A glass-bottom boat is one of the easiest ways to see a Mauritian reef. You do not need to swim. You do not need to get wet. But what will you really see? Here is an honest guide from the team that runs these trips in Trou aux Biches.

How a glass-bottom boat works

The boat has clear panels in the floor. You sit around them and look down. As the boat moves slowly over the lagoon, the reef passes under your feet. A crew member points out what you are seeing.

The water in the Trou aux Biches lagoon is often clear and shallow. That makes it a good place for this kind of trip.

What you will see

Coral

You will see coral gardens on the lagoon reef. Colours and shapes vary from spot to spot. Coral is alive, and the crew will explain how the reef works.

Reef fish

This is what most people remember. You will see tropical reef fish moving around the coral. Many are small and brightly coloured. Some swim in groups. The crew can help you spot and name them.

Sea life on the sandy bottom

Between the coral patches there are sandy areas. You may see sea urchins, starfish or sea cucumbers. Look closely.

Maybe a turtle

Green turtles live and feed in the waters off Trou aux Biches. Our crews say they are often seen, not guaranteed. On a standard lagoon trip, a turtle is a bonus. If turtles matter most to you, choose a trip that goes to known turtle spots, or the guided turtle snorkel.

What you will not see

Let's set expectations. A glass-bottom boat is not a submarine. You see the shallow lagoon, not the deep ocean. You will not see big sharks or whales. Dolphins live further out, in open water, and are not part of a lagoon glass-bottom trip.

Shared or private?

We run both. Here is the difference.

Shared glass-bottom boat

The Glass-Bottom Boat in Trou aux Biches is a shared one-hour trip over the lagoon reef. It includes the boat trip, safety equipment and guide commentary. It suits all ages. It costs from €29 per person.

It is a good choice for families with young children, older travellers and anyone who wants a short, easy outing.

Private glass-bottom, open sea

The Private Glass-Bottom Open-Sea Explorer is your own boat for about 1 hour 15 minutes. It mixes three things:

• Glass-bottom viewing over the reef.
• A snorkelling stop. Swimming and snorkelling gear is included.
• Open-water cruising through turtle and dolphin habitats off the north-west coast.

It costs from €135 per person. Our crews say green turtles are often seen and dolphins are sometimes seen. Wild animals, wild odds. Nothing is guaranteed.

Private, with breakfast

There is also a private glass-bottom trip with breakfast: snorkelling plus a full Mediterranean breakfast at a beachfront hotel. It is popular with couples.

When is the best time to go?

• Morning is usually best. The water is often calmer and clearer.
• After a few calm days visibility is usually better than after strong wind or heavy rain.
• Any month works, but summer showers can make the water cloudy for a short time.

If conditions are poor, we tell you and move the trip.

Tips for a better view

• Sit near the glass and keep your head close to it to cut glare.
• Wear sunglasses on the way out. Take them off when looking down.
• Bring a phone or camera. Turn off the flash and press the lens close to the glass.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat. There is strong sun on the water.
• Take a seasickness tablet if you get sick easily, mainly for the open-sea private trip.

Glass-bottom boat or snorkelling?

• Choose the glass-bottom boat if you cannot swim, have small children, or want to stay dry.
• Choose the turtle snorkel if you are comfortable in the water and want to be closer to the reef.
• Choose the private open-sea trip if you want both, with more time and your own boat.

Many families do both. Browse all our experiences to mix and match.

FAQ

Do you get wet on a glass-bottom boat? On the shared trip, no. You stay seated and dry. On the private open-sea trip, you can snorkel if you want to.

Will I see turtles from a glass-bottom boat? Maybe. Turtles are often seen in these waters, but never guaranteed.

Is it good for children? Yes. The shared trip suits all ages and lasts about one hour.

Where does it leave from? From Trou aux Biches beach. We confirm the exact point when you book.

See the reef from Trou aux Biches

Message us to check today's sea conditions and book your seats or your private boat. Book on WhatsApp +230 5944 1336 Or book the Glass-Bottom Boat, Trou aux Biches.