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Ile aux Bénitiers

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Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)

Weather…

Ile aux Bénitiers is a flat, coral-sand island stretching about two kilometers in length, set within the turquoise lagoon of Mauritius's southwestern coast. Most visitors arrive via catamaran or local speedboats departing from La Gaulette or Black River. The island is draped in coconut palms and casuarina trees, offering shaded spots along its pristine white shores. Just offshore lies the famous Crystal Rock, an extraordinary coral formation standing alone in the shallow sea, which has become one of the island's most photographed landmarks. The surrounding waters are a prime location for dolphin watching, as pods often frequent the bay for rest and play. With the majestic Le Morne Brabant mountain as a backdrop, the lagoon's calm, crystal-clear waters provide excellent conditions for snorkeling and swimming, making it a well-suited spot for a tropical day trip.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727262523222223242526
Rain mm127113124794732282629313448

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The dry season from May to November features the best conditions for visiting the island and observing marine life. Calm seas and clear waters significantly improve snorkelling and wildlife viewing.
🌅
Best time of day
Early morning provides the calmest water and best visibility for spotting fish and corals. Late afternoon is also pleasant, but avoid midday when the sun is harsh.
📜
Etiquette
Do not touch or step on corals, and avoid feeding fish as it disrupts their natural behaviour. Take all rubbish back to the mainland and respect nesting birds on the shore.
🎒
What to bring
Bring snorkelling gear, a waterproof camera, and reef-safe sunscreen. Water shoes are useful for rocky areas near the shore and protect your feet.
🧭
Getting there
The island is reached by boat from Le Morne or nearby beaches. Many tours include a stop at the famous Crystal Rock just offshore.
🦌
What to expect
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, especially on windy days; calm weather greatly increases chances. Be patient and quietly observe the underwater world for undisturbed moments.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.41390, 57.36390

Facts

  • Length of approximately 2 km
  • Flat coral island
  • Near Le Morne Brabant
  • Crystal Rock located offshore
  • Situated in a shallow lagoon
  • Composed of coral sand

Explore nearby

Notable places around

MadragueMadrague<1 km · EExplore →
La GauletteLa Gaulette2 km · SExplore →
Curious Corner of ChamarelCurious Corner of Chamarel2 km · NExplore →
Grande Rivière NoireGrande Rivière Noire3 km · EExplore →
Le Morne VillageLe Morne Village4 km · SWExplore →
Piton de la Petite Rivière NoirePiton de la Petite Rivière Noire4 km · NExplore →
Matthew Flinders MonumentMatthew Flinders Monument4 km · WExplore →
Baie du CapBaie du Cap5 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ile aux Bénitiers (6)

Case Noyale Viewpoint

Viewpoint near the settlement of Case Noyale, overlooking the coast and ocean.

Sublim Point

Viewpoint on the southwest coast of Mauritius, offering a wide panorama.

Piton du Canot

Mountain peak in Mauritius, part of the hill range in the southwest of the island.

Viewpoint Chamarel

Viewpoint near Chamarel, overlooking the famous Seven Coloured Earths.

Crystal Coral rock

Rock formation of crystalline coral limestone on the coast.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What makes Ile aux Bénitiers so popular?
The combination of turquoise water, sandy beaches, and great picnic spots.
How do you get to the island?
Regular boat trips depart from La Gaulette or Le Morne.
Are there any accommodations there?
No, it is an uninhabited island with no tourist accommodations.
Is it good for snorkeling there?
Yes, the shallow reef is handy for beginners and families.
Should you bring food with you?
Most tours include a BBQ, but bringing water is always advisable.
Ile aux Bénitiers: where is it located?
Ile aux Bénitiers is located in Mauritius.
Ile aux Bénitiers: what is there to see?
Highlights include Case Noyale Viewpoint, Sublim Point, Piton du Canot.
Ile aux Bénitiers: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Ile aux Bénitiers: why is it worth visiting?
Ile aux Bénitiers is a flat, coral-sand island stretching about two kilometers in length, set within the turquoise lagoon of Mauritius's southwestern coast.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Port Louis — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius and the country's economic hub.
Bassin — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Bassin
Bassin is a residential village in the Plaines Wilhems district, near Quatre Bornes.
Vacoas — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Vacoas
Vacoas is located in the heart of the island and is known for its cooler temperatures.
Vacoas-Phoenix — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Vacoas-Phoenix
Vacoas-Phoenix is one of the most populous municipalities in Mauritius.
Beau Bassin — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Beau Bassin
Beau Bassin is part of the larger Beau Bassin-Rose Hill urban area in the center of the island.
Curepipe — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Curepipe
Curepipe, also known as 'La Ville Lumière', is the highest town in Mauritius.
Triolet — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Triolet
Triolet is one of the longest villages on the island, located in northern Mauritius.
Goodlands — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Goodlands
Goodlands is a bustling village in northern Mauritius that serves as an important economic hub for the region.
Bambous — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Bambous
Bambous is the administrative capital of the Rivière Noire district in the west.
Mahébourg — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Mahébourg
Mahébourg is a historic coastal town in the southeast of the island.
Saint Pierre — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre is a centrally located village in the Moka district.
Le Hochet — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Le Hochet
Le Hochet is a densely populated village in the Pamplemousses district, just north of the capital Port Louis.
Baie du Tombeau — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Baie du Tombeau
Baie du Tombeau is located on the northwest coast and is a mix of residential and industrial zones.
Riche Terre — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Riche Terre
Riche Terre is located on the outskirts of Port Louis.
Trou aux Biches — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Trou aux Biches
Trou aux Biches is an upscale coastal village in the northwest.

History & landmarks

Curepipe Town Hall — Ile aux Bénitiers (Mauritius)
Curepipe Town Hall
A fine example of colonial wooden architecture in the center of Curepipe.