Mauritius might be famous for its luxury resorts and picture-perfect beaches, but after spending three months exploring every corner of this island paradise, I discovered something incredible – the best beaches aren't on any tourist map.
While everyone's fighting for a spot on the crowded sands of Grand Baie or taking the same Instagram photo at Flic-en-Flac, there's a whole other side to Mauritius that most visitors never see. These are the beaches where local families spend their Sundays, where fishermen still launch their pirogues at dawn, and where you might be the only footprints in the sand.
The South Coast's Best Kept Secrets
Riambel Beach is where my love affair with hidden Mauritius began. Drive past the sugar cane fields south of Souillac, and you'll find this endless stretch of wild coastline. There's no parking lot, no beach vendors, just a dirt road that ends at paradise. The waves here can be rough, but the rock pools at low tide are perfect for a refreshing dip.
To get there, take the coastal road from Souillac towards Surinam. Look for a small sign saying "Riambel" and turn towards the ocean. Follow the dirt road for about 500 meters until you can't drive anymore. Park under the filao trees and walk the last 50 meters to the beach.
La Cambuse Beach is another gem that somehow stays empty even on weekends. Located near the airport, you'd think more people would stumble upon it, but the unmarked access road keeps the crowds away. The beach itself is stunning – white sand, turquoise water, and native vegetation that hasn't been manicured into resort perfection.
The East Coast Wild Ones
The east coast is where Mauritius shows its untamed side. Poste Lafayette has become my go-to spot when I need to escape the tourist trail completely. The beach stretches for kilometres, backed by casuarina forests that provide perfect shade for a picnic.
What makes this place special is the reef break about 200 meters offshore. It creates a natural lagoon that's ideal for swimming, while the outer reef attracts dolphins in the early morning. I've seen them here at least a dozen times, usually between 6:30 and 7:30 AM.
Secret Snorkeling Spots
Forget the overcrowded Blue Bay Marine Park. The real snorkeling magic happens at Trou d'Eau Douce's hidden lagoon. Most tourists stop at the main beach to catch boats to Île aux Cerfs, but if you walk 15 minutes north along the coast, you'll find a series of shallow lagoons teeming with marine life.
The best spot is near the old lime kiln ruins. At high tide, the water is crystal clear, and you'll see everything from moorish idols to octopuses hiding in the coral formations. Just remember to wear reef shoes – the sea urchins here mean business.
When to Visit for Maximum Solitude
Timing is everything when you're chasing empty beaches in Mauritius. Here's what I've learned:
- Avoid weekends from December to February – this is when locals hit the beaches en masse
- Early mornings (before 8 AM) guarantee solitude even at popular spots
- April to June offers the best combination of good weather and fewer tourists
- Weekdays during school terms (May, August, October) are absolutely golden
Beach Etiquette and Cultural Tips
These hidden beaches are special because they're still authentic. Let's keep them that way:
- 1Take your trash with you – there are no bins at these remote spots
- 2Respect local fishermen – if you see nets or traps, give them wide berth
- 3Dress modestly when walking through villages to access beaches
- 4Learn basic French or Creole greetings – a simple "Bonzour" opens doors
- 5Don't blast music – locals come here for peace too
My Secret Beach Kit
After countless beach days, here's what I always pack:
- Reef shoes (essential for rocky entries)
- Snorkel gear (tourist spots charge rental fees)
- Portable shade/umbrella (many beaches have no natural shade)
- Water and snacks (no beach vendors means BYO everything)
- Dry bag for electronics (unexpected waves are common)
The Ultimate Hidden Beach Route
Want to hit multiple secret spots in one day? Here's my favorite route:
Morning (6 AM): Start at Poste Lafayette for dolphin watching Mid-morning (9 AM): Drive to Trou d'Eau Douce for snorkeling Lunch (12 PM): Picnic at Belle Mare's hidden cove (past the cemetery) Afternoon (2 PM): Cool off at Pont Naturel's rock pools Sunset (5 PM): End at Riambel for dramatic cliff views
This 100km circuit takes you through local villages, past sugar cane fields, and to beaches that most tourists will never see. Total driving time is about 3 hours, leaving plenty of time for beach hopping.
Mauritius has given me some of my best travel memories, but they didn't happen at the five-star resorts or famous beaches. They happened on empty stretches of sand where the only sounds were waves and wind, where local kids taught me to catch land crabs, and where sunrise swims became a daily ritual.
These beaches won't stay secret forever. Development is creeping along every coastline. But for now, they remain Mauritius as it used to be – wild, beautiful, and blissfully uncrowded. Just remember: take only photos, leave only footprints, and maybe keep a few of these spots to yourself.
