Blue Bay & Pointe d’Esny
Beaches facing the protected lagoon of the Blue Bay Marine Park.
Hero image: Hansueli Krapf, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Blue Bay and Pointe d’Esny lie just south of Mahébourg on the south-east coast of Mauritius. The bay itself is small and sheltered, with a public beach and clear water; Pointe d’Esny extends along the coast to the north, lined with villas, guesthouses and a few hotels.
The lagoon off Blue Bay is protected as the Blue Bay Marine Park, one of the island’s best-known areas for snorkelling and glass-bottom boat trips. With the airport close by, the area is a popular first or last base on a Mauritius trip.
At a glance
- Region
- South-East Coast
- From the airport
- A short drive from Plaine Magnien
- Suggested stay
- Three to five nights
- Best time
- Calmer conditions outside the strongest winter winds
- Known for
- Blue Bay Marine Park, snorkelling, glass-bottom boats
- Getting around
- Taxi, bus via Mahébourg, hire car
Where to stay and what to book
Places to stay
In this Blue Bay & Pointe d’Esny guide
Why visit Blue Bay & Pointe d’Esny
Blue Bay combines one of the island’s most attractive small beaches with a protected marine area and an easy airport connection. It suits snorkellers, families and travellers who want a calm base for the start or end of their trip.
It is smaller and quieter than the big resort areas, with a mix of villas and guesthouses rather than wall-to-wall hotels.
Blue Bay Marine Park
The marine park protects coral and marine life in the lagoon. Glass-bottom boats and snorkelling trips are offered from the beach and nearby jetties. Rules within the park restrict fishing and other activities that damage the reef.
Pointe d’Esny
Pointe d’Esny’s beach runs along a shallow lagoon between Blue Bay and Mahébourg. Much of the shoreline is occupied by private villas and small hotels, but the beach itself is public. It is a quiet, residential stretch with views towards Île aux Aigrettes.
Getting there and around
The airport at Plaine Magnien is close, so transfers are short. Buses connect with Mahébourg, from where routes run to Curepipe and Port Louis.
A hire car is useful for exploring the south and east coasts; taxis are available through accommodation.
Best time to visit
The south-east feels the south-east trade winds most strongly in the cooler months, which can affect boat trips and snorkelling visibility. Calmer days are best for the marine park. Summer brings heat, humidity and the cyclone season.
How long to stay
Three to five nights suits a relaxed stay with time for the marine park, Mahébourg and day trips. It also works well for one or two nights at the start or end of a longer trip.
Find accommodation in the area
Blue Bay and Pointe d’Esny have villas, guesthouses and a small number of hotels, many within walking distance of the lagoon.
Browse Blue Bay & Pointe d’Esny accommodation
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Nearby destinations
MahébourgA historic town on the bay of Grand Port, close to the airport.Read the Mahébourg guide 
Bel OmbreThe south coast’s main resort area, between sea and forested hills.Read the Bel Ombre guide 
Trou d’Eau DouceA fishing village and the main boat departure point for Île aux Cerfs.Read the Trou d’Eau Douce guide Frequently asked questions
Is Blue Bay good for snorkelling?
Yes, it is one of the island’s best-known snorkelling areas, within a protected marine park. Conditions depend on weather.
Is Blue Bay close to the airport?
Yes. It is one of the closest beach areas to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.
What is the difference between Blue Bay and Pointe d’Esny?
Blue Bay is the small sheltered bay with the public beach; Pointe d’Esny is the quieter stretch of coast to its north, towards Mahébourg.
Plan the rest of your trip
- South-East Coast region guide
- Mahébourg guide
- Where to stay on the South-East Coast of Mauritius
- Mauritius tours and activities
Official sources
Opening hours, entry fees, boat and transport schedules, access rules and park conditions change; check the official source before you travel.
- Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) — official visitor information
- Mauritius Meteorological Services — forecasts, warnings and cyclone bulletins
Plan a South-East Coast trip
Compare the places in this region before you choose a base.
Where to stay, and what to book
Browse Blue Bay & Pointe d’Esny accommodation or South-East Coast accommodation, and see tours and activities for marine park trips. See also where to stay on the South-East Coast.