MU
Grand Baie
Mauritius’s liveliest resort town, on a sheltered bay with boat trips to the northern islets
Mauritius’s liveliest resort town, on a sheltered bay with boat trips to the northern islets
The sheltered lagoon is good for kayaking, paddleboarding and glass-bottom boat trips. The public beach is small but lively.
Photo: mwanasimba, CC BY-SA 2.0
This wedge-shaped islet is the most recognisable of the northern islands. Catamaran trips sail past it to Île Plate and Îlot Gabriel for snorkelling and lunch.
Seas can be rough in winter; check the forecast.
Photo: otterboris, CC BY 3.0
At the northern tip, the small red-roofed church of Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice looks out to Coin de Mire. It is a popular photo stop.
Photo: Jean-Marc Astesana, CC BY-SA 2.0
The bazaar sells textiles, crafts and souvenirs. Nearby Pereybère has one of the best small public beaches on the north coast.
Photo: Karsten Ratzke, CC0
Try dholl puri (split-pea flatbread), mine frite (fried noodles), seafood curries and fresh fish.
Street food stalls are cheap; the bay has many restaurants and bars.
Grand Baie is about 1–1.5 hours by road from the airport in the south-east. Buses run from Port Louis.
Taxis and hire cars are useful for exploring the island.
Mauritius uses the rupee (MUR). Prices range widely, from cheap street food to luxury resorts.
Beaches, boats and the north.
Relax on the bay or at Pereybère and enjoy the evening restaurants.
Take a catamaran trip to the northern islets.
Visit Cap Malheureux and the Pamplemousses botanical garden.
Compare operators; lunch and snorkelling are usually included.
Beaches are public in Mauritius.
Buses are cheap but slow.
Cyclones are most likely from January to March; follow official warnings.
Quick answers for planning time in Grand Baie.
About 1–1.5 hours by road.
Water sports, catamaran trips, shopping, restaurants and nightlife.
A small, wedge-shaped island off the northern tip.
Yes, the bay is calm and sheltered.
April to June and September to November.
English and French are widely spoken; Mauritian Creole is the everyday language.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Mauritius travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.