Where turquoise waters meet diverse island vibes

There are many water sports available here, especially sailing. Since Grand Baie and also the neighbour town of La Cuvette have evolved from fishing villages and are great for sailing and other boat excursions, they aren't ideal for swimming in the seas because of the boat traffic. Just a short drive away however is the peninsular of Pointe aux Canonniers, where you can find white, sandy beaches for miles.

The most popular area due to its incredibly beautiful beaches is Belle Mare. The whole of this coast line is less built up than many other areas, which also adds to its exclusivity. One fact to know about this coast line is that is where the trade winds hit the island, which can provide a refreshing breeze in summer, but in winter it can get a bit windy and your golf balls won’t fly as far.

The south coast is home to Blue Bay Marine Park, which protects rich coral reefs and therefore offers some of the best snorkelling and diving in Mauritius and it is the gateway to the mountainous interior with the Black River Gorges National Park and Chamarel, featuring beautiful nature sights like waterfalls and the La Vallee Des Couleurs, plus lots of options for scenic hikes in tropical forests.

It is also the most sheltered from the wind, even though Tamarin Bay in the south is a an exception and great for surfers. The capital city of Port Louis is found on the west coast between Flic en Flac and Trou aux Biches, which are with the best spots for families because they are sheltered, making the waters ideal for swimming, kayaking and snorkelling. Port Louis is also home to some intoxicating spice markets and ornate Hindu Temples, if you want to explore more of the colourful culture.