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Accommodation nearby

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La Prairie Beach is located just south of Le Morne Brabant, on which it offers a lovely view. Its corals – which start a few meters from the beach – and its shallow depth make it a popular snorkeling spot, especially as the beach is rarely crowded. Around the coral and on the sandy bottoms, you will encounter many reef fish as well as some sea stars.

Whitetail dascyllus
Whitetail dascyllus are generally found near branching corals.

How to get to La Prairie Beach snorkeling spot?

La Prairie Beach is located along the scenic coastal road of southern Mauritius, about 600m south of Le Morne village. It is a public beach. A small car park allows parking near the beach.

La Prairie Beach snorkeling map, Mauritius

Water entrance for snorkeling La Prairie Beach

Get into the water from the beach, preferably near the coral areas.

La Prairie Beach snorkeling exploration tips

Unlike most of the reefs of Mauritius, found far from the beaches, the reef of La Prairie has grown only a few meters from shore. Shallow (↕3-6ft/1-2m) and sheltered by the calm waters of the lagoon, it is made up of large coral patches, sadly quite unhealthy.

Cone snail
Cone snails are sometimes noted in the sand.

While snorkeling above the coral, you’ll spot a good diversity of reef fish. The green chromis, the whitetail dascyllus and the dusky farmerfish stay near the branching coral, in which they can hide in case of danger. Bluebarred parrotfish, surgeonfish, and boxfish also occur in these shallow areas, as well as dozens of other fish species.

Halfbarred goby
A halfbarred goby noted at the foot of branching coral.

Around the coral, the sandy beds are home to many species associated with this environment, such as sea cucumbers, cushion starfish and cone snails. Yellowstripe goatfish also wander in these areas, using their barbels to probe the sand for food.

Be careful not to stray too far from the beach if there is a current. Also watch out for kite-surfers, which frequent the lagoon when the wind blows.

La Prairie Beach.
La Prairie Beach.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

Some food trucks are generally present on the beach, especially during weekends.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth6ft/2m
  • Water entranceFrom a sandy beach
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersLow
  • Access costsFree

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.