Blue Bay Marine Park in Mauritius: snorkeling, excursions, and practical questions

Get ready to dive into a real natural aquarium! If you are looking for a place with the clearest water, the brightest corals, and convenient snorkeling in Mauritius, your route leads to the south-east coast, to Blue Bay Marine Park. Everything about visiting Blue Bay Park and its advantages is further in the article.

This place is officially recognized as a national treasure of Mauritius. The coral reef reliably protects the bay from ocean waves, turning it into a quiet, warm lagoon with excellent visibility.

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Blue Bay: why the park is worth visiting

This is not just another paradise beach. Blue Bay is the island's largest and best preserved coral reserve, where underwater visibility reaches 20-30 meters.

The park has more than 50 species of coral (table coral, mushroom coral, “fire” coral, rose coral) and more than 72 species of tropical fish. Here you will meet parrotfish, clownfish, emperor angelfish, moray eels, and even sea turtles.

The thousand-year-old brain coral is the park's main world-famous attraction. Imagine a giant living coral more than five meters in diameter, more than 1000 years old! This majestic sight is just a few minutes by boat from the shore.

In most cases, you do not need to dive deep to see all the beauty of the reef.

Exploring Blue Bay can be planned in three main zones:

1. The northern part, located near the parking area, is suitable for families and beginner swimmers, because its sandy bottom is dotted with separate corals. Here you can watch butterflyfish and angelfish at depths of less than 2 meters.
2. The central part has the most beautiful coral gardens. Head toward the boundary buoys to see interesting corals. But currents here can be strong.
3. In the southern part, near Pointe d'Esny, there is the famous ancient brain coral. You need to know how to snorkel or try diving, because it is fairly deep, 4-5 meters. Sea turtles can also be seen here during feeding time.

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Sea turtles in Blue Bay

Two species of turtle are regularly found in the bay: the green turtle and the hawksbill turtle. They can be observed early in the morning, from 7 to 9, when they come up to the surface every 15-20 minutes.

Turtles come here to feed on seagrass beds and coral reefs. If you spot a long-awaited turtle, keep at least 3 meters away. If they are disturbed, you can get a fine, because they are protected by Mauritian law.

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When to visit Blue Bay: the best season for the marine park

The dry season, from May to October, is the best time to visit Blue Bay. You get stable weather, moderate wind, and maximum visibility underwater. The water temperature is from 23 to 26°C.

Avoid the period from January to March: this is when cyclones arrive, bringing heavy rains. Visibility gets worse, and water sports become dangerous. If you still decide to visit Blue Bay during this period, check the weather forecast in advance.

It is better to go in the morning, from 7 to 10. This way you avoid crowds and get the best visibility.

Photo by Jyoti Pur on Pexels

Blue Bay Park: main activities and infrastructure

People come here for different water activities, and it is not only snorkeling:

Glass-bottom boat trips

This is the most popular and accessible way to see the reef. It is ideal for families with small children and for those who do not want to get wet. You simply get into a boat and watch the coral gardens through the transparent panels in the bottom.

Duration: usually about an hour.

Price: from 18 to 28 euros per person.

Snorkeling in Blue Bay

This is one of the best places for snorkeling in Mauritius. The shallow lagoon is ideal both for beginners and for experienced divers. The park's coral reefs are home to colorful marine life. Here you will definitely see parrotfish, surgeonfish, clownfish, and butterflyfish. Snorkeling equipment can be rented in local shops for 5-8 euros or brought with you.

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Diving in Blue Bay Marine Park

The park is popular with both beginners and experienced divers. There are several dive sites of different levels here. For experienced divers, dives are organized to a sunken ship or to deeper parts of the reef. Dive centers around Blue Bay offer guided dives and equipment rental. Going down into the depths, you will meet moray eels, octopuses, and sea turtles.

Speedboat excursion

This is a real hit! You go on a trip along the south-east coast of Mauritius. The program includes:

• A visit to Ile aux Cerfs.
• A stop at the waterfall on the Grand River South East, where wild monkeys can be seen.
• Ile au Phare, with its 200-year-old lighthouse, and Ile de la Passe - places of great naval battles between the French and the British.
• A barbecue lunch on the beach and unlimited drinks.

Excursion price: from 90 to 140 euros for a full day.

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Quad bike rides

If you want to try something besides water activities, you can switch to quad bikes. Such tours include trips to the natural bridge Pont Naturel, through sugar cane fields and coastal forests. The ride is combined with snorkeling in Blue Bay.

Where to eat in Blue Bay

The public beach of Blue Bay is a very cozy place. It is surrounded by old filao trees with dense shade that creates excellent conditions for picnics. There are cafes with street food on the beach.

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Where to stay near Blue Bay Park

If you want to stay right at the gates of this underwater paradise, pay attention to these hotels:

• Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. A luxurious hotel on a private peninsula. It has three of its own beaches, and one of them opens directly onto the marine park. Ideal for families, because there is a kids' club here.
• Preskil Island Resort. A hotel with stunning views of the lagoon and Montagne du Lion. From here it is convenient to set off on all boat excursions around Blue Bay.
• Ilot Des Deux Cocos. An exclusive private island hotel right in the middle of the Blue Bay lagoon. You can come here for a day (picnic + snorkeling) or stay overnight in a luxurious villa.

Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa

How to get to Blue Bay Park

The marine park is on the south-east of Mauritius. Almost all tour operators offer transfers from any point on the island, including such popular resort areas as Flic en Flac or Grand Baie.

From the airport it is only 10-15 minutes by car, just 10 km. It is also quick and convenient to get there from the town of Mahebourg.

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Practical tips for visiting Blue Bay

• Come in the morning (7:00-9:00). At this time the water is calmest and visibility is the best. By lunchtime the wind may rise and more tourists may arrive.
• Fishing and collecting coral and shells are prohibited in the park.
• You need aqua shoes to protect yourself from sharp coral edges, and do not forget sunscreen.
• You can bring your own snorkeling equipment.
• If you take a boat directly on the beach and do not book online, the price may depend on your ability to negotiate (on average 350-500 rupees for a simple transfer to the snorkeling area).

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