Some travel dreams feel too magical to be true. Swimming alongside a sea turtle in the open ocean, for example. Yet in Mauritius, that dream is just a few sandy steps and a snorkel mask away.
On the northwest coast of the island, in the tranquil lagoon of Trou aux Biches, lies one of Mauritius’s best-kept secrets: the chance to go snorkeling with sea turtles in their natural habitat. It’s not an aquarium, and there are no enclosures-just you, the turquoise water, and the graceful, ancient creatures that glide peacefully just beneath the surface.
The first time we went out, we already knew our chances were high. Trou aux Biches is famous among locals and travelers alike for its regular sea turtle sightings, some even say the turtles are always around. We slipped into the clear, calm water under a wide blue sky, hearts racing with quiet excitement. As we floated out toward the reef, schools of vivid reef fish shimmered all around us. And then, just as expected, a turtle appeared. Effortlessly elegant, it passed us by with a slow, rhythmic movement, as if it had all the time in the world.
It’s difficult to explain what it feels like to swim next to a wild sea turtle. There’s a kind of awe that silences you. Their stillness, their age, their quiet awareness-it’s humbling. And here in Trou aux Biches, this kind of moment is surprisingly accessible. No wonder snorkeling with sea turtles has become one of the most unforgettable highlights of any trip to Mauritius.
Locals and snorkelers in the know head just a little offshore, past the first ring of coral, where the water gets slightly deeper and the turtles feed on seagrass and algae. They’re not afraid of people, but they aren’t pets either. The most magical experiences come when you simply float and wait. Turtles appear when you stop chasing the moment, and when they do, it’s like the ocean shares a secret with you. That’s the essence of snorkeling with sea turtles. Calm, quiet, and deeply moving.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot more than one. Some glide just beneath the surface, others rest among coral shelves, blending in until they gently rise for a breath of air. Early mornings or late afternoons tend to be best, when the beach is quiet and the turtles are more active.
Of course, snorkeling with sea turtles also means respecting their space. You don’t touch, you don’t feed, and you definitely don’t follow too closely. Watching them from a respectful distance makes the whole thing feel more like a privilege than an activity, and it is.
One of the best ways to experience snorkeling with sea turtles in Trou aux Biches is to book a short boat tour with a local guide. Some leave directly from the beach, taking you a few hundred meters out into the reef where turtle sightings are most common. Most tours include all the gear you need and provide basic guidance if you’re new to snorkeling. You can book your Turtles watch here.
To make your holiday seamless, we recommend booking your stay at the beautiful Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa. Set right on the beach with direct access to the lagoon, this resort offers the perfect mix of barefoot luxury and laid-back island charm.
For more accommodation ideas, visit this article, you’ll definitely find something you like here.
As for getting here, flights to Mauritius in 2025 are more frequent than ever. Several airlines now offer direct routes from major European cities, South Africa, and India. Keep an eye on Expedia for the best airfare deals—we’ll include a link for that too.
Mauritius offers many things: postcard beaches, delicious food, and friendly people. But what makes it unforgettable are the quiet, magical encounters—like snorkeling with sea turtles in the calm waters of Trou aux Biches. You come for the sunshine, but you stay for the moments that take your breath away.
So if you’re planning a visit to Mauritius, make room for this experience. Because once you’ve looked into the wise, ancient eyes of a sea turtle, the ocean never feels the same again.
