Trou aux Biches Beach | Trou aux Biches

Trou aux Biches Beach is a 2-kilometer stretch of coastline located in the Pamplemousses district of northwest Mauritius. It is widely regarded as one of the premier beaches for swimming and snorkeling due to its sheltered position and the proximity of the coral reef to the shore.

Visual Characteristics

The beach is composed of very fine, powdery white sand and a shallow, calm lagoon. The water is exceptionally clear with a light turquoise hue. Unlike the south or east coasts, the lagoon here is mostly free of large basalt rocks. The shoreline is lined with a dense concentration of coconut palms and Filao trees, providing significant natural shade. The ocean floor remains sandy for a considerable distance, making it ideal for wading.

Location & Access Logistics

Trou aux Biches is situated between the villages of Pointe aux Piments (South) and Mont Choisy (North).

Driving: Approximately 20 minutes (12km) from Grand Baie and 30 minutes (20km) from Port Louis. A public parking area is located near the police station and the primary public beach entrance.

Public Transport: Bus route 82 (Quatre Bornes to Rivière du Rempart) and Route 215 (Grand Baie) serve the area with frequent stops along the main coastal road.

Access: The beach is public; however, much of the beachfront is occupied by upscale resorts. Public access points are clearly marked, and the entire sandy strip remains public property up to the high-water mark.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The name "Trou aux Biches" likely translates to "The Does' Watering Hole," suggesting that deer once frequented the natural water springs in the area. Geologically, the beach is protected by the northwestern shelf, which minimizes the impact of the prevailing southeasterly trade winds. The coral reef here is healthy and located within 250 meters of the shore, supporting a high biodiversity of marine life.

Key Highlights & Activities

Snorkeling: Accessible directly from the shore. The reef is home to parrotfish, trumpetfish, and occasionally sea turtles.

Diving: The area is a hub for scuba diving, with several world-class wreck sites (such as the Stella Maru) located just outside the reef.

Water Sports: Popular for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat trips due to the flat water surface.

Sunset: Because it faces west, the beach is a primary location for observing the sunset over the horizon.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The public section is well-developed for visitors.

Facilities: Includes a police post, public restrooms, and outdoor showers.

Dining: Numerous "tabagies" and mobile food vans offer local cuisine. High-end beachfront restaurants are accessible via the adjacent resorts.

Connectivity: 5G cellular coverage is excellent.

Accessibility: The main entrance is flat and paved, though there are no specialized beach wheelchairs provided.

Best Time to Visit

The beach is best visited in the early morning (08:00–10:00) to secure a spot under the trees and enjoy the calmest water. It is a preferred destination during the winter months (June to August) because the northwest coast remains warmer and less windy than the rest of the island.

Facts & Legends

A local maritime fact is that the water clarity at Trou aux Biches is among the highest on the island, often exceeding 20 meters of visibility outside the reef. While there are no prominent legends, the beach is historically noted for its transformation from a quiet fishing village into one of the island's first major tourism hubs in the 1970s.

Nearby Landmarks

Maheshwarnath Mandir (Triolet): 2.5km East

Mont Choisy Public Beach: 3.5km North

Mauritius Aquarium: 3.0km South

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden: 11km Southeast

Grand Baie La Croisette: 10km Northeast