Lagoon and water sports
The lagoon of Pointe d’Esny shapes the area's character. It is one of the largest lagoons in Mauritius. A distant coral reef protects it; as a large natural basin, it has calm, shallow water and a pleasant water temperature year-round. The landscape and use of the lagoon for water sports are therefore central features.
Kitesurfing, wing foiling and windsurfing are practiced in the lagoon. In Pointe d’Esny, several kitesurfing and wing foiling schools, as well as water sports clubs, offer lessons, equipment rental and coaching. If one of these sports is important to your trip, you can use the specific offerings as a starting point for your plans. Activity conditions, services offered by individual providers and availability may vary; check current offerings in advance.
Beach access
Access to Pointe d’Esny beach is via public footpaths between the camps. If you are including beach access in your plans, check the path conditions locally: access details may change.
Cultural history in the wider Grand Port destination
A distinct cultural and historical theme can be found in the wider Grand Port destination. In Mahébourg, the National History Museum is located in a park of about 12 acres on the banks of the River La Chaux. The museum displays numerous objects relating to corsairs and the Battle of Grand Port. Its location by the river and in the park provides the setting for the museum; the collection introduces the region’s maritime history.
Most of the exhibits come from the wrecks of La Magicienne and HMS Sirius. Both were British frigates and sank in Mahébourg Bay in 1810. The collection thus links the themes of corsairs and the battle to objects from the two shipwrecks.
The Vieux Grand Port site offers a different perspective on history. It includes the ruins of the first Catholic church, built by Mahé de Labourdonnais in 1737, as well as a powder house from the French period, which lasted from 1722 to 1810. The Frederik Hendrik Museum serves as an interpretation centre for the historic site. The District Council of Grand Port lists the museum in Old Grand Port among the district’s attractions. Their focuses differ: the National History Museum presents maritime themes through exhibits from the wrecks of British frigates; Vieux Grand Port includes church ruins and a powder house. The maritime collection and architectural remains thus represent distinct historical themes.
These different themes sit side by side: in Pointe d’Esny, the lagoon, water sports and public beach paths help orient visitors; in the wider Grand Port destination, museum collections and historical remains provide a distinct cultural and historical setting.
Discover more destinations: Union Vale, Blue Bay, Plaine Magnien, Le Bouchon, Maheboug, Mare D Albert.
Return to the wider travel guide: Grand Port.
