Located in the southeast, Mahebourg is the perfect place to experience the authentic side of Mauritius.
The remnants of its past are still present, with old ruins and a colonial mansion that now serves as a museum.
Even if you’re not a history buff, Mahebourg is still worth visiting for its local market where one can buy fresh produce and authentic street food, and its waterfront promenade, which provides a panoramic view of the turquoise ocean and nearby mountains.
Just 10 minutes from Mahebourg is Blue Bay, known for its protected marine park where one can witness diverse species of fish, coral, and even turtles.
This guide to visiting Mahebourg and Blue Bay will show you all the best things to do and advice on how to get there, where to stay and eat, the best time to visit, and day trip ideas so you can fully experience the less touristy side of Mauritius.
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Read more about Mauritius:
- Tips to help you plan your Mauritius trip
- Best areas to stay on Mauritius Island
- Top attractions in the south of Mauritius
How to get to Mahebourg & Blue Bay?
Both Mahebourg and Blue Bay are located about 10 km from the airport, so perfect for the beginning or the end of your Mauritius itinerary.
If you’re on a budget, you can take the bus from the airport to Mahebourg followed by another bus to Blue Bay (check the bus routes here).
Just be aware that the buses in Mauritius don’t have luggage compartments, so it’s best to travel light.
Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or rent a car (cheaper and more convenient).
Where to Stay?
I recommend looking for a hotel in Blue Bay so you’re near the beach.
If you need to get to Mahebourg, you can easily take the bus, which departs every 30 minutes or so from this location.
Below are some of my hotel recommendations:
- Luxury: Shandrani Beachcomber
- Mid-range: Preskil Island Resort
- Budget: Blue Beryl Guesthouse, Tilakaz Kreol, Coral Bay
Attractions in Mahebourg & Blue Bay
Mahebourg Waterfront
The focal point of Mahebourg, the waterfront promenade overlooks the turquoise bay dotted with tiny islets and mountains in the backdrop.
Take a walk along the cobblestone pathways lined with palm trees while observing the fishermen.
There are a few historical landmarks here such as the ruins of an old train station and a monument commemorating the Grand Port Naval Battle.
If you’re visiting during the annual “Festival Internasional Kreol”, you can even watch the regatta from here.
Mahebourg Market
One of the best things to do in Maheboug is to visit the local market.
Most lively on Mondays, the market spills onto the nearby streets with stalls selling fresh produce, clothes, souvenirs, and street food.
You can check out my street food guide here for all the delicious foods you can try or book this guided food tour of Mahebourg.
Tip: Finding a parking spot near the market can be a bit of a headache on Mondays, so I recommend coming first thing in the morning or parking at Pointe Canon instead.
Take a stroll around Mahebourg
Another fun activity to do is to take a stroll around the village of Mahebourg.
Spend some time wandering around the narrow streets to admire the colorful shops, Creole houses, and religious sites like the Notre Dame des Anges Church or Shri Vinayagar Seedalamen Kovil.
You can also continue toward Riviere la Chaux, where you’ll find the Cavendish Bridge, which offers a panoramic view of the nearby mountains.
Not far away is the Lavoir, a washing area which was used to wash soldiers’ uniforms during the French colonial period.
Along the way, stop at one of the many local restaurants for some traditional Mauritian food.
I particularly enjoy the seafood mine bouille at Coin Casse Croute but there are also several other restaurants worth checking out like Pyramid and Le Bazilic.
Pointe Canon
Set within a tropical garden overlooking the bay of Mahebourg, Pointe Canon was erected in 1985 to commemorate the abolition of slavery.
There isn’t much to do here apart from strolling around the garden and taking in the view.
You can also climb up the small open-air theater for a bird’s eye view of the ocean.
National History Museum
Set within an 18th-century mansion, the National History Museum provides an insight into the different eras of Mauritius colonial past from the Dutch to the British and French occupations.
The museum features several artifacts retrieved from shipwrecks, paintings, ship models, and even the bones of the extinct Dodo bird.
Entrance is free and it should take around 1-2 hours to visit.
Note: The museum is temporarily closed for restoration works until the end of 2026.
Blue Bay Beach
Blue Bay is famous for its protected marine park, which features some of the clearest water teeming with several species of fish and corals.
The best part is that the water is calm and shallow, making it ideal for all ages.
Blue Bay does get busy during the weekend when locals come to relax or party. You’ll also find a few food stalls and restaurants nearby, as well as a toilet/changing room.
At the main beach area (near the jetty), you’ll find local operators selling glass-bottom boat trips as well as snorkeling trips, which usually last around 45 minutes to one hour.
Expect to pay around Rs 500 per person for a shared tour (with a bit of negotiating) or Rs 1,500-3,000 for a private boat.
If you prefer to spend more time in the water, you can instead book this half-day snorkeling trip with a visit to Ile des deux Cocos, which includes a traditional Mauritian lunch.
For those who don’t want to join a tour, you can simply snorkel straight off the beach in front of Peninsula Bay Resort or Blue Beryl Guesthouse.
Pointe D’Esny Beach
If Blue Bay feels too busy for you, I recommend heading to Pointe D’Esny instead.
The lack of facilities contributes a lot to its remote feeling.
Don’t expect any restaurant, changing room, or parking lot here but instead long stretches of sand as far as the eye can see.
It’s also a great place to snorkel. I particularly enjoyed snorkeling around this area as it has the best corals.
Note that Pointe D’Esny is mostly lined with private apartments, so there are only two public pathways to the beach. The first one is located here and the second one here.
Alternatively, you can walk along the beach from Blue Bay to Pointe D’Esny in about 20-30 minutes.
Ile aux Aigrettes
Ile aux Aigrettes is a protected nature reserve home to several endangered species of plants and animals.
The only way to visit the island is to book a guided tour with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.
The tour costs Rs 1,000 for adults and Rs 500 for children (tourist rate) and lasts around 1.5-2 hours.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna, as well as spot rare endemic birds like the pink pigeon.
Rault Biscuit Factory
Another thing to do in Mahebourg is to visit the Rault Biscuit Factory, a small family-run business famous for its cassava biscuits.
During a guided tour, you’ll be able to see how the factory uses traditional methods to make biscuits before ending with a tasting session.
The biscuits are a bit dry on their own, but very tasty with a cup of tea or coffee.
The guided tour with tasting takes around 30 minutes and costs Rs 300 per person.
Lion Mountain
If you’re looking for a scenic hike near Mahebourg, I recommend Lion Mountain.
Sitting at a height of 490 meters, it offers a panoramic view of the southeast coast and nearby islets such as Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe.
The hike is quite challenging due to the steep terrain and lack of markings, which is why I highly recommend hiring a local guide.
I did this hike with my Dad, and we had a hard time finding our way around but we eventually made it.
You can read more about my experience hiking Lion Mountain here.
Plan for at least 3 hours to complete the hike and don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent!
La Vallee de Ferney
With beautiful rolling hills home to rare endemic plants and birds, La Vallée de Ferney is one of the best places to visit near Mahebourg.
There are several trails to choose from – 5 km, 13 km, or 18 km.
The 5-km trail is relatively easy with only a gradual incline, making it great for children.
You can do this hike on your own as the trails are well-marked, but you also have the option of hiring a guide to learn more about the fauna and flora.
The park is open daily from 8:30 a.m to 5 p.m and the entrance fee is Rs 500 for adults and Rs 250 for children (tourist price).
Watch Airplanes
For plane enthusiasts or those who want to experience the thrill of seeing a plane fly just a few meters above their heads, I recommend visiting the aircraft landing viewpoint.
The most popular one is found here but there are also a few other spots along the A10 road leading to Blue Bay.
There’s a small lay-by where you can park and even a fruit stall if you fancy having a snack while enjoying the view.
Frederick Hendrick Museum
If you’re a history buff, another museum worth visiting is the Frederick Hendrick Museum.
Set within the ruins of a Dutch fort, the museum features several artifacts such as coins, ceramics, cooking utensils, etc, dating back to the Dutch and French occupation periods.
Entrance is free of charge and the visit lasts around 1 hour.
Since you’re already in the area, you can also visit Notre Dame du Grand Pouvoir Church and the Dutch First Landing Monument located nearby.
Stone Pyramids
While the origin of the Mauritius pyramids has sparked some debates, it’s a great spot to visit if you’re into photography.
There are seven of them scattered between a sugar cane field, not too far from the airport.
If you’d like to visit, you can click here for a map with the exact location of the pyramids.
Bo’Valon Mall
If you want to do some shopping, whether it’s to buy clothes or groceries, head to Bo’Valon Mall.
It’s located just outside of Mahebourg and features several trendy shops, a supermarket, and a food court.
Day trips from Blue Bay & Mahebourg
5 Islands Tour
One of the most popular day trips from Blue Bay and Mahebourg is the 5 Islands speedboat tour.
The main highlight is Ile aux Cerfs, a private island located off the east coast of Mauritius.
The island features crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling, a craft market, two restaurants/bars and a golf course.
The tour also includes snorkeling stops at Ile aux Aigrettes and a shipwreck, visits to Ile aux Phares, Ile de la Passe, and GRSE Waterfall, and a BBQ lunch with drinks.
Pont Naturel and Le Souffleur
If you want to witness the wonders of nature, I highly recommend a day trip to Pont Naturel and Le Souffleur.
Depending on the sea conditions, the waves can go up to 5 meters, offering one of the most spectacular sights.
The road (or should I say dirt track) leading there is quite rough with lots of potholes, so I only recommend driving there if you have a 4×4 (although I did see some small cars trying to brave the road).
Another option is to hike from La Cambuse or Le Bouchon Beach.
It’s an easy hike that can be done with small children but be sure to wear sunscreen as there isn’t much shade along the trail.
If you’d like to do this hike, check out my guide to visiting Pont Naturel and Le Souffleur.
Souillac
Located about 35 km from Blue Bay, the village of Souillac is the perfect place to experience the wild side of Mauritius.
This area features dramatic cliffs overlooking the ocean and waterfalls hidden in the lush forest.
The most popular attraction here is Gris Gris Beach. Although not recommended for swimming, it’s a great place to visit for its stunning viewpoints, waterfalls, and beach caves.
Nearby are Rochester Falls with its basalt columns and emerald pool, and the lesser-known Cascade Leon.
Bois Cheri Tea Plantation
Another day trip from Mahebourg and Blue Bay is the Bois Cheri Tea Plantation. The road leading there is very scenic with rows of tea fields.
You can either take a guided tour of the tea factory and museum, followed by a tasting session, or simply take a walk around the tea plantation.
If you have time, you can also check out the trail leading to Trou Kanaka, a dormant volcano surrounded by tea plantations. You can use this map for the exact route.
Grand Bassin
Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, is considered to be the most important place of worship for the Hindus of Mauritius.
In 1972, water was brought from the Ganges in India and mixed in Grand Bassin to create a link between these two religious sites.
Nowadays, every year during the Maha Shivaratri celebrations, thousands of Hindus from every corner of Mauritius go on a pilgrimage to the Ganga Talao.
The site features a small crater lake surrounded by several Hindu temples and a 33-meter statue of Lord Shiva, the tallest in Mauritius.
Entrance is free. Make sure to cover your shoulders and knees before entering the site and temples.
Eau Bleue Waterfall
Located in the village of Cluny, about a 20-minute drive from Mahebourg, are the Eau Bleu Waterfalls.
This series of seven waterfalls cascades into turquoise pools filled with crystal-clear water.
It’s best to visit Eau Blue during the rainy season (December and April) when the waterfalls are at their fullest.
If you’re visiting during any other months, make sure to go right after a rainy day, otherwise, some of them might be completely dry.
The trail is easy to follow and doesn’t require too much effort to get to.
For more info, read my guide on how to get to Eau Bleue Waterfalls.
Where to eat in Blue Bay & Mahebourg?
- Esco Burger
- Coin Casse Croute
- Pyramid
- The Spot Café
- Le Bazilic
- Kwizine Mama-Kot Nou
Best time to visit
Mauritius is a year-round destination, boasting a tropical climate with temperatures hovering around 25-31°C in summer and 23-28°C in winter, especially along the coasts.
One thing to note is that Mahebourg and Blue Bay are subject to the southeast trade winds in winter (mainly between July and September), so they can feel a bit cold and windy for some.
If you’re into kitesurfing, this would be the ideal time to go, otherwise, I recommend visiting in the summer months.
Just keep in mind that the cyclone/rainy season happens between mid-December and mid-April, so it might rain slightly more, but luckily, it rarely lasts long.
Here’s a breakdown of the weather in Mauritius by month.
I hope you’ve found this guide to visiting Blue Bay and Mahebourg helpful. If you have any questions, just drop them in the comments below.