|

7 best eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius: Sustainable scuba vacation

ByEcoOceanEscapes

Looking for eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius for your next dive vacation? Discover 7 highly-rated properties that are making sustainability a priority.

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar, Mauritius is a spectacular volcanic island. It’s renowned for its sapphire waters and powdery white beaches – it really is a dream!

Underwater, Mauritius boasts a diversity of marine ecosystems, making it an incredibly popular dive destination.

The fringing reef that encircles Mauritius creates a series of sheltered lagoons (some stretching for several kilometres). Here, you can get up close to colourful corals and an incredible array of tropical fish.

Not only that, but there are fascinating wrecks, caves and crevices to explore – Mauritius really is one of Africa’s best scuba diving destinations. 

If you can drag yourself away from the idyllic coastline, you’ll discover a mountainous interior. There are countless hiking trails and colonial plantation houses to explore. Dotting the landscape are several peaceful villages where you can experience the “real” Mauritius.

Added to that, the island is fast becoming a top culinary destination, with a cuisine that blends African, Indian and French influences. 

When it comes to planning a sustainable scuba vacation in Mauritius, you don’t have to look far.

The island boasts plenty of hotels and resorts that are leading the way when it comes to eco-tourism. These range from adults-only retreats to family-friendly properties offering all-inclusive stays. 

In this article, we’ll highlight 7 of the best eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius, focused on each of the island’s three main diving areas. In each destination, you’ll be able to find PADI and SSI dive shops offering daily scuba trips and certification courses for those looking to take their first steps or up-skill. 

Looking for other Indian Ocean destinations for a dive vacation? Check out our scuba guides to the Maldives, Seychelles and Madagascar.

An aerial view of a reef along a dramatic coastline in Mauritius
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Mauritius: An aerial view of a reef along a dramatic coastline in Mauritius

This article contains affiliate links, which means when you make a purchase through that link, we earn a small commission. Affiliate links come at no cost to you and ensure our content remains free!

North Mauritius

The north of Mauritius offers some excllent diving opportunities, with numerous shipwrecks that have transformed into artificial reefs.

Particularly notable for their exceptional visibility are the areas around Gunners Coin, Round Island and Serpent Island. On scuba trips here, there’s the opportunity to see everything from sharks to shoals of barracuda.

Also worth mentioning are the dive sites around Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches, where you can encounter sea turtles and titan triggerfish. When it comes to wrecks, highlights include the Stella Maru and Djabeda. 

Eco-friendly places to stay in north Mauritius

LUX* Grand Baie

Best luxury eco-friendly resort in Mauritius

With its absolute beachfront setting, LUX* Grand Baie is one of the most luxurious resorts in Mauritius. If you’re planning on diving in the country’s north, this is the place to stay.

Aside from its sumptuous suites, one of the property’s standout features is the Keen on Green initiative. Its restaurants serve a creative selection of vegan, vegetarian and raw dishes, all prepared with locally sourced, sustainably produced ingredients.

The entire property is LED-lit and outfitted with a Smart Switching Energy Management system that optimises air conditioning and energy use.

It’s easy to see why LUX* Grand Baie has established a reputation as one of the best sustainable hotels in Mauritius.

“A fabulous hotel – beautiful location, spotlessly clean and luxurious.” – Sara (read more reviews here)

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
A sophisticated dining space at LUX* Grand Baie, one of the best eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius
A sophisticated dining space at LUX* Grand Baie, one of the best eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius (photo courtesy of Expedia)

Salt of Palmar

Best adults-only eco-hotel in Mauritius

This apricot-coloured hotel on the northeast coast of Mauritius is unique, to say the least. It’s one of the best places to stay for divers who want to give back during their scuba vacation.

Prior to arrival, guests are asked if there are any skills they want to share with the community through Salt of Palmar’s innovative “Swap Skill” program.

Aside from its community-focused initiatives, this eco-friendly Mauritius resort has addressed sustainability in almost every detail. It grows most of its produce on-site and bottles an array of homemade goods like kombucha and pickles to reduce waste.

The spacious rooms at Salt of Palmar feature organic toiletries and compostable packaging is used throughout the resort to reduce plastic waste. 

“One of the best hotel experiences we have ever had!! The quiet and romantic atmosphere was exactly what we were looking for.” – Munusami (read more reviews here)

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
A bird's eye view of Salt of Palmar - one of the best eco-resorts in Mauritius
A bird’s eye view of Salt of Palmar – one of the best eco-resorts in Mauritius (photo courtesy of Expedia)

West Mauritius

We can’t talk about diving in the west of Mauritius without mentioning the inquisitive dolphins that frequently appear to display their acrobatics. The coral sites along this coastline are also particularly colourful.

If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of migratory humpback whales, which can sometimes be seen breaching nearby.

Experienced divers can explore the area’s numerous caves and arches, which provide a sheltered space for fish and moral eels.

Near Flic-en-Flac Beach, sites like the “Cathedral” and “Rampart Serpent” offer unforgettable dive experiences. Meanwhile, captivating wrecks (including Tug II and Kei Sei 113) litter the sea floor.

Eco-friendly places to stay in west Mauritius

Sands Suites Resort & Spa

Best eco-friendly boutique resort in Mauritius

Offering incredible views over Flic-en-Flac Beach, this eco-friendly resort in Mauritius has recently earned its Green Globe certification.

Aside from growing its own organic spices and using biodegradable cleaning products, Sands Suites is compositing all organic waste and implementing LED lighting across the resort.

With its spacious suites, indulgent spa and absolute beachfront setting, it’s definitely one of the best eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius. 

“It was beautiful and memorable. We had a phenomenal time.” – Wanja (read more reviews here)

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
An elegant room at the Sand Suites Resort & Spa in Mauritius
An elegant room at the Sand Suites Resort & Spa in Mauritius (photo courtesy of Expedia)

La Pirogue

Best sustainable beachfront hotel in Mauritius

This luxurious four-star hotel overlooks a blissful beach on the island’s west coast. It features 248 thatched-roof cottages that ooze Mauritian charm and boast all the amenities of a 5-star stay. Highlights include the sprawling pool and gourmet dining establishments. 

In 2023, La Pirogue was voted the Best Sustainable Hotel in Mauritius (by the Mauritius Tourism Authority). This reflects its ongoing commitment to environmental issues and addressing the effects of tourism on climate change.

Additionally, La Pirogue has taken significant steps to engage with local communities, ensuring they reap the benefits of tourism in the area.

“Blissful time at a great beach with lovely views.” – Jacek (read more reviews here)

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
The spectacular beachside setting of La Pirogue, an award-winning eco-resort in Mauritius
The spectacular beachside setting of La Pirogue, an award-winning eco-resort in Mauritius (photo courtesy of Expedia)

Southeast Mauritius

The underwater landscape of Mauritius’ southeast is notable for its network of “passes”. These narrow channels and waterways provide access to the open ocean beyond the protective coral reefs.

The most famous of these is Belle Mare Pass, which is renowned among divers for its sheer abundance and diversity of marine life.

Nearby, the waters around Mahebourg offer a dramatically different experience, with swim-throughs and hidden crevices to explore.

Perhaps the crown jewel of this region is the wreck of a historic British frigate “Sirius”, which was sunk during a naval battle with the French in 1810. 

Eco-friendly places to stay in south Mauritius

Bubble Lodge Bois Cheri

Best eco-friendly hotel in Mauritius for nature lovers 

While it might not be on the coast, this Mauritius eco-lodge is definitely worth a stay. Its highly unique transparent domes are set within an emerald tea plantation.

By day, you can go hiking or just reconnect with the natural world. After dark, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the stars above from the comfort of your bed.

Bubble Lodge Bois Cheri was designed with the environment at the forefront, thanks to the vision of French designer Pierre Stephanie Dumas.

Every aspect, from the materials used to the energy-efficient systems in place, was carefully considered to ensure an incredibly low environmental impact. The result is one of the best eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius.

“Glamorous glamping experience in the jungle.” – Klara (read more reviews here)

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
One of the unique accommodations at the eco-friendly Bubble Lodge Bois Cheri
One of the unique accommodations at the eco-friendly Bubble Lodge Bois Cheri (photo courtesy of Expedia)

Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort

Best all-inclusive eco-friendly hotel in Mauritius

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive stay, this luxury resort on the south coast of Mauritius ticks all the right boxes.

After checking in, it feels like a “choose your own adventure” experience. There’s everything from snorkelling to sunset cruises and yoga classes on offer.

Heritage Awali’s dedication to sustainable practices has earned it the prestigious Green Key Label, making it one of the most eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius.

Not only has it installed a state-of-the-art water bottling plant and reduced plastic consumption. It also partners with a local NGO to conserve the surrounding reef. 

“Everything was perfect and there were many activities to do.” – Pearl (read more reviews here)

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
A bird's eye view of the Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, an eco-friendly hotel in Mauritius
A bird’s eye view of the Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, an eco-friendly hotel in Mauritius (photo courtesy of Expedia)

Best time to dive in Mauritius

The warm, tropical climate of Mauritius allows for year-round diving, with water temperatures sometimes reaching 29°C. The best time to dive is during the peak season from October to April.

During these summer months, the visibility is usually excellent and the warm waters lure an abundance of marine life. The winter months in Mauritius can bring slightly rougher seas and reduced visibility.

Palm trees line a beach at an eco-friendly resort in Mauritius
Palm trees line a beach at an eco-friendly resort in Mauritius

FAQs about diving in Mauritius

Does Mauritius have good scuba diving?

Diving in Mauritius is outstanding, with an abundance of coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life. The island is virtually surrounded by colorful coral formations and there are over 100 unique sites for divers to discover.

Depths range from a relatively shallow 7 metres all the way down to 45 metres. This ensures there are opportunities for divers of all skill levels.

On the island’s southern coastline is Blue Bay Marine Park. Here, you’ll find an abundance of staghorn and cabbage corals inhabited by schools of damselfish, butterflyfish and angelfish.

For those seeking a more adrenalin-pumping experience, the drift diving off Pass St. Jacques is renowned for its strong currents that draw in grey and whitetip reef sharks and bull sharks.

While the southern sites may be more well-known, the diving in northern Mauritius remains less discovered. Here, you can explore shipwrecks blanketed in soft corals and come face-to-face with reef sharks, turtles and playful dolphins. The dive sites around Trou Aux Biches and Grande Baie are particularly memorable. 

When is the diving season in Mauritius?

Mauritius is a year-round diving destination, with the island enjoying excellent diving conditions throughout the calendar year. Depending on the specific marine life and underwater environments you’re hoping to experience, different times of the year offer unique advantages. 

The summer months between October and April/May are particularly appealing, as the waters are at their warmest, ranging from 27 to 28 degrees Celsius. What’s more, the currents are minimal and the visibility often extends up to 30 metres or more.

During the winter period (from May through September), the water temperatures drop slightly to around 25 degrees Celsius. This draws in a new array of marine life.

Most notably, this is the prime season for witnessing the humpback whale migration. Peak breeding activity is typically observed in August.

Divers may also have the chance to spot more pelagic species that are drawn in by the seasonal currents.

How much experience do you need to dive in Mauritius?

When it comes to diving in Mauritius, the amount of experience required varies depending on the specific site and the type of diving you want to undertake.

For those new to the sport, there are several beginner-friendly dive sites around Mauritius. These have little-to-no current and a lot to see at relatively shallow depths.

Many of the island’s dive operators offer entry-level certification courses. These teach the fundamental skills and safety protocols for scuba diving, all under the supervision of highly experienced instructors. 

If you want to explore some of Mauritius’ deep shipwrecks or current-swept sites, then more experience is highly advised. Divers with advanced open-water certifications and a significant number of logged dives will be better equipped to access the island’s more challenging deep dives.

Where are the best places to dive in Mauritius?

While the west coast of Mauritius offers some decent diving spots, the best sites are generally found in the north and east.

A highlight is undoubtedly Coin de Mire. It usually offers excellent visibility around its dramatic walls and wrecks, as well as attracting some large pelagic species.

Macro-rich Trou-aux-Biches is renowned for its healthy populations of morays, peacock mantis shrimp and schools of small striped eel catfish. Meanwhile, Tamarin Bay offers the chance to snorkel alongside wild spinner dolphins.

Aptly named Shark Pit, with its strong currents and rough seas, attracts bull sharks, grey reef sharks and silvertip reef sharks.

PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH OUR FAVOURITE RESOURCES:

Find hotels and resorts via Booking or Agoda

Book tours and experiences via Viator or GetYourGuide

Find a rental car via Discover Cars

Book flights via Kiwi or Booking

Search for buses and trains via 12Go or Omio

Get travel insurance via SafetyWing

Buy a digital eSIM with Airalo

By purchasing through our links, you’ll be supporting our website at no additional cost to you

About the authors

We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.

Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.  

Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans. 

Similar Posts