Trou aux Biches Beach: Complete Guide, Swimming and Practical Tips

Trou aux Biches Beach: the family jewel of northern Mauritius

Trou aux Biches beach is unquestionably one of the most beautiful and best-loved on the island of Mauritius. Nestled on the northwest coast, between Pereybere and Mont Choisy, it offers an exceptional natural setting combining shallow turquoise waters, immaculate white sand and generous shade from century-old casuarinas. It’s a beach that suits every type of traveler, but it particularly shines for families with young children and for beginner snorkelers.

At a glance
Where	Northwest coast, between Pereybere and Mont Choisy, 20 km from Port Louis
Price	Free (public beach); free parking along the road, some hotels offer paid parking
Time needed	Half a day to a full day
Getting there	Car (30 to 40 min from Port Louis, 10 min from Grand Baie); regular bus via the Route du Nord; taxi 300 to 500 MUR from Grand Baie
Best time	May to November for clearer water; before 9am for fewer crowds

What sets Trou aux Biches apart from other beaches in northern Mauritius is the exceptional quality and safety of its waters. The lagoon, protected by the coral reef a few hundred meters offshore, offers risk-free swimming, with gradually increasing depths and remarkable water clarity. In calm weather, you can see the bottom several meters down.

The beach stretches roughly 2 kilometers, lined with a wide strip of fine white sand. It’s publicly accessible along its whole length, even though several luxury hotels front onto it — Mauritian law guarantees public access to the coastline. For everything on accommodation in this area, check our guide where to stay in Mauritius.

How to get to Trou aux Biches beach

By car

Trou aux Biches is located about 20 kilometers northwest of Port Louis, the capital. From Port Louis, take the coastal road B39 towards Trou aux Biches. The drive takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. If you’re staying in Grand Baie, the beach is just 10 minutes away by car to the south.

Our guide to car rental in Mauritius will help you choose the best vehicle to explore this region.

By bus

Regular buses connect Port Louis to Trou aux Biches via the Route du Nord. The bus stop is a few minutes’ walk from the beach. The Mauritian bus network is inexpensive (around 30 to 50 rupees per trip) but schedules can be irregular, especially on weekends.

By taxi or tuk-tuk

From Grand Baie or Trou aux Biches, allow 300 to 500 rupees by taxi. Tuk-tuks are a fun, cheaper alternative for short distances.

Parking at Trou aux Biches

There are several free parking areas along the coastal road running by the beach. Spaces are usually available on weekdays, but on weekends and public holidays it can be hard to find parking, especially between 10am and 2pm. Arrive before 9am to be sure of a spot and enjoy the beach before the crowds. Several hotels also offer paid parking.

Swimming: depth, currents and safety

Depth and seabed

The Trou aux Biches lagoon is ideal for swimmers of all levels. Near the shore, the depth is very shallow — often less than 50 centimeters for the first 20 to 30 meters — making it a perfect beach for toddlers. Moving further towards the coral reef, the depth increases gradually, reaching 2 to 3 meters in the central areas of the lagoon.

The seabed is made of fine sand over most of the lagoon, with a few coral and rocky areas near the edges. Bring water shoes if you plan to venture towards the coral areas.

Currents and safety

Inside the lagoon, currents are almost nonexistent in calm weather, making swimming perfectly safe for children and less experienced swimmers. The coral reef absorbs most of the force of the Indian Ocean’s waves.

However, during cyclones or periods of strong swell (mainly between November and April), currents can form in the passes that cut through the coral reef. Check local conditions before venturing far from shore. There’s no permanent lifeguard post on the beach, but nearby hotels generally have staff trained in water first aid.

Jellyfish and marine life

Jellyfish occasionally appear in the lagoon, particularly in the southern autumn (March-May). Sea urchins can be found on rocky areas — stay in sandy areas if you don’t have protective footwear. Stonefish are rare but possible: never put your feet down without looking.

Snorkeling at Trou aux Biches

Trou aux Biches offers snorkeling ranging from decent to very good quality, depending on the area explored. Inside the lagoon, the coral areas on either side of the beach (slightly outside the central swimming corridor) are home to many species of colorful tropical fish: damselfish, parrotfish, blue tangs, clownfish and moray eels.

For the best snorkeling, swim towards the northern and southern ends of the lagoon, where the coral is more developed. Visibility is generally excellent in the morning, before swimmers stir up the sand. To discover the island’s best snorkeling sites, read our complete guide to snorkeling and diving in Mauritius.

Catamaran excursions from the north coast allow you to reach even richer snorkeling spots. A catamaran cruise around the north of the island from Grand Baie will take you to spots outside the lagoon, with healthier coral and more abundant marine life.

Shade and vegetation

One of Trou aux Biches’s major assets is its abundant natural shade. Towering casuarinas (locally called “filaos”) line the beach along almost its whole length. These trees, typical of Mauritius’s tropical beaches, filter the sun’s rays and create cool, shaded areas even at the hottest times of day. You can lay out your towel in the shade without having to pay for a sun lounger.

A few palm trees round out the vegetation. The density of trees here is a real advantage in northern Mauritius, where some more popular beaches (such as at Grand Baie) are more exposed.

Facilities: restrooms, food and vendors

Food

Several small restaurants and snack bars line the coastal road near the beach. You’ll find dholl puri (split-pea flatbreads), meatballs, fried rice and grilled dishes at affordable prices. Prices are more accessible than at the restaurants of the beachfront hotels.

The village of Trou aux Biches also has a few grocery stores and a supermarket where you can put together an affordable picnic before heading down to the beach.

Vendors

Vendors sell fresh sugar cane, snacks, souvenirs and sometimes local crafts. They’re mainly present on weekends and busy days. Their presence is discreet and not intrusive.

Restrooms and showers

Public restrooms are limited near the beach. Nearby hotels and restaurants have facilities available to their customers. It’s a good idea to scope out the available amenities on arrival. A basic beach shower is available for rinsing off sand and salt.

Crowds and best time to visit

Crowds by season

Trou aux Biches beach is busy year-round, but crowd levels vary significantly depending on the period.

Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are the busiest days, especially between October and April. Mauritian families gather here in large numbers on Sundays for festive picnics. If you’re after peace and quiet, go on weekdays.

In high tourist season (July-August, December-January), the beach is busier with European travelers. Even in high season, the beach’s length (2 km) means you can always find a quiet spot.

The Mauritian low season (March-June) is, paradoxically, excellent for Trou aux Biches: the beach is quiet, accommodation prices are lower and the weather stays pleasant even though a few showers are possible.

Best time to visit

The ideal period is May to November, when the weather is dry, the trade wind makes the heat bearable and underwater visibility is at its best. The water is slightly cooler (22-24°C) than in the southern summer but remains very pleasant for swimming and snorkeling.

Best time of day

Arrive early in the morning (before 9am) to enjoy the beach almost deserted, the best photographic light and the best underwater visibility. Morning is also the ideal time for snorkeling, before boats and swimmers stir up the water.

Who Trou aux Biches beach is for

Families with children: Trou aux Biches is one of the beaches best suited to families in all of Mauritius. The shallow lagoon, calm waters, natural shade and relative quiet on weekdays make it an excellent choice. Our guide to the best beaches for families compares this beach with other options.

Couples seeking peace and quiet: On weekdays, the beach has a peaceful, romantic atmosphere, especially in the morning.

Beginner snorkelers: The lagoon lets you get started with snorkeling safely, with marine life interesting enough to delight newcomers.

Seniors: Entry into the water is gradual and safe, and the natural shade is welcome for anyone sensitive to the sun.

Where to stay nearby

Several quality hotels and guesthouses are found just steps from the beach. For families, couples and budget travelers alike, there are plenty of options.

Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa is the iconic luxury establishment right on the beach. For mid-range budgets and independent travelers, the village of Trou aux Biches offers guesthouses and rental apartments.

Check our complete guide where to stay in Mauritius to find accommodation suited to your budget and preferences in this region.

Nearby activities

Catamaran excursions

The north coast is the ideal departure point for catamaran cruises. A catamaran excursion to the northern islands will let you discover Coin de Mire, Ile Plate and Ile Gabriel, with snorkeling and lunch included. A memorable day out from Trou aux Biches.

Grand Baie and its attractions

10 minutes away by car to the north, Grand Baie offers a full range of restaurants, bars, shops and activities. It’s the lively tourist hub of northern Mauritius. For accommodation in this neighboring area, our guide where to stay in Grand Baie will point you in the right direction.

Mont Choisy

Just south of Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy beach offers an extra kilometer of fine sand with an even more local, relaxed atmosphere.

Cap Malheureux

15 minutes to the northeast, the village of Cap Malheureux with its red-roofed church is one of the most photographed spots in Mauritius, with a view over Coin de Mire.

Kitesurfing and water sports

For water sports enthusiasts, our guide to kitesurfing and surfing in Mauritius presents the best spots on the north coast.

Practical tips

Sunscreen: Bring a good-quality, water-resistant sunscreen. Prefer mineral-filter formulas (less polluting for the coral). The Mauritian sun is intense, even in cloudy weather.

Hydration: Bring enough drinking water, especially if you’re traveling with children. There are no drinking water points on the beach.

Snorkeling gear: It’s a good idea to bring your own mask and snorkel if you have a particular face size. A few rental shops exist in Grand Baie. Fins aren’t essential in the lagoon but are useful for exploring further out.

Keeping your belongings safe: Never leave your belongings unattended on the beach. Petty theft is rare but possible. Use your accommodation’s safe for valuables.

Best light for photos: Morning offers golden light and particularly clear water. For sunset photos, the west coast (Flic-en-Flac) is better suited, as Trou aux Biches faces northwest.

FAQ: Trou aux Biches beach

Is Trou aux Biches beach public? Yes, all beaches in Mauritius are legally public and freely accessible to everyone, including in front of private hotels. The strip of sand is accessible from the public access points along the coastal road.

Are there jellyfish at Trou aux Biches? Jellyfish occasionally appear, particularly between March and May. Ask your accommodation or locals about the day’s conditions before entering the water.

Can you snorkel directly from the beach? Yes, snorkeling is possible directly from the shore, particularly towards the ends of the beach where coral is present. The center of the beach is sandier and less interesting for snorkeling.

Is there a restaurant on the beach? There’s no restaurant directly on the sand, but several establishments with terraces overlooking the beach are just a few meters away. Vendors sell snacks and drinks on weekends.

Is Trou aux Biches suitable for people with disabilities? Access to the beach is relatively easy from the road, but there are no specific facilities for people with reduced mobility. Entry into the water is gentle and gradual.

What’s the difference between Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy? The two beaches are a few kilometers apart. Trou aux Biches is slightly more touristy with more hotels along it, while Mont Choisy keeps a more local atmosphere and offers a bigger, more spacious setting.

How much time should I plan for Trou aux Biches? Half a day is enough to enjoy swimming and snorkeling, but the beach also lends itself very well to a full day thanks to its natural shade, nearby restaurants and length, which lets you move around depending on the crowds.

Can you rent snorkeling gear on site? There’s no rental directly on Trou aux Biches beach. A few shops exist in Grand Baie, 10 minutes away by car. It’s simpler to bring your own mask and snorkel, especially for a particular face size.

Trou aux Biches marine life: a world to explore

The Trou aux Biches lagoon is biologically richer than it first appears. Here’s an overview of what snorkelers and divers can expect to discover in these waters:

Sulphur damselfish (Pomacentrus sulfureus) are the lagoon’s ever-present sentinels. These small, bright blue fish with yellow tails fiercely defend a territory of a few dozen square centimeters on the reef — their carefully tended “algae garden.” Their territorial behavior (they’ll swim at you if you get too close) is fun to watch.

Clownfish (Amphiprion sp.) hide among the sea anemones. The image is familiar thanks to a famous animated film, but watching a clownfish in its anemone in the wild in the Mauritian lagoon remains a magical moment. The anemones at Trou aux Biches mainly host Amphiprion chrysogaster, a species endemic to Mauritius.

Fire corals (Millepora alcicornis) should be avoided at all costs — they look like ordinary coral but cause intense burns on contact. They can be recognized by their yellowish tips and a texture resembling calcareous lace.

Hermit crabs (Pagurus sp.) wander the seabed in their borrowed shells. Starfish (Fromia monilis, with small orange spots) can be spotted in the sandy areas.

Trou aux Biches through the seasons: what changes

Trou aux Biches is a beach that lives differently depending on the season, and understanding these variations will help you plan your visit.

From May to October (southern winter), it’s the dry season. The beach is at its best: constant blue sky, calm waters, maximum underwater visibility (15-20 meters in good weather), pleasant water temperature (22-24°C). The trade wind blows regularly, cooling the air without disturbing the lagoon. This is the high season for European tourists (July-August) but also the best time for diving and snorkeling.

From November to April (southern summer), it’s the hot, humid season. Temperatures climb to 30-32°C, humidity rises, and tropical showers (generally brief and dramatic) can occur. The sea is slightly warmer (26-28°C), which is ideal for children. Cyclones can theoretically affect the island between December and April, though direct impacts remain rare.

The transition months (April-May and November) often combine the best of both seasons: the warm water of summer and the clear skies of early winter.

Period	Weather	Water	Crowds
May to October (southern winter)	Dry, refreshing trade wind	22-24°C, maximum visibility	High in July-August, quiet the rest of the time
November to April (southern summer)	Hot, humid, showers possible	26-28°C, warmer	High in December-January, Mauritian families on weekends
April-May and November	Transition	Pleasant	Moderate, good compromise

Trou aux Biches for families with very young children

Trou aux Biches lives up to its reputation as the best family beach in northern Mauritius, particularly for children under 6. Here’s why, in practical terms:

The ultra-shallow swimming area (20-50 cm), which extends 20-30 meters from the shore, lets toddlers paddle in complete safety. Parents can sit in the water with 6-month-old babies — the water is warm, calm and clean.

The fine, soft sand is ideal for sandcastles and games. The absence of pebbles, sharp shells or debris in the central swimming area makes walking barefoot completely safe.

The casuarinas create a generous shaded area for laying out a beach blanket for babies’ naps. No need to lug around a bulky parasol.

The relative quiet of the beach on weekdays (outside weekends) lets children play without being jostled by rushing adults. Boat speed inside the lagoon is limited, reducing risks linked to wake.

For more ideas on family-friendly activities in northern Mauritius, our complete guide to family activities in Mauritius is essential reading. For the beaches best suited to your children’s ages, our selection of best beaches for families compares all the options.

Combining Trou aux Biches with other attractions in the north

Trou aux Biches is often too good to spend just one day at. Many travelers make it their main base for exploring the whole north of the island. From Trou aux Biches, all the north’s attractions are within 10 to 30 minutes by car:

Grand Baie (10 min) for restaurants, nightlife and boat excursions. A catamaran cruise from the north coast is the flagship boat trip from this base.

Pereybere (7 min) for snorkeling and seafront restaurants.

Cap Malheureux (15 min) for photos of the red church and the view over Coin de Mire.

Mont Choisy (5 min to the south) for a large, spacious, local beach.

The Port Louis market (30 min) for a taste of the capital and its colorful markets.

To plan your stay in accommodation in this area, check our guide where to stay in Mauritius, which presents all the options in Trou aux Biches and its surroundings.