Snorkeling in Mauritius

To the east and south-west of the island, the lagoon, with a total surface area of 115mi² (300 km²), is at its most extensive. In parts, it measures over 1 mile in width.

Mauritius can boast some 430 different species of underwater creatures. The quality of the sea bed and the coral (and therefore the richness of the underwater life) varies greatly. The coral is well protected in some protected areas (especially the Blue Bay Marine Park) and beyond the barrier reef (in many snorkeling spots accessible by boat), but is generally damaged near the beaches and in the lagoon. In the seascapes of broken or bleached coral, sometimes over large areas, the underwater life is less rich and less spectacular.

As long as you choose your spots well, Mauritius can offer great snorkeling experiences. While beginners will be happy with the spots that can be accessed from the beach, more experienced snorkelers will opt to take a boat to visit the most spectacular areas.

When to go snorkeling in Mauritius?

You can take to the water all through the year in Mauritius, but weather conditions vary. The east coast, which contains the largest lagoon (and the famous Blue Bay Marine Park), is also the area that is most exposed to wind, particularly during the southern winter (June to August).

In this purely tropical climate, the water temperature is on average 82°F (28 °C) in summer and 70°F (21°C) in winter. Even though the water temperature is ideal all through the year, the summer months are considered to be the best time for snorkeling.