Mauritius is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and endless sunshine. But if you’ve ever wondered whether you can walk along the shore in front of a luxury hotel or set up your towel on that perfect stretch of sand you spotted, you’re not alone. Questions around beach use have been at the heart of many discussions and even disputes between hotels, villa owners, and the public. To help you navigate these sometimes confusing rules, we’ve put together this in-depth guide that blends history, law, and practical advice, so you can make the most of your time by the ocean and enjoy stress-free beach use wherever you go.
The Legal Foundation: Pas Géométriques Act
The law governing beach use in Mauritius is rooted in history. Known as the Pas Géométriques Act, it dates back to 1807 during the French colonial period and was finalised in 1895. The original purpose was strategic, creating a buffer zone along the coast for defence against invasions. Today, it remains in force and plays a central role in defining who can access the shoreline and how beach use is regulated.
According to this law, the strip of sand between the sea and the high water mark – the line reached by the highest tide – is public property. This means anyone can walk, swim, or relax in this zone, whether it’s in front of a public beach, a private villa, or a five-star resort. This is the most important point: there are no truly private beaches in Mauritius. The state owns this coastal strip, and it is available for public enjoyment, making beach use a right for locals and visitors alike.
However, the Act also defines the land beyond the high water mark. The state can lease this land to private individuals, hotels, or companies. While the sea-facing section remains public, the leased land above the high water mark is private for the duration of the lease. In practice, this means you can stroll along the waterline in front of a resort and still enjoy lawful beach use, but you can’t set up a picnic in their garden or use their sun loungers without permission.
The 81.21 Metre Rule
One detail that often surprises visitors is the fixed measurement built into the Pas Géométriques Act. The public coastal strip extends a minimum of 81.21 metres inland from the high water mark, unless the state has leased it out. Once leased, this section becomes the lessee’s private domain. This is why hotels or private residences close to the beach can lawfully restrict access to areas above the high water mark – even if they appear visually connected to the shore.
For practical purposes, if you’re walking along the beach, the safe rule for uninterrupted beach use is to stay between the sea and the high tide line. If you venture inland beyond that point on a section of leased land, you are technically entering private property.
Public Beaches and the Role of the Beach Authority
Mauritius has more than 130 designated public beaches. These are areas officially declared public by government regulation, managed and maintained by the Beach Authority. Public beaches usually offer facilities such as toilets, showers, picnic tables, drinking water points, and parking. They also have rules about camping, barbecues, and music, ensuring that beach use is safe and pleasant for everyone.
But here’s the catch: the island’s coastline is about 322 kilometres long, and public beaches cover only about 48 kilometres of that. Approximately 90 kilometres are leased to hotels, and 60 kilometres are in front of private residences. The rest includes fishing areas, nature reserves, and undeveloped stretches.
The Beach Authority also regulates certain activities and oversees maintenance. Yet, while all beaches up to the high water mark are public, there is no law forcing private landowners or hotels to provide access across their property to reach that public strip. This means there are places where beach use is technically allowed but hard to enjoy without arriving by boat.
Why Conflicts Happen
Despite the clear legal framework, disputes over beach use are common. On one side, hotels and villa owners want to protect the privacy of their guests and maintain exclusive use of leased areas. On the other, locals and visitors want to exercise their right to enjoy the shoreline.
Tensions arise when hotels set up security guards, fences, or signs that create the impression a stretch of sand is off-limits altogether. While the land above the high water mark may be private, blocking access to the public zone below it interferes with legal beach use. Civil society groups, such as Aret Kokin Nu Laplaz (Stop Stealing Our Beaches), have campaigned against unlawful restrictions, highlighting cases where public rights were infringed.
One notable example is the La Cambuse beach incident, where barriers were set up to prevent the public from entering. Protests followed, and the situation attracted national attention, sparking renewed debate on coastal access and the importance of protecting beach use.
Law Reform and Future Changes
Recognising the ongoing issues, the Law Reform Commission of Mauritius recently recommended changes to strengthen public access rights. Their 2024 report, “Criminalisation of Denial of Access to Public Beaches in Mauritius,” suggests that refusing access to public beaches should be a criminal offence. Proposed penalties include fines up to 100,000 Mauritian rupees for unlawful obstruction.
The Commission also proposed creating a Public Beach Access and Protection Bill to establish clear pathways, or “rights of way,” to reach public beaches, especially in areas dominated by private leases. They emphasised the need for better signage in English, French, and Creole, informing people of their rights and the status of each beach, so that beach use can be enjoyed without unnecessary conflict.
Understanding the High Water Mark
For those new to the concept, the high water mark is the highest point the sea reaches during high tide. It’s not marked on the ground, but it’s usually easy to identify by a change in the colour or texture of the sand, seaweed lines, or other natural debris. This invisible boundary is key to understanding where public access ends and private property begins.
If you stay seaward of the high water mark, your beach use is fully legal. If you go inland into gardens, patios, or landscaped areas without permission, you’re on private land.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Mauritius’ Beaches
- Stick to the shoreline – If in doubt, walk along the wet sand or just above it. This keeps you in the public zone and ensures legal beach use.
- Enter via public beaches – To avoid disputes, start your walk from an official public beach. Maps of these locations are available from the Beach Authority.
- Respect private facilities – Loungers, umbrellas, and beach bars set up by hotels are for guests unless otherwise indicated.
- Use boats or kayaks for remote spots – If a beautiful cove is landlocked by private property, approaching from the sea is a lawful way to enjoy beach use.
- Be mindful of local customs – In addition to legal rules, Mauritians value courtesy and respect. Loud behaviour, littering, or encroaching on private areas is frowned upon.
The Balance Between Public and Private Interests
The Mauritian coastline is both a natural treasure and an economic asset. Tourism is a major contributor to the island’s economy, and beachside hotels are a big part of its appeal. At the same time, the shoreline is a shared heritage that belongs to the nation. Striking a balance between tourism development and free public access is an ongoing challenge.
Efforts to improve the situation are gaining momentum. More stakeholders are recognising that responsible beach use benefits everyone – it preserves the island’s reputation, supports local recreation, and ensures that visitors leave with positive memories.
Why This Matters for Visitors
For travellers, knowing the rules means fewer awkward encounters and more enjoyment. Whether you’re staying in a resort, a rental apartment, or just visiting for the day, understanding the principles of beach use helps you explore Mauritius with confidence. You’ll know where you can legally walk, swim, and relax – and how to avoid accidentally trespassing.
It also gives you the knowledge to stand your ground politely if someone wrongly claims you can’t be on a certain stretch of sand. A friendly but informed approach usually resolves misunderstandings before they escalate, keeping your beach use experience positive.
The Future of Mauritius’ Beach Access
With proposed reforms on the horizon, the outlook for fair and transparent beach use is positive. If the new laws pass, access to the shoreline should become clearer and better protected, with penalties for those who unlawfully block the public. Combined with improved signage and awareness campaigns, this could make Mauritius an even more welcoming destination for everyone.
Until then, visitors should familiarise themselves with the basics of the Pas Géométriques Act, keep to the public zone, and respect private areas. This approach ensures your beach days are as stress-free as the island’s calm turquoise waters.
Mauritius offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and the law recognises them as a shared resource. While hotels and private homes line large parts of the coast, the sea-facing strip up to the high water mark remains public. With a little knowledge and respect for the rules, you can enjoy everything from bustling public beaches to quiet, hidden coves without overstepping boundaries.
Beach use in Mauritius is more than a matter of law – it’s about a shared respect for the island’s natural beauty and the people who live here. By understanding your rights and responsibilities, you can make the most of this paradise while helping preserve it for future generations.
