Places to Visit in Mauritius
Trou aux Biches
Two kilometres of white sand under casuarina trees, with a calm lagoon and snorkelling reefs offshore. A former fishing village that became one of the island's best-known beaches — and stayed low-key.
Location
North coast, Pamplemousses
Recommended Time
Half to Full Day
Entrance
Free public beach
Best For
Snorkelling, swimming & sunsets
Beach Length
Around 2 kilometres
Shade
Casuarina trees along the sand
Overview
Discover Trou aux Biches
Trou aux Biches sits on the north coast in the district of Pamplemousses, its name already marked on the Lislet-Geoffroy map drawn in 1807, when it was a fishing village under French rule.
The beach runs for around two kilometres — white sand shaded by casuarina trees, with a reef-protected lagoon that stays shallow and calm well out from the shore.
Mauritius' first major hotel was built here in 1971, a few years after independence, and the area has drawn visitors ever since. In 2011 the World Travel Awards named it the World's Leading Beach Destination.
Despite that, it never turned into a resort strip. Trou aux Biches has kept its village shape — a supermarket, boutiques, a few restaurants along the road — and remains noticeably quieter than Grand Baie a short drive north.
Two kilometres of sand
A fishing village that stayed one
Why Visit
Why Visit Trou aux Biches?
The Lagoon
Reef-protected, shallow and clear — one of the calmest stretches of water on the island, and easy to swim in all day.
Snorkelling Off the Beach
The reefs here are close enough to reach by swimming, and the area is a long-established base for diving as well.
Shade and Space
Two kilometres of sand under casuarina trees means room to spread out and shade to retreat into.
Quieter Than Grand Baie
Less developed and less busy than its neighbour to the north, while keeping the shops and restaurants you actually need.
MauTravel Experiences
Add Something to Your Beach Day
Already on the north coast? These MauTravel experiences pair naturally with a day at Trou aux Biches.
The Lagoon
Why the Water Here Is So Calm
A coral reef runs parallel to this coast a few hundred metres offshore, visible as a line of white water where the ocean swell breaks against it. Everything between that line and the beach is lagoon: shallow, sheltered and largely free of current. It is what makes Trou aux Biches so easy to swim and snorkel at, and why boats can moor here safely. The same reef supports the marine life you come to see — reef fish in the shallows, coral heads within swimming distance of the sand, and dive sites a short boat ride beyond the break.
Along the Beach
What You'll Find Here
The beach is long, and different stretches of it are used for different things.
The Northern Sand
The widest part of the beach, backed by casuarinas, and the easiest place to find space on a busy day.
The Snorkelling Reefs
Coral close enough to the shore to reach by swimming, with reef fish in the shallows through most of the lagoon.
The Boat Moorings
Pleasure boats and catamarans anchored inside the lagoon, waiting on day trips out to the northern islets.
The Public Beach Facilities
Parking, shade and open access from the coast road, with a supermarket and shops a short walk behind.
Water Sports on the Lagoon
Water skiing, glass-bottom boats and other lagoon activities run by independent operators along the shore.
Sunset Over the Reef
Trou aux Biches is known across the island for its sunsets, and the beach fills again in the last hour of daylight.
Things to Do
Things to Do at Trou aux Biches
Snorkel the Reef
Coral and reef fish within swimming distance of the sand — bring a mask and you need nothing else.
Swim the Lagoon
Calm, shallow and reef-protected along the whole length of the beach.
Water Sports
Water skiing, glass-bottom boats and lagoon excursions run by independent operators along the shore.
Boat Trips North
Catamarans and pleasure boats moor inside the lagoon and run day trips out to the northern islets.
Beach Games
The public beach has space for volleyball and football, and both get used most afternoons.
Stay for Sunset
The beach is known island-wide for its evening light, and fills again in the last hour of the day.
Knowing the Beach
Sunset Is the Main Event
Locals and visitors both come back for it. Arrive with time to spare — the last half hour is the part worth staying for.
The Beach Is Long
Two kilometres means the crowd concentrates near the access points. Walk a few minutes for quieter sand.
Bring a Mask
The snorkelling is the thing that sets Trou aux Biches apart from other northern beaches, and it needs no boat and no booking.
Visiting Trou aux Biches
Trou aux Biches is a free public beach with open access from the coast road. Parking is available, and fills at weekends and on public holidays.
The village behind the beach has a supermarket, shops and restaurants along the B38 road, so supplies and food are easy to come by.
Water sports, diving and boat excursions are run by independent operators with their own schedules, safety standards and pricing.
There are no lifeguards. Stay within the lagoon, keep clear of boat channels and moorings, and supervise children in the water at all times.
Travel Tips
Before You Go
- Bring a mask and snorkel — the reef is reachable from the sand
- Reef shoes help where the coral comes close to shore
- Arrive early at weekends for parking and shade
- Sunscreen, hat and water, even under the casuarinas
- There are no lifeguards — supervise children closely
- Stay inside the lagoon and clear of boat moorings
- Do not stand on or touch the coral
- Come back for sunset if you leave in the afternoon
- Take your rubbish away with you
Getting There
Need Transport to Trou aux Biches?
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 North Mauritius
Continue along the coast to Mont Choisy and Grand Baie, or north to Pereybere and Cap Malheureux.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
On the north coast of Mauritius, in the district of Pamplemousses, between Mont Choisy and Pointe aux Piments.
Around two kilometres of white sand, shaded along its length by casuarina trees.
Yes. It is one of the best beaches in Mauritius for snorkelling straight from the sand, with coral and reef fish within swimming distance of the shore.
The lagoon is reef-protected, shallow and calm. There are no lifeguards, so stay within the lagoon, avoid boat channels and supervise children.
No. Trou aux Biches is noticeably quieter and less developed than Grand Baie, while still having shops, a supermarket and restaurants nearby.
Its lagoon, its snorkelling and its sunsets. In 2011 the World Travel Awards named it the World's Leading Beach Destination.
Yes. It began as a fishing village and appears on the Lislet-Geoffroy map of 1807. Mauritius' first major hotel was built here in 1971.
Yes. MauTravel can build Trou aux Biches into a personalised northern itinerary alongside Mont Choisy, Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux.
Ready When You Are
Two Kilometres of Sand and a Lagoon to Match
Snorkel straight off the beach, find shade under the casuarinas, and stay for the sunset the whole island talks about.