East Mauritius Travel Guide
East Mauritius is one of the most beautiful and peaceful regions of the island. It is where you come for long white beaches, turquoise lagoons, luxury resorts, quiet villages, island cruises, golf courses, sunrise walks and some of the most iconic ocean experiences in Mauritius.
The east coast feels different from the north and west. It is less busy than Grand Baie, less sunset-focused than Flic en Flac, and more lagoon-based than the wild south. The beaches are wide, the hotels are spacious, the sea colours can be incredible, and the pace is slower.
As a local guide from Mauritius Explored, we recommend East Mauritius for travellers who want a relaxed coastal holiday with access to Île aux Cerfs, Belle Mare Beach, Trou d’Eau Douce, Grand River South East Waterfall, Palmar, Poste Lafayette, Bras d’Eau National Park, Anahita, Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Four Seasons, LUX Belle Mare*, One&Only Le Saint Géran and some of the island’s best catamaran cruises.
Why Visit East Mauritius?
East Mauritius is best for travellers who want a beautiful beach holiday without the constant buzz of the north. It is peaceful, scenic and very resort-friendly. Many of the island’s best luxury hotels are on or near the east coast, and several of the most famous Mauritius lagoon experiences depart from this side of the island.
The east is ideal for:
Couples and honeymooners & Families looking for spacious resorts
Luxury travellers & Golfers
Catamaran cruise lovers & Travellers visiting Île aux Cerfs
Beach lovers & Sunrise photographers
People who prefer quieter areas & Visitors who want lagoon, island and resort experiences
The east coast also covers many high-search Mauritius travel topics, including Île aux Cerfs Mauritius, Belle Mare Beach, Trou d’Eau Douce, east coast Mauritius, best beaches in Mauritius, Mauritius catamaran cruise, Grand River South East Waterfall, luxury hotels Mauritius, Mauritius family resorts, Mauritius honeymoon resorts, golf resorts Mauritius and things to do in Mauritius.
Where Is East Mauritius?
East Mauritius generally includes the coastline and inland areas around Belle Mare, Palmar, Trou d’Eau Douce, Poste Lafayette, Poste de Flacq, Beau Champ, Anahita, Grand River South East, Roches Noires, Bras d’Eau, Grand Gaube, Centre de Flacq and the island of Île aux Cerfs.
Approximate driving times:
From the airport to Belle Mare: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
From the airport to Trou d’Eau Douce: 45 minutes to 1 hour
From Grand Baie to Belle Mare: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
From Port Louis to Belle Mare: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
From Flic en Flac to Belle Mare: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
From Le Morne to Belle Mare: around 2 hours
From Blue Bay to Trou d’Eau Douce: 45 minutes to 1 hour
If you are staying in the east, you are well positioned for Île aux Cerfs, east coast catamarans, golf, luxury resorts and quieter beaches. If you are staying in the north or west, the east is best explored as a full-day trip.
What Makes the East Coast Different?
The east coast has some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, but it also has its own personality.
It is quieter than the north
Grand Baie is lively and convenient. The east is more peaceful. You come here to rest, swim, sail, play golf, enjoy the hotel and explore the lagoon.
It is windier at times
The east coast can feel breezier, especially in certain months. This can be refreshing, but it can also affect swimming, boat trips and beach comfort.
It is excellent for resorts
Many east coast hotels are spacious, beachfront and self-contained. This is ideal if you want a resort-style holiday with restaurants, spa, watersports and lagoon access.
It is a strong base for Île aux Cerfs
The famous Île aux Cerfs is one of the main reasons many travellers visit the east. Cruises and speedboat trips often depart from Trou d’Eau Douce or nearby areas.
It is beautiful at sunrise
The east coast faces sunrise, making it one of the best areas in Mauritius for early morning beach photography.
Best Places to Visit in East Mauritius
1. Belle Mare Beach
Best for: long beach walks, luxury resorts, sunrise, couples, families
Suggested time: half day to full day
Belle Mare Beach is one of the most famous beaches in East Mauritius. It is known for its long stretch of white sand, casuarina trees, bright lagoon colours and peaceful resort atmosphere.
Rough Guides describes Belle Mare as a pristine 10 km white-sand beach bordered by casuarina trees, and one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. It also notes that Belle Mare has a strong hotel presence and that the famous dive site known as The Pass lies offshore.
Belle Mare is perfect if you want a classic Mauritius beach day. It is not as busy as Grand Baie, and it feels more spacious than many smaller beaches. The area is also home to major hotels such as LUX Belle Mare*, Constance Belle Mare Plage, Long Beach, One&Only Le Saint Géran nearby, and several other luxury resorts.
Why visit Belle Mare:
One of the best beaches in Mauritius
Long white sand coastline
Beautiful sunrise views
Good for resort stays
Strong for couples and families
Excellent for beach walks and photography
Local tip: Belle Mare is beautiful in the morning. Come early for soft light, fewer people and calmer beach energy.
2. Île aux Cerfs
Best for: island day trip, lagoon cruise, beach, water activities, first-time visitors
Suggested time: full day
Île aux Cerfs is one of the most famous places to visit in Mauritius. This small island off the east coast is known for turquoise water, sandy beaches, boat trips, watersports and golf.
For many travellers, Île aux Cerfs is the classic east coast day trip. You can visit by catamaran, speedboat or hotel-arranged shuttle, depending on where you are staying. Many tours combine Île aux Cerfs with snorkelling, lunch and a visit to Grand River South East Waterfall. GetYourGuide describes east coast catamaran tours from Trou d’Eau Douce to Île aux Cerfs as often including Grand River South East Waterfall, snorkelling, BBQ lunch and drinks onboard.
Île aux Cerfs is very beautiful, but it can also be busy. The best way to enjoy it is to choose the right tour and go with realistic expectations. It is not always a deserted island experience. It is a popular destination with activities, boats and visitors.
Why visit Île aux Cerfs:
One of the most iconic Mauritius island trips
Beautiful turquoise lagoon
Catamaran and speedboat tours
Watersports and beach time
Easy to combine with Grand River South East Waterfall
Good for couples, families and groups
Local tip: For a quieter experience, choose a private boat or go earlier in the day. Shared cruises are good value, but private charters give you more control over timing and stops.
3. Trou d’Eau Douce
Best for: Île aux Cerfs departures, local village atmosphere, boat trips, lagoon views
Suggested time: 1–3 hours, or full day if taking a cruise
Trou d’Eau Douce is one of the key east coast villages and one of the main departure points for Île aux Cerfs. It has a more local feel than the resort beaches nearby, with boat operators, small restaurants, guesthouses and lagoon activity.
This is a practical place to visit if you are booking a boat trip. It is also a good village to walk through slowly if you want to see a less polished side of the east coast.
Why visit Trou d’Eau Douce:
Main gateway to Île aux Cerfs
Local east coast village feel
Good for boat trips and catamarans
Close to luxury resorts
Useful base for east coast exploring
Local tip: If you are booking a boat independently, confirm what is included: lunch, drinks, snorkelling, island stop, waterfall visit, safety equipment and return time.
4. Grand River South East Waterfall
Best for: boat trip stop, nature photos, river scenery, monkeys, lagoon-to-river contrast
Suggested time: usually part of a boat tour
Grand River South East Waterfall, often called GRSE Waterfall, is one of the most popular stops on east coast boat trips. Many Île aux Cerfs tours travel upriver to the waterfall before or after visiting the island.
The experience is not only the waterfall itself. The boat ride through the river mouth, mangroves and green banks gives a different view of east Mauritius. Some tours also mention monkeys along the riverbanks. GetYourGuide describes east coast trips that travel upriver to Grand River South East Waterfall, with photo stops and chances to spot monkeys in the trees along the riverbanks.
Why visit GRSE Waterfall:
Popular east coast boat trip stop
Good photo opportunity
Combines lagoon and river scenery
Often included with Île aux Cerfs cruises
Good for families and first-time visitors
Local tip: The waterfall can be busier when many boats arrive at the same time. Keep expectations realistic. It is a scenic stop, not a long hiking waterfall experience.
5. Palmar
Best for: peaceful beach stays, boutique hotels, quiet lagoon, couples
Suggested time: 1–3 hours or overnight stay
Palmar is a quieter east coast area between Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce. It is known for its calm atmosphere, beach stretches and boutique-style hotels. One of the best-known hotels here is SALT of Palmar, which has helped make Palmar more visible to travellers looking for design-led boutique stays.
Palmar is not a busy village. It is better for travellers who want peace, beach time and easy access to both Belle Mare and Île aux Cerfs.
Why visit Palmar:
Quiet east coast beach atmosphere
Good for couples
Close to Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce
Boutique hotel appeal
Peaceful alternative to busier areas
Local tip: Palmar is best if you are staying nearby or want a quiet beach stop. For restaurants and activity choice, Trou d’Eau Douce and resort hotels offer more options.
6. Poste Lafayette
Best for: rugged east coast scenery, sunrise, wind sports, photography, quiet walks
Suggested time: 1–2 hours
Poste Lafayette is a more rugged east coast area with wind, waves, black lava rock, open coast and dramatic lagoon colours. It feels less polished than Belle Mare and more natural.
GetYourGuide describes Poste Lafayette Public Beach as a quiet, windswept east-coast spot with powdery sand, black lava rock and bright turquoise water, suitable for sunrise walks, picnics and kitesurfing, while warning that currents can be strong.
This is a beautiful place for photography and sunrise, but it is not always the easiest swimming beach. The sea can be rougher than calm lagoon areas, so check conditions carefully.
Why visit Poste Lafayette:
Rugged east coast scenery
Good for sunrise photos
Black lava rock and turquoise water
Less crowded than famous beaches
Good for experienced wind sports lovers
Local tip: Swim cautiously. This area can be windier and rougher than Belle Mare or Trou aux Biches.
7. Bras d’Eau National Park
Best for: nature walks, birdwatching, forest, quieter east coast exploring
Suggested time: 1–2 hours
Bras d’Eau National Park is one of the best nature stops in East Mauritius. It is less famous than Black River Gorges, but it gives travellers a peaceful forest experience on the east side of the island.
This is a good place for walking, birdwatching and escaping the beach for a short nature break. It works well for travellers staying around Poste Lafayette, Roches Noires or Belle Mare.
Why visit Bras d’Eau:
Peaceful forest setting
Good for nature lovers
Less crowded than major tourist attractions
Easy to combine with Poste Lafayette
Good for slow travel and birdwatching
Local tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring mosquito repellent, especially after rain or in shaded areas.
8. Grand Gaube and the Northeast Coast
Best for: quieter coastline, local villages, Ilot Bernache cruises, relaxed stays
Suggested time: half day or overnight stay
Grand Gaube sits toward the northeast and has a quieter atmosphere than Grand Baie. It is a good option if you want north-east coast scenery without staying in the busiest tourist areas.
This region is also associated with trips to Ilot Bernache, one of the quieter island cruise experiences in Mauritius. If Île aux Cerfs feels too busy for your taste, Ilot Bernache may suit you better.
Why visit Grand Gaube:
Quiet northeast coast feeling
Local coastal atmosphere
Good base for Ilot Bernache cruises
Less busy than Grand Baie
Good for couples and slow travellers
Local tip: Grand Gaube is best for relaxed stays and boat trips, not nightlife. For restaurants and shopping, Grand Baie has more choice.
9. Anahita and Beau Champ
Best for: luxury resorts, golf, private villas, family stays, wellness
Suggested time: resort stay or golf day
Anahita and Beau Champ are among the most premium areas on the east coast. This is where you will find Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, private villa-style accommodation, golf, wellness and access to east coast lagoon experiences.
Four Seasons highlights that its villas and residence rentals include private gardens and pools, with resort features such as an overwater spa, golf access and a private beach on Île aux Cerfs. Its east coast setting makes it especially strong for travellers who want space, privacy and resort facilities.
Why visit or stay in Anahita:
Luxury villa-style stays
Golf and wellness
Good for families and couples
East coast lagoon access
Private resort atmosphere
Close to Île aux Cerfs
Local tip: This area is best if you want a resort-led holiday. If you want local restaurants and village life every evening, Grand Baie or Flic en Flac may suit you better.
10. Centre de Flacq Market
Best for: local shopping, fruit, vegetables, street food, everyday east Mauritius
Suggested time: 1–2 hours
Centre de Flacq is one of the main towns in the east and a useful place to experience local life. It is not a beach attraction, but it adds balance to an east coast itinerary.
The market gives visitors a more authentic side of Mauritius: fruit, vegetables, spices, snacks, clothing, local movement and everyday Mauritian life. It is especially good if you are staying in a resort and want to step outside the hotel bubble.
Why visit Centre de Flacq Market:
Local market atmosphere
Food and fruit stalls
Good cultural contrast to resorts
Useful stop near Belle Mare and Poste de Flacq
Budget-friendly local experience
Local tip: Go in the morning, bring cash and keep valuables secure. This is a working local market, not a polished tourist mall.
Best Beaches in East Mauritius
Best for classic beach beauty
Belle Mare
Palmar
Trou d’Eau Douce
Île aux Cerfs
Best for luxury resorts
Belle Mare
Poste de Flacq
Trou d’Eau Douce
Best for sunrise
Belle Mare
Poste Lafayette
Palmar
Bras d’Eau
Best for families
Belle Mare
Île aux Cerfs on a calm day
Resort beaches around Trou d’Eau Douce and Anahita
Best for photography
Belle Mare sunrise
Île aux Cerfs lagoon
Poste Lafayette black lava rock
Grand River South East Waterfall
Palmar beach
Local safety tip: The east coast can be windy. Always check sea conditions before swimming, especially at more exposed beaches like Poste Lafayette.
Best Catamaran Cruises and Boat Trips in East Mauritius
East Mauritius is one of the best regions for catamaran cruises because of Île aux Cerfs, the South East Lagoon and Grand River South East Waterfall.
Best east coast cruise options
Full-day shared catamaran cruise to Île aux Cerfs
Private catamaran charter to Île aux Cerfs
Speedboat tour to Île aux Cerfs and GRSE Waterfall
South East Lagoon power catamaran
5 Islands South-East Discovery Cruise
Private sunset cruise from the east coast
Private dinner cruise from Pointe Jérôme
Tripadvisor listings for Grand River South East Waterfalls show many east coast boat and catamaran activities, including Île aux Cerfs, GRSE Waterfall, snorkelling, BBQ lunch and full-day shared or private options.
Best for families
A shared catamaran to Île aux Cerfs is easy and popular. Choose an operator with shade, safety equipment and clear lunch inclusions.
Best for couples
A private east coast charter or sunset cruise is better if you want privacy, romance and flexibility.
Best for groups
A private speedboat or catamaran can be better value if you are travelling with several people.
Where to Stay in East Mauritius
East Mauritius is one of the best regions for resort stays. It is not the most convenient area for nightlife, but it is excellent for beaches, golf, spa, villas and lagoon experiences.
Stay in Belle Mare if you want a classic beach resort
Belle Mare is best for long beaches, luxury hotels, sunrise and peaceful resort holidays.
Best for: couples, families, luxury travellers, beach lovers
Stay in Trou d’Eau Douce if you want Île aux Cerfs access
Trou d’Eau Douce is practical for boat trips and gives you a more local east coast feeling.
Best for: Île aux Cerfs cruises, local stays, boutique hotels, boat trips
Stay in Palmar if you want quiet boutique beach style
Palmar is peaceful and good for couples who want a quiet base close to Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce.
Best for: couples, boutique stays, quiet beach holidays
Stay in Four Season if you want villas, golf and privacy
Four Season is one of the strongest luxury resort areas on the east coast.
Best for: private villas, families, golf, wellness, luxury stays
Stay in Poste Lafayette if you want rugged east coast scenery
Poste Lafayette is quieter and more natural, with wind, waves and sunrise views.
Best for: nature lovers, sunrise, photography, wind sports
East Mauritius for Families
East Mauritius is excellent for families who want a resort-based holiday. The beaches are beautiful, the resorts are spacious, and there are easy day trips such as Île aux Cerfs, Grand River South East Waterfall and Centre de Flacq Market.
Best family activities:
Belle Mare Beach
Île aux Cerfs catamaran cruise
Grand River South East Waterfall boat trip
Resort water sports
Centre de Flacq Market
Bras d’Eau nature walk
Blue Bay or Mahébourg day trip from the southeast
Best family bases:
Belle Mare
Anahita
Trou d’Eau Douce
Palmar
Local tip: Families should check wind and sea conditions before planning beach days. Choose resorts with good pools and kids’ facilities so the holiday is not fully dependent on perfect beach weather.
East Mauritius for Couples and Honeymooners
The east coast is one of the most romantic parts of Mauritius if you want peace, beaches, spa, villas and lagoon cruises. It is not as lively as Grand Baie, but it is better for couples who want time together.
Best romantic ideas:
Sunrise walk on Belle Mare Beach
Private catamaran to Île aux Cerfs
Spa day at a luxury resort
Private dinner at your hotel
Golf and wellness stay at Anahita
Boutique stay in Palmar
Quiet beach day at Poste Lafayette
South East Lagoon private cruise
Best romantic bases:
Belle Mare
Palmar
Anahita
Trou d’Eau Douce
Poste de Flacq
East Mauritius for Golfers
East Mauritius is one of the best golf regions in Mauritius. The area includes famous golf-linked resorts and courses such as Île aux Cerfs Golf Club, Anahita Golf Club, and courses associated with Constance Belle Mare Plage.
Anahita is known for its Ernie Els-designed course, and Île aux Cerfs Golf Club is famous for its island setting. East coast golf is especially strong if you want to combine resort luxury, beach time and championship golf.
Best golf bases:
Four Seasons Anahita
Shangri-La Le Touessrok
Constance Belle Mare Plage
Constance Prince Maurice
East Mauritius for Nature Lovers
East Mauritius is more lagoon-focused than forest-heavy, but it still has good nature experiences if you know where to look.
Best nature ideas:
Bras d’Eau National Park
Grand River South East Waterfall
Mangrove-lined boat channels near GRSE
Poste Lafayette coastline
Île aux Cerfs lagoon
Mahébourg and Île aux Aigrettes as a southeast extension
Blue Bay Marine Park as a southeast extension
A boat trip through the Grand River South East area can show mangroves and birdlife, and tour descriptions often highlight the role of mangroves in protecting shoreline and biodiversity.
Suggested One-Day East Mauritius Itinerary
Morning: Belle Mare Beach
Start early at Belle Mare Beach for sunrise or a calm beach walk. If staying at a resort, enjoy breakfast slowly and take advantage of the morning light.
Late Morning: Trou d’Eau Douce and Île aux Cerfs
Drive to Trou d’Eau Douce and take a boat or catamaran to Île aux Cerfs. Choose a tour that includes lunch and snorkelling if you want a full-day experience.
Afternoon: Grand River South East Waterfall
If included in your boat trip, visit Grand River South East Waterfall and enjoy the river scenery before returning to the coast.
Evening: Resort dinner or quiet beach walk
The east coast is not a nightlife region, so end the day with a relaxed dinner at your hotel, in Trou d’Eau Douce, Belle Mare or Palmar.
Suggested Two-Day East Mauritius Itinerary
Day 1: Île aux Cerfs and Trou d’Eau Douce
Trou d’Eau Douce
Full-day catamaran or speedboat to Île aux Cerfs
Grand River South East Waterfall
Snorkelling and lunch
Quiet dinner
Day 2: Belle Mare, Palmar and Poste Lafayette
Sunrise at Belle Mare
Beach time at Palmar
Centre de Flacq Market
Poste Lafayette coastal walk
Bras d’Eau nature stop
Resort spa or dinner
This two-day plan gives you both the famous east coast lagoon experience and the quieter local side of the region.
Suggested Three-Day East Mauritius Itinerary
Day 1: Classic East Coast
Belle Mare Beach
Palmar
Trou d’Eau Douce
Dinner in the east
Day 2: Île aux Cerfs Cruise
Full-day catamaran or private charter
GRSE Waterfall
Snorkelling
BBQ lunch
Return for a relaxed evening
Day 3: Nature, Market and Golf
Choose based on your travel style:
Golf at Anahita or Île aux Cerfs
Bras d’Eau nature walk
Centre de Flacq Market
Poste Lafayette sunrise
Spa day at your hotel
Southeast extension to Mahébourg and Blue Bay
How to Get Around East Mauritius
Rental car
A rental car is useful if you want to explore Belle Mare, Palmar, Trou d’Eau Douce, Poste Lafayette, Bras d’Eau and Centre de Flacq independently.
Private driver
A private driver is ideal for a full east coast tour, especially if combining beaches, markets and boat departure points.
Hotel transfers
Many east coast resorts can arrange transfers to Île aux Cerfs, golf courses and nearby attractions.
Boat operators
For Île aux Cerfs and GRSE Waterfall, use a reputable boat or catamaran operator and confirm safety equipment, return time, lunch, drinks and weather policy.
Taxi
Taxis can work for short movements between hotels and villages, but agree on the price before starting.
Best Time to Visit East Mauritius
East Mauritius can be visited year-round, but the experience depends on wind, sea conditions and the type of trip you want.
Best time of day
Morning for Belle Mare sunrise
Midday for bright lagoon colours
Full day for Île aux Cerfs cruises
Early morning for Poste Lafayette photography
Late afternoon for quiet resort walks
Best weather
Clear, calm days are best for boat trips and snorkelling. Breezy days can still be beautiful for walking and photography, but may affect swimming comfort.
Local tip
Because the east faces the trade winds more directly at times, always check with your hotel or boat operator before planning ocean activities.
Booking and Contact Section
East Mauritius is easy to enjoy from a resort, but boat trips and private tours should be booked in advance during busy periods.
Popular East Mauritius experiences to book:
Full-day shared catamaran cruise to Île aux Cerfs
Private catamaran charter to Île aux Cerfs
Speedboat tour to GRSE Waterfall
South East Lagoon power catamaran
5 Islands South-East Discovery Cruise
Belle Mare and east coast private tour
East coast golf day
Private sunset cruise from the east coast
Family-friendly Île aux Cerfs tour
Honeymoon private boat experience
Final Local Tip
East Mauritius is for travellers who want space, lagoon beauty and slower resort life. It is not the best region for nightlife, but it is one of the best regions for beaches, catamaran cruises, luxury hotels, golf and peaceful mornings by the sea.
Choose Belle Mare for long beach walks and sunrise. Choose Trou d’Eau Douce for Île aux Cerfs access. Choose Palmar for quiet boutique stays. Choose Poste Lafayette for rugged east coast photos. Choose Anahita for villas, golf and luxury. Choose Bras d’Eau when you want a simple nature break.
The east coast shows a softer, slower and more spacious side of Mauritius. It is best enjoyed without rushing — one beach, one boat trip, one quiet village, one long lunch, and enough time to let the lagoon colours change through the day.
