Summary

• Presentation
• The stages of the circuit
• Practical advice
• frequently asked Questions
• Map and GPS navigation

Presentation

This tour takes you to the southeast of Mauritius, just minutes from the international airport. The morning is devoted to Mahébourg, a coastal village steeped in history whose Creole streets and the naval museum tell the story of the Mauritian epic from the first colonizations to independence. The afternoon shifts towards the sea, at Blue Bay, one of the most beautiful lagoons on the island and one of the most exceptional snorkeling sites in the entire Indian Ocean. An ideal circuit to combine culture and seaside pleasures, just a stone's throw from the airport.

The stages of the circuit

Stage 1 — Mahébourg (morning)

Situated on the edge of a large lagoon in the south-east of the island, Mahébourg is one of the most endearing villages in Mauritius. Its peaceful seafront, its colorful Creole houses and its authentic atmosphere make it an essential stopover for those wishing to understand the soul of the island.

Start with a walk on the waterfront facing the lagoon, before getting lost in the streets of the city center if you feel like it — it's the best way to get the pulse of local Mauritian life.

⚠️ Please note: the Mahébourg National History Museum is currently closed for renovation work since December 15, 2025, for an estimated duration of one year. Check for reopening before your visit.

Then devote part of the morning to national history museum, housed in the magnificent Maison Robillard, a French colonial residence dating from the end of the 18th century. Its collections trace the island's fascinating history from its earliest occupations to independence, with a room dedicated to the famous 1810 naval battle of Grand Port — one of Napoleon's rare naval victories over the British. Entrance is free. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for a leisurely visit.

Advice : the museum is closed on Tuesdays. Check the day of your visit before you go.

🎁 Bonus — The Rault biscuit factory

If you visit Mahébourg on a weekday and you have time, extend your morning with a visit to the Rault biscuit factory, nestled in the family estate “Les Délices” in Ville Noire, a few minutes from the center. Founded in 1870, this artisanal factory, classified as a national heritage site, has been producing the famous Mauritian cassava biscuits for over 150 years. The guided tour concludes with a tasting accompanied by tea.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — without reservation — closed on weekends

Lunch

Depending on the time at which you finish your visit to Mahébourg, two options are available to you: have lunch directly in Mahébourg, where you will easily find local restaurants offering authentic Mauritian cuisine, or continue towards Blue Bay (10 minutes) and have lunch there before enjoying the beach (it is even possible to have lunch on the beach by purchasing your meal from the small street food stands present in the beach parking lot).

Stage 2 — Blue Bay (afternoon)

Just a few kilometers south of Mahébourg, Blue Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius.
Its lagoon with exceptionally clear turquoise waters, its white sand lined with casuarina trees and its peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal end-of-day stopover. The Blue Bay Marine Park, created in 1997 and extending over 353 hectares, is home to one of the best preserved coral ecosystems on the island, with more than 50 species of coral and around 70 species of tropical fish.

Advice : To be able to better organize your afternoon, remember to consult the timetables of the glass-bottom boats when arriving in Blue Bay

Swimming and snorkeling: the calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming, even with children. With a simple mask and snorkel, you can observe clownfish, butterflyfish and other colorful inhabitants of coral reefs directly from the shore (if you want to snorkel in the marine park, it is possible to do it with a professional, see the next paragraph).

Glass bottom boat

For an even more complete immersion in the Marine Park without getting wet, embark on a glass bottom boat trip. Operators are present directly on the beach and nearby. These outings allow you to observe corals and fish from the transparent bottom of the boat, an experience appreciated by all ages and particularly suitable for children or people who do not wish to swim.
If you want to dive a little into the marine park, check with the operators to make sure they offer this in addition to the boat trip.

Practical advice

• Leave around 8:30 a.m. to fully enjoy Mahébourg before the midday heat.
• The museum is closed on Tuesdays — check before you go.
• The Rault biscuit factory is closed on weekends.
• Swimsuit, mask and snorkel — essential for Blue Bay.
• Biodegradable sunscreen recommended to preserve the Marine Park.
• High protection sunscreen and hat — afternoons on the beach can be very sunny.
• There are glass-bottom boat operators right on the beach — no need to book in advance.
• Circuit particularly suitable for families: the museum is accessible, the Blue Bay lagoon is calm and shallow.
• Blue Bay is 10 minutes from the airport — this tour is ideal for the first or last day of your stay.

frequently asked Questions

Is there a fee for the Mahébourg museum?

No, entry is free. The museum is open Monday to Saturday (except Tuesday) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays and public holidays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

⚠️ Please note: the Mahébourg National History Museum is currently closed for renovation work since December 15, 2025, for an estimated duration of one year. Check for reopening before your visit.

Can you go snorkeling without equipment?

Mask and snorkel rental companies are available in Blue Bay. You can also bring your own if you have one.

Is the glass bottom boat suitable for children?

Yes, it is one of the most popular activities for families. The operators present on the beach will inform you about timetables and prices directly on site.

Is this tour doable without a car?

Mahébourg and Blue Bay are served by public buses, but connections between the two can be inconvenient. The rental car or taxi remains the most comfortable options.

Is this a good tour for the first or last day of your stay?

Yes — Blue Bay is just 10 minutes from the international airport, making it an ideal stopover at the start or end of your stay.

To share photos of your vacation in Mauritius with your friends, family and colleagues, we offer to create for you a personalized and free page dedicated to your stay. You will then just need to send the address of this page, for example www.ilemaurice-im/vacancesdepierreetmarie, to those with whom you wish to share your photos.
Nothing could be simpler, click on the button below.

Map and GPS navigation

Find the complete circuit on the map below. For turn-by-turn GPS guidance from your phone, use the buttons below: