Everything about Mauritius

 Mauritius Island, surrounded by heavenly beautiful white sand and crystal-clear water, is home to splendid sandy beaches, all within easy access to the major cities, and free for all to have fun.Lagoons of MauritiusThe lagoons of Mauritius are complex systems comprising a variety of habitats: beaches, mangroves, sand or mud swamps, lagoon channels, seagrass beds, coral colonies, sand clays and a reef zone. Besides beaches, the coastal areas offer potential passive recreational activities including trails and picnic areas along the linear ‘river reserves’ that stretch from the coast to the mountains.

Coastline and Marine Ecosystem of Mauritius

The coastline of Mauritius is 322 km long and almost entirely surrounded by a fringing coral reef enclosing a lagoon area totalling 243 km2. The reef complex of Rodrigues has an area of 200 km2. The coral reef of St Brandon covers an area of 190 km2, while Agalega has 100 km2.

The marine ecosystem is quite vulnerable with threats from both marine and land-based activities. In 1997 the Blue-Bay (353 ha) and Balaclava (485 ha) Marine Parks were proclaimed. Coral bleaching was observed in 1998. Six Fishing Reserves have been proclaimed under the Fisheries and Marine Resources Act 1998, (Port Louis, Grand Port, Black River, Poudre d’Or, Poste La Fayette and Trou d’eau Douce). The main objective of the Reserves is to protect and conserve habitats that are nursery grounds for juvenile fish. The freshwater bodies on the mainland of Mauritius comprise approximately 2000 ha of reservoirs, rivers and streams. There are three known endemic freshwater fish and many endemic crustacea. Introductions of exotic fish species including the Tilapia (Oreocromis spp.), have invaded almost every fresh water body and have resulted in significant changes in freshwater biodiversity.

Currently the main uses of the lagoon and reefs are divers, pleasure craft, and other recreational uses.

Here are some of the most popular beaches of the island:

• Pereybere: Pereybere is situated on the coastal road between Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux. It is definitely the most popular among young people, with some of the best beach action around. Pereybere is more crowded during school holidays and Sundays.

• Grand Baie: Probably the most popular beach on the island, Grand Baie, only 20 kilometers away from Port-Louis regularly attracts people from all over the world. It is a safe place for swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and water skiing.

• Cap Malheureux: Cap Malheureux is a small fishing village located on the furthest north tip of Mauritius. Cap Malheureux offers a magnificent view of some of the small islands off the coast.

• Mont Choisy: Mont Choisy is situated on the northern coastline, and is one of the best beaches around. No wonder it is so popular among both locals and tourists. Locals enjoy spending the weekend there, relaxing in the sun, enjoying the sea and playing soccer on an adjacent field.

• Trou aux Biches: Nestled between Mont Choisy and Pointe-aux-Piments, is a short stretch of public beach next to one of the big hotels on the island, The Trou-aux-Biches Village. Trou-aux-Biches is a cozy white sandy beach, with blue waters and filao trees to match.

• Flic en Flac: The name Flic en Flac is thought to come from the old Dutch name, 'Fried Landt Flaak', or 'Free and Flat Land'. Flic en Flac, off the Port Louis-Tamarin road, lies at the bottom of a 3Km straight road running through cane fields.

• Tamarin: This is the surfing centre of Mauritius, although you can go for weeks without seeing a surfer.

• Blue Bay: Blue Bay is the public beach closest to Mahebourg
  which attracts many people on weekends.

• Ile Aux Cerfs: Ile Aux Cerfs, a small island off the east coast, is the next best thing after paradise. The island features vast beaches fringed with palm trees, and clear waters with restaurants and water sports facilities. Restaurants and other services are housed in small exotic kiosks, with straw roofs. Tourists can access IIe aux Cerfs by getting onto one of the small boats at Pointe Maurice.

• Belle Mare: One of the most popular public beach with white sandy beach with a deep lagoon at the east coast which attracts many people during weekends.

Detailed list of beaches

North<<

East<<

South<<

West<<

Port Louis<<