Plage des Badamiers

Plage des Badamiers is a beach on Petite-Terre in Dzaoudzi, Mayotte, a French overseas department in the Comoros archipelago. It lies a short distance from the airport and is a five-minute walk from the centre of Dzaoudzi, making it the easiest beach to reach from the barge landing and the airport. Shallow, clear lagoon water sheltered by the barrier reef allows snorkelling directly from the shore, without a boat trip, over the reef flat where small reef fish, sea urchins, starfish and occasional turtles can be seen. The beach takes its name from the badamier, or tropical almond trees, that shade the sand, providing relief from the sun and a pleasant place for a picnic. Snorkellers should time their swim with the tide: some local advice favours morning low tide for clear water, while high tide gives enough depth to swim over the reef without scraping coral, so conditions should be checked locally. Reef shoes protect against urchins and sharp coral. Visits generally last two to three hours. The beach is free and has few facilities, so bringing water, snacks, sun protection and a mask and snorkel is advisable. Weekdays are quiet, while weekends bring local families and groups, especially in the afternoon. Photographers can capture the almond trees against the turquoise water, and the light is best in the morning. The beach pairs well with the Dziani Dzaha crater lake and Plage de Moya on the same island, making a relaxed day on Petite-Terre.