Ile des Deux Cocos | Blue Bay

Information

Landmark: Ile des Deux Cocos
City: Blue Bay
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Ile des Deux Cocos, Blue Bay, Mauritius, Africa

Ile des Deux Cocos is a private island resort and nature reserve located within the Blue Bay Marine Park, off the southeast coast of Mauritius. It is managed by LUX* Resorts & Hotels and is primarily used for day-trip excursions.

Visual Characteristics

The island is characterized by white sandy beaches, a turquoise lagoon, and a dense interior of endemic forest and palm groves. The northern side is protected by the reef, creating calm shallows, while the southern side faces the open ocean with rugged coral cliffs. The architectural centerpiece is a 1920s colonial villa, built with traditional Mauritian timber and stone, featuring Moorish and British architectural influences.

Location & Access Logistics

The island is situated approximately 1 kilometer south of Blue Bay Public Beach. Access is exclusively via boat. Scheduled shuttle boats depart from the Blue Bay jetty for guests with pre-booked day passes or overnight stays. The journey from the mainland takes approximately 10 minutes. The nearest land-based transport hub is Mahebourg, located 12 kilometers away.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The villa on the island was originally commissioned by Sir Hesketh Bell, a British Governor of Mauritius, as a private retreat. Ecologically, the island is part of the Blue Bay Marine Park ecosystem. It serves as a sanctuary for indigenous flora and fauna, including coastal shrubs and occasional sightings of nesting sea turtles. The surrounding waters contain some of the best-preserved coral structures in Mauritius, including massive brain corals.

Key Highlights & Activities

Snorkeling: The waters surrounding the island are a primary zone for observing the marine park’s biodiversity.

Villa Tours: Guided tours of the historic colonial residence are available to visitors.

Leisure: Day packages include buffet lunches, open bars, and access to private beach loungers.

Nature Walks: Trails through the island's interior allow for observation of local bird species and endemic vegetation.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Infrastructure includes the main historic villa, a boutique, a restaurant, and bar facilities. There are high-standard restroom and changing facilities for day guests. 4G/5G cellular signals are generally available but can be intermittent in the dense forest interior. Shade is abundant under the colonial verandas and the indigenous tree canopy.

Best Time to Visit

The island is accessible year-round. For optimal snorkeling visibility, the months of October through December are recommended. During the winter months (June to August), the southern side of the island can be windy due to the southeast trade winds. Day trips typically operate from 10:00 to 16:00.

Facts & Legends

Sir Hesketh Bell reportedly named the island "Ile des Deux Cocos" (Island of Two Coconuts) because, at the time of his first visit, only two coconut trees were visible on the islet. The villa remains one of the few examples of colonial "pleasure houses" preserved in its original state on a private Mauritian islet.