearby islets such as Coin de Mire. Locally it serves as a popular spot for residents and visitors to relax, swim in a shallow turquoise lagoon, and enjoy calm waters protected by a reef.