Blue Bay

Blue Bay sits near Mahebourg on the south east coast of Mauritius, and its fame rests on what is under the water rather than the beach itself. The bay is a protected marine park, a sheltered patch of exceptionally clear, calm water over coral that holds the best easy snorkeling on the island. The public beach is a modest strip of soft white sand backed by trees, pleasant enough, but it is the lagoon that people travel for.

Slip on a mask close to shore and you find coral and fish quickly, and glass bottom boats run trips out to the richer coral gardens for those who want more without getting wet. That accessibility is the appeal and also the catch, because Blue Bay is popular and the small beach and bay get busy, especially on weekends when local families and boat tours arrive together. Boat traffic shares the water, so a weekday morning is by far the best time to see it at its calm, clear best.

The beach suits snorkelers and families who prioritise gentle water and marine life over wide open sand. The bay is calm and shallow enough for cautious swimmers and children, and the snorkeling rewards even beginners. It is less suited to anyone after a long empty stretch, a polished club scene, or solitude at a busy time, because Blue Bay is compact and its marine park status makes it a firm fixture on every south east itinerary.

Services on the sand are moderate, lifeguard cover is not something to rely on, and boats use the bay, so supervise children and stay aware of traffic in the water. The marine park is protected, so treat the coral with care and avoid touching or standing on it. The water is clearest in the cooler dry season. For daybeds and table service you look to the hotel frontage near the bay, with current options in the Mauritius beach clubs directory.