The coral reefs in Mauritius are the greatest natural treasures. They are home to an incredible diversity of marine life and offer some of the island’s most beautiful snorkeling spots.

In the Northern Islands, every stop reveals a different underwater landscape. Between Gabriel Island, Flat Island and Coin de Mire, you’ll discover a surprising variety of corals—if you know where to look.

What is a coral?

Contrary to what many people think, a coral is neither a plant nor a rock—it’s an animal.

Each coral is made up of tiny organisms called polyps, which live together in colonies and gradually build the reefs we admire today. These underwater cities provide food, shelter and breeding grounds for countless species, including tropical fish, sea turtles and crustaceans.

🪸 Did you know?
A coral reef can take hundreds—or even thousands—of years to form. Yet a single careless step or kick can break a coral colony in just a second.

Gabriel Island & Flat Island: Home of Acropora Corals

The reefs around Gabriel Island and Flat Island are largely dominated by branching corals from the Acropora family.

These are among the fastest-growing reef-building corals, with growth rates of up to 10 centimetres per year under ideal conditions. However, their rapid growth also makes them particularly fragile. A simple kick from a fin can easily break their delicate branches.

Alongside Acropora, you’ll also find massive corals, table corals and many other species that create spectacular underwater coral gardens.

Acropora coral garden near Gabriel Island, Mauritius

 

 

Coin de Mire: A Completely Different Reef

Just a few nautical miles away, the reef around Coin de Mire offers a completely different underwater environment.

Because the island is of volcanic origin, the seabed is much rockier. This creates different conditions for coral growth, allowing other species—such as Pocillopora—and a variety of massive corals to thrive.

Snorkeling both locations during the same excursion is a unique opportunity to discover two complementary reef ecosystems in a single day.

🌊 Did you know?
Two snorkeling sites located only a few nautical miles apart can host completely different coral communities. The type of seabed plays a major role in shaping each reef.

Rocky coral reef at Coin de Mire, Mauritius

A Fragile Ecosystem Worth Protecting

The shallow waters of the Northern Islands make these reefs accessible even for first-time snorkelers.

Protecting them is simple: avoid touching the corals, never stand on the reef and stay aware of your fins while swimming.

Small actions like these help preserve one of Mauritius’ most valuable marine ecosystems for future generations.