The beach at N'Gouja, at the southern tip of Grande-Terre, is Mayotte's most famous stretch of sand — and with good reason. Sea turtles nest here from September to February, emerging from the sea at night to lay eggs and returning later with their hatchlings. During the whale season (July to October), boat trips from N'Gouja take swimmers into the lagoon alongside humpback whale mothers and calves.
The snorkeling directly off the beach is among the best on the island, with a rich reef beginning just offshore. The beach itself is quiet, backed by casuarina trees, and receives a fraction of the visitors you would find at a comparable site in the Maldives or French Polynesia. There is a small parking area and a few informal vendors selling snacks.