Surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar, Mauritius is a spectacular volcanic island that’s renowned for its sapphire waters and powdery white beaches. It's blessed with a diversity of marine ecosystems that are a delight for both novice and experienced divers alike.
The fringing reef that encircles Mauritius creates a series of sheltered lagoons (some stretching for several kilometres) where 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 - it really is one of Africa's best diving destinations.
If you can drag yourself away from the idyllic coastline, you'll discover a mountainous interior offering countless hiking trails and colonial plantation houses to explore, as well as tranquil 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, with the island boasting 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 some 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.
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North
The north of Mauritius offers some exceptional diving opportunities, with numerous shipwrecks that have transformed over the years into vibrant artificial reefs. The areas around Gunners Coin, Round Island and Serpent Island are particularly notable for their exceptional visibility, with 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
Best luxury eco-friendly resort in Mauritius
With its absolute beachfront setting, LUX* Grand Baie is one of the most luxurious resorts in Mauritius. Aside from its sumptuous suites, one of the property’s standout features is the Keen on Green initiative, which sees its restaurants serving up 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.
"A fabulous hotel - beautiful location, spotlessly clean and luxurious.” - Sara (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius
A sophisticated dining space at LUX* Grand Baie in Mauritius (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best adults-only eco-hotel in Mauritius
This apricot-coloured hotel on the northeast coast of Mauritius is unique in that guests are asked prior to arrival if there are any skills they want to share with the community through an innovative “Swap Skill” program. Aside from its community-focused initiatives, this eco-friendly Mauritius resort has addressed sustainability in almost every detail. SALT grows much of its own produce on-site and bottles an array of homemade goods like kombucha and pickles to reduce waste. Additionally, the spacious rooms 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)
Best eco-friendly 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
We can’t talk about diving in the west of Mauritius without mentioning the frequent appearances of inquisitive dolphins that often delight divers with their graceful acrobatics. The coral sites here are particularly colourful and (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. Several captivating wrecks litter the sea floor, including the Tug II and Kei Sei 113, while sites like the "Cathedral" and "Rampart Serpent" offer unforgettable dive experiences near Flic-en-Flac Beach.
Eco-friendly places to stay in west Mauritius
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 sustainable places to stay in Mauritius.
"It was beautiful and memorable. We had a phenomenal time.” - Wanja (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius
An elegant room at the Sand Suites Resort & Spa in Mauritius (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best sustainable beachfront hotel in Mauritius
This luxurious four-star hotel overlooks a blissful beach on the island’s west coast and was voted the Best Sustainable Hotel in Mauritius in 2023 by the Mauritius Tourism Authority. This reflects its ongoing commitment to environmental issues and addressing the effects of tourism on climate change, as well as the steps it has taken to engage with local communities. It features 248 thatched roof cottages that ooze Mauritian charm, as well as a sprawling pool and gourmet dining establishments.
"Blissful time at a great beach with lovely views.” - Jacek (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius
The spectacular beachside setting of La Pirogue in Mauritius (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Southeast
The underwater landscape of Mauritius’ southeast is notable for its network of "passes" - narrow channels and waterways that provide access to the open ocean beyond the protective coral reefs. The most notable of these is Belle Mare Pass, which is renowned among divers for the sheer abundance and diversity of marine life found in its waters. 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
Best eco-friendly hotel in Mauritius for nature lovers
While it might not be on the coast, this eco-lodge in Mauritius is definitely worth a stay, with its highly unique transparent domes set within an emerald tea plantation. By day, you can go hiking or just reconnect with the natural world, and at night, you’ll enjoy an unobstructed view 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.
"Glamorous glamping experience in the jungle.” - Klara (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly hotels in Mauritius
One of the unique accommodations at the Bubble Lodge Bois Cheri (photo courtesy of Expedia)
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, with 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 but it 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)
Best eco-friendly dive resorts in Mauritius
A bird's eye view of the Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best time to dive in Mauritius
The warm, tropical climate of Mauritius allows for year-round diving, with water temperatures often reaching 29°C during the peak season from November 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, as the ocean becomes more turbulent.
Eco-friendly resorts in Mauritius
FAQs about diving in Mauritius
Does Mauritius have good scuba diving?
Diving in Mauritius is remarkable, with an abundance of stunning coral reefs and vibrant marine life waiting to be explored. 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, ensuring there are thrilling opportunities for divers of all skill levels.
On the island's southern coastline, the renowned Blue Bay Marine Park is a particular highlight, with an abundance of staghorn and cabbage corals that provide a backdrop for 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 some of the ocean's most impressive apex predators, including 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 be surrounded by schools of kaleidoscopic fish, as well as 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 paradise, 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 can offer unique advantages.
The "summer" months between October and April/May are particularly appealing, as the waters during this period are pleasantly warm, typically ranging from 27 to 28 degrees Celsius. What's more, currents are minimal and the visibility often extends up to 30 metres or more.
On the other hand, the "winter" period from May through September may appeal to those seeking a different underwater adventure. While water temperatures do drop slightly to around 25 degrees Celsius, this cooler climate draws in a new array of marine life. Most notably, this is the prime season for witnessing the humpback whale migration, with peak breeding activity 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 can vary quite a bit depending on the specific site and the type of diving you wish to undertake. For those new to the sport, there are numerous beginner-friendly dive locations around Mauritius that are ideal, with 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 that 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 a higher level of certification and more experience is highly advised. Seasoned divers with advanced open-water certifications and a significant number of logged dives will be better equipped to access the more challenging dive sites around the island in a safe manner.
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, which 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 while Tamarin Bay offers the chance to snorkel alongside wild spinner dolphins. Aptly named Shark Pit, with its strong currents and rough seas, attracts advanced divers in search of bull sharks, grey reef sharks and silvertip reef sharks. Also a magnet for shark enthusiasts is Belle Mare on the island's eastern side.
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 highlighting 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.