The Blue Bay Marine Park glass-bottom boat tour is the simplest and most accessible way to see one of the finest coral reef systems in the Indian Ocean. Operating from the beach at Blue Bay, the tour runs several times daily and takes small groups directly over the best reef patches in the protected marine park.

The glass-bottom panels are built into the hull of the flat-bottomed boat and provide a clear, unobstructed view of the reef below as you drift across it at slow speed. The water clarity at Blue Bay is exceptional — on calm, sunny days you can see every coral structure and fish in detail even at 4–5 metres depth. The operators know the best routes and position the boat over the most interesting reef sections, including the large brain and table coral formations in the middle of the park.

The tour doesn't require swimming or snorkelling, which makes it ideal for families with young children, older visitors, or anyone who wants to see the reef without getting in the water. For those who want to snorkel, the operators can extend the trip or drop you in shallow water over the reef with a mask and fins.

Species regularly spotted include parrotfish, angelfish, wrasse, and reef sharks in the deeper channels. Sea turtles frequent the seagrass beds at the edge of the lagoon. The 30-minute tour is good value and leaves you wanting more — many visitors follow it up with a snorkel session from the beach. Book directly with the operators on the beach or through your accommodation in Mahébourg or Blue Bay.