Trou aux Biches: green turtles and a former fishing village

Photo: the shallow lagoon and white sand of the north coast of Mauritius

Plan your snorkelling day: calm waters, green turtles and white sand make Trou aux Biches Beach a must-visit destination in northern Mauritius.

◆ Trou aux Biches at a glance

  • Location: north-west Mauritius, between Pointe aux Piments and Mont Choisy.
  • Beach: 2 km of white sand, shaded by casuarina trees and coconut palms.
  • Lagoon: calm and shallow, less than 2 metres deep near the shore.
  • Water temperature: between 26°C and 29°C depending on the season.
  • Main activities: snorkelling, diving, turtle watching, sunset viewing.
  • From the airport: around 65 km, or a little over an hour by car.

Looking for the perfect place to lay down your beach towel in northern Mauritius? Trou aux Biches Beach has everything you could want: 2 kilometres of white sand, a shallow lagoon and warm waters all year round. This former fishing village appeals to families as well as snorkelling enthusiasts, who can spot tropical fish and green turtles in the lagoon. Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit, choose your activities and make the most of this must-see destination on the north coast during your stay at our 5-star Legend Hill residence.

Trou aux Biches, a former fishing village in the north

Trou aux Biches Beach lies on the north-west coast of Mauritius, halfway between Pointe aux Piments and Mont Choisy. This former fishing village has become one of the country’s most popular beaches.

Stretching for nearly 2 kilometres of white sand, the coastline is shaded by casuarina trees and coconut palms, overlooking a remarkably calm turquoise lagoon. The water remains shallow for the first few metres, making it reassuring for families with young children. Along the beach, you will find restaurants, bars and ice-cream vendors where you can take a break in the shade. This lively yet laid-back atmosphere explains why so many travellers place Trou aux Biches at the top of their list of Mauritius’ best beaches.

Pirogue traditionnelle échouée sur le sable blanc et coraux au bord de l’eau, sur une plage du nord de l’île Maurice

Snorkelling and marine life in the Trou aux Biches lagoon

The Trou aux Biches lagoon is considered one of the best snorkelling spots in northern Mauritius. Shallow, often less than 2 metres deep near the shore, it is suitable for beginners and experienced swimmers alike. With water temperatures ranging from 26°C to 29°C depending on the season, you can comfortably spend plenty of time exploring with your mask on. The early morning, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., offers the calmest water and best visibility.

Several species can easily be spotted just a few metres from the shore:

  • Butterflyfish and angelfish swim around the coral formations.
  • Surgeonfish move in schools through the lagoon’s seagrass beds.
  • Green turtles frequent the area, particularly early in the morning between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.
◆ Our concierge team’s tip

To maximise your chances of spotting a green turtle, arrive at Trou aux Biches Beach first thing in the morning, before it gets busy. Bring your own mask and fins to save time, then stay in the area north of the wooden jetty, where the coral formations attract the greatest variety of tropical fish.

— Kareena Seecharan, Concierge Officer, Legend Hill

What to do in Trou aux Biches and the surrounding area?

Beyond swimming, Trou aux Biches is a great starting point for numerous water activities and coastal excursions in northern Mauritius.

Diving and boat trips

Diving is one of the main activities in Trou aux Biches. Several diving centres offer trips to shipwrecks, coral gardens and areas where dolphins and parrotfish can be found. By boat, you can reach deeper dive sites within minutes, suitable for both beginners and certified divers. Early-morning excursions also increase your chances of spotting dolphins offshore.

Sunsets and a walk towards Mont Choisy

The sunsets at Trou aux Biches are among the most photographed in northern Mauritius, particularly from the wooden jetty extending into the lagoon. Just a few minutes away by car, Mont Choisy Beach stretches for 3 kilometres of white sand and is perfect for a peaceful long walk during the week. A little further north, Pereybère adds another family-friendly beach to the walk. Together, these spots make the perfect way to end the day by the sea.

Discover Trou aux Biches from Legend Hill

Our property, Legend Hill, is located in Rivière Noire, on the west coast of Mauritius. A day trip to Trou aux Biches, in the north, is therefore best planned as a full excursion. Our private concierge team can arrange your transport and create a tailor-made itinerary: snorkelling in the morning, a feet-in-the-sand lunch, followed by a treatment at the Cinq Mondes spa. A member of the Phoenix Hotel Collection, our 5-star property offers panoramic views over the lagoon, as well as a restaurant menu created by chef Glenn Viel.

◆ A word from our concierge team

The most beautiful mornings at Trou aux Biches start early, when the lagoon is still calm and the light is soft.

— Dinesh Doorbeejan, Head Concierge, Legend Hill

Dreaming of combining snorkelling in the north with a sunset on the west coast? Let the Legend Hill concierge team create your tailor-made stay and make Trou aux Biches one of the highlights of your trip to Mauritius.

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Questions fréquentes

Where is Trou aux Biches located in Mauritius? +
Trou aux Biches is located on the north-west coast of Mauritius, halfway between Pointe aux Piments and Mont Choisy. This northern beach can be reached in a little over an hour by car from the international airport in the south-east of the island.
Can you snorkel directly from Trou aux Biches Beach? +
Yes, you can snorkel directly from Trou aux Biches Beach. The shallow lagoon, often less than 2 metres deep near the shore, is home to tropical fish and coral formations just a few metres from the beach, making it particularly suitable for beginners and families.
Are there turtles at Trou aux Biches? +
Yes, green turtles regularly visit the Trou aux Biches lagoon. Your chances of spotting them are highest early in the morning, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., when the water is calm, particularly in the area north of the wooden jetty.
How long does it take to reach Trou aux Biches from the airport? +
Allow a little over an hour by car to reach Trou aux Biches from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, in the south-east of Mauritius. The distance is around 65 kilometres, crossing the island from the south-east to the north-west.
What is the best time of day to swim at Trou aux Biches? +
The morning is the best time to swim at Trou aux Biches. Between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. the lagoon is at its calmest and visibility at its best, before the breeze picks up and the beach fills. It is also when green turtles come closest to the shore.

Sources & méthode

  1. Mauritius Now, the Mauritian tourism board — the beach, the lagoon and the local diving centres. mauritiusnow.com
  2. Snorkeling Report — the Trou aux Biches snorkelling spot, depth and lagoon wildlife. snorkeling-report.com
  3. Tropicalement Vôtre — Trou aux Biches beach and the surrounding area. tropicalement-votre.com

Method: the location of the beach, the length of the sand, the depth of the lagoon and the species you can expect to see were cross-checked between the Mauritian tourism board, the Snorkeling Report spot guide and the guide listed above; the distance from the airport was recalculated on the actual route, and everything was supplemented by the Legend Hill team's own visits, verified in August 2026. Visibility in the lagoon and the presence of turtles vary with the tide and the season.

KS

Kareena Seecharan

Concierge Officer

As Concierge Officer at Legend Hill, Kareena Seecharan looks after guests from arrival to departure and coordinates the services that shape a stay. Trained at the Sir Gaëtan Duval Hotel School, where she earned a National Certificate Level 3 in Front Office and then the Train the Trainer certification in 2025, she knows the west coast inside out. Her recommendations feed our guide to things to do in Mauritius.

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