Blue Bay Mauritius: complete guide (marine park, snorkeling, boat access)

Blue Bay is one of the most famous natural sites in Mauritius — and the only protected marine park on the southeast coast. Its intense blue lagoon and coral reef make it an unmissable snorkeling spot. Here's our local guide to fully enjoy it.

Why is Blue Bay classified as a marine park?

The Blue Bay Marine Park covers 353 hectares and protects one of the best-preserved coral reefs on the island. Over 50 species of coral and more than 70 species of fish have been identified there. This protection explains the exceptional clarity of the water and the richness of the seabed.

Anchoring, fishing, and dropping anchor are regulated: only authorized boats, equipped with mooring buoys, can stop in the snorkeling zones.

The best snorkeling spots in Blue Bay

The "coral garden" is the highlight spot: at 2-4 meters deep, you'll swim over brain corals, branching corals, and schools of parrotfish, clownfish, and surgeonfish.

The deeper Blue Bay pass sometimes allows sightings of sea turtles. This is reserved for confident swimmers — accompanied by a skipper who knows the currents.

How to get to Blue Bay by boat?

From Mahébourg, Blue Bay is a 10-15 minute speedboat ride. This is the simplest option: you moor directly to the correct buoys, jump off the boat, and get back on dry.

Departure is from the Île aux Aigrettes jetty. For a full day, combine Blue Bay with a second snorkeling spot and lunch on an islet.

When to go?

Visibility is best in the morning (before 11 am) and outside the rainy season (April to November). High tide = more water over the coral and more comfortable swimming.

Practical tips

Reef-safe sunscreen is mandatory (classic sunscreens damage coral). No overly powerful fins above the reef. Never touch or walk on the coral. Equipment is provided on board for our outings — mask, snorkel, fins, vests for non-swimmers.