Trou aux Biches Beach runs for roughly two kilometres along Mauritius's north coast, in the Pamplemousses district, near coordinates 20°03′S 57°33′E. Its fine white sand is shaded by casuarina (filao) trees, and a calm lagoon — protected by a coral reef around 50 metres offshore — forms a natural, shallow turquoise pool, one of the reasons this is one of the island's most-visited beaches.
The name Trou-aux-Biches already appears on the map drawn by Barthélemy Lislet-Geoffroy in 1807, during French colonial rule — evidence that the fishing settlement behind today's town already existed in the 19th century. Tourism arrived much later: the area's first major hotel opened in 1971, three years after Mauritius's 1968 independence. The village still keeps a more low-key, authentic feel than nearby Grand Baie, with small shops, supermarkets and restaurants along the B38 road. In 2011, the World Travel Awards named the beach "World's Leading Beach Destination."
Thanks to its shallow lagoon and the reef that breaks the swell, Trou aux Biches is commonly recommended for families with young children — the same reef lets snorkellers spot tropical fish just metres from the sand. The beach is also popular in late afternoon, when the sun sets over the lagoon, and the constant shade from the casuarina trees makes it comfortable for a full day out.
The waters off Trou aux Biches hold some of northern Mauritius's most sought-after dive sites, with a dive centre operating out of the Trou aux Biches Beachcomber hotel. The Stella Maru wreck (17 to 25 metres deep) and the twin wrecks Emily and Waterlilly (around 25 metres) draw more experienced divers, while the site known as Lost Anchor descends to 24-30 metres. Commonly spotted species include sea turtles, stonefish, scorpionfish, globefish and lobsters. Diving conditions are best from October to April; cyclone risk runs January-February, and conditions tend to be less favourable from May to September.
Public beach access is next to the village's only traffic light, opposite the police station, where a small free public car park is available — arrive early, as space is limited. The area is roughly a 1h15 drive from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, on the island's southeastern coast, and a public bus service also connects the area to the airport and the rest of the island. A few minutes inland stands the Maheswarnath Mandir, described as the island's largest Hindu temple, established in 1888. For another beach on the island, Flic en Flac Beach, on Mauritius's west coast, lies about 33km away — worth setting aside a separate day to visit. More on the wider area is available on the Mauritius region page.
Yes — the lagoon is shallow and protected by a coral reef around 50 metres offshore, which cuts down the swell and makes this one of Mauritius's most popular beaches for families with young children.
There's a small free public car park near the village's only traffic light, opposite the police station. Arrive early, as space is limited.
Conditions are best from October to April. Cyclone risk runs January-February, and diving conditions tend to be less favourable from May to September.
A few minutes inland stands the Maheswarnath Mandir, described as the island's largest Hindu temple, established in 1888.
Real historical monthly sea temperature averages.
