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Tahiti Plage (Tahiti Beach) shares the same underwater features as much more famous N’Gouja beach, but it is much quieter. Its reef drop-off is rich with life and well preserved and spotting green sea turtles is common.

Snorkeling with green sea turtles at Tahiti Plage, Mayotte

How to get to Tahiti Plage snorkeling spot?

Tahiti Beach is located on the west coast of the island, less than 2 kilometers south of Sada. By car, from Mamoudzou and the north, follow the RN2 (Route Nationale 2) to Sada. Once you’ve arrived in Sada, head south on CCD5 for about 1.5 kilometer. The beach, located approximately 30 meters from the main road, is well signposted on the right (“Tahiti Plage”).

Entering the water in Tahiti Plage

You can enter the water anywhere along the sandy beach. At low tide, because of the shallowness of the water, you’ll have to sneak between the corals to reach the reef drop-off.

Tahiti Beach snorkeling map, Mayotte

Snorkeling advice to better explore Tahiti Plage

The area to explore covers a wide area between the beach and the reef drop-off some 200 meters away. From the beach, you will cross a few dozen yards of sand (↕4-8ft/1-2m), and then the seabed is covered with coral (↕4-10ft/1-3m) as far as the reef drop-off (↕30ft/10m).

Although there are some interesting fish species to observe on the reef flat (colorful sixbar wrasse, couples of melon butterflyfish…), the spectacle takes on another dimension when you get closer to the reef drop-off. The sea bed here is spectacular: hundreds of green chromis and sulfur damselfish swimming along the reef, giant clam opening its shell and extending its fluorescent mantle tissue, black-sided hawkfish perched on coral prominences and waiting for their next prey…

Snorkeling with skunk clownfish at Tahiti Plage, Mayotte

Look at the skunk clownfish disappearing into the tentacles of their sea anemones at the least sign of danger. In this area, like elsewhere in Mayotte Island, you might come across green sea turtles, which come to the area regularly. However, if you love those fascinating and friendly creatures, head instead to N’Gouja where they literally abound.

There are sometimes a lot of visitors on this site, especially during week-ends, for traditional “woulé” (picnic on the beach), and on weekdays for sunset.

Coral reef at Tahiti Plage, Mayotte

Restaurants and accommodation near Tahiti Plage

There is a small café located between the road and the beach. In the village of Sada, 1 mile north to Tahiti Plage, you will find quite a wide choice of food.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Protected areaParc naturel marin de Mayotte
  • Maximum depth10ft/3m on the reef flat, 30ft/10m on the reef drop-off
  • Water entranceFrom a sandy beach. Can be tricky at low tide.
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersLow
  • Access costsFree
  • Restaurants nearbyYes
  • Public toilets & showersNo

MAP Spot

Sea turtle watching in Mayotte

snorkeling-turtle

Sea turtles are a familiar sight in Tahiti Plage. In order to be a responsible snorkeler, be sure to respect the following rules when observing them:

  1. Do not attempt to touch or ride sea turtles
  2. Stay at a distance (6 to 10ft) from sea turtles
  3. Do not chase a turtle swimming away
  4. Avoid sudden movement and allow sea turtles plenty of space when they come up to the surface to breathe

If you love snorkeling with sea turtle, N’Gouja Beach is by far the best spot to encounter them on the island.

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.