Places to Visit in Mauritius
Belle Mare Beach
Kilometres of powder-white sand and a shallow turquoise lagoon, backed by the shade of old filao trees.
Location
Belle Mare, Flacq District — east coast
Time Needed
Half a day or longer
Entrance
Free — public beach
Best For
Swimming, families, walking, photography
Lagoon
Shallow and calm behind a distant reef
Facilities
Parking, shade, beach eateries nearby
Overview
Discover Belle Mare Beach
Belle Mare runs for several kilometres down the east coast, and it is the length that defines it. Even on a busy weekend you can walk away from the parking areas and find a stretch of sand more or less to yourself — something that is increasingly hard to do in the north or west.
The sand here is unusually fine and pale, and the lagoon in front of it is shallow, clear and calm, protected by a coral reef that sits some way offshore. That combination makes it one of the more reassuring beaches on the island for families and for anyone who prefers wading and floating to swimming out.
Behind the sand runs a belt of casuarina — filao — trees, whose thin needles cast a light, moving shade. The east coast catches the prevailing wind, which keeps the air fresher here than on the leeward side of the island and gives the water a gentle texture on all but the stillest days.
Kilometres of sand
and space to breathe
Why Visit
Why Visit Belle Mare?
Room to Spread Out
One of the longest public beaches in Mauritius — walk a few minutes from the car park and the crowds thin out completely.
A Lagoon Built for Swimming
Shallow, clear and calm behind a distant reef, with a sandy bottom and a very gradual slope into deeper water.
Natural Shade All Day
A continuous belt of filao trees behind the sand means you are never far from somewhere cooler to sit.
The Uncommercial East
Quieter and less developed than the north and west coasts, with a slower, more local feel — especially on weekdays.
MauTravel Experiences
Add Something to Your Beach Day
Already on the east coast? These MauTravel experiences pair naturally with a day at Belle Mare.
Things to Do
Things to Do at Belle Mare
Swim in the Lagoon
Shallow, warm and sheltered by the reef, with a sandy bottom — among the most comfortable swimming conditions on the island.
Walk the Full Length
The beach runs for kilometres. An early-morning or late-afternoon walk along the waterline is one of the best things to do on this coast.
Snorkel Near the Rocks
Sections with rocky outcrops and coral patches hold reef fish. Visibility is best on calm mornings before the wind builds.
Watch the Sunrise
This is the east coast, so the sun comes up over the ocean — a genuine advantage over the more famous sunset beaches in the west.
Find a Shaded Picnic Spot
The filao belt behind the sand is the natural place to set up for a few hours out of the direct sun.
Try the Water Sports
Kayaks, paddleboards and other equipment are available in places along the coast, generally through hotels and independent local operators.
Along the Beach
The Public Beach
A well-used stretch with parking, some sanitary facilities and a beach eatery — the easiest place to start if you are arriving by car.
The Filao Belt
Casuarina trees running the length of the sand, providing shade, shelter from the wind and a soft carpet of needles underfoot.
The Reef Line
Visible offshore as a line of white water. It is what keeps the lagoon calm, and it marks the limit of the safe swimming area.
Visiting Belle Mare Beach
Belle Mare is a public beach with free access. There are no gates, no tickets and no opening hours, and public sections sit alongside stretches fronted by hotels — the sand itself remains open to everyone.
There is parking at the main public beach area, along with basic facilities and somewhere to buy a drink or a meal. The east coast is windier than the west, which is pleasant in the heat but does mean the lagoon surface is often lightly ruffled.
There are no lifeguards on duty along most of the beach. The lagoon is shallow and calm, but conditions can change, and swimming beyond the reef line is not advisable at any time.
There are no lifeguards on most of the beach. Keep within the lagoon, and supervise children in the water at all times.
Travel Tips
Before You Go
- There are no lifeguards on most of the beach — supervise children closely
- Stay inside the lagoon; do not swim out beyond the reef line
- The east coast is breezy, which masks how strong the sun is — reapply sun protection
- Bring reef-safe sun cream and take all rubbish away with you
- Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends and public holidays
- Do not leave valuables unattended on the sand while you swim
- Water shoes help where there are rocky or coral patches underfoot
- The drier, calmer months of roughly May to October are the most reliable for a beach day
- Conditions can vary with wind, tide and weather
Getting There
Need Transport to Belle Mare Beach?
Enjoy the journey at your own pace with private transportation arranged by MauTravel. Hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged from locations around Mauritius.
Continue Exploring
Explore East Mauritius
Belle Mare sits within easy reach of the rest of the east coast and its islands.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Belle Mare is a public beach with free access. Several hotels front sections of the coast, but the beach itself remains open to everyone, and there are public parking areas and facilities.
The lagoon is shallow, calm and protected by a reef that sits well offshore, which makes it one of the gentler swimming beaches in Mauritius. However, there are no lifeguards on most of the beach, so children must be supervised and nobody should swim out past the reef line.
It is quieter, greener and less developed, and it catches more wind. That breeze keeps things comfortable in the heat, though it also means the lagoon surface is often lightly rippled rather than glassy.
Yes — a continuous belt of casuarina (filao) trees runs behind the sand and provides natural shade for most of the day. It is one of the beach's real advantages.
There is some snorkelling around the rockier sections and coral patches within the lagoon, best attempted on calm mornings. For richer reef life on this side of the island, Blue Bay Marine Park to the south is the stronger choice.
Roughly May to October, during the drier and cooler season, tends to give the most reliable beach weather. The east coast can be breezy year-round.
Yes. Belle Mare is one of the stops on MauTravel's East Tour, and how long you spend there is entirely up to you — your itinerary can be adjusted on the day.
Ready When You Are
Slow Down on the East Coast
Belle Mare pairs naturally with Île aux Cerfs, Blue Bay and the historic town of Mahébourg on a private MauTravel day.