Things to do in the East of Mauritius
The East is the lagoon at its finest: the endless Belle Mare beach, Ile aux Cerfs, Trou d'Eau Douce and the Flacq market. The trade winds blow harder here in the austral winter, but the sunrises and the colour of the water are unmatched on the island.
Belle Mare Beach
A vast powdery white-sand beach running for kilometres along a crystal lagoon. The east coast's postcard, famed for its blazing sunrises.
Ile aux Cerfs
The east coast's iconic lagoon island: white sandbanks, translucent water and coconut palms make it the dream setting for catamaran trips. 18-hole golf course and every water sport.
Palmar Beach
Belle Mare's quieter continuation, this casuarina-lined public beach offers the same white sand with fewer people. The lagoon turns spectacular shades of emerald.
Trou d'Eau Douce
A picturesque fishing village turned gateway to Ile aux Cerfs without losing its Creole soul. Waterside church, colourful boats and grilled-fish eateries.
GRSE Waterfall
A wide, powerful waterfall dropping into the estuary of Mauritius's largest river, reached by boat from the lagoon. Cliff monkeys and the light on the water make it very photogenic.
Flacq Market
The island's largest open-air market, beating heart of the Mauritian east: mountains of vegetables, spices, textiles and Creole street food. Total immersion in local life.
Roches Noires
A wild coast strewn with black volcanic rock, hiding lava caves and natural pools. The contrast of dark basalt, pale sand and shallow lagoon makes for singular scenery.
Poste Lafayette
A windswept wild beach in the north-east, loved by kitesurfers and shore anglers. Rocky coves and a breeze-ruffled lagoon, for those after a raw, empty Mauritius.
Bras d'Eau National Park
A little-known national park over an old mahogany and eucalyptus forest, refuge of the rare Mauritius paradise flycatcher. Flat shady trails, sugar-mill ruins and lily ponds.
Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise
A catamaran day from Trou d'Eau Douce: the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall, lagoon snorkeling, BBQ on board, then free time on the Ile aux Cerfs beach.
Undersea Walk, Belle Mare
A 20-minute walk on the lagoon floor at 3-4 m depth wearing an air-fed diving helmet: dry hair, glasses allowed, fish fed by hand. No swimming skills needed.