Trou aux Biches Beach

Trou aux Biches sits right in the village of the same name, about 46 kilometres from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU). By car from Grand Baie it's a 10-minute drive daily, and a free public car park sits adjacent to the beach access point. Guests of Le Suffren Hotel can reach the beach by a 3-minute ferry crossing, while Hotel Zilwa Attitude also operates its own ferry service. There is no entry fee.

The beach itself is the main event: the calm, crystal-clear lagoon and sandy bottom make for excellent snorkelling without needing a boat. Piments Public Beach is just 0.8 kilometres away if you fancy exploring a different stretch of shoreline. A short drive brings you to Cap Malheureux Church, the iconic red-roofed chapel on Mauritius's northernmost tip with views across to Coin de Mire island, and the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden — one of the oldest in the southern hemisphere — is only 12 kilometres away.

Right on the doorstep, Evaco Beach Club - La Plage (0.2 km) serves fish, regional dishes and seafood and is the obvious post-swim choice. Souvenir and l'ananas are both within 0.1 kilometres for lighter bites, while L'assiette du Nord and Be Restaurant round out the options within 0.2 kilometres if you want to linger over lunch.

The Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa sits 0.6 kilometres from the beach and carries a 4.6/5 rating across more than 5,000 reviews — the top pick in the immediate area. Casuarina Resort & Spa (0.9 km, 4/5) is a solid mid-range option, and Coral Azur Beach Resort (1.5 km, 4.1/5) offers good value a little further along the coast.

Shoot from the eastern end of the crescent at sunrise, when low golden light skims across the white sand and the casuarina silhouettes frame the lagoon without a soul in sight. Late afternoon from the waterline looking back toward the tree canopy gives you that layered, shade-dappled composition that works especially well in the dry season (May–October) when the sky stays clear.

Motorised watercraft are prohibited in the swimming zones — respect the floating markers that demarcate boat channels and stay well inside them. No lifeguards are typically on duty, so swim within your ability and keep children close. Stonefish are present in these waters and can inflict serious venomous stings; wear aqua shoes whenever you're walking or wading on the bottom. December and January bring heavy hotel-guest overflow — arrive before 9am if you want a quiet spot, or better yet, plan your visit between May and October.