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For many people, N’Gouja is the most beautiful beach in Mayotte. This large beach of golden sand, fringed by baobabs and lush vegetation, opens on to calm waters and a particularly rich and well-preserved reef. It is known as an exceptional site for observing sea turtles (the vast majority are green sea turtles, but there are also hawksbill sea turtles), which come to feed on the seagrass and lay their eggs on the beach.

View of N'Gouja Beach, Mayotte
N’Gouja, Mayotte.

How to get to N’Gouja Beach snorkeling spot?

N’Gouja beach is at the southern tip of the island, between the bays of Kani and Mzouazia. By car, from Mamoudzou and the north, the shortest route is to follow the signs for Chirongui and then for Mzouazia (CCD4).

From the main road on the hills above, a path leads down to a cul-de-sac at a car park just behind the beach. There is no public transport, but shared taxis and hitchhiking will get you where you want to go.

If you stay in Le Jardin Maoré, you’ll have the spot just footsteps from your room.

N'Gouja Beach snorkeling map, Mayotte
N’Gouja Beach snorkeling map, Mayotte.

Water entrance for snorkeling N’Gouja Beach

You can enter the water anywhere along the beach, but at low tide, and to protect the seagrass, pass across the old jetty, opposite the access from the car park. On the beach, make sure you don’t tread on turtle nests (there are usually signs pointing them out).

N’Gouja Beach snorkeling exploration tips

The area to explore covers a wide area between the beach and the reef drop-off some 200 meters away. From the beach, you will cross a few dozen yards of seagrass (↕4-8ft/1-2m), and then the seabed is covered with coral (↕4-10ft/1-3m) as far as the reef drop-off (↕30ft/10m).

Green sea turtle in N'Gouja Bay, Mayotte
N’Gouja is a fantastic spot for snorkeling with green sea turtles, which come daily to feed on the bay’s seagrass meadows.

At high tide, the green sea turtles feed on the seagrass, sometimes only a few meters from the beach. Despite the shallowness of the water, the turtles can be easily approached and observed (respect the observation rules).

At low tide, the sea draws back from the seagrass and the turtles move towards the reef, along the drop-off. Here the turtles are timider, but the water (which is clearer than at the beach) and the large amount of coral and fish make it an ideal setting for photos.

Green chromis over N'Gouja reef drop off
At N’Gouja reef drop off, large schools of blue-green chromis are tied to Acropora coral, where they shelter in case they feel threatened.

While turtle-watching is the star attraction at N’Gouja beach, the other riches of the site should not be overlooked.

Along a strip of ten or so meters along the reef drop-off (↕6-20ft/2-6m), the seabed is exceptional: hundreds of damselfish hidden in the colonies of Acropora, clownfish in their anemone, shoals of surgeonfish, angelfish – the spectacle is endless.

Madagascar anemonefish at N'Gouja Beach, Mayotte
The Madagascar anemonefish is one of the two clownfish species that inhabit N’Gouja reef.

Accommodations and restaurants near N’Gouja Beach

The only accommodation and restaurant available close to the site is Le Jardin Maoré, which overlooks the beach.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Protected areaParc naturel marin de Mayotte
  • Maximum depth10ft/3m on the reef flat, 30ft/10m on the reef drop-off
  • Water entranceEasy, from a sandy beach
  • Potential DangersCrown-of-thorns starfish
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersMedium
  • Access costsFree
  • Restaurants nearbyYes
  • Public toilets & showersNo

MAP Spot

Sea turtle watching in N'Gouja

snorkeling-turtle

Sea turtles are a familiar sight in Mayotte, and especially at N’Gouja Beach. In order to be a responsible snorkeler, be sure to respect the following rules when observing them:

  1. Do not attempt to touch or ride sea turtles
  2. Stay at a distance (6 to 10ft) from sea turtles
  3. Do not chase a turtle swimming away
  4. Avoid sudden movement and allow sea turtles plenty of space when they come up to the surface to breathe

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.