Blue Bay Marine Park

Blue Bay was declared a marine park in 2000 to protect one of the better-preserved coral areas left in the Mauritian lagoon, and the reef sits close enough to the public beach that snorkellers can reach it from the sand, with hard and soft corals, parrotfish, damselfish and the occasional turtle. Glass-bottom boats run from the beach over the deeper coral heads for those who prefer to stay dry. A very large brain coral colony inside the park is a known landmark for guides. The beach itself is a broad public strand with casuarina shade, busy at weekends with local families. The park has suffered from bleaching events and from an oil spill in the wider lagoon in 2020.

What you actually see

• The coral garden - living hard and soft coral within snorkelling reach.
• Reef fish - parrotfish, sergeant majors, wrasse and occasional turtles.
• Glass-bottom boats - the shallow-draft trips over the coral heads.
• The public beach - the casuarina-shaded strand at the bay head.

When to go

May to December for clearer water and calmer conditions. Weekdays are far quieter than weekends, when the beach fills with local visitors. Morning light is best for snorkelling.

Honest expectations

Coral condition has declined from bleaching and pressure, and expectations should be set accordingly. Boat traffic over the reef is heavy and some operators anchor carelessly. The beach is crowded at weekends and holidays. Currents run near the reef passes.

Nearby

Mahebourg lies north; Ile aux Aigrettes is in the same lagoon.