Southern Mauritius beaches are great for holidays especially for those that want to see a bit of Mauritius and all it has to offer. Wonderful beaches, scenery, and wildlife abound in the region below Port Louis; with plenty of adventure for nature and sports lovers.
The Eastern beaches are wilder and less developed, offering a spectacle of nature. The white beaches of Palmar and Belle Mare stretch endlessly along the coast, fringed on one side by the shady green casuarinas trees and edged by the lagoon on the other. The southeast of Mauritius is appreciated for its high cliffs which provide for a picturesque sight; as you go round the southern tip of the island. Here the breaks in the reef allow the open sea to come right up to the land; crushing against the rocks and creating a craggy and dramatic coastline.
Enjoy magnificent sunsets and deep-sea fishing along the west coast of Mauritius. Surfers should head for Tamarin, which is the surf center of Mauritius. There, beginners can come to grips with the basics of surfing at the surf school.
Anahita Mauritius Resort – beautiful beaches
Southern Mauritius attractions
In addition to enjoying a Southern Mauritius beach holiday; you should also visit the many attractions on offer.
Grand River South East is the longest river in Mauritius. Visitors and locals enjoy swimming, and diving at the mouth of the river; under the waterfall; or having a picnic on the riverbanks.
Le Val Nature Park lies in a peaceful valley; surrounded by a small hill, to the south-east of Mauritius; at St Hubert. The park is one of the most picturesque sites on the island; some one hundred acres of land; carpeted with luxuriant woods and bushes. Natural ponds abounding with freshwater fish and shrimps; a fascinating population of monkeys, birds, and stags; all enhance the charm of the site. The serenity of the place is ideal for leisurely walks and quiet strolls.
Domaine Ylang Ylang at Anse Jonchee is at the foot of the mountains in Vieux Grand Port. Characterized by the cultivation of Ylang Ylang which is enjoyed for the therapeutic effects of its essential oil, and also used in some great perfumes. There is a panoramic view over the bay of Mahebourg, and the islands around. Nature lovers can hit the numerous walking trails.
Chamarel
In the southwest of Mauritius is a wonderful village that is well known as the home of the famous 7 Coloured Earth of Mauritius and the Chamarel Waterfall; the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius. One of Mauritius’ most iconic attractions, the island’s original and premier geopark provides a unique experience for geology enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those who simply want to understand more about this rare and impressive phenomenon. The 7 Coloured earth was formed by lavas of two different ages.
Wolmar Nature Reserve
The Wolmar Nature Reserve near Flic en Flac has some great hiking and mountain biking tracks. A safari guide will point out a coral reef lying 500m inland and the deer, wild boars, monkeys, and giant fruit bats that live there.
Domaine De L’Etoile
The biggest natural and private reserve in Mauritius; where nature has been well protected. Indigenous forests, lush valleys, and rivers stretch towards distant mountains; with the Indian Ocean as a backdrop; in a ballet of changing light and shade, as the hours go by.
To admire the birds, deer, and other animals that roam amidst these vast expanses of land; a range of activities are offered; such as hiking, mountain biking, or explore the surroundings; by Quad, buggy, or 4×4. L’Etoile is also reputed for being an exclusive site for cocktails, lunches, and dinners.
Kestrel Valley
A private nature reserve of 200 hectares, nestled in a pocket of the remaining forest in the South East of Mauritius; an ambitious mission to restore the forest and coastal habitats for the unique wildlife of Mauritius, not just to exist, but to thrive. Kestrel Valley is home to the endangered Mauritius Kestrel, the only bird of prey found on the island. This kestrel was once considered the rarest bird in the world after its numbers had plummeted to only four individuals in 1974.
Casela Nature & Leisure Park
Casela is one of the most popular leisure and attraction parks in Mauritius offering a variety of fun and thrilling activities to individuals, families, and corporates. The park spans over 350 hectares and is divided into 5 zones; each with its own unique characteristic. The 5 zones are Thrill Mountain, Predator Kingdom, African Safari, Rides, and World of Events.
Rochester Falls
In the neighborhood of Souillac, you will find the spectacular Rochester Falls, where the water has cut large stepped shapes through the lava stone.
La Roche Qui Pleure
A natural cavity found at the cliffs of Gris-Gris, named by the poet Robert Edward Hart ‘La Roche Qui Pleure’ meaning the ‘the crying rock’ provides wonderful scenery as waves splash into it.
Le Souffleur
A geyser of 30 meters high offers a spectacular jet at high tides and rough seas.
La Vanille Nature Park
La Vanille is a place of discovery that extends on 5 hectares of tropical vegetation. The park is in the South of Mauritius and is dedicated to the conservation of nature, and the welfare of the animals. La Vanille Nature Park has the largest captive herd of Aldabra tortoises in the world. Discover an exuberant fauna with iguanas, monkeys, lemurs, deer, wild boar, Japanese carp, Mauritian bats, Radiata Tortoises, freshwater turtles, geckos, eels, chameleons, and more. La Vanille Nature Park is also home to a Fossil Museum and one of the largest collections of insects with more than 26 000 species and about 30 000 specimens from 5 continents.
Valley of Ferney
Ferney, in the south-east of Mauritius, is the region where the Dutch first settled in the early 17th century when they introduced sugarcane and the Java stag. An area of 200 hectares has been turned into an eco-tourism sanctuary; with the main objective of educating both Mauritians and tourists; about the biodiversity of the island. At the reception, the fauna and flora of the valley are explained to the visitor. Tailor-made excursions are offered to visitors, whereby they can spot rare species of birds such as the kestrel, pink pigeon, and echo parakeet. A three-kilometer tour unravels to a fantastic viewpoint where lunch can be served in a lodge.
Blue Bay Marine Park
Blue Bay Marine Park is the only marine park in Mauritius and you can snorkel or take a glass-bottom boat out to see the fish and coral.
Mahebourg
Built on the bay of Grand Port, and named after the French Governor Mahé de Labourdonnais, one can still find there remains of the old colonial buildings and amenities: the Courthouse and stone-drinking troughs once used by horses.
National History Museum
At the entrance of the village, the National History Museum is a worthwhile stop. This is the building where both British and French Captains were given first aid care during the Vieux Grand Port battle in 1810.
Dutch Ruins
At Vieux Grand Port, the oldest settlement in Mauritius, you can see the ruins of the first Dutch fortifications. One can also visit the Frederic Hendrik Museum; which presents a site plan of the works that have been carried out with various objects found during excavation; and illustrations about the island during the Dutch period.
La Nef, Robert Edward Hart Museum
This small house all covered with shells and corals displays the last years of the life of the great Mauritian poet Robert Edward Hart.
Mahebourg Naval Museum
The museum houses the bell retrieved from the shipwrecked St Geran, as well as many other interesting nautical memorabilia.
Falaise Rouge
Falaise Rouge, opposite the bay of Grand Port in the south-east of the island; depicts the historic battle of Grand Port.
In 1810, the island was still under French authority but was coveted by the British; because it was on the strategic route to the Indies. The French navy was under the command of Captain Duperré; while the British were led by Captain Willoughby. The battle was fierce, and the British lost all but one of their ships. The British lost 105 men and the French; 36 losses.
One of the interesting stories of this battle is that both captains Willoughby and Duperre; after being wounded in battle, received medical care side by side at Château Geude; which later became the naval museum of Mahebourg.
Although the French won this battle, the British invaded the island from the north three months later, and the French handed over the island to the British to avoid another battle. The battle of Grand Port is inscribed among Napoleon’s victories on the Arc de Triomphe; in Paris.
Southern Mauritius Beaches
Southern Mauritius beaches are plentiful and worth exploring. These are just some of them.
Palmar & Belle Mare beaches
Miles and miles of beaches on the east coast; from Belle Mare to Trou d’Eau Douce; an attractive fishing village. The sand tracks along these spotless beaches are highly appreciated as jogging paths by locals as well as tourists.
Blue Bay beach
Blue Bay Beach is on the South East coast of Mauritius; not far from the port city of Mahebourg. The blue water contrasts are amazing. Blue Bay is also very famous for the Blue Bay marine park which is the first and biggest marine park in Mauritius. Blue Bay Marine Park is an ideal destination for snorkeling trips. Also popular for windsurfing and sailing.
St Felix Beach
St Felix Beach is at the very south of the island; between the towns of Belle Ombre and Souillac. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the south of Mauritius; right after the Le Morne peninsula. Although due to the strong sea currents; swimming is not possible it is still worthwhile visiting for the beautiful white sand and mixtures of blue of the water. There are actually two beaches at St Felix; the eastern beach is recommended.
Gris Gris beach
Gris Gris beach is in the South of Mauritius, a few kilometers southeast of the village of Souillac. This beach offers visitors a magnificent view from the top of its cliffs. Since this part of the island is not surrounded by coral reefs; the waves crash directly on the cliffs creating big splashes of water.
Flic en Flac beach
Flic en Flac beach is on the west coast of Mauritius between the village of Albion and Tamarin. It is one of the longest beaches in Mauritius. The beach has white sand and a turquoise-blue lagoon fringed with Casuarinas trees. It is entirely protected by the coral reef, therefore; offers the best swimming possibilities without strong sea currents. The highlights of Flic en Flac are the beautiful sunsets that fill the sky with a range of colors. There are many restaurants and the nightlife is good.
Tamarin Beach
Tamarin Beach is also on the west coast; between Flic en Flac and the village of Black River. It is famous among surfers plus it attracts the most talented kite and bodysurfers from all over the island. In fact; the sea can be quite rough on occasion since it isn’t protected by the coral reefs. The bay is also great for bathing in shallow waters. The river of Tamarin cuts the beach into two parts during the rainy season. But you can easily pass from one part to the other. The sight of the Tamarin beach including Tamarain bay and also the Black River mountain range in the background; is quite impressive and makes a visit to the beach worthwhile. Many dolphin tours start in Tamarin.
Le Morne Beaches
The Le Morne peninsula is on the southwest tip of Mauritius. These Southern Mauritius beaches are so beautiful. With trees dotted along the beach, and the beautiful scenery with Le Morne Mountain as an impressive background. White coral sand, and very clear waters; consequently; great visibility for snorkeling.
Le Morne beach
Many of the Le Morne beaches are now where top class hotels are. Wind and Kite surfers love this area as there are perfect wind conditions most of the year.
Poste La Fayette & Roches Noires
Situated north of Flacq, these beaches are wild, authentic, and pretty as nature intended. With idyllic coves of white sand and surrounded by volcanic rocks. A corner of Mauritius that can be very windy, therefore; perfect for kite surfing
Activities available in Southern Mauritius
Cruises A variety of cruises are available in Southern Mauritius to explore the beaches and islands. For example, enjoy a cruise to Ile aux Cerfs; via Grand River Waterfalls. Or from Black River Bay to Tamarin Bay, La Preneuse, Le Morne, and Benetier Island. Between June and November, whale-watching boat cruises are also available.
Undersea Walk This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! It is especially ideal; for those who cannot swim or dive but wish to experience the beautiful corals and magnificent marine life of Mauritius. After just a few minutes of instruction; guests wear dive helmets attached to breathing tubes and lead belts and walk across the seabed.
Undersea walk
Kite Surfing Do not miss the wonderful kite surfing spots at Poste Lafayette and Belle Mare.
Swim with dolphins Make your dreams come true by watching and swimming with the dauphins in their natural habitat.
Trekking & Hiking: Several levels of difficulties going from 2 to 6 km in preserved nature. Discover Mauritian fauna and flora. You may come across a deer, wild boar, or kestrel (endemic falcon) during your trekking. If they are not lucky; you will still be able to see some of those animals in the park.
The East Islets of Mauritius
Ile Aux Cerfs aerial view
Ile aux Cerfs
This islet is a paradise for water sports and has the most beautiful beach in Mauritius. This tiny island, delicately poised on the ocean is a real pearl in the Mauritian landscape. A visit there is a must. The pure white sands are perfect for soaking up the rays of the sun. Whilst the calm waters of the lagoon are ideal for water sports such as snorkeling. Relaxing over a long, lazy lunch at one of the island’s two restaurants; is almost obligatory. The island also has its very own 18-hole golf course.
Ile aux Aigrettes
Since 1985 the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) has been restoring Ile aux Aigrettes. Weeding and replanting with native plants. Reintroducing endemic birds and reptiles, known to have once lived there. Restoring a forest, and recreating an island of days gone by. A sanctuary of flora and fauna.
Bathed by the vivid colors of the lagoon the small 26 ha Ile aux Aigrettes; you discover the last remnants of an ecosystem once abundant in the coastal regions of Mauritius but lost today.
Visitors will discover a flora and fauna in their natural state. They will come across lively and colorful ornate day geckos basking in the sun. Beautiful and rare Pink Pigeons, a distant cousin of the dodo, gazing down at you from above. Or perhaps the very rare Mauritius fody flying from branch to branch.
Two tortoise species once existed in Mauritius. Their use as a source of protein for passing sailors pushed them to extinction. Introduced on Ile aux Aigrettes to fill the role of herbivores; Aldabra giant tortoises, a close relative of our lost herbivores, weighing up to 200kg; meet you on the paths as you walk along. This population is the only one of these free-roaming giants in the Mascarenes.
