Things to do in Grand Baie: must-sees and where to stay
Contents
In short: Grand Baie is the ideal base for enjoying northern Mauritius: white-sand beaches, a turquoise lagoon, catamaran trips to the islets, and the island’s liveliest nightlife. Don’t miss the red-roofed church at Cap Malheureux or the Pamplemousses garden.
The northern beaches
La Cuvette, a small sheltered cove, Pereybère, much loved by families, Mont Choisy, a long beach lined with casuarina trees, and Trou aux Biches offer a calm lagoon, ideal for swimming.
By catamaran to the islets
Catamaran trips go to Île Plate and Coin de Mire, with swimming, snorkelling and lunch on board. Book the day before, or earlier in high season.
Diving and snorkelling
The northern lagoon and reefs are great for diving and snorkelling; several dive centres are based in Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches.
Cap Malheureux
North of Grand Baie, the little Notre-Dame-Auxiliatrice church and its red roof face Coin de Mire: one of the island’s best-known images.
Grand Baie by night
Restaurants, bars and nightclubs: Grand Baie is the island’s liveliest spot in the evening. The Grand Baie bazaar is the place for souvenirs.
Day trips from Grand Baie
- The Pamplemousses garden, south of Grand Baie, with its giant water lilies.
- Port Louis, the capital, its market and Caudan Waterfront.
- The south and west of the island: Chamarel, Le Morne and Black River Gorges.
Getting around
- A rental car is the most practical way to explore the island (you drive on the left).
- Buses link Grand Baie to Port Louis.
- From the airport, in the south-east, allow about 1 h 15 to 1 h 30 by road depending on traffic: a booked transfer or a rental car is simplest.
All our tips for the country: Travel in Mauritius.
Where to stay in Grand Baie?
- Grand Baie (centre). Restaurants, bars, shops and departures for boat trips, all on foot. Ideal for: nightlife, budget.
- Pereybère. A pretty, quiet public beach a few minutes north of Grand Baie. Ideal for: couples, beach.
- Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy. Long sandy beaches and a calm lagoon, west of Grand Baie. Ideal for: families, beach.
The areas and useful services are on our Grand Baie page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best beach near Grand Baie?
La Cuvette for a small sheltered cove, Pereybère for families, Mont Choisy and Trou aux Biches for long beaches.
When should I visit Mauritius?
May to December is drier and cooler; January to March is the hot, humid season, with a risk of cyclones.
Should I rent a car?
It's the most practical way to see the whole island; you drive on the left.
Related articles
Things to do in Port Louis: must-sees and where to stay
What to see and do in Port Louis: the central market, Caudan Waterfront, Aapravasi Ghat, Chinatown, Fort Adelaide, the Pamplemousses garden and where to stay.
Things to do in Agra: the Taj Mahal, must-sees and where to stay
What to see and do in Agra: the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), Agra Fort, the "Baby Taj", Mehtab Bagh garden, Fatehpur Sikri and where to stay.
Things to do in Baalbek: the temples, Anjar and where to stay
What to see and do in Baalbek: the temples of Jupiter, Bacchus and Venus, the ancient quarry, the summer festival, the Anjar ruins and the Bekaa vineyards.