Trou aux Biches Beach
A long stretch of fine sand shaded by casuarinas, regularly ranked among the Indian Ocean's finest beaches. Its shallow turquoise lagoon is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Tip: The reef at the north end teems with fish; roadside parking, very busy at weekends.
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A lagoon beach made for swimming
Trou aux Biches is one of the most pleasant beaches on the north-west coast: soft sand, shady casuarina trees and a reef-protected lagoon with generally calm, shallow water near the shore. It is a beach where you can actually swim, which is not the case everywhere in Mauritius.
It is also one of the island's easiest snorkelling spots: with just a mask you can see reef fish a few dozen metres from the sand, especially around the coral heads.
Access, parking and buses
The beach is about 15 km from Port Louis: roughly 30 minutes by car, around 10 minutes from Grand Baie and about an hour from Flic en Flac. Access is free. Parking is free along the coast road and near the public section; at weekends and on public holidays spaces vanish between 10am and 2pm, so aim to arrive before 9am.
Several bus routes link Port Louis with the north-west coast road, stopping a short walk from the beach. Pay in cash on board.
Swimming and safety
Do not count on lifeguards being on duty: you swim at your own risk. Stay within the buoyed swimming areas and keep away from the channels used by boats and jet skis.
Wear water shoes, as stonefish can hide on rocky patches and their sting is extremely painful. Do not touch or stand on coral. For snorkelling, the water is usually clearest in the morning before the wind picks up.
When to go
Weekdays and early mornings are quiet. On Sundays, Mauritian families come for picnics: the mood is festive and the beach much busier.
The sea is warmest from January to April, around 28°C, dropping to about 24-25°C from August to October. Facing west, the beach is a good spot to watch the sunset. If you want a shady patch under the casuarinas, get there early, especially in the hot months.
Combine it with
Mont Choisy Beach continues the shoreline to the north. Divers can book a scuba dive at Trou aux Biches with one of several local centres. Inland, the Maheswarnath Mandir in Triolet is worth a stop, and Grand Baie is next door for dinner.
Frequently asked questions
Is Trou aux Biches Beach free?
Yes, access is free, and so is parking along the coast road.
Is it safe to swim at Trou aux Biches?
The lagoon is calm and shallow near the shore. Stay in the buoyed areas away from boat channels and wear water shoes; there is no guaranteed lifeguard cover.
Where can I snorkel at Trou aux Biches?
Straight from the beach, around the coral heads in the lagoon. Mornings usually bring the clearest, calmest water.
Is Trou aux Biches crowded at weekends?
Yes, especially on Sundays. Arrive before 9am to find parking easily.
