Blue Bay

Situated in the South East of Mauritius, Blue Bay is enclosed by coral reefs protecting it from oceanic waves. There is a narrow channel that connects the bay to the open sea. On each side of the bay there is a hotel, to the west the "Shandrani" and to the east the "Blue Lagoon" Hotels. To the North West of the bay lies the runway of the sole airport of Mauritius, the International Airport of Plaisance. On the Northern part of the bay lie a Coast Guard Station, a series of bungalows and then the public beach. Within the lagoon and atop the coral reefs lies a delightful islet of 4.22 hectares in area, called "Ile aux Deux Cocos".

At the very centre of the bay, in between the islet and the coastline, lie ancient coral beds of great beauty and of great biological diversity. This diversity of corals makes the site of international importance.

At a depth of 5.5 metres, the seabed is covered with corals of which 80% are alive. The density of corals found here make it even more valuable and so unique. A study of the site has enabled researchers to identify about 50 different species of corals and more than 50 different species of fishes belonging to 25 families. The presence of Seriatopora hystrix at the site is to be noted, for it is a rare species for Mauritius.

Despite pressure from tourism development, uncontrolled fishing and urbanisation, the coral beds are in good health, but there are a few signs of stress here and there.