Top 10 Hidden Beaches in Mauritius Only Locals Know About

While Mauritius is famous for its pristine beaches like Flic en Flac and Belle Mare, the island harbors secret coastal paradises that remain blissfully uncrowded and untouched by mass tourism. After years of exploring every corner of this magnificent island, we at Exotic Vacances are excited to share these hidden gems that even many tourists who visit repeatedly don’t know about.

Why Explore Hidden Beaches in Mauritius?

The popular beaches of Mauritius are undoubtedly beautiful, but they can get crowded, especially during peak season. Hidden beaches offer you the chance to experience the raw, untouched beauty of Mauritius – imagine having an entire stretch of pristine sand to yourself, with only the sound of waves and tropical birds for company. These secret spots are where you’ll find the Mauritius that existed decades ago, before tourism transformed the island.

1. La Cambuse Beach – The Pink Sand Secret

Located on the southeastern coast near the airport, La Cambuse is a spectacular hidden beach that most tourists zoom past on their way to their hotels. What makes this beach extraordinary is its slightly pinkish sand, created by crushed coral fragments mixed with the white sand.

Getting There: Take the coastal road from Mahebourg towards Blue Bay. Look for a small unmarked dirt road on your left after passing the airport runway viewpoint.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning (6-8 AM) when the pink hue is most visible in the soft light.

What to Bring: Snorkeling gear – the reef here is pristine and rarely visited.

2. Pont Naturel – Where Cliffs Meet the Ocean

Pont Naturel, located in the south near Souillac, offers a dramatic coastline rather than a traditional beach. The natural rock bridge that gave this place its name collapsed in the 1960s, but the wild beauty remains. During low tide, small natural pools form in the volcanic rock, creating perfect private swimming spots.

Getting There: Drive to Souillac, then follow the signs to Rochester Falls. Continue past the falls for about 2km on the dirt road.

Best Time to Visit: Low tide periods (check local tide charts).

Safety Tip: Never swim here during rough seas – the waves can be dangerous.

3. Riambel Beach – The Endless Shoreline

Stretching for nearly 2 kilometers along the southern coast, Riambel Beach is where local families go for Sunday picnics. The beach is lined with filao trees providing natural shade, and the shallow lagoon is perfect for children.

Getting There: Located between Surinam and Souillac on the main coastal road. Look for the Riambel Public Beach sign.

Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings when you might have the entire beach to yourself.

Local Secret: The best spot is 500 meters east of the main entrance, near the old fishing boats.

4. Poste Lafayette – The Photographer’s Paradise

This secluded beach on the east coast is a favorite among photographers for its dramatic rock formations and powerful waves. The beach is protected by an offshore reef, creating a large, calm lagoon perfect for swimming.

Getting There: From Grand Gaube, take the coastal road south. The beach is accessible through several small paths between private properties.

Best Time to Visit: Sunrise – the light here is magical.

Special Feature: Look for the hidden cave at the northern end of the beach during low tide.

5. Le Bouchon Beach – The Kitesurfer’s Secret

Located on the southeast coast near Pointe d’Esny, Le Bouchon is known among kitesurfers but remains relatively unknown to general tourists. The consistent winds and shallow lagoon make it perfect for water sports.

Getting There: From Blue Bay, head towards Pointe d’Esny. Park near the Kuxville residential area and walk through the public access path.

Best Time to Visit: June to September for kitesurfing, December to March for calm swimming.

Facilities: None – bring everything you need.

6. Albion Caves Beach – The Hidden Cove

This tiny beach near the Albion lighthouse is accessible only through a narrow path between the cliffs. The beach itself is small, but the surrounding caves and rock formations make it an adventure destination.

Getting There: Park at the Albion lighthouse, then follow the fishermen’s path down the cliff (requires good fitness).

Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning when the sun illuminates the caves.

Important: Not suitable for children or anyone with mobility issues.

7. Pomponette Beach – The Local’s Sunday Spot

This small beach south of Mahebourg is where local families gather for weekend barbecues. The atmosphere is authentically Mauritian, and you’ll often find local food vendors on weekends.

Getting There: From Mahebourg, take the coastal road south for about 3km. Look for cars parked along the road.

Best Time to Visit: Sunday afternoons for the local atmosphere, weekdays for solitude.

Don’t Miss: Try the "gateaux piment" (chili cakes) from local vendors.

8. Petit Sable – The Forgotten Paradise

Despite its name meaning "small sand," Petit Sable offers a surprisingly long stretch of pristine beach. Located on the southeastern coast, it’s often completely deserted even on weekends.

Getting There: Between Bambous Virieux and Grand Sable. A small sign marks the turnoff from the main road.

Best Time to Visit: Any time – it’s rarely crowded.

Wildlife: Sea turtles occasionally nest here between November and March.

9. Battery Point – The Snorkeler’s Dream

This rocky beach near Poudre d’Or on the north coast doesn’t look like much from the road, but underwater it’s a different story. The reef here is one of the healthiest around Mauritius.

Getting There: From Poudre d’Or, drive towards Roches Noires. Park near the old battery ruins.

Best Time to Visit: High tide for swimming, low tide for exploring rock pools.

Marine Life: Look for octopi hiding in the rocks during low tide.

10. St. Felix Beach – The Southern Wild Coast

St. Felix represents the wild, untamed side of Mauritius. The beach is rocky with patches of sand, and the waves crash dramatically against the basalt cliffs.

Getting There: From Souillac, follow the road to St. Felix village, then continue to the coast.

Best Time to Visit: Afternoon when the sun lights up the turquoise water against the black rocks.

Photography Tip: The contrast between black volcanic rocks and turquoise water is stunning.

Essential Tips for Visiting Hidden Beaches

What to Bring:

• Sun Protection: These beaches rarely have shade structures
• Water and Snacks: No facilities means no shops
• First Aid Kit: Help might be far away
• Snorkeling Gear: These spots often have the best untouched reefs
• Garbage Bags: Please help keep these beaches pristine

Safety Considerations:

• Always check weather and tide conditions before visiting
• Tell someone where you’re going if visiting alone
• Respect private property – use only public access paths
• Never swim alone at isolated beaches
• Be aware of strong currents, especially on the east and south coasts

Best Months to Explore:

• October to December: Calm seas, perfect weather
• January to March: Warm but occasional cyclones
• April to June: Ideal temperatures, fewer tourists
• July to September: Windy but great for the south coast

Respecting These Hidden Treasures

These hidden beaches remain special because they’re not overrun with tourists. As you explore them, please remember to:

• Take only photographs, leave only footprints
• Don’t share exact GPS coordinates on social media
• Respect local customs and private property
• Support local communities by buying from local vendors

Planning Your Hidden Beach Adventure

While it’s possible to explore these beaches on your own, having a local guide can enhance your experience significantly. They know the best times to visit, secret paths, and can share stories about each location’s history and significance.

At Exotic Vacances, we offer customized tours to these hidden beaches, ensuring you experience them safely and responsibly. Our guides know exactly when to visit each beach for optimal conditions and can combine multiple beaches in a single day trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these beaches safe for swimming?
A: Safety varies by beach and conditions. Beaches 1, 3, 5, and 7 are generally safe for swimming. Always check local conditions and never swim alone.

Q: Can I visit during the rainy season?
A: Yes, but avoid the south and east coast beaches during winter (June-September) due to rough seas.

Q: Is parking available at these beaches?
A: Most have informal parking areas along the road. Lock your car and don’t leave valuables visible.

Q: Are these beaches suitable for children?
A: Beaches 3, 5, and 7 are family-friendly. Others may be too rocky or require difficult access.

Q: Can I camp on these beaches?
A: Camping is generally not allowed on public beaches in Mauritius without permission.

Book Your Hidden Beach Adventure

Ready to explore the Mauritius that most tourists never see? Contact Exotic Vacances today to arrange your personalized hidden beaches tour. We’ll take you to these secret spots safely and share the stories that make each one special.

Contact us:

• Phone: +230-52565076
• Email: info@exoticvacances.com
• WhatsApp: +230-52565076

Remember: The best adventures are often found off the beaten path!