Are you looking for an untouched beach in Mauritius? A beach that has preserved its wild aspect? Riambel is the place you are looking for! Located in the south of Mauritius, Riambel beach is one of the few beaches still untouched by infrastructural and tourist development. Like almost all the beaches of the southern coast, Riambel beach is a mixture of volcanic rocks, sculpted by the waves, and fine sand.
This beach is mainly popular with the island's fishermen. They find the carangue, a tropical fish with a pulpy flesh. Hidden in the south of Mauritius, Riambel beach is a paradise for adventurers. Less than 200 metres from the coral reef, the waters here are quite lively. Although there are strong currents in the area, there are many beaches with shallow and calm waters. Riambel beach is home to more birds than people. Renowned for its long walks, Riambel takes us back to a distant world… a Mauritius of 50 years ago. Riambel beach does not have a lagoon like Pereybère or Blue-Bay. However, swimming is not recommended, especially for beginners. The currents can be strong because of the narrow coral reef.
The seashore is endowed with lush vegetation and old, but "forgotten" campsites with a venerable charm. This is a sign of the lack of interest in this "wild" beach with its rather coarse sand. Indeed, the sand is composed of large pieces of coral not yet fully sculpted into grains by the swell and the wind.
Riambel is still largely untouched by development. The waters are so shallow that few boats can venture out. You will certainly come across a few fishermen walking around the lagoon at low tide. No doubt in search of octopus, edible shellfish, shrimp or fish. This is one of the sights on this beach. When the tide is out, you can take a short walk from the shore to the reef. There you will discover the richness of the lagoon and the different environments that make it up. Close to the shore, huge sea grass beds reign supreme, and here the sea snails come to graze. Once past the sea grass beds, you enter the realm of the sand. Fine white sand, dotted here and there with a few coral heads, tree corals, potato corals, brain corals and others.
The coral here is alive and well, in spectacular shapes and colours. Green, turquoise blue, mauve, purple, red… The closer you get to the waves that roar on the breakers, the more coral is present. After a few metres, there is no more sand: the ground is entirely covered with coral, a sign that you have reached the barrier. We therefore ask you to be careful where you step. Those who venture out must be extremely careful not to destroy the young coral shoots, or get injured by stepping on a sea urchin.
Around the small village of Riambel sugar cane is grown on large areas of land. A visit to this beach around noon on a sunny day, you can admire the almost unreal turquoise waters.
The entire beach is completely undeveloped and uncrowded, which is great if you are looking for solitude. This also means that you will be hard pressed to find beach facilities of any kind. If you're lucky, you'll find a place to grab a bite to eat. If not, head to Bel Ombre to the west, or Surinam and Souillac to the east, and stock up on food and drink.
The western part of Riambel beach is home to a large complex of long disused bungalows. These buildings create a striking contrast to the pristine beaches and colourful palm trees. The atmosphere is almost mysterious. Locals generally refer to this area as Pointe aux Roches, named after the black and rocky area to the west, dividing Bel Ombre and Riambel.
If you move in the opposite direction and head east for about 2 kilometres, you will find yourself at Riambel beach which continues to Souillac Bay.