In early May, a video posted on TikTok by a French content creator stirred controversy on social media by claiming that some beaches in Mauritius were private. The widely shared statement sparked outrage among Mauritians, who are deeply committed to protecting their coastline and ensuring public access to beaches. While the claim was vague, it reignited a recurring and often confusing question for tourists, expatriates, and even locals: Are all beaches in Mauritius truly open to the public? Or are there some considered private, with access restricted or even prohibited?
Between fences, hotel-reserved areas, and informal barriers set up by private landowners, the situation on the ground often contrasts sharply with the legal framework. This article explains what Mauritian law provides, outlines common practices, highlights ongoing tensions, and presents solutions.
Mauritian law on beaches: A clear and protective framework
Mauritian law is unequivocal: no beach can be private. The legal foundation lies in the Pas G茅om茅triques Act, a legacy of the French colonial period that remains in force today. This law establishes that the strip of land between the high-water mark and the sea鈥攖he low-water mark鈥攂elongs to the State's public domain and must remain accessible to everyone.
This principle is confirmed and strengthened by the Beach Authority Act of 2002, which created the Beach Authority to manage and protect the nation's beaches. The Authority is responsible for ensuring that beaches remain open for swimming, recreation, and public enjoyment. No private entity鈥攚hether a hotel, an individual, or a company鈥攃an claim exclusive rights over this stretch of coastline.
In addition, Article 538 of the Mauritian Civil Code affirms that shores and their dependencies are inalienable and form part of the public maritime domain. The message is clear: the coastline belongs to all, and no private owner may assert property rights over the beach itself.
Areas above the high-water mark: Leases under strict conditions
The State may grant temporary occupation leases for land located above the high-water mark, typically to hotels or owners of seaside camps. These areas are often used for setting up beach bars, sun loungers, umbrellas, and similar amenities.
However, such leases must not be mistaken for beach privatization. They do not grant the right to restrict access to the strip of sand between the sea and the high-water mark, which remains part of the public domain and must remain freely accessible.
This distinction has been clearly upheld in court. In a case between the State and Ocean Blue Company Ltd concerning 脦lot Gabriel, the judge ruled that the beach area between the high and low tide lines was not included in the lease and must remain open to the public.
Reality on the ground: Restricted access and frequent tensions
Despite a clear legal framework, beach access is often obstructed in practice. Fences, barriers, and warning signs frequently appear at the edges of private properties or seaside camps, creating confusion and deterring the public.
Several incidents have revealed the gradual appropriation of coastal areas by certain property owners. A few years ago, a woman was denied access to the beach at Pointe-aux-Canonniers, with the claim that the sand in front of a private house belonged to the owner. No official documents supported this assertion, but the incident went viral on social media and sparked widespread outrage.
Beachgoers have also reported forms of intimidation: unleashed dogs, sand thrown at visitors, and aggressive tactics to discourage fishing or prevent families from staying on the beach. Such conflicts are especially common in the island's north, a region that is both densely populated and heavily frequented by tourists.
Social media as an instrument of civic vigilance
Social media has become a key tool for exposing violations of beach access rights. The recent case involving the French influencer is a prime example. Although her claims lacked legal foundation, they reignited the sensitive debate around the gradual privatization of the coastline.
Online platforms act as powerful amplifiers, highlighting abuses that might otherwise go unnoticed. A notable example is the 2016 Pomponette Beach case, where plans for a hotel project sparked strong public resistance. Public pressure, amplified through social media, helped ensure the beach remained accessible鈥攗nderscoring the vital role of civil society in defending public spaces.
Beaches are a social and cultural asset in Mauritius
For Mauritians, beaches are more than leisure destinations鈥攖hey are social, familial, and cultural spaces. They hold a central place in community life and contribute to a collective identity rooted in the island's landscape.
This deep connection explains the activism of groups such as Aret Kokin Nu Laplaz (AKNL), now represented by the organization Mru2025. These advocates actively monitor attempts at illegal privatization and work to ensure that beaches remain accessible to all.
The ongoing battle to protect Pomponette Beach, which has been threatened by a controversial hotel project since 2016, remains a powerful symbol. Despite legal challenges, AKNL continues to contest the beach's deproclamation before the Supreme Court, denouncing moves toward privatization that undermine the public interest.
The need for vigilance and legal action in cases of abuse
The Director of the Tourism Authority has made it clear: hotel and bungalow owners have no legal right to block public access to beaches. When violations occur, beachgoers are encouraged to report them to the police and to the Ministry of Housing and Lands, which oversees land leases and has the authority to intervene.
Citizen vigilance plays a vital role in upholding these rights. Ensuring public access to beaches is a shared responsibility鈥攐ne that becomes increasingly important as land pressure and tourism development continue to grow.
Official data: 126 public beaches across Mauritius
The Beach Authority has officially identified 126 public beaches throughout Mauritius, distributed as follows: 36 in the north, 42 in the south, 28 in the west, and 20 in the east. Rodrigues also has around a dozen recognized public beaches.
An official map clearly outlines these areas, allowing residents, expatriates, and tourists alike to know which beaches are publicly accessible鈥攍eaving no room for ambiguity.
A clear right to know and defend
No, there are no private beaches in Mauritius. The law clearly prohibits any privatization of the coastal strip between the sea and the high-water mark. Yet, some private owners and operators continue to block access unlawfully.
Residents, expatriates, and visitors must be aware of their rights, consult official resources鈥攕uch as the Beach Authority's map of public beaches鈥攁nd report any unjustified restrictions.
Protecting this natural and social heritage demands legal awareness and collective vigilance. Ensuring free access to beaches remains a vital issue for Mauritius鈥攍egally, culturally, and environmentally.
