Grand Baie: must-see sites and activities

Grand Baie, in the north of the island, is one of the must-see sites during a trip to Mauritius. This very touristy little port town attracts many visitors thanks to its sublime beaches, its restaurants and its many activities.

Around Grand Baie there is also the family beach of Pereybère and the magnificent spot of Cap Malheureux with its red church.

Spending a day in this sector is also an opportunity to go by boat to discover the offshore islets, to try scuba diving or skydiving.

In this article, I detail the best things to do and see in and around Grand Baie. Between dream beaches, restaurants by the sea, nautical and outdoor activities: there is plenty to do!

I also tell you about the best hotels to stay in Grand Baie,  my favorite restaurants and also the less touristy places to discover, off the beaten track.

With all this information, I hope to facilitate the preparation of your holidays in Mauritius and make you have a great time!

Ready to discover Grand Baie in depth? So let’s go!

1. Discover the Most Beautiful Beaches in the North

Grand Baie public Beach

With its small colorful boats and its white sand, the beach of Grand Baie has a crazy charm. Along the main avenue where all the restaurants are, it is the heart of the city.

Several street vendors have set up their food trucks there. This is the perfect opportunity to taste local specialties (roti, dholl puri, samosas, fried mine, fried rice, fresh fruit, etc.) facing the ocean.

The atmosphere on this beach is peaceful and the sunset magnificent!

I highly recommend the gastronomic guided tour of Grand Baie which will allow you to discover real local life, and not just the tourist spots. You will tour the best snacks and small restaurants to eat, while learning a lot about the history of the region.

The visit can be booked right here.

Pereybere Beach

About 3 km from Grand Baie, the small village of Pereybère also has a superb beach that you must see during a stay in Mauritius. This is the favorite meeting place for Mauritian families on weekends.

This small cove nestled in the turquoise blue lagoon is bordered by villas. It is the ideal beach for an afternoon swimming with the family. The sea here is shallow for several meters, which allows children to have fun in complete safety.

If it is great for swimming and sunbathing, there is no need to bring your mask and snorkel to Pereybère beach. Far too clean and far too busy, no fish on the horizon (unless you go really far from the coast, but in that case it is better to book a guided excursion ).

Cap Malheureux Beach

My favorite spot in Mauritius! Cap Malheureux beach has something authentic that cannot be found anywhere else. It is characterized by its church with a bright red roof, very popular for weddings.

Uncrowded, it is a small intimate beach, a little wild and so rejuvenating, just 10 minutes from Grand Baie.

Opposite the beach, there is a breathtaking view of Coin de Mire, one of the islets in the North that can be reached by boat.

Mont Choisy Beach

It is located 5 minutes from Grand Baie. The long beach of Mont Choisy is also one of the most beautiful beaches in the North of Mauritius. It extends from Pointe-aux-Piments, passes through Trou-aux-Biches and stops at Pointe-aux-Canonniers.

A real postcard setting awaits you there, with uncrowded corners where you can enjoy the idyllic setting without the influx of tourists.

Trou aux Biches Beach

In the continuity of Mont Choisy, the pretty beach of Trou aux Biches is an unmissable meeting place around Grand Baie.

Very busy in high season, it hosts many water activities. At the back of the beach, several merchants offer snacks of all kinds.

If you are looking for a lively, wide and friendly beach , this is it 😉

2. Go Shopping

Sunset Boulevard

In the heart of Grand Baie, shopping fans can also indulge in window-shopping and heat up their blue cards on Sunset Boulevard, known as the “Shopping Village”.

The main avenue of Grand Baie, which runs along the coast ,  concentrates luxury boutiques, brand name clothing stores and beach accessory shops.

On Sunset Boulevard, you will also find the Sunset Diving agency which offers sea trips for snorkelling in the most beautiful spots in the lagoon.

I recommend this really great outing to discover the underwater fauna of the coral reef in the best conditions. To do before or after your shopping session!

The Croisette

You can’t miss it when you arrive in Grand Baie: La Croisette is the largest shopping center (or “mall” as they are called in Mauritius) in the north of the island.

Located just at the entrance of the city, at the exit of the highway, you can find everything there: restaurants, luxury shops, clothing stores, decoration, local crafts, supermarket…

In the outdoor space in the center of the mall, concerts and entertainment often take place on weekends.

If you want to go to the cinema in the north of Mauritius, it is also at the Croisette that it happens.

3. Nautical Activities in Grand Baie

Go on a Boat Trip

During your stay in Mauritius, you will have many opportunities to take boat trips. Sea cruise, speedboat, glass bottom boat, catamaran … Everything is possible!

From Grand Baie, it is possible to go by boat to approach the northern islets : Coin de Mire, Île Plate and Îlot Gabriel are part of the program.

I highly recommend the full-day catamaran cruise around the Northern Islands , with meals included and several breaks on the different islets. I guarantee you will have a simply unforgettable day!

Simply click on this link to book your catamaran trip

If you are on a romantic trip to Mauritius, the sunset catamaran cruise is also a great idea.

On the program: departure around 5 p.m. towards the Coin de Mire islet, free drinks on board and dinner organized  in a creek before the return. And if you’re lucky like me, you may even come across dolphins during the journey!

Book your romantic excursion in one click right here.

Go Diving

When you go to visit Mauritius, you will have many opportunities to go scuba diving in the lagoon.  The northern seabed is one of the richest and most pleasant to explore.

There is therefore no shortage  of diving clubs in Grand Baie and the surrounding area! Many are waiting for you to take you on a discovery of the richness of the Mauritian coral reefs.

Among those I tested, I can recommend Bubble Diving Center in Trou-aux-Biches, Dive Spirit Mauritius in Trou-aux-Biches but also Sunset Diving in Grand Baie.

The latter also offers a first dive for beginners, with really top-notch support. 

Thrills at Sea

Do you have energy to spare? Want to let off steam? Nautical and sporting activities are not lacking in Grand Baie either .

Between outings in speedboats, skydiving, kitesurfing, paddle or Seabob diving, you will have enough to satisfy your cravings for thrills!

You will easily find the service providers on the beaches and near the hotels.

On the beach of Mont Choisy, Wildwind Adventures Mauritius offers you, for example, surfing and paddle sessions.

The Wanderlust company located in Cap Malheureux offers speedboat excursions.

About 5 minutes from Cap Malheureux, you can also try kitesurfing in the small bay of Anse-la-Raie. 

If you want to try something new, I highly recommend seabob diving! It’s a truly original experience, where you move through the sea at high speed by clinging to a motorized device. Book your seabob excursion in a few clicks here.

4. Ride an Electric Bike

Want to visit Grand Baie differently? I recommend a short ride on an electric bike. A perfect activity to discover the northern coast in its smallest corners, in an original way.

E-Lab Mauritius and Fun Bike located in Grand Baie are two service providers that offer you to rent electric bikes for free rides or guided tours, some with picnics and visits included.

5. Try Aerial Yoga

Very close to the beach of Trou-aux-Biches, you can also try aerial yoga!

Kesako?? Aerial yoga is simply yoga with a little something extra : a large fabric keeps you suspended and allows you to move from one position to another while floating in the air. It’s super nice! A perfect activity to start or end the day gently.

Meet for this at Yoga Paradise Garden. And for information, it’s here: Aerial yoga mauritius

6. Visit the L’Aventure du Sucre

L’Aventure du Sucre is one of the flagship tourist sites of Mauritius. It is located in Beau Plan, on the highway that leads to the North coast (about 15 minutes by car from Grand Baie) and includes:

• a museum dedicated to the cultivation, harvesting and processing of sugar cane in Mauritius;
• a restaurant;
• a shop.

The cultivation and trade of sugar is strongly linked to Mauritian history and culture. It is therefore a very interesting visit to learn more about the country’s heritage.

All the info you need for your visit is on the official website.

Bonus: visit a garden of medicinal plants

If you want a slightly different visit to the north of Mauritius, I can only advise you to discover the workshop and the garden of Feuilles et Fleurs located in Rivière du Rempart!

Nathalie cultivates, dries and transforms various aromatic and medicinal plants there to make herbal teas and other 100% natural and organic preparations.

On the program : visit of the garden, of the herbal tea making workshop , ending with a tasting. An experience that I loved, and unique in Mauritius!

Where to eat in Grand Baie?

The restaurant offer in Grand Baie is very wide. From Chinese restaurants to Italian pizzerias, including Indian specialties and American fast food, there is something for everyone and you will easily find what you are looking for.

On the budget side, prices are higher than in the less touristy areas of the island, but remain very affordable for Europeans.

For my part, I have a weakness for these 3 restaurants that I recommend to you:

Pepper

On the coastal road leaving Grand Baie, Le Poivrier welcomes you in a very friendly green setting. The tables are indeed installed in a pretty tropical garden.

The cuisine is varied (Asian, French, American…) and tasty. You can also taste many flavors of “house” arranged rums.

The Canisses

If you are looking for a restaurant “feet in the water” in an idyllic setting, go to Les Canisses! This restaurant-bar located on the beach in the heart of Grand Baie promises you a great time.

It’s one of my favorite addresses, especially because the menu includes many vegetable options.

For brunch, lunch or dinner facing the lagoon, it’s the best!

Shlomo

I never fail to spend time in Shlomo when I go to the North.

This trendy little coffee shop is on the coastal road of Grand Baie. You can taste great gourmet dishes, all homemade with fresh and local products!

Here again, the choices are varied: from burgers to poke bowls, burritos or tropical salads, all accompanied by fresh juice!

Without forgetting the delicious pastries????

If you plan to dine at the restaurant in Grand Baie at the weekend, or in high tourist season, book your table in advance to be sure to have space.

Accommodation in Grand Baie

There is a wide choice of accommodation in Grand Baie and in the surrounding villages. Fully equipped apartment, guest room, villa or hotel: the choice is yours according to your desires and your budget!

Here is a small selection of the best places to stay in Grand Baie :

• Bano Beach Residence : Apartments with sea view. Fully equipped kitchen. Right in the center of Grand Baie, opposite the beach. Studio from €25 per night. An ideal and comfortable accommodation for small budgets!
• La Tonnelle Guest House : Guest house located in Trou-aux-Biches, 3 minutes walk from the beach. Rooms with private bathrooms. Outdoor pool. Warm welcome and idyllic setting. From €45/night for a single room, with breakfast included.
• Azur Beach Boutique Hotel : Nice and comfortable little hotel 2 steps from the beach of Grand Baie, on Sunset Boulevard. From €60 per night for a single room (breakfast included). Direct ocean view. Ideal location for a stay in Grand Baie.
• Sakoa Boutik Hotel : 4-star hotel on the seafront in Trou-aux-Biches, 15 minutes from Grand Baie. Very caring staff and a truly heavenly setting. Around €200 per night for a double room.
• Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort : Large luxurious hotel 5 minutes from the center of Grand Baie. Access to the pool, spa and beach. 3 restaurants. The perfect accommodation for those wishing a top-of-the-range stay in the north of Mauritius. From 250 € / night.

How long to visit Grand Baie?

During your visit to Mauritius, you can spend 1 or 2 days exploring Grand Baie and its surroundings. It all depends on the pace of your vacation and the time you plan to spend on the beaches, but the area is small and the sights to see very condensed.

How to get to Grand Baie?

To go to Grand Baie the easiest way is to rent a car.

• If you are already staying in the North, you will not spend much time on the road.
• From the South, it will take you about 1 hour 15 minutes by taking the main highway.
• From the east coast, allow 30 to 45 minutes to reach Grand Baie.
• And from the West, count about 1 hour.

You can also take the bus to reach Grand Baie. The journey is direct from the Port-Louis bus station (about 30 minutes with the Express bus).

If you prefer to let yourself be guided and enjoy a condensed one-day visit, I recommend this great guided tour with driver which takes you to discover Port-Louis, Pamplemousse, Grand Baie and the northern beaches.

Grand Baie and its surroundings really represent a destination not to be missed during your trip to Mauritius, with plenty of various activities to do. Do not hesitate to share your impressions, your feedback and your questions in the comments!

And you, what are you planning to do in Grand Baie?

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