With its impressive palette of blues, ranging from deep cerulean to bright turquoise, Blue Bay is one of the most popular attractions on the island of Mauritius. Designated as a protected marine park, its extensive reef hosts over 50 species of coral and a wide range of tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures. While we stayed in the nearby city of Mahebourg for two months, Blue Bay became our favorite spot for snorkeling and swimming.
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How to get to Blue Bay
By public transport, you’ll need to take a bus to Mahébourg from wherever you are. Then, take one of the frequent buses from the same station that will bring you to Blue Bay in 10–15 minutes. If you’re not on a budget, it’s better to take a taxi. You can arrange it on this site. Another good option is to join an organized tour by either car or boat. We had our own scooter and lived a 5-minute ride away. If you’re planning to stay for some time in Mauritius, it’s best to rent a scooter or a car and explore at your own pace.
Swimming in Blue Bay
After visiting more than a dozen beaches in Mauritius, I’d insist Blue Bay was my favorite. The public beach is located in the crescent-shaped cove behind the eastern entrance of the bay; where the settlement of Blue Bay also is. The sandy beach is about half a kilometer long and is bordered by a broad grove with grass and plenty of shade. The water is crystal-clear and less shallow than in most of the country’s beaches. Like almost everywhere in Mauritius, a swimming barrier is installed a few yards offshore—the entire bay is calm, but the speedboat drivers aren’t.
Snorkeling in Blue Bay
The biggest coral reef and best snorkeling spot is situated closer to the bay’s western side, in front of Shandrani Beachcomber Resort’s beach. You will see many boats anchored around it any time of the day. The reef is about half a km from the public beach. You may hire one of the readily available boats or swim it there. Be aware that the currents are strong. It might seem easy to swim to the reef, but then prove a feat to get back. Once we came kayaking from Mahebourg. Within minutes of snorkeling, we could barely see the anchored kayaks in the distance.
Another good and more accessible snorkeling spot is right around the promontory at the east side of the bay’s mouth, where Bastide sur Mer Resort is situated. The currents are strong there, too, and the bottom is shallower and rockier.
Where to stay in Blue Bay
Shandrani Beachcomber Resort, mentioned above, is the best option if you’re into snorkeling and luxury. If you’re looking for something economical, I can recommend this property right in front of the public beach. For something even more economical, you can consider staying in Mahebourg and driving to Blue Bay. We stayed in Orient Guesthouse Auberge during our entire time in Mauritius. Check out more options on the map below.
Eat & Drink
Despite Blue Bay’s popularity, there aren’t as many restaurants and bars as you would expect in the area. It seems the tourists mostly eat in their hotels. Restaurant Le Bougainville is the main place where people coming on day tours eat in bulk. Blue Bay Snack/Tuck Shop is good for a quick grub.
Blue Bay Tours
Videos
Photos
View (and if you want use) all my photographs from Blue Bay in higher resolution.
