Unlike the beaches to the north or west, lined with large complexes and shops, Pointe d'Esny has retained a residential character. The coastline is dotted with campsites and villas, often second homes that come alive during holidays and weekends. The hotel offering remains limited and small-scale, notably the Astroea Beach, a charming establishment located right on the beach.

The fine, white sand stretches for a considerable distance. It's not uncommon to see fishermen heading out to sea in their dugout canoes, a scene that contrasts sharply with the bustling tourist activity of nearby Blue Bay. It's this lack of heavy development that gives the place its charm.

The name pays homage to Claude d'Esny, a geographer and engineer and officer in the troops stationed on Isle de France (the island's name during the French period). In 1753, he participated in triangulation work carried out on the island alongside Abbé Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille, an astronomer who had come to perform geodetic measurements in the Indian Ocean. The point of land that juts out into the lagoon here has retained his name to this day.

The Pointe d'Esny lagoon is one of the largest in Mauritius. Protected by a coral reef located far offshore, it forms a vast natural basin with calm, shallow waters and a pleasant temperature year-round. The gentle slope and the absence of coral near the shore make it a very safe swimming spot, popular with families and swimmers alike—so much so that some guides rank it among the best swimming spots on the island.

The crystal-clear waters are well suited to snorkelingAlthough the main coral garden in the region remains that of the Blue Bay Marine Park, just a few minutes away. Kayaking and paddleboarding also allow for a peaceful exploration of this sheltered body of water.

Pointe d'Esny is located at the southern tip of the large southeastern lagoon, a configuration that makes it a popular playground for kitesurfers, wingfoilers, and windsurfers. the southeast Trade winds blow regularly here, especially during the austral winter, from june to october, with stable conditions both during the day and in the late afternoon. the vastness Of the lagoon and its clear water offer a comfortable sailing area, still relatively undiscovered compared to other spots on the island.

The village is home to several schools and watersports clubs (kitesurfing, wing foiling) offering introductory lessons, equipment rental, and coaching sessions. The southeast coast also occasionally hosts international windsports competitions.

A little further north, off pointe jérôme, île Aux Aigrettes is a Small island classified as a nature reserve. This former coastal forest, now managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, is home to rare endemic Species: the pink pigeon, the mauritius Kestrel, the day gecko, and aldabra giant tortoises reintroduced to the site.

Aigrettes Island can only be visited as part of a guided excursion, departing from Pointe Jérôme, a few minutes from Pointe d'Esny. It's an easy nature outing to combine with a day in the area.

The name Pointe d'Esny remains associated with a significant event: on July 25, 2020, the Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio ran aground on the reef located directly opposite the village. In early August, the ship began leaking oil, causing the first oil spill in the country's history. The wreck was removed in the following months, and nature has largely reclaimed the reef.

Today, the beach has regained its picture-postcard appearance and swimming is once again a popular activity. Nevertheless, the incident remains a powerful reminder in the local memory, highlighting the fragility of these lagoon ecosystems.

Just a few minutes' drive away, Blue Bay offers a more lively atmosphere, with its marine park and coral gardens renowned for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat trip.

To the north, Mahébourg it retains the charm of an old historic town. You can stroll along the seafront, visit the national history museumDiscover the rault biscuit factory, browse the Monday market or attend the traditional canoe regattas when the schedule allows.

A little inland, about ten minutes away, nature lovers can climb Lion Mountain, whose silhouette dominates Grand Port Bay, or explore the Ferney Valley and its native forest. To plan a full day in the region, the mahébourg – Blue Bay Circuit covers the essential stages of the sector.

In Mauritius, the beaches are part of the public domain. They are accessible to everyone, and no campsite, villa, or hotel can privatize any portion of them. At Pointe d'Esny, the coastline is entirely bordered by properties, so access is via... public pedestrian paths set up between the camps.

There is two public access points at the beach. The first is marked and listed on Google Maps as "Public pedestrian access to Pointe d'Esny beach": it's the easiest to find if you're unfamiliar with the area. The second, further south, isn't marked by any signs and looks like a dead end between two campsites—this is the one most often used by regulars. In both cases, these are indeed public access points: don't let their discreet appearance discourage you.

There is a small parking area nearby, but it is advisable to arrive early during peak season or on weekends. The beach is about fifteen minutes from theinternational airportThis makes it a convenient stop for the first or last day of your stay. To get there freely, the car rental remains the simplest solution.

This issue of access took a new turn in August 2026. thursday, August 13The Minister of Lands and Housing, Shakeel Mohamed, personally visited Pointe d'Esny to assess the obstructions to access. There, he noted posts, hedges, boats, and "Private Beach" signs placed along the access points—all obstacles he deemed illegal, reiterating that "a private beach does not exist" and that a land lease does not grant exclusive rights to public land. He demanded the removal of the unauthorized obstructions and the installation of clear signage at the access points.

To fully understand your rights — where the public domain ends, what you are allowed to do on the sand, and what the law actually prohibits — consult our comprehensive guide: access to beaches in Mauritius: what the law says.

Pointe d'Esny can be visited year-round, with two main climatic seasons: the dry season, from May to November, with more moderate temperatures, and the hot and humid season, from December to April. For kitesurfing and wind sports, the period from June to October remains the most favorable, thanks to a well-established southeast trade wind. To enjoy the tranquility of the area, it's best to avoid weekends and Mauritian public holidays, when locals flock to the beach.

Pointe d'Esny remains a public beach without extensive amenities: no toilets or showers, no snack bar, and no sunbed rentals directly on the sand. So bring water, shade, and food. A few restaurants and guesthouses are located nearby, in the village and towards Blue Bay. This simplicity is what preserves the wild character of the place: please remember to take your rubbish with you to help keep it pristine.

Where is Pointe d'Esny beach?

It is located on the southeast coast of Mauritius, between Mahébourg and Blue Bay, in the Grand Port district.

How to get to Pointe d'Esny beach?

Access is via one of the two public pedestrian access points located between the campsites. The first is marked and referenced on Google Maps ("Public pedestrian access Pointe d'Esny beach"); the second, more discreet, is not indicated by any sign. As beaches are public property in Mauritius, these access points are open to everyone.

Is Pointe d'Esny beach suitable for families?

Yes: the shallow, calm, coral-free lagoon near the shore is particularly suitable for children and non-swimmers. However, the lack of facilities (toilets, snack bar) means you should bring your own water and food.

Is it possible to go kitesurfing at Pointe d'Esny all year round?

The wind blows more regularly between June and October, the season of the southeast trade winds. Outside of this season, conditions are more unpredictable. Watersports schools in the village offer lessons and equipment rentals.

Is it still safe to Swim at pointe d'Esny after the wakashio Oil Spill?

Yes. The wreck was removed in the months following the 2020 grounding, and the beach has returned to its usual appearance. Swimming is once again permitted as normal.

Is it possible to visit Île aux Aigrettes from Pointe d'Esny?

The islet can only be visited as part of a guided tour, which departs from Pointe Jérôme, a few minutes from Pointe d'Esny. Independent visits are not possible, as the reserve is protected.