Mauritius is a tropical paradise renowned for its white beaches and breathtaking underwater worlds. From vibrant coral reefs to an abundance of marine life, the island offers unforgettable snorkelling and diving experiences for enthusiasts of all levels.
This guide explores the best snorkelling and diving spots across Mauritius, conveniently located near some of the island’s top resorts. We offer luxury and budget Mauritius holidays tailored to your preferences, ensuring an unforgettable tropical escape.
East Coast Gems
Île aux Cerfs
A short boat ride from the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita and Shangri-La Le Touessrok Mauritius takes you to the picturesque Île aux Cerfs. This island is not only known for its white sandy beaches but also its excellent snorkelling spots.
The waters surrounding the island are beautifully clear, offering visibility ideal for observing coral formations and tropical fish.
For those seeking more adventure, diving excursions around Île aux Cerfs provide opportunities to explore underwater caves and coral walls teeming with marine life.
Palmar Lagoon
Nestled near resorts like Ambre Mauritius and C Mauritius, Palmar Lagoon offers calm, shallow waters perfect for snorkelling. The lagoon’s coral reefs are home to an array of fish species, making it an excellent spot for families and beginner snorkelers.
Kayak or paddleboard rentals are also available, allowing visitors to explore the lagoon from above and below the surface.
North Coast Marvels
Trou-aux-Biches
Known for its perfect waters and vibrant marine biodiversity, Trou-aux-Biches is a snorkelling and diving hotspot on the island’s northern coast. Situated near Veranda Pointe Aux beach, this area boasts some of the most accessible coral reefs in Mauritius. Visitors can spot angelfish, lionfish, and moray eels as they explore the shallow waters close to shore.
For diving enthusiasts, the area offers several dive sites, including wreck dives and coral gardens. With a variety of professional dive operators nearby, both novice and experienced divers can enjoy guided adventures.
Grand Baie
While primarily known for its nightlife and shopping, Grand Baie also offers fantastic snorkelling and diving opportunities. The waters here are calm and suitable for beginners. A short boat ride from the bay takes visitors to some of the region’s top dive sites, including Coral Garden and Whale Rock, where divers can encounter barracudas, reef sharks, and colourful corals.
West Coast Wonders
Flic en Flac
The west coast of Mauritius is home to Flic en Flac, a beach destination renowned for its stunning sunsets and underwater adventures. Sugar Beach Mauritius Resort & Spa offers direct access to this popular snorkelling and diving area. Flic en Flac’s coral reefs are home to an impressive variety of fish, including butterflyfish and trumpetfish.
For divers, the nearby Cathedral Dive Site is a must-visit. This underwater cave system features dramatic rock formations and provides shelter for a range of marine species. The combination of natural light filtering through the caves and abundant marine life makes it a favourite among photographers.
Tamarin Bay
Close to Flic en Flac, Tamarin Bay is best known for its dolphin encounters. Snorkelers and divers can join tours that take them to areas where dolphins are often spotted. While dolphins are the main attraction, the bay also features coral reefs and fish species worth exploring. Early morning excursions often yield the best experiences.
Northwest Coast Highlights
Balaclava/Turtle Bay
Situated near the Intercontinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort and Maritim Resort and Spa Mauritius, Turtle Bay is one of the island’s top snorkelling destinations. This marine park is teeming with coral reefs and tropical fish, offering a serene underwater escape. Snorkelling here is suitable for all levels, thanks to the calm waters and abundant marine life.
For divers, Turtle Bay provides deeper sites where large schools of fish and occasional rays can be spotted. Guided snorkelling and diving trips are readily available from nearby resorts.
Pointe aux Piments
A short distance from Turtle Bay lies Pointe aux Piments, another excellent spot for snorkelling and diving. The reef here is home to clownfish, sea anemones, and a variety of other marine species. Nearby hotels often offer guided snorkelling excursions to help guests make the most of their visit.
South Coast Treasures
Blue Bay Marine Park
One of the crown jewels of Mauritius’s snorkelling destinations is Blue Bay Marine Park. Located near the Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas and Preskil Island Resort, this marine park is celebrated for its thriving coral gardens and diverse marine species.
The shallow waters make it perfect for beginners, while the vibrant colours of the coral reefs provide a feast for the eyes. Visitors can expect to encounter parrotfish, clownfish, and even the occasional turtle.
Blue Bay Marine Park is a protected area, so that its underwater ecosystem remains pristine. Guided snorkelling tours are available for those wanting to explore its depths under expert supervision.
Blue Bay and Surroundings
The southern coast of Mauritius is home to Blue Bay Marine Park, a highlight of the island’s underwater attractions. As mentioned earlier, this area is particularly notable for its biodiversity and crystal-clear waters, making it a favourite among both snorkelers and divers.
Gris Gris and Beyond
While not traditionally associated with snorkelling due to its rough waters, the southern coast’s rugged beauty offers unique diving experiences. Guided tours often explore offshore sites where coral reefs remain largely untouched, providing an exclusive underwater adventure.
Tips for an Unforgettable Experience
Choosing the Right Gear
Many resorts provide snorkelling equipment, but bringing your own gear results in a comfortable fit and higher quality. For diving, make sure that the operators you choose are certified and offer high-quality equipment.
Best Times to Snorkel and Dive
Mauritius enjoys warm waters year-round, but the best visibility typically occurs between October and April. Early mornings are ideal for calm seas and better marine encounters.
Conservation and Respect
Protecting the underwater ecosystems of Mauritius is essential. Avoid touching coral reefs or disturbing marine life. Opt for eco-friendly sunscreen to minimize environmental impact.
Family-Friendly Snorkelling Adventures
Snorkelling in Mauritius is an activity the entire family can enjoy, thanks to the island’s abundance of shallow lagoons and calm waters. For families with young children, the following snorkelling spots stand out as particularly suitable:
Blue Bay Marine Park
Located on the southeast coast near Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas and Preskil Island Resort, Blue Bay Marine Park is ideal for families. The protected lagoon features calm, shallow waters with thriving coral gardens teeming with colourful fish.
Children can safely explore the marine environment while staying close to the shore. Guided snorkelling tours with glass-bottom boats are also available, offering a combination of education and fun.
Palmar Lagoon
Near resorts like Ambre Mauritius and C Mauritius, Palmar Lagoon is another excellent option for families. Its tranquil waters and sandy seabed make it safe for kids to snorkel without fear of strong currents. Parents can supervise from the shore or join their children in exploring the lagoon’s fish-filled waters.
3. Trou-aux-Biches
This northern gem, close to Veranda Pointe Aux beach, is known for its clear, shallow waters and abundant marine life. It’s perfect for families, as the beach provides plenty of shaded spots for breaks. The nearby coral reefs host a variety of fish species that will captivate young snorkelers.
Unique Experiences for Advanced Divers
Mauritius offers advanced divers a wealth of thrilling opportunities to explore the underwater world in ways that go beyond traditional recreational diving. From technical dives into submerged caverns to exploring historic wrecks, the island’s waters promise unforgettable adventures for seasoned divers.
Technical Diving Opportunities
For divers with the appropriate certifications, Mauritius offers technical diving experiences that push the boundaries of exploration.
The underwater caves and tunnels near Cathedral Dive Site off the west coast are particularly popular. This dive features dramatic rock formations and requires advanced buoyancy control and navigation skills.
The deeper reefs around Coin de Mire in the north also challenge divers with strong currents and incredible visibility, revealing pelagic species like barracudas and tuna.
Wreck Diving Highlights
Mauritius is home to several fascinating wrecks that appeal to experienced divers. These sites offer a combination of historical intrigue and rich marine biodiversity.
- Stella Maru Wreck
Located off Trou-aux-Biches, the Stella Maru is a Japanese trawler intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. Sitting at a depth of around 25 meters, it has become a haven for a variety of marine life, including lionfish, groupers, and moray eels.
Advanced divers can explore the ship’s structure, which is beautifully encrusted with coral and sponges.
- HMS Sirius Wreck
For history enthusiasts, the HMS Sirius wreck is a must-visit. This British frigate sank in the Battle of Grand Port during the Napoleonic Wars.
While access to the site is restricted due to its historical significance, some guided dives are occasionally permitted, providing a glimpse into the past alongside schools of tropical fish.
- Tug II Wreck
Situated off the northwest coast near Balaclava, Tug II is another popular wreck dive. This tugboat lies at a depth of about 20 meters and is often surrounded by batfish, nudibranchs, and other fascinating marine life. Its manageable depth and open structure make it an appealing challenge for advanced divers.
Drift Diving Adventures
Mauritius’ waters offer thrilling drift diving opportunities, where strong currents guide divers along reefs and walls teeming with life.
- Pass St. Jacques
Located off the southern coast, Pass St. Jacques is one of the island’s most famous drift diving sites. Divers are carried by currents through a narrow pass, encountering sharks, rays, and barracudas along the way. This dive requires precision and experience due to the strength of the current and the narrow channels.
- Coin de Mire
In addition to being a technical diving site, Coin de Mire is also a favourite for drift diving. Strong currents around this northern islet sweep divers past dramatic coral-covered walls, providing an adrenaline-filled experience. Pelagic species, such as tuna and kingfish, are often spotted here.
Deep Diving and Big Marine Life Encounters
For those eager to venture into the depths, the waters around Mauritius offer encounters with larger marine life. Off the east coast, Round Island is known for deep dives that often bring divers face-to-face with reef sharks, stingrays, and even the occasional hammerhead.
These dives, often at depths exceeding 30 meters, demand experience and careful planning but reward divers with awe-inspiring sights.
A Paradise for Seasoned Divers
Mauritius is not just a destination for casual divers; it is a haven for those seeking adventure and exploration beneath the waves. With its technical dives, wrecks steeped in history, and exhilarating drift diving opportunities, the island offers unique experiences that challenge and inspire even the most seasoned divers.
Day Trips and Excursions for Snorkelers and Divers
Mauritius is a paradise for water enthusiasts, offering numerous day trips and excursions that combine snorkelling and diving with other exciting activities. These tours not only showcase the island’s vibrant underwater ecosystems but also provide unique opportunities to explore Mauritius’s natural beauty, local culture, and marine wildlife.
A visit to Île aux Cerfs is one of the most popular day trips for both snorkelers and divers. Accessible via a short boat ride from the east coast, this picturesque island offers high-view waters, coral reefs, and plenty of marine life to explore. Snorkelers can enjoy calm lagoons, while divers venture to deeper areas around the island.
Most excursions to Île aux Cerfs also include a beachside picnic or barbecue. Some tours offer additional activities like parasailing, glass-bottom boat rides, and kayaking, making it a perfect family-friendly outing.
Situated in the southeast of Mauritius, Blue Bay Marine Park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a day of underwater exploration. Guided boat tours provide snorkelers and divers with access to the park’s thriving coral gardens and colourful marine species.
Many excursions to Blue Bay also include stops at nearby islands, such as Île aux Aigrettes, a nature reserve that offers a chance to see rare endemic plants and animals. These tours often feature a relaxing lunch on the beach, allowing guests to unwind after their underwater adventures.
Final Thoughts
Mauritius is a dream destination for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, offering unparalleled underwater beauty across its coasts. From the tranquil lagoons of the east coast to the dynamic dive sites of the west, the island provides endless opportunities to explore its marine wonders. imal impact on the animals while giving visitors a chance to observe their graceful movements up close. View our Mauritius packages and start planning your dream vacation today.
