Blue Bay | Mauritius

Blue Bay serves as a primary maritime conservation and leisure hub in the Grand Port District on the southeastern coast. It functions as the island's premier site for coral reef preservation, housing the nation's most significant marine park and serving as a critical gateway for boat transit to the southeastern islets.

Historical Timeline

The area remained an undeveloped coastal stretch until the mid-20th century, utilized primarily by residents of Mahebourg. In 1997, the bay was designated a Marine Park under the Fisheries and Marine Resources Act, and in 2008, it was recognized as a Ramsar site of international importance. The primary event shaping the current urban form was the 2000s expansion of the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, which catalyzed the development of high-end residential villas and transit hotels in the immediate periphery.

Demographics & Population

The permanent population is approximately 700 residents, though this increases to several thousand during peak tourist seasons and weekends. The demographic is composed of 65% Indo-Mauritian, 25% Creole, and 10% European expatriates. The median age is 38 years.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

The village is organized in a semi-circle around the public beach and lagoon. Key districts include the Marine Park Zone (Center), the primary area for glass-bottom boat departures; Pointe d'Esny (Northwest), a high-end residential strip with luxury holiday rentals; and the Airport Corridor (West), containing logistics and transit infrastructure.

Top City Landmarks

Blue Bay Marine Park

Blue Bay Public Beach

Île des Deux Cocos

Pointe d'Esny Beach

Shandrani Peninsula

Transportation Network

Movement is facilitated by the B12 coastal road. Reliable bus services connect Blue Bay to the Mahebourg transport hub every 30 minutes. The Metro Express does not serve this region. Ride-sharing via the Yugo app is available but wait times vary. Official taxis are white with yellow markings, concentrated at the main public beach parking lot. Traffic is light during the week but peaks on Sundays due to local beach-goers.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The safety level is high. Avoid unlit sections of the Pointe d'Esny coastal road after dark. Common scams involve unlicensed "boat skippers" offering glass-bottom tours at the beach; verify that operators possess a valid "Pleasure Craft" license and insurance.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average internet speed is 30-50 Mbps. Main carriers are my.t and Emtel. Card acceptance is high in hotels and established restaurants; cash (MUR) is required for boat excursions and local food stalls. There are no ATMs in Blue Bay village; the nearest facilities are located at the airport (3 km) or in Mahebourg (5 km).

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from 17°C to 25°C in winter and 22°C to 31°C in summer. The area is heavily influenced by the southeast trade winds, providing constant ventilation. Air quality is exceptional, though noise pollution is higher than other coastal areas due to the proximity of the international airport flight path.

Culture & Social Norms

A 10% tip is standard in restaurants. Handshakes are the common greeting. Dress code is casual, but swimwear is restricted to the beach and resort areas; walking in the village streets in bikinis or trunks is considered socially inappropriate. Smoking is prohibited within the Marine Park boat excursion limits.

Accommodation Zones

Stay in Pointe d'Esny for luxury beachfront apartments and the island's best swimming lagoon.

Stay near Blue Bay Public Beach for immediate access to snorkeling and boat departures.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: 110 MUR ($2.40 USD)

1 Standard Lunch (Beach Shack): 250-400 MUR ($5.50 - $8.75 USD)

1 Bus Ticket: 30 MUR ($0.65 USD)

Nearby Day Trips

Mahebourg Waterfront: 5 km (10 minutes)

Île aux Aigrettes: 3 km (15 minutes by boat)

Le Souffleur: 18 km (35 minutes)

Valley of Ferney: 10 km (20 minutes)

Facts & Legends

Blue Bay Marine Park contains over 50 different species of coral, some of which are over 800 years old. Local legend claims that the "Blue" in the bay's name refers to a specific shade of cobalt water that can only be seen during a full moon, while a verified historical oddity is that the lagoon's depth and clarity made it a strategic site for seaplane landings during the early 20th century.