×

Mauritius🇲🇺 | beachesAnse La RaiePirogues on the sand, fishing boats, Calodyne coast road, narrow shore | things to do and best time to go

Explore Odysseo OceanariumExplore Bain Boeuf

Backpacking in Anse La Raie
👀 For curious travelersbeach ranked #14
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Anse La Raie beach is a working fishing spot first and a swim stop second, so the boats come before the towels. It sits on the northern coast of Mauritius, near Cap Malheureux, and the sand is narrow rather than resort-wide. The water is calm and shallow behind the reef, good for a floaty dip, while snorkeling is modest. Crowds stay thin, and cheap local snacks and guesthouses are close. Go mid-morning, buy something fried from a stall, then wander the shoreline watching the boats and Coin de Mire out in the haze.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Mauritius Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #14 beach in MauritiusWhat makes it a must-see beach

Anse La Raie beach works because it gives you the north coast without the Grand Baie price tag and noise. The reasons are practical. First, the sheltered lagoon keeps the water flat and easy for tired legs, with no surf to read. Second, the fishing boats pulled up on the sand mean you see daily Mauritian life instead of a staged resort scene, and small local stalls nearby keep meals cheap. Third, it is a quiet pause between livelier beaches, so you can swim, wash off the road and keep moving. Evenings are calm, which suits anyone wanting sleep over nightlife.

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

  1. Fishing boats on the shore: Colorful pirogues and small boats rest on the sand, and fishermen mend gear nearby. It is the best way to see the beach as locals use it, and photos work well in soft morning light.
  2. Lagoon swimming: The reef keeps the water shallow and gentle, so it suits easy floating and relaxed paddling. Wear water shoes, since rocky patches and coral fragments sit along parts of the shore.
  3. Coin de Mire views: The flat-topped island sits offshore and fills the horizon on clear days. It is a classic north coast sight, and you can enjoy it free from the sand.
  4. Notre Dame Auxiliatrice church at Cap Malheureux: The red-roofed chapel is the most photographed building in the area, with Coin de Mire framed behind it. Entry is free, and it is a short stroll along the coast from the beach.
… read more 👉
  1. Fishing boats on the shore: Colorful pirogues and small boats rest on the sand, and fishermen mend gear nearby. It is the best way to see the beach as locals use it, and photos work well in soft morning light.
  2. Lagoon swimming: The reef keeps the water shallow and gentle, so it suits easy floating and relaxed paddling. Wear water shoes, since rocky patches and coral fragments sit along parts of the shore.
  3. Coin de Mire views: The flat-topped island sits offshore and fills the horizon on clear days. It is a classic north coast sight, and you can enjoy it free from the sand.
  4. Notre Dame Auxiliatrice church at Cap Malheureux: The red-roofed chapel is the most photographed building in the area, with Coin de Mire framed behind it. Entry is free, and it is a short stroll along the coast from the beach.
  5. Coastal walk toward Calodyne: The road along the shore passes small beaches, fishing houses and snack stalls. Walk slowly, stop for a cold drink, and you get a feel for the northern village side of Mauritius that bus tours skip.
Anse La Raie beach and all five stops fit comfortably into half a day, or a lazy full day if you stop for long swims and meals.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Anse La Raie

Luxury Catamaran Cruise: The Northern Islands

Luxury Catamaran Cruise: The Northern Islands

4.5(123) 6h
From €98
per personViator
Trou-aux-Cerfs - Grand Bassin - 7 Coloured Earth - Wild South Guided Tour

Trou-aux-Cerfs - Grand Bassin - 7 Coloured Earth - Wild South Guided Tour

4.7(86) 8h
From €139
per personViator
Ile Aux Cerfs full day shared catamaran with BBQ lunch & drinks

Ile Aux Cerfs full day shared catamaran with BBQ lunch & drinks

4.8(70) 7h
From €55
per personViator
Car Hire for a Day with Driver - 8 Hours

Car Hire for a Day with Driver - 8 Hours

4.6(66) 8h
From €205
per personViator
Trou-aux-Cerfs - Chamarel - Grand Bassin -Private Guided Tour (Min. 2 persons)

Trou-aux-Cerfs - Chamarel - Grand Bassin -Private Guided Tour (Min. 2 persons)

5.0(48) 8h
From €163
per personViator
Full Day South Guided Tour Mauritius: Including Lunch

Full Day South Guided Tour Mauritius: Including Lunch

4.7(48) 8h
From €104
per personViator
Waterfall Hike

Waterfall Hike

4.9(21) 6h
From €90
per personViator
Private Transfer - Standard Vehicle

Private Transfer - Standard Vehicle

4.7(22)
From €50
per personViator
Historical Private Guided Tour, City-SugarWorld-Botanical Garden - Min.2 persons

Historical Private Guided Tour, City-SugarWorld-Botanical Garden - Min.2 persons

4.7(21) 8h
From €163
per personViator
Historical Guided Day Tour : City - Sugar World - Botanical Garden

Historical Guided Day Tour : City - Sugar World - Botanical Garden

4.6(23) 8h
From €139
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Summer (November to April): Hot and humid, 25 to 32°C (77 to 90°F), with the longest days and the occasional cyclone or heavy downpour, mostly January to March.
  • Winter (May to October): Drier and breezier, 18 to 26°C (64 to 79°F), with shorter days, cooler mornings and the calmest, clearest conditions for exploring the north coast.
  • Crowds and prices: Mauritian holidays, December and January, and July to August push up beds and flights. Weekends bring local families to the sand.
  • Activities: Fishing boats work the bay year-round, and swimming is most comfortable from October to May.
Book September, October or May and you get settled weather with lower rates.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: highly recommended for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: excellent for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
mauritius-beach-anse-la-raie
© Google |

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutMauritius Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Mauritius
The digital guide (246 pages) contains:
✅ 65 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 2, 3 & 5-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

Grand Baie, about 10 minutes by bus or taxi south of Anse La Raie beach, is where most backpackers sleep. It has the island’s densest cluster of budget guesthouses, hostel-style dorms and cheap eateries, plus a lively evening scene that makes meeting other travelers easy. Beds run roughly US$15 to 35, and private rooms US$35 to 70. Pereybere, a little further on, is quieter, with a village feel, a handy supermarket and easy bus links. Both suit solo travelers and both are safe to walk at night in the main streets. Staying right at Anse La Raie means a few quiet family-run rentals and little nightlife, … read more 👉
Grand Baie, about 10 minutes by bus or taxi south of Anse La Raie beach, is where most backpackers sleep. It has the island’s densest cluster of budget guesthouses, hostel-style dorms and cheap eateries, plus a lively evening scene that makes meeting other travelers easy. Beds run roughly US$15 to 35, and private rooms US$35 to 70. Pereybere, a little further on, is quieter, with a village feel, a handy supermarket and easy bus links. Both suit solo travelers and both are safe to walk at night in the main streets. Staying right at Anse La Raie means a few quiet family-run rentals and little nightlife, which works well if you want calm and your own kitchen. Self-catering saves money across the north.
Best hostels in Mauritius


Best quality hotels in Mauritius

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Anse La Raie

Anse La Raie beach is a small, calm, generally safe stretch on the sheltered north coast. The lagoon is shallow and protected by a reef, so waves are gentle and rips are rare, though the sandy strip is narrow and the water can be shallow at low tide, with some rocks and sea grass underfoot. Wear reef shoes if you wade far. The sun is strong all year, so cover up and carry water, especially from midday. Locals swim here mostly in the morning and late afternoon. Keep phones and wallets with you rather than on the sand, as petty theft happens at busy Mauritian beaches.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Anse La Raie beach lies on the north coast of Mauritius, about 5 km from Grand Baie. Buses run from Grand Baie toward Cap Malheureux and Anse La Raie for roughly US$0.50 to 1, and the ride takes around 15 minutes. A taxi from Grand Baie costs about US$8 to 15, and a rental car from Grand Baie or Port Louis (around 45 minutes) is the easiest option.
Anse La Raie beach is fine for a quiet dip but not a major water-sports spot. The lagoon is shallow and sheltered, so swimming is gentle, though the sandy stretch is narrow and rocky in places. There is no surf, as the reef breaks the swell. Snorkeling is better from Grand Baie or Cap Malheureux boat trips, which cost around US$25 to 50 per person.
Anse La Raie beach is free to visit, with no entry charge and no ticket booth. Public access is open all day, and parking nearby is usually informal and free or costs only small change. Bring your own water and snacks, since facilities are limited. Sunbeds and boat or fishing trips from the area cost extra, typically US$5 to 40.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Mauritian beaches near Anse La Raie

Explore more nearby:

  • Bain Boeuf—view of Coin de Mire, narrow beach, fishing boats, volcanic rocks| 3 km away
  • Pereybere—compact beach, clear deep water, nearby cafés, easy swimming| 4 km away
  • Grand Gaube—fishing village, offshore islets, local boats, calm bay| 4 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Mauritius including Anse La Raie and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all beaches

Or checkout all Mauritius has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Mauritius
Country photo of Mauritius
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Anse La Raie beach is best early on a weekday morning, when the water is flat, the fishermen are active and the shoreline is almost empty. Bring water shoes and a hat, then save lunch for a local stall instead of a tourist restaurant.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Mauritius. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story