South-East Coast
Historic Mahébourg and the Blue Bay lagoon, beside the international airport.
Hero image: GrandEscogriffe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
The South-East Coast centres on Mahébourg, a historic town on the bay of Grand Port, and the beaches of Pointe d’Esny and Blue Bay to its south. It is the closest coastal area to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport at Plaine Magnien.
This guide treats the south-east as its own region, separate from the wilder south coast, because Mahébourg, Pointe d’Esny and Blue Bay form a coherent base that travellers usually plan together — often for the first or last nights of a trip.
South-East Coast at a glance
- Main places
- Mahébourg, Blue Bay, Pointe d’Esny, Vieux Grand Port, Île aux Aigrettes
- From the airport
- A short drive from Plaine Magnien
- Suggested stay
- Two to five nights
- Best time
- Year-round; breezier in winter
- Landscape
- A wide bay, sheltered lagoon, marine park, mountains inland
- Signature drive
- The coast road north from Mahébourg to Vieux Grand Port
Where to stay and what to book
Places to stay
In this South-East Coast guide
Why visit the South-East Coast
The south-east offers a lived-in Mauritian town, a protected marine park and the easiest airport access on the island. It suits travellers who like guesthouses and local character, snorkellers and anyone who wants to avoid a long transfer at the start or end of a trip.
It has fewer large resorts than the north or east, and in the cooler months it is one of the breezier parts of the island.
Our South-East Coast destination guides: Mahébourg, Blue Bay & Pointe d’Esny.
Main towns and places
Mahébourg
A historic town on the bay of Grand Port with a waterfront, a busy local market and boat trips to Île aux Aigrettes; close to the airport.
Blue Bay & Pointe d’Esny
Beaches facing the protected lagoon of the Blue Bay Marine Park, known for snorkelling and glass-bottom boats, with villas and guesthouses.
History and conservation
The bay of Grand Port saw the first Dutch settlement on the island at Vieux Grand Port and, in 1810, the naval Battle of Grand Port between French and British forces. Off the coast, Île aux Aigrettes is a nature reserve where native coastal forest and endemic species are being restored; visits are by guided tour.
Getting there and around
The airport is close by. Buses connect Mahébourg with Curepipe and Port Louis; taxis and hire cars are the most flexible way to explore.
The east coast and the south coast are both within reach for day trips.
Best time to visit
The region is warm year-round. The south-east trade winds are strongest in the cooler months, which can affect boat trips and snorkelling visibility. Summer is hotter and more humid, with the cyclone season.
Destination guides
- Mahébourg — A historic town on the bay of Grand Port, close to the airport.
- Blue Bay & Pointe d’Esny — Beaches facing the protected lagoon of the Blue Bay Marine Park.
Nearby regions
East CoastLong white-sand beaches, wide lagoons and boat trips to Île aux Cerfs, freshened by the trade winds.Explore East Coast 
South CoastThe island’s wildest coast, with cliffs at Gris Gris and the resort area of Bel Ombre.Explore South Coast 
Port Louis & Central PlateauThe capital’s markets and heritage sites, and the cooler towns and sacred lake of the uplands.Explore Port Louis & Central Plateau Read next
- Where to stay on the South-East Coast of Mauritius
- Mauritius travel planning
- Mauritius itineraries
- All Mauritius destinations
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
- Mauritian Wildlife Foundation — Île aux Aigrettes nature reserve
- Mauritius Meteorological Services — forecasts, warnings and cyclone bulletins
Plan your South-East Coast trip
Choose a base, then use the destination guides to plan your days.
Where to stay, and what to book
Read where to stay in the South-East Coast to choose an area, then browse South-East Coast accommodation and Mauritius tours and activities.