The trade wind blows from the south-east almost all year round. As a result, the east coast (Belle Mare, Palmar) is breezy and invigorating — magical in the morning, sporty in the afternoon. The west (Flic en Flac, La Preneuse) is sheltered and calm, ideal for snorkelling and sunsets.
The north (Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, Pereybere) offers the best compromise: clear water, little wind, plenty of shade under the filao trees and food kiosks everywhere. It's also the busiest on Sundays — Mauritian family picnic day, an experience in itself.
The south (Gris Gris, Riambel) is wild: cliffs, rollers, not always swimmable but unforgettable. And for a swimming-pool lagoon, head to Blue Bay early in the morning before the boats arrive.
On safety, two reflexes: respect the red flags and beware of the passes, those openings in the reef where the current pulls out to sea — notably at Flic en Flac south of the public beach and around Le Morne. At Gris Gris, you admire, you don't swim. Slip on reef shoes to walk in the lagoon: sea urchins and coral heads are unforgiving. Jellyfish, on the other hand, are extremely rare here.
Good to know: every beach in Mauritius is public up to the high-water line — no hotel can stop you from walking along the shore. The equipped public beaches offer filao shade, toilets, free parking and candied pineapple sellers (Rs 50, carved into a flower before your eyes). On weekdays you'll be almost alone; at weekends it's gazebos, sega and XXL families — pick your vibe.