Mauritius is a real haven for sun seekers and beach lovers, as it is home to numerous stretches of sand and is surrounded by the gorgeous waters of the Indian Ocean. But if you’re planning a beach break here, where exactly should you go?
It’s tricky really, because there are amazing sandy stretches all around the island. The best option for you will ultimately depend on whether you’re happy to laze in the sun all day or whether you’d like to do something a bit more active. Here are three of the top choices.
Belle Mare
Situated on Mauritius’s east coast Belle Mare is one of the most picture-perfect beaches you’ll find on the island. Its soft, golden sands are lapped by the clear water from sheltered lagoons and it is backed by rows of palm trees and several luxury resorts.
As it is one of the longest beaches in Mauritius, it’s the ideal place to come to if you want to find a peaceful spot and settle down to sunbathe with a good book. If you get too warm, you can always take a dip in the sea and if you fancy being a bit more adventurous, take some snorkelling gear with you.
Much of Mauritius is surrounded by coral reefs, which shelter it from the waves of the Indian Ocean. As a result, it’s the perfect place to go snorkelling or scuba diving, as there is an abundance of colourful marine life just beneath the surface. You can spot anything from anemone fish and angel fish to reef sharks and even turtles if you explore the waters around Belle Mare.
For scuba divers, there are also several wrecks that have created artificial reefs and make for a fascinating excursion into the underwater world.
Tamarin Bay
Tamarin Bay on the island’s south-west coast is an excellent choice if you want to mix up your sunbathing sessions with a bit more activity, as it is renowned as the best place for surfing inMauritius.
This end of the island is the only part not protected by a barrier reef, so the swells from theIndian Oceancan land on the beaches, making it perfect for catching some waves. Tamarin first became a popular spot among surfers in the 1960s and 70s and, despite further development inMauritius, the village here has remained much as it was back then.
The vibe is sleepy and relaxed, so even if you don’t fancy grabbing a board yourself, you can chill out on the sand and watch as the surfers ride the waves. Another reason to visit TamarinBayis for the chance to spot some of its resident dolphins. Boat trips regularly run in the area, giving you the opportunity to see these amazing marine mammals in all their glory and even swim with them, which is bound to be a highlight of your stay in Mauritius.
Pereybere Beach
Situated in the north of Mauritius, within easy reach of the popular resort of Grand Baie, is Pereybere Beach. The waters here are ideal for swimming, as they are sheltered and relatively deep, while the range of facilities around the cove makes it an excellent place to visit if you want a few more amenities than just a towel and a sunshade.
There are several restaurants at Pereybere, as well as bars and shops, so you can enjoy the sunshine before indulging in a relaxing lunch with wonderful views of the beach and the sea. Stay here until the evening and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful sunsets you’re ever likely to see.
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