Blue Bay village, beach & its Marine Park

Blue-Bay, a small and very enclosed bay, is a marine reserve of Mauritius. It has a long beach with bright sand and clear blue water. It is probably the most preserved place in terms of coral reefs. The corals are superb and almost intact. This is such a stark contrast to the rest of the island. Ideal for sailing and surfing. Superb place for diving, you can contemplate the corals still alive and full of fish of many colors.

The village of Blue-Bay

Blue-Bay is a highlight of any visit to Mauritius. Located in the relatively undeveloped south of the island, the area around Blue-Bay includes some of the most beautiful and wild landscapes in the country. Moreover, although the area is very popular with tourists, the authorities have succeeded like nowhere else in limiting the growth of hotels chains in the area. Blue-Bay is the hub of tourism in Mauritius. It is only a few kilometers from the country's main attractions. The beautiful village, the only one that has retained its historical character, Mahebourg, the Ferney Valley, the nature reserve of Ile aux Aigrettes, the Great Barrier Reef, the SSR airport, the imposing Lion Mountain, the Dutch base, the Souillac bridge... in short Blue-Bay is unique in itself. To explore the Blue-Bay spot, you can either book a boat tour or launch yourself from the public beach. The first option has a price, but it is the only way to safely approach the most beautiful parts of the reef, far from the shore. But don't worry, there is nothing disappointing about the depths accessible from the beach.

Where is Blue-Bay?

To reach Blue-Bay, follow the signs for 'Mahébourg', a town of 15,000 inhabitants located a few kilometers from the airport. If you don't have your own vehicle, you will have no problem getting to Mahébourg by bus or cab. To get to the site from Mahébourg, take a cab for a few minutes or take a 45-minute walk down the coast via Pointe d'Esny. If you are exploring the area from the coast, reach the western end of the Blue-Bay public beach, where the white sand is replaced by rocks. This is the best place to get in the water, because of the proximity of the reef. If you are on a tour, your tour leader will tell you where to get in the water for your safety. The area to explore is across from the Blue-Bay public beach. The western part is the richest in corals, gradually replaced by sandy areas towards the east. Buoys mark the limits of the area where swimming is allowed. Beyond that, the traffic of many boats makes snorkeling dangerous.

The Blue Bay Marine Park

The water level, about 5 to 6 meters, is constant on the whole reef area. The immense masses of branching and tabular corals that cover the bottom have made the reputation of Blue-Bay. Dozens of fuchsia mushroom corals cover the bottom in some places. Huge schools of convict surgeons (several hundred individuals) roam the reef. Parrotfish and Moorish idols are among the species that you will most easily observe on this spot. The Blue-Bay Marine Park is now protected by the government, due to the constant degradation of the marine environment, affected by urbanization and the tourism industry.

Activities and recreation offered by Blue-Bay

Also, for those who wish to practice recreational activities, there is a wide variety of land and water sports that can be practiced in the vicinity and in Blue-Bay. Tennis, table tennis, volleyball, windsurfing, kayaking, fishing, pedal boats, snorkeling, kite surfing... the list goes on! However, for fishing, there are two options. A fishing trip on the sand and rocks or a fishing trip in the open sea. You will have to find the right operators to organize this activity. In addition, there is a wide range of sailing activities and you can organize excursions to the outlying islets by catamaran and speedboat cruise. For example, visit Ile aux Aigrettes, a 5-hectare islet that consists of an ancient limestone coral reef partially covered with sand deposits. It is a site of international importance as it was declared a nature reserve in 1965. Most of the plants found there do not grow anywhere else in the world. Snorkeling of course! Therefore, don't forget your mask and snorkel in Blue Bay. If you stay within the limits set in the lagoon, you can already enjoy yourself. Beyond that, you will have to pay for an excursion. I found a nice site for diving and other activities. Finally, if you are hungry, or if you have a sudden desire for a good ice cream, you will find your happiness on the road along the beach.

Shopping in Blue-Bay

Shopping in Mauritius is more than an interesting experience. It is a journey through the time and space of the civilizations and cultures that have passed through its history. The sculptures and drums of African origin, colorful saris or tailors testify to this diversity. Traditional Mauritian handicrafts and high-end luxury products are available in a variety of shopping malls and kiosks throughout the country's cities and resorts. There are also a number of duty-free stores, which offer very attractive prices. Last but not least, are the traditional and colorful markets where you can truly experience the Mauritian way of life and practice the national sport, bargaining!

The Mahébourg Market

The Mahébourg market is the best place to get a sense of Mauritius' heart and soul. It offers stores specializing in unique products that blend in with the customs and habits of the people. Through these, you can experience all new sensations, colors, scents, which combine to create the unique qualities of this diversity. Stalls of colorful tropical fruits and vegetables stand next to medicinal plants and spices. You can also find clothing and a special handicraft section. You can also buy fresh fish and prepare it Mauritian style. The island of Mauritius is a sensory delight. Not only is it pleasing to the eyes with its magnificent scenery, but it is also pleasing to the palate. Not just in Blue-Bay, but across Mauritius, gastronomes will find a selection of the best prepared cuisines, acquired from many migrations throughout history. France's, India's, China's, and Africa's culinary traditions, the world's most famous and admired cuisines, have been passed down from generation to generation. A Mauritian stereotype is that he or she starts the day with a continental breakfast, then has an Indian lunch and a Chinese evening!