Things to do in Grand Bay: The Best Places to Visit and Highlights

Grand Baie, in the north of the island, is one of the best places to visit during a trip to Mauritius.

This small, very popular port town attracts many visitors for its beautiful beaches, restaurants, and plenty of entertainment.

Spend a day in this area to enjoy white sand and the turquoise lagoon, head out by boat to discover the offshore islets, or try scuba diving.

In this article, I share the best things to do and see in Grand Baie and nearby. From postcard-perfect beaches, seaside restaurants, water sports, and outdoor activities—there’s plenty to keep you busy!

At the end of this guide, I also share my selection of the best hotels to stay in Grand Baie, my favorite restaurants, and a few less touristy spots to discover, off the beaten path.

With all this info, I hope to make planning your stay in Grand Baie easier and help you have a great time!

So, what are the best things to do and see in Grand Baie?

Let’s go!

1. Discover the most beautiful beaches in the North

Grand Baie public beach, picturesque

With its small colorful boats and white sand, Grand Baie beach has incredible charm. Lining the main avenue where all the restaurants are, it forms the heart of the town.

Several street vendors have set up their food trucks here. It’s the perfect opportunity to try local specialties by the ocean (roti, dholl puri, samosas, mine frit, fried rice, fresh fruit…).

The vibe on this beach is peaceful and the sunset is beautiful!

Pereybère Beach, family-friendly

About 3 km from Grand Baie, the small village of Pereybère also has a lovely beach you should not miss during your trip to Mauritius.

Here the vibe is friendly and the water is shallow, which makes it a favorite for families.

This small cove nestled in the turquoise-blue lagoon is lined with villas. You’ll also find several small stalls selling snacks, pineapples, and fresh coconuts.

La Cuvette Beach, intimate

Between Grand Baie and Peyrébère beaches, you’ll find La Cuvette Beach, less well known.

It’s personally my favorite. It’s small and friendly, mostly frequented by locals.

The beach is edged with black volcanic rocks and trees where you can relax in the shade.

If you want to go snorkeling in Mauritius, it’s a great spot. The rocks on the right are home to many fish that are easy to observe without going too far from shore.

Cap Malheureux Beach, authentic

Here is my favorite spot in Mauritius! Cap Malheureux Beach has something authentic you won’t find anywhere else. It’s known for its bright red-roofed church, a popular wedding venue.

Rarely crowded, it’s a small, intimate beach, a bit wild and so relaxing, only 10 minutes from Grand Baie.

From the beach, you get an unbeatable view of Coin de Mire, one of the northern islets that you can reach by boat.

Mont Choisy Beach, peaceful

Located just 5 minutes from Grand Baie, the vast Mont Choisy Beach is also among the best beaches in northern Mauritius.

It’s gorgeous, with a long stretch of fine sand facing a lagoon that stretches to the horizon. If you’re looking for a family-friendly, quiet beach, head here.

Plus, you can easily find secluded spots to enjoy the idyllic setting without crowds.

Trou aux Biches Beach, postcard setting

Right after Mont Choisy, the superb Trou aux Biches Beach is a must-visit around Grand Baie.

Many rank it among the best beaches in Mauritius. And you’ll see why as soon as you spot its powder-white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water.

It’s no surprise that Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, one of the island’s most prestigious hotels, sits along this beach.

It gets very crowded in high season, and you’ll find plenty of water activities: paddleboarding, sailing, boat tours…

At the start of the beach near the parking area, you’ll find several vendors selling all kinds of snacks.

2. Discover the town with a food tour

Among the best things to do in Grand Baie, you should go on a guided food tour. It’s the best way to discover the town and its most picturesque corners while tasting delicious local specialties.

Your guide, who knows Grand Baie inside out, takes you on about a 3-hour walking tour through the alleys and the most interesting places in this iconic coastal town of Mauritius.

Along the way, you’ll make several stops at the most popular restaurants and snack spots to try delicious curries, rougailles, samosas, and other Creole treats.

Most travelers, and even many Mauritians, only know Grand Baie for the beach and shopping avenue. Thanks to this guided tour, you’ll be able to discover the town in more depth, learn its history, experience real Mauritian life, and chat with locals.

You need to book your guided food tour in Grand Baie in a few clicks using the button below:

3. Go on a cruise to the Northern islets

During your stay in Mauritius, you will have many chances to go on boat trips. Sea cruise, speedboat, glass-bottom boat, catamaran—everything is possible!

In Grand Baie, the most popular outing is the catamaran cruise to the Northern islets.

There are 3 of them: Coin de Mire, Ile Plate, and Ilot Gabriel.

Each one shelters valuable biodiversity and all three are protected nature reserves.

This full-day excursion around the Northern islands lets you see them up close while enjoying a comfortable catamaran.

Here’s what awaits you, in short:

• Morning departure from Grand Baie beach
• Breakfast served on board
• Stop on Ile Plate
• Back on the catamaran for a barbecue
• Sail to Ilot Gabriel and stop on its beach
• Swimming or snorkeling break for those who want
• Then head to Coin de Mire islet
• Stop in the islet’s natural aquarium to swim and watch numerous reef fish
• Return to Grand Baie around 4 PM

This outing is very popular, so you need to book your spot right now by clicking the button below:

4. Go shopping in Grand Baie

On Sunset Boulevard

Right in Grand Baie center, shopping fans can go window-shopping and give the credit card a workout on Sunset Boulevard, known as the “Shopping Village.”

Sunset Boulevard is Grand Baie’s main avenue running along the coast. You’ll find plenty of craft shops, clothing stores, and beach accessory boutiques.

At La Croisette

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

Located right at the city entrance, off the highway, you’ll find everything: restaurants, luxury boutiques, clothing stores, home decor, local crafts, supermarket…

In the open-air space at the center of the mall, concerts and events often take place on weekends.

If you want to go to the movies in northern Mauritius, La Croisette is where it happens.

5. Go scuba diving

When you visit Mauritius, you will have many chances to go scuba diving. The northern seabeds are among the richest and most enjoyable to explore.

So you’ll find plenty of dive centers in and around Grand Baie!

Among the most renowned, you should consider:

• Sunset Diving, a dive center located on Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie
• Bubble Diving Center in Trou-aux-Biches
• and Dive Spirit Mauritius, also located in Trou-aux-Biches.

If you want to do your introductory dive in Mauritius, the Sunset Diving team is excellent. After a short safety briefing, your instructor will take you to one of the best dive sites in the North, at shallow depth, for your first dive.

To save time, you need to book your introductory dive in Grand Baie by clicking this button:

And if you already have your Level 1 diving certification, you can book your exploration dive at one of 30 beautiful dive sites between Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches, also with Sunset Diving.

You need to book your spot in advance by clicking the button below:

6. Try thrilling water activities

Got energy to burn? Want to let off steam? You will also find plenty of water and sports activities in Grand Baie.

Between speedboat outings, skydiving, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, or Seabob tour, you will have plenty to satisfy your need for thrills!

You will easily find operators on beaches and near hotels.

On Mont Choisy beach, Wildwind Adventures Mauritius offers surfing and paddleboarding sessions.

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, you can also go for a Seabob dive in Grand Baie lagoon! It’s a unique experience where you zip across the surface and underwater while holding a motorized device.

To save time and secure your spot, you need to book your Seabob tour by clicking the button below:

7. Other activity ideas in Grand Baie

A submarine tour

Yes, you read that right! Just next to Grand Baie (in Trou aux Biches, to be exact), you can explore the ocean aboard a real submarine!

It’s an unusual and unique experience offered by Blue Safari.

It’s accessible to everyone and lets you dive to over 30 m deep in the comfort of a modern submersible.

Large portholes give you an excellent view of the seabed and the marine life that calls it home.

The dive lasts 40 minutes and even takes you right next to a shipwreck that has been lying on the ocean floor for over 30 years!

I tried this incredible tour myself and I share all the details in this article (click here to read it).

If you want to make your stay in Mauritius even more unforgettable, you should really do it!

Don’t wait—click below to book your submarine tour near Grand Baie in Mauritius:

A seaplane flight over the lagoon

Another thing to do in Grand Baie to make your stay even more memorable: a seaplane flight over the island.

You will get a bird’s-eye view and admire all the shades of blue in the lagoon from the sky!

It’s truly an experience you should do at least once.

Flights depart from Grand Gaube beach, about 20 minutes from Grand Baie. You can choose a 15-, 20-, or 30-minute flight over the northeast lagoon.

You’ll fly over the ocean, several islets, and you might spot large marine animals (turtles, rays, and even humpback whales in season!).

You need to book your seaplane flight near Grand Baie by clicking below:

An e-bike ride

Want to visit Grand Baie differently? You should go for a short e-bike ride. It’s the perfect activity to explore every corner of the north coast without getting tired.

E-Lab Mauritius and Fun Bike, located in Grand Baie, are two providers offering electric bike rentals for self-guided rides or guided routes, some with picnic and visits included.

Try aerial yoga

Looking for a relaxing activity during your vacation in Mauritius?

Right next to Trou-aux-Biches beach, you can try aerial yoga!

What is it? Aerial yoga is simply yoga with a twist: a wide fabric sling holds you up and lets you move from one pose to another while floating in the air. It feels great! A perfect way to start or end your day gently.

Head to Yoga Paradise Garden. For info, click here: Aerial yoga mauritius

8. More ideas for things to see around Grand Baie

Visit Château de Labourdonnais

You’re looking for a cultural activity around Grand Baie? Then you should visit Château de Labourdonnais, about 15 minutes’ drive away.

This former colonial mansion, built in 1856, is now a museum dedicated to 19th-century lifestyle in Mauritius and to the history of the family who built and lived in the château for more than 150 years.

The full visit includes:

• exploring the different rooms of the château
• visiting the gardens and orchards
• a tasting of rums, juices, and fruit pastes made on the estate.

It’s a great way to spend an afternoon.

You can also have lunch or dinner at La Table du Château, the estate’s fine-dining restaurant. Reservation required at +230 266 71 72.

Visit Sugar Museum

If you’re wondering what to do in Mauritius when it rains, here’s an idea: visit L’Aventure du Sucre museum.

This museum dedicated to the cultivation and trade of sugar in the country is one of the must-see cultural attractions in Mauritius.

It’s located in Beau Plan, along the highway leading to the North coast (about 15 minutes by car from Grand Baie).

L’Aventure du Sucre includes:

• a museum dedicated to the cultivation, harvest, and processing of sugarcane in Mauritius;
• a restaurant;
• a shop.

The sugar trade is closely tied to Mauritian history and culture. It’s a very interesting visit if you want to learn more about the country’s heritage.

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

Where to eat in Grand Baie?

The choice of restaurants in Grand Baie is very wide. From Chinese restaurants to Italian pizzerias, Indian specialties, and American fast food, there’s something for everyone.

Prices are higher than in less touristy areas of the island but still very affordable for Europeans.

I have a soft spot for these 3 restaurants that I recommend:

Le Poivrier

On the coastal road leaving Grand Baie, Le Poivrier welcomes you in a lush, friendly setting. Tables are set in a pretty tropical garden.

The menu is varied (Asian, French, American…) and tasty. You can also try many flavors of house-made infused rums.

Les Canisses

If you’re looking for a toes-in-the-sand restaurant in an idyllic setting, head to Les Canisses! This bar-restaurant set right on the beach in the heart of Grand Baie promises a great time.

It’s one of my favorite spots, especially because the menu includes a delicious vegetarian menu.

For brunch, lunch, or dinner on the beach, it’s perfect!

In the evening, there are often live musicians to accompany your meal. Great vibe guaranteed 🙂

Shlomo

I never miss spending time at Shlomo when I go to the North.

This trendy little coffee shop sits on the coastal road in Grand Baie. You can enjoy super tasty, hearty dishes, all homemade with fresh, local products!

Again, choices are varied: from burgers to poke bowls, burritos, or tropical salads, all paired with fresh juices and house-made infusions!

Where to stay in Grand Baie?

You will find a wide choice of accommodations in Grand Baie and nearby villages. Fully equipped apartment, guesthouse, villa, or hotel: pick according to your wishes and budget!

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

• Bano Beach Residence: Apartments with sea view. Fully equipped kitchen. Right in Grand Baie center, across from the beach. Studios from 37€ per night. Ideal and comfortable for budget travelers!
• Le Mandala Moris : Guesthouse in Pointe aux Canonniers, 700 m from the beach, with pool, comfy rooms, and stylish decor. Warm welcome and idyllic setting. From 100€ per night for a double room.
• Bleu de Toi Boutique Hotel: small family-run hotel in Pereybere, 5 minutes on foot from the beach. Rooms are nicely decorated, with a kitchenette. You also get a lovely outdoor pool, tropical garden, and a great terrace for breakfast. From 140€/night for a double room, breakfast included.
• Sakoa Boutik Hotel : 4-star beachfront hotel in Trou-aux-Biches, 15 minutes from Grand Baie. Attentive staff and truly idyllic setting. Around 200€ per night for a double room.
• Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort: Large luxury hotel 5 minutes from Grand Baie center. Access to pool, spa, and beach. 3 restaurants. The perfect choice for a luxury stay in north Mauritius. From 300€ per night.
• LUX Grand Baie Resort & Spa: one of the largest luxury hotels on the island, right in the heart of Grand Baie. Elegant double rooms and VIP perks from 430€ per night. The top choice for a high-end stay in Grand Baie!

How long to visit Grand Baie?

During your trip to Mauritius, you can spend 1, 2, or 3 days exploring Grand Baie and surroundings. It all depends on your vacation pace and how much time you plan to spend on beaches, but the area is small and sights are close together.

How to get to Grand Baie?

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

For that, you should go with Booking Cars for total peace of mind.

By using Booking Cars for your car rental in Mauritius, you will enjoy several benefits:

• the ability to compare prices easily online
• Full Protection insurance
• fast refund if anything goes wrong
• the option to cancel your booking for free until the last minute.

To compare car rental deals in Mauritius, click the button below:

As for travel times to reach Grand Baie, here they are (this will help you plan your schedule):

• If you’re already staying in the North, you won’t spend much time on the road.
• From the South, it takes about 1h15 by taking the main highway.
• From the East Coast, plan 30 to 45 minutes to reach Grand Baie.
• And from the West, plan about 1h.

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

Travel Insurance for Mauritius: My Advice

And you, what have you planned to do in Grand Bay?

You’re traveling to Mauritius? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mauritius: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mauritius are listed there.

• The 21 Best Places to Visit in Mauritius

• The 11 Most Beautiful Beaches in Mauritius

• Best Time to go to Mauritius? – Seasons, weather, activities, prices

The best itineraries for your trip

• Itinerary: 5 days in Mauritius – An amazing itinerary for a short stay in Mauritius
• Itinerary: One week in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit the island in 7 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit Mauritius in 10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mauritius – The ultimate guide to Mauritius in 15 days
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mauritius – Plan your 20-21 day stay in Mauritius easily!

• Road-trip in Mauritius – The 6 best itineraries for your trip!

Places to Visit

• Bellemare: Top 11 places and activities
• Underwater waterfall in Mauritius – How to get there + Tips
• Chamarel: 11 Epic Things to Do
• Flic-en-Flac: Top 10 places to visit and things to do
• Grand Baie: The Ultimate Guide
• Grand Bassin: All the Best Things to Do
• Île aux Bénitiers: How to Visit Benitiers Island?
• Île aux Cerfs: The Definitive Guide to Plan Your Visit
• Mahébourg: Best Places to Visit + Tips
• Morne Brabant: How to Visit Morne Brabant?
• Black River Gorges National Park: What to See and Do?

• 9 Natural curiosities to see in Mauritius

Activities

• The Best Activities in Mauritius – Water sports, cruises, day trips, guided tours…

• The Best Boat Trips in Mauritius – Top 5 + Rates and booking
• Scuba diving in Mauritius: The Definitve Guide

Organize your stay

• Where to Stay in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide – All types of accommodation for all budgets

• 4-Star Hotels in Mauritius: My selection of the best!
• 5-Star Hotels in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide

• The 11 Most Beautiful Hotels in Mauritius – Guide + Tips

• Guesthouses and B&B in Mauritius: My Selection of a perfect stay

• Renting a Car in Mauritius: Guide + My Best Tips

Are you using Pinterest? Here’s the image to pin!