Blue Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in south-east Mauritius, with its powder-fine sand and translucent lagoon. The site is also home to the island’s richest coral garden, protected as a national marine park.
MJ Développement Maurice takes you on a tour of Blue Bay: its underwater world, its national park and the neighbouring villages that give this corner of the south-east its charm.
Key facts at a glance
| Criterion | What to remember |
|---|---|
| Location | South-east of the island, around 25 minutes from the airport |
| Status | National park since 1997, RAMSAR site since 2008 |
| Biodiversity | Nearly 40 coral species, around 80 fish species |
| Highlight | The largest brain coral in the Indian Ocean |
| Nearby village | Mahébourg, about ten minutes away |
Blue Bay, one of the finest beaches in Mauritius
Blue Bay regularly ranks among the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius, thanks to its fine sand and shallow waters.
Sheltered by a coral reef, the lagoon stays calm even on windy days, which explains its popularity with locals and visitors alike, especially at weekends. Unlike the wilder beaches of the south coast, Blue Bay is easy to reach, with clear waters that are safe for swimming all year round.
Good to know: mornings are the best time to enjoy Blue Bay, before the glass-bottom boat groups arrive. The water is at its clearest, perfect for admiring the brain coral without fighting for a spot on the sand.
The marine park: activities and biodiversity
Designated a national park in 1997 and a RAMSAR site in 2008, the Blue Bay Marine Park protects the largest coral garden in Mauritius, with nearly 40 recorded species and around 80 species of fish. It is also home to the largest and oldest brain coral in the Indian Ocean.
Our guide to what to do in Mauritius also covers the marine side of the island, from snorkelling in shallow water to diving for experienced levels and glass-bottom boat trips for those who prefer to stay dry.
“Blue Bay is one of the few places in Mauritius where you literally swim above a coral garden straight from the beach, with no boat and no diving gear,” says Jean Etchepareborde, Managing Director of the MJ Développement group.
Mahébourg and around Blue Bay
Just ten minutes away by car, Mahébourg is the natural companion to a day at Blue Bay, with its naval museum, colourful market and historic seafront.
The international airport, around 25 minutes away, makes this part of the south-east one of the most accessible on the island, a real advantage if you plan to invest in Mauritius in an area still spared by mass tourism.
For another side of Mauritian nature, head to Le Morne, at the far end of the south coast, for a striking contrast between a listed mountain and its lagoon.
Could this lagoon become your own secret garden? Get in touch with MJ Développement Maurice to plan your escape to Mauritius, between south-east beaches and bespoke property projects!
FAQ – Blue Bay Mauritius
When did Blue Bay become a protected marine park?
Blue Bay has been a national park since 1997 and a RAMSAR site since 2008, which protects its coral garden, the largest in Mauritius with nearly 40 recorded species.
How long does it take to reach Blue Bay from the airport?
Allow around 25 minutes by car from the international airport, via the A1 and B28 roads, to reach Blue Bay in the south-east of the island.
Is Blue Bay suitable for children?
Yes. The shallow lagoon, sheltered by the coral reef, is well suited to children, with calm water even on windy days.
What is the best time of day to visit Blue Bay?
Mornings offer the clearest water and the fewest people, before the glass-bottom boats used to view the coral without getting wet arrive.
How far is Mahébourg from Blue Bay?
Mahébourg is about ten minutes by car from Blue Bay, with its naval museum, its market and a seafront steeped in history.
Sources
- Bonjour Maurice, Blue Bay Marine Park: bonjourmaurice.com
- Mauritius Travel, Blue Bay: mauritius-travel.com
