Mauritius, with its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, is a dream destination for nature lovers. But beyond these heavenly landscapes, beneath the surface of its turquoise lagoon lie exceptional marine life.
Mauritius is home to a wealth of marine flora and fauna, a delight for divers and snorkellers alike: unspoilt coral reefs, many species of multicoloured tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, rays and more. The list goes on!
Why choose Mauritius for a diving or snorkelling holiday? We tell you all about it in our article!
The best snorkelling spots in Mauritius
Why choose Mauritius for a diving or snorkelling holiday? With its crystal-clear waters, exceptional visibility and abundant marine biodiversity, Mauritius is a paradise for snorkellers.
All along the coastline, the many snorkelling spots in Mauritius are accessible to divers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, you'll find what you're looking for.
Don't forget to respect the environment and make the most of this unique experience!
Snorkelling in Blue Bay Marine Park
Located in the south-east of the island, the Blue Bay Marine Park is probably the most famous snorkelling spot in Mauritius. Covering more than 140 hectares, this protected marine area is renowned for its exceptional coral gardens, some of which are more than 800 years old!
Easy to access and suitable for beginners, its depth does not exceed 5 or 6 metres, and it is easy to observe many species of tropical fish: ideal conditions for snorkelling in Mauritius!
Snorkeling at Trou-aux-Biches
Trou-aux-Biches is another must-see snorkelling site in Mauritius, renowned for its sumptuous coral reef rich in marine life, accessible just 200 metres from the beach.
This long strip of sand, with its crystal-clear waters, offers perfect conditions for beginners and families.
A snorkelling spot in Mauritius ideal for observing clownfish, pufferfish, angelfish, etc.
Snorkeling at Flic-en-Flac
Located on the west coast, Flic-en-Flac is the ultimate family snorkelling spot in Mauritius.
Underwater, you'll come across a host of tropical fish such as parrot fish, and sometimes even eagle rays!
Its calm, gently sloping lagoon, shallow depth and clear water make it a perfectly accessible site, ideal for family snorkelling in Mauritius. With the added bonus of a splendid view of Morne Brabant in the background.
Snorkeling at Grand Gaube
In the north-east of Mauritius, the underwater scenery at Grand Gaube is nothing short of exceptional.
The site is home to numerous seagrass beds teeming with life, colourful coral reefs, dizzying drop-offs and even some shipwrecks, offering the most complete underwater experience.
You can spot colourful tropical fish, stingrays, manta rays, blacktip reef sharks, sleeper sharks and even sea turtles.
Snorkeling at L'île aux Cerfs
Snorkelling on Île aux Cerfs is an unforgettable experience in Mauritius. Accessible from its white sandy beaches, the coral reefs that surround the island are home to an immense biodiversity.
The shallow, calm waters of the lagoon make it an ideal place to observe marine life at close quarters: you'll come across lionfish, scorpionfish and napoleonfish, as well as numerous starfish and turtles.
Other snorkeling spots in Mauritius
Many other snorkelling spots in Mauritius are well worth a visit. These include:
- Pointe aux Canonniers, for its easy access from the beach
- Trou d'Eau Douce, accessible by boat and renowned for its exceptional visibility
- Pointe aux Piments, where turtles are plentiful
The best diving spots in Mauritius
Mauritius is a true underwater paradise for divers, offering an exceptional diversity of dive sites.
Some of these are world-renowned: multicoloured coral reefs teeming with life, numerous wrecks, dizzying drop-offs, and more. There's something for everyone and every level!
Discover the best diving spots in Mauritius and set off to explore sites of dazzling natural beauty!
Diving at the Cathedral (Flic-en-Flac)
Considered one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world, the Cathedral is a rock formation with a unique topography. Carved out by the elements over time, the site takes the form of an underwater Gothic cathedral, with its vaults, arches and natural pillars. Sunlight filters through the structures, creating a mysterious and mystical atmosphere, almost fairytale-like!
You'll come across a multitude of reef fish, stingrays, moray eels, jacks, blacktip sharks and more.
With depths of up to 35 metres and frequent backwashes, the Cathedral is reserved for experienced divers or those accompanied by professionals.
Diving in the Blue Bay coral garden
Located on the south-east coast of the island, the Blue Bay Marine Park is home to an exceptionally beautiful coral garden. This protected site offers ideal conditions for diving in Mauritius and observing marine life, thanks to its calm, crystal-clear waters.
Numerous diving schools offer first dives and training courses on site.
Diving at the 'Aquarium' in Grand Baie
Located in the north of Mauritius, the site takes its name from the diversity and abundance of marine life it shelters: it's a veritable giant aquarium!
The Grand Baie Aquarium is an ideal diving spot for novices: with its calm waters, good visibility and maximum depth of 15 metres, it is particularly suitable for beginners or those wishing to perfect their skills.
Despite its shallow depth, the site is teeming with marine life. You can observe a wide variety of tropical fish, including angelfish, lutjans, squirrelfish, damselfish, nasons and surgeonfish.
Diving the Stella Maru wreck
The wreck of the Stella Maru is an exceptional diving site in Mauritius, accessible all year round.
Located at the foot of Morne Brabant, this Japanese cargo ship, which sank in 1967, now lies on a sandy seabed at a depth of 28 metres. Over the years, the wreck has been covered in coral and has become a veritable artificial reef, home to an abundance of marine life: sponges and anemones, parrotfish, groupers, jacks, barracudas, moray eels, etc.
The spot is reserved for certified divers of the required level.
Diving the ‘Fosse aux Requins’ (Shark Trough)
Located in the north of Mauritius, the Fosse aux Requins spot is relatively far from the coast. Its depth varies between 15 and 21 metres, depending on the currents, so it's not for beginners. Its drop-offs, caves and underwater canyons offer spectacular scenery.
As its name suggests, this spot is famous for the presence of blacktip sharks, which congregate here in large numbers. Thrills guaranteed!
Although fascinating and impressive, sharks are not aggressive towards divers, provided of course that you follow certain safety rules and do not disturb them.
Diving at 'Lobster Canyon'
The Lobster Canyon spot is a must for divers of all levels!
At a depth of between 20 and 26 metres, this impressive underwater canyon is home to a huge number of lobsters, well hidden in the crevices and cavities of the steep walls.
Its beautiful coral reef is home to clownfish, protected by sea anemones.
Other scuba diving sites in Mauritius
Many other diving spots in Mauritius are real underwater treasures. These include:
- The two wrecks of Water Lily and Emily in the north of the island (25 m), which are an ideal playground for wreck diving enthusiasts
- The TUG II wreck to the west of the island (19 m), one of the best spots in Mauritius for observing the Fanal.
- The Rempart Serpent site at Flic-en-Flac, famous for its topography in the shape of a giant snake
- The Tunnels site on Ile aux Cerfs, which offers a unique diving experience, with its tunnels and underwater caves
- The Trou-aux-Biches coral reef, for a peaceful dive with turtles
If you're more of a land-lover than a seafarer, check out our article on the best hikes in Mauritius!
Stay close to the best spots!
Domaine d'Anbalaba's proximity to many of Mauritius's snorkelling and diving spots, some of which are considered among the most beautiful in the world, makes it the ideal starting point for your exploration of the island's seabed.
Located in the south-west of the island, our tailor-made rental service can organise your diving holiday in Mauritius or a few snorkelling excursions to discover the most beautiful seabed.
Find out more about our accommodation for your holidays in Mauritius or investment opportunities!