Belle Mare Plage | Belle Mare

Information

Landmark: Belle Mare Plage
City: Belle Mare
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Belle Mare Plage, Belle Mare, Mauritius, Africa

Belle Mare Plage is a 5-kilometer stretch of white sand beach located on the eastern coast of Mauritius in the Flacq district. It is bordered by a wide, shallow turquoise lagoon protected by a continuous coral reef approximately 400 to 600 meters offshore.

Visual Characteristics

The beach consists of fine-grained white coral sand and a wide, flat coastal strip. The lagoon is characterized by clear, shallow water with a sandy floor and occasional seagrass patches. The shoreline is densely lined with Casuarina (Filao) trees, providing a consistent natural shade canopy. Beyond the trees, the landscape is flat, dominated by upscale resort properties and several public access points.

Location & Access Logistics

The beach is situated along the Coastal Road (B59) between the villages of Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce.

Driving: From the capital, Port Louis, the drive is approximately 45 kilometers via the B23 and B15 roads. Ample free public parking is available at the Belle Mare Public Beach site.

Public Transport: Bus route 51 (from Flacq) and Route 226 (from Rivière du Rempart) serve the coastal road with stops at the public beach entrance.

Access: The beach is public and accessible 24 hours a day, though swimming is safest during daylight hours.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The name "Belle Mare" translates to "Beautiful Pond" or "Beautiful Marsh," likely referring to the natural water catchments found inland. Geologically, the area is part of a low-lying calcarenite and basaltic plain. The lagoon ecosystem is a vital habitat for various reef fish and mollusks, though it is sensitive to the strong trade winds that characterize the eastern coast of the island.

Key Highlights & Activities

Swimming and snorkeling are primary activities due to the calm, shallow lagoon. The beach is a major hub for water sports, including windsurfing, parasailing, and glass-bottom boat tours. A 2-kilometer coastal path is frequently used for jogging and walking. During the winter months (June to August), the consistent easterly winds make the beach a preferred location for kiteboarding.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The public beach section features a dedicated police post, public restrooms, and outdoor showers. There is consistent 4G/5G cellular coverage. Numerous mobile food vendors operate in the parking area, selling local street food, fruits, and refreshments. While the beach itself is flat and accessible, there are no dedicated paved ramps extending onto the sand for wheelchairs.

Best Time to Visit

The beach is best visited in the morning (08:00–11:00) when wind speeds are generally lower. For photography, sunrise is the optimal time as the beach faces directly east. The summer months (November to April) provide the warmest water temperatures, while the winter months are characterized by stronger breezes and cooler air.

Facts & Legends

Belle Mare is noted for having one of the widest lagoons on the island, which historical records suggest was once used as a sheltered anchorage for small colonial vessels avoiding the rougher seas of the Flacq pass. A specific tip for visitors is that the southern end of the beach, near the pass, has stronger currents; swimming is recommended in the central public zones where the water is significantly calmer.