Grand Baie, Mauritius
Grand Baie (also written Grand Bay) is a coastal village on the north-west coast of Mauritius. Most of the village sits in Rivière du Rempart District, with a western portion extending into Pamplemousses District. It curves around a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped lagoon that makes the water calm for most of the year and ideal for swimming and boating.
Why Grand Baie belongs on your Mauritius itinerary
Grand Baie combines easy-going beach life with big-village energy. You’ll find soft-sand public beaches, cafés and restaurants, water-sport kiosks, boutiques, shopping malls, late-night bars and a marina full of excursion boats. It’s a convenient base for exploring the north of Mauritius while still enjoying a lively evening scene.
Grand Baie’s best beaches and lagoon spots
La Cuvette Public Beach
A favourite with locals, La Cuvette is a small cove tucked just off the coastal road between the village centre and Péreybère. It’s known for clear water, natural shade and a relaxed vibe. Facilities are simple, with a few food trucks and showers, and you can snorkel right off the beach when the sea is calm.
Grand Baie Public Beach
Set in the heart of the village, this beach is where you’ll see colourful pirogues and excursion boats moored in the turquoise lagoon. It’s a great launch point for glass-bottom-boat rides, tube rides, parasailing and catamaran cruises to offshore islets.
Péreybère Beach (nearby)
Just a short hop northeast, Péreybère is a compact, white-sand beach with shallow, calm waters—great for families and casual snorkelling. It’s about five minutes by car from central Grand Baie and easy to reach by bus or taxi.
Mont Choisy & Trou aux Biches (nearby)
A few minutes southwest you’ll hit Mont Choisy, a long, gently curving beach lined with casuarina trees, and Trou aux Biches, praised for its snorkel-friendly lagoon. Both make easy half-day beach escapes from Grand Baie.
Top things to do in and around Grand Baie
- Explore the lagoon by boat – Join catamaran cruises or glass-bottom-boat trips to the northern islets like Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin) for snorkelling and beach barbecues.
- Try water sports – Kayak, paddleboard, wakeboard or parasail. Always choose licensed operators and use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Go scuba diving – Dive centres offer reef and wreck dives with visibility often over 20 m.
- Deep-sea fishing – Charters target marlin, tuna, dorado and wahoo.
- Sunset hour on the water – Book a sunset cruise for golden-hour lagoon views.
- Day trip to Pamplemousses Botanic Garden – Just 20 minutes away; combine with L’Aventure du Sucre museum.
- Visit Port Louis – Markets, museums and Caudan Waterfront dining about 45 minutes away.
- Beach-hop the north coast – Explore Péreybère, Anse La Raie, Bain Boeuf, Cap Malheureux and Mont Choisy.
Eating and drinking: Grand Baie’s food scene
Expect Mauritian street food (dholl puri, rotis, boulettes), Creole plates, seafood grills, Asian fusion and European bistros. Most eateries are lagoon-side or within walking distance. Book waterfront restaurants for sunset; for something casual, try food trucks by La Cuvette and picnic under the trees.
Shopping and style
Boutiques, crafts and malls
Sunset Boulevard offers resort wear and crafts, while Grand-Baie La Croisette mall provides fashion, homeware, cinemas and eateries.
Markets and local finds
Look for vanilla tea, local jams, spices, rum and hand-woven baskets. Market stalls may bargain a little. Pick up reef-safe sunscreen locally.
Where to stay in Grand Baie
Beachfront hotels and resorts
Properties along the lagoon range from high-end resorts to mid-range hotels and apartment stays within walking distance of restaurants and shops.
Villas and apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families, with kitchens and living areas—some include shared pools and are close to beaches.
Choosing your base
- La Cuvette / Central Grand Baie – walk-everywhere convenience, marina access.
- Péreybère – relaxed and family-friendly.
- Mont Choisy / Trou aux Biches – quieter, long beaches, easy bus links.
Getting there and getting around
From the airport
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is about 70 km away (70–90 min drive). Taxis, private shuttles and car hire are available.
Public transport
Local buses connect Grand Baie with Péreybère, Mont Choisy, Trou aux Biches and Port Louis during the day.
Driving and taxis
Left-hand driving; car hire is ideal for flexibility. Taxis are easy to flag or book via hotel/apps.
Climate and best time to visit
- May–October: cooler, drier—ideal for beach time and sightseeing.
- November–April: warmer, wetter—occasional short showers; cyclone risk peaks Jan–Mar.
Grand Baie’s reef keeps the lagoon calm year-round. Pack SPF 50 and a light layer for evenings.
Responsible travel and lagoon etiquette
- Use reef-safe sunscreen; don’t stand on coral.
- Don’t feed or chase marine life.
- Choose licensed boat operators.
- Dispose of litter properly and carry a reusable bottle.
- Cover shoulders/midriffs when visiting religious or official places.
A short history of Grand Baie
The north coast served for centuries as a natural anchorage. Under French and British rule it developed from sugar estates to a tourism hub. Today it blends maritime roots with a modern resort feel, seen in names like Mont Choisy and Péreybère that trace back to historic estates.
Suggested 3-day mini-itinerary
Day 1 — Settle into the lagoon
- Morning swim at La Cuvette
- Lunch at a waterfront café
- Afternoon glass-bottom-boat trip
- Sunset drinks and dinner near the marina
Day 2 — North coast discovery
- Photos at Cap Malheureux chapel
- Snorkel at Péreybère or Trou aux Biches
- Shop at La Croisette and enjoy a casual dinner
Day 3 — Culture and gardens
- Visit Pamplemousses Botanic Garden and L’Aventure du Sucre
- Swim at Mont Choisy
- Optional sunset cruise
Practical tips
Money and costs
Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Cards accepted widely; carry cash for stalls/taxis. Tipping 5–10% is appreciated but optional.
Health and safety
Tap water is treated but bottled water is common. Use SPF 50+, wear hats and follow lifeguard signs.
Connectivity
Local SIMs are inexpensive and easy to get at the airport or in Grand Baie.
Grand Baie for different travellers
Families
Stay near Péreybère or Mont Choisy for shallow swimming. Kids love glass-bottom-boat trips.
Couples
Opt for sunset cruises, boutique hotels and quiet coves like La Cuvette.
Adventure-minded visitors
Try diving, kite lessons (east/south coasts), coastal walks and fishing charters.
Digital nomads and long stays
Serviced apartments and villas make it easy to live short-term; cafés, supermarkets and gyms are nearby.
What makes Grand Baie different?
- Year-round swimmable lagoon
- Plenty of restaurants and nightlife within walking distance
- Easy day trips to Port Louis and northern beaches
- Marina hub for cruises and water sports
FAQs about Grand Baie, Mauritius
Is Grand Baie good for swimming?
Yes, the lagoon is protected by a coral reef and usually calm.
Which beach is better: La Cuvette or Péreybère?
La Cuvette is cosy and central; Péreybère is wider and family-friendly—try both.
How far is Péreybère from Grand Baie?
About 5 minutes by car or bus.
Is Grand Baie expensive?
Options range from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses.
Best time to visit?
May–October (cool/dry) or Nov–April (warm/showery).
Where to shop?
Sunset Boulevard and Grand-Baie La Croisette Mall.
Is Grand Baie a good base?
Yes—close to beaches, gardens and the capital Port Louis.
