Île aux Cerfs Beach
White sand, turquoise lagoon, boat access only
About
Île aux Cerfs sits off the east coast of Mauritius near Trou d'Eau Douce, a privately managed island of roughly 3 kilometres of white sand beaches fringed by a glittering turquoise lagoon. The island is run by Beachcomber and offers multiple sand-spit beaches, meaning you can wander from one arc of sand to the next depending on the tide and the mood. The water is shallow and warm inside the lagoon, the kind of turquoise that earns its postcard reputation. It's lively — this is one of Mauritius's most visited day-trip destinations, and the beach fills up fast on weekends. Come early or on a weekday if you want space to breathe.
How to get there
Île aux Cerfs is reachable by boat only — there is no road access and no vehicle access of any kind on the island. Ferries depart from Trou d'Eau Douce daily, with a crossing of around 15 minutes. Boats also run from Pointe Maurice every 30 minutes between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM, with a crossing of approximately 10 minutes. Note that boat transfers may be suspended in rough weather, so check conditions before you travel.
Who it's for
For couples
The boat crossing itself sets a romantic tone, and the multiple sand spits mean couples can find a quieter stretch of white sand away from the main landing area. Arrive on the first morning boat for the best chance of having a corner of the turquoise lagoon largely to yourselves.
For families
The shallow turquoise lagoon is appealing for families, but the presence of sea urchins and recent drowning incidents mean children must be supervised closely and water shoes are essential. Stick to the designated swimming areas and avoid the island on weekends and public holidays when visitor numbers peak.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Île aux Cerfs delivers on its reputation — white sand, turquoise lagoon, watersports, a world-class golf course, and a genuine sense of being on a private island just 15 minutes from the mainland. But go in clear-eyed: drowning incidents occurred here in May 2026, sea urchins are a real hazard underfoot, and on weekends the island is packed. The boat-only access is part of the charm, but it also means you're dependent on weather — rough trade winds between June and August can make the crossing unpleasant and the lagoon choppy. Time your visit for a weekday in May, September, or October, take the first boat out, wear water shoes, and swim only where it's designated. Do that, and Île aux Cerfs is one of the most rewarding day trips on the Mauritian east coast.
What to do
The Île aux Cerfs Golf Club, rated 4.6 out of 5 and just 0.1 km from the beach, is one of the island's headline draws — a lagoon-side course that's genuinely worth booking ahead. The Île aux Cerfs Leisure Island operation, also rated 4.5 out of 5, organises watersports across the lagoon, from jet-skiing to parasailing. If you have a hire boat or a flexible schedule, Belle Mare Beach is about 5 km away — a 9-kilometre arc of white sand that's the longest uninterrupted beach on the island of Mauritius and a quieter contrast to the busier Île aux Cerfs. Further afield, Domaine de l'Étoile at 18 km offers quad biking and deer spotting in the east-coast hinterland.
The sand-spit beaches, where white sand tapers into turquoise water on both sides, are the island's signature shot — arrive early for clean, people-free frames.
The lagoon view from the golf course side gives a wide, open composition with the Mauritian coastline in the background. Aerial-style shots from the ferry as you approach capture the full scale of the island's white sand and turquoise lagoon setting.
Where to eat
On the island, Sands Beach Bar is the go-to spot for drinks and casual bites between swims. Le Restaurant Paul & Virginie offers a more sit-down dining experience within the Beachcomber-managed facilities. If you're on the mainland side, La Chaumière Masala Restaurant is around 0.8 km from the embarkation area and worth knowing about for a pre- or post-boat meal.
Where to stay
The Four Seasons Anahita Golf Resort, 1.8 km from the ferry point, is the closest luxury option and shares the same east-coast lagoon setting. Le Touessrok, 2.4 km away, is another high-end resort with direct access to the Île aux Cerfs experience built into its offering. Both properties are well-positioned for early morning departures to the island before the day-tripper boats fill up.
Photography
The sand-spit beaches — narrow tongues of white sand extending into the turquoise lagoon — are the island's most photogenic feature and shoot best in the soft light of early morning before the boats arrive. For an elevated perspective, the golf course side of the island offers open views across the lagoon toward the Mauritian coastline.
Good to know
Camping is not permitted on the island, and Beachcomber-managed facilities require payment — bring cash or a card if you plan to use sun loungers, water sports equipment, or on-site services. Sea urchins are present in the water, so water shoes are strongly recommended before wading. Drowning incidents have occurred here as recently as May 2026 — swim only in designated areas, stay alert to conditions, and supervise children closely at all times. Weekend and public holiday visitor numbers can be overwhelming, and the June-to-August trade wind season brings choppy crossing conditions and rough lagoon water, so plan your visit for a weekday between May and October outside peak holiday periods, or in the shoulder months of May or October.
Map
Nearby places
Sands Beach Bar
Le Restaurant Paul & Virginie
La Chaumière Masala Restaurant
Four Seasons Anahita Golf Resort
Le Touessrok
Things to see around Flacq
Belle Mare Beach
9-km arc of white sand on the east coast, the longest uninterrupted beach in Mauritius
Mahébourg Waterfront Museum
Historical museum covering the 1810 Battle of Grand Port and colonial Mauritius
Domaine de l'Étoile
Nature reserve with quad biking, deer spotting and forest trails in the east-coast hinterland
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — patano · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 2 — patano · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 3 — patano · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 4 — MapiVanPelt · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 5 — Adamina · source · CC BY 2.0