Le Morne Public Beach
At the foot of Le Morne mountain, a lagoon in fifty shades of blue edged with immaculate sand and casuarinas. To the south, the 'One Eye' kitesurf spot ranks among the world's best.
Tip: Public beach on the north-west side for swimming; unforgettable mountain-and-lagoon view late afternoon.
A lagoon beneath a World Heritage mountain
Le Morne Public Beach runs along the Le Morne peninsula at the far south-west of Mauritius, facing Le Morne Brabant, a 556 m basalt monolith on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The appeal is the contrast: a shallow, clear lagoon, a strip of sand shaded by casuarina trees and the dark bulk of the mountain right behind.
The peninsula is largely surrounded by lagoon. Hotels occupy part of the shoreline, but stretches of beach remain public and free.
Getting there
Le Morne is reached on the south-west coast road via Black River and La Gaulette. As a rough guide, allow 40 minutes by car from Flic en Flac, about 1 hour 15 from Port Louis and around 2 hours from Grand Baie. Parking is along the beach under the trees.
By public transport the trip is long and involves changes, so a hire car or taxi is easier, especially if you stay for sunset.
Swimming and water sports
The lagoon is calm and good for swimming and easy laps. Le Morne is also a well-known kitesurfing spot: keep clear of launch areas and kite lanes, and watch children closely when the wind picks up.
Heading out towards the pass and the reef is dangerous because of currents, so do not swim beyond the lagoon. Ask locally whether a lifeguard is on duty and respect the flags.
Best time to go
Mornings bring soft light and often lighter wind, ideal for swimming. Late afternoon is when the mountain glows and the sun sets over the ocean to the west. At weekends and on public holidays many Mauritian families come to picnic, so arrive early for shade and parking.
The west coast is the driest side of the island, and the cooler season (June to September) often brings steady wind, which is why kitesurfers love it.
Practical tips and nearby stops
Bring water, sun cream and food, as facilities on the public beach are limited, and take your rubbish home. Water shoes help in spots with dead coral.
Combine it with a morning hike on Le Morne Brabant (trail open 7am to 4pm), the Slave Route Monument at the foot of the mountain, or a day in Chamarel with the Seven Coloured Earth and the waterfall.
Frequently asked questions
Is Le Morne Beach free?
Yes, Le Morne Public Beach is free and open to everyone, like all public beaches in Mauritius.
Can you swim at Le Morne Beach?
Yes, the lagoon is calm and shallow. Stay inside the lagoon, away from kite lanes and the reef.
When is the best time for sunset at Le Morne?
Late afternoon: the beach faces west and the mountain turns warm shades. Arrive an hour early to find a spot.
How do you get to Le Morne Beach without a car?
Public transport is slow and needs changes; a taxi or a driver for the day is the simplest option.
