18 of the Best Things to Do in Grand Baie, Mauritius: Your Guide to Visiting Grand Baie

Mauritius
Written By Anna Rooker

Welcome to this comprehensive guide for visiting Grand Baie, Mauritius! Nestled on the stunning northern coast of the island in the Rivière du Rempart District, Grand Baie is a tropical paradise that attracts visitors with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant atmosphere. To be completely transparent - Grand Baie is more touristy for destinations in Mauritius. But it’s a comfortable and worthwhile part of the island to spend a couple of days whether you are looking to relax on a beach, do some shopping or explore the waters. Keep reading for tips for your visit, must-see Grand Baie attractions, the best places to eat, and more!

 

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Best Time to Visit Grand Baie & How Many Days

Mauritius has two seasons; winter which runs May - October and is drier and cooler and summer which runs November - April and is considered the rainy season with warmer, more humid days. People say Winter is the best season to visit Mauritius for its winter sun and affordable prices.

We visited in March which fell in the “rainy season.” It did rain almost every day but was manageable. I don’t think there is a wrong time to visit Mauritius (or the Northern coast) but rain is the biggest battle depending on the time of year you visit.

I recommend staying in Grand Baie for 2-4 days depending on how much time you have in Mauritius.

How to Get to Grand Baie

The international airport of Mauritius, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, is located on the Eastern coast of Mauritius. There are two routes to get from the airport to Grand Baie; through central Mauritius via M2 & Terre Rogue or through Port Louis via M2. Get directions on Google Maps.

  • Via M2 & Terre Rouge: about 70km (43 miles) ⎮ 1-hour 10-minute drive. This route goes through Central Mauritius, through smaller villages and countryside.

  • Via M2: about 73km (45 miles) ⎮ 1-hour 15-minute drive. This route takes you through the bustling city of Port Louis on the Northwest Coast for just a little longer of a drive.

From arrival at the airport, you have the option of renting a car to drive yourself, hiring a taxi to drive you to Grand Baie, or scheduling a driver upon your arrival ahead of time. Check out some of the top-rated airport transfers that can be booked through Viator below! There is also a bus route but this is not an efficient option as it will take significantly longer to get across the island.

How to Get Around Grand Baie

Car

By far the best way to get around Mauritius is by car. I made a whole blog post about renting a car in Mauritius as a foreigner that will answer all your questions about this mode of transportation. In short, it’s easy to do and a worthwhile expense. Read that here:

 

READ ALSO: Driving in Mauritius as a Tourist: Everything you need to know, cost, safety tips, & more

 

Walking

While a rental car is the best option for you in order to explore the island of Mauritius as a whole, you can get around just Grand Baie by foot easily depending on where you are staying and the ground you are willing to cover by foot. Grand Baie is a fairly large area but the neighborhoods are walkable, most with good access to things like restaurants, ATM’s, grocery stores, and nearby beaches.

Day Hire/Taxi

Hiring your own driver is the next best option if you don’t rent a car. There are a couple of ways to go about this:

  • Day Hire: This is where you book a driver to pick you up from your hotel/homestay to take you anywhere you’d like around the island for a day (or multiple days). We actually did this in addition to having our own rental car because it’s a great way to learn about the place you are visiting. You have a built-in local tour guide and someone to give additional recommendations along the way! You can book these online or even some taxi drivers will offer this service for you.

  • Taxi: Because this is a larger, more touristy city, Grand Baie has taxi drivers readily available all over. If you just need a quick ride, step out onto a main street (B13) and you will likely be flagged down by passing taxi drivers or those stationed on corners offering rides. Be sure to have cash on you!

Bus

Mauritius has an efficient bus system that connects villages and is a popular mode of transportation for locals. It is also the cheapest transportation option for foreigners but there are some things to know:

  • Most of the buses are not air-conditioned. They typically just have open windows to allow air to flow through.

  • At peak times of the day, the buses are pretty packed. This is typically early morning and evening (locals going to work and coming home from work). I recommend avoiding traveling by bus during these times if you can.

  • It will take you longer to get around on the bus than in a car.

  • Bring cash to pay for your bus fare.

  • Some bus stops are literally just metal posts with a small sign on them that says “BUS STOP.” Others have awnings and seatings.

  • Always take an umbrella with you if you are planning to take the bus and happen to need to wait at a bus stop with no covering from rain or sun while you wait.

  • Check bus routes and plan your bus itinerary using this website.

 

NOTE: We had a rental car during our trip to Mauritius but we never drove it while in Grand Baie. Staying in Pereybere, we were within walking distance of everything we needed. If we wanted to get to a different part of town further than just a stroll away, we took a taxi.

Where to Stay in Grand Baie

Grand Baie is a wide area comprising several popular neighborhoods with beach access. We stayed in Pereybere. In addition, there is Grand Baie, Mont Choisy, and Pointe aux Canonniers. I’ve broken down below what to expect from each of these neighborhoods of greater Grand Baie, Mauritius, and accommodation options in the area.

Pereybere

Pereybere is the Northwestern part of Grand Baie with a small beach resting in a small cove (Pereybere Public Beach). The B13 street is lined with restaurants and neighborhoods filled with hotels and apartment living. We stayed in Pereybere and loved the quietness of it in comparison to the heart of Grand-Baie. (❤︎ = I stayed here & loved it!)

Grand Baie

Grand-Baie, Grand Baie is home to the most bustling parts of this Northern area of Mauritius with shopping, bars, and beaches galore. It sits along a cove in Grand Baie where you will find large yachts, sailboats, and catamarans parked daily. Needless to say, this area is going a be a bit more pricey.

  • Apartment Nashou: A very affordable option for the area that is basic but if you are with a small group and just want a place to lay your head at night, Apartment Nashou is a highly rated option.

  • Grand Baie View Appart: Another locally owned apartment equipped with everything you need and 200m from the beach.

  • Domaine de Grand Baie: Luxurious studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments with activities, a pool, and room service available.

  • appartement Grand Baie île Maurice: 3-bedroom apartments that sleep up to 6 people (perfect for larger groups) with INCREDIBLE bay views.

  • Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa: Beautiful resort and spa for luxury hotel money spenders.

Mont Choisy

Mont Choisy sits on the Western Mauritius coast of Grand Baie and is well known for Mont Choisy Beach, a 1.4km soft sand beach and the perfect spot in Grand Baie to see the sunset.

  • Choisy Les Bains: Apartments fully equipped with a kitchen, balcony, and housekeeping. A short walk to Mont Choisy Beach and Trou aux Biches Beach.

  • Mon Choisy Beach R. - Apart'Hotel: Simple studio apartments with everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Pointe aux Canonniers

Pointe aux Canonniers is a Northern peninsula in Grand Baie, Mauritius lined with luxury, seaside resorts and fine dining. The closest beach is Mont Choisy Beach. Some accommodation options in Pointe aux Canonniers are:

 

Where to Eat in Grand Baie

Because of the large area Grand Baie stretches, there are endless delicious restaurants and local cuisine options to choose from for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here are just some (most of which I personally tried and enjoyed):

  • Grill & Chill ⎮ Fresh, same-day caught seafood grilled on the side of the road

  • The Cloud - Rooftop & Lounge Bar ⎮ Lounge with bar food and epic sunset views

  • Bloom ⎮ Healthy Western breakfast and lunch spot with gluten & dairy free options

  • Chez Vanessa ⎮ Mauritian fast food truck with farata, rice & noodles, samosas, and more at Pereybere Beach

  • L’Gourmandise ⎮ Also at Pereybere Beach - the best shawarma on a baguette

  • Sunset Cafe and Trattoria ⎮ Marina facing restaurant with seafood - a good place for the sunset and watching the boats come in and out

  • La Kaza ⎮ Popular seafood restaurant known for its fresh and alive seafood

  • Paradise Corner ⎮ Coffee shop with sweet and savory breakfast

  • Sumo Sushi Bar & Grill ⎮ Japanese sushi grill

  • Roots ⎮ Pasta, panini, wraps, and salads in a cozy outdoor pergola

  • La Roulotte Fast Food ⎮ Mauritian style fast food on Mont Choisy Beach

  • Eden Beach Restaurant Lounge-Bar ⎮ Perfect beach location serving cocktails and an assortment of cuisines

18 Best Things to Do in (& near) Grand Baie, Mauritius

1. Find tranquility at Pointe d’Azur

Pointe d’Azur is a peninsula close to Pereybere Beach that juts out into the Indian Ocean boasting bay views to the West, and beachy shore, and Gunner's Quoin to the East. I recommend walking down Pointe d’Azur Dr vs driving unless you are on a scooter due to limited space for cars and rough road conditions. You will find locals posted here any time of day fishing. It’s a quiet and unique space away from the crowds and tourists on the beaches.

Cost: Free

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

2. Shop at the many local boutiques

Being a larger tourist town, you can find many local boutiques and malls to shop at around Grand Baie. Here are some good ones:

3. Have a beach day

An obvious choice! There are several beaches around Grand Baie to check out:

Cost: Free

 

4. Play at a Mauritius casino

Casino gambling is legal in Mauritius and particularly available in Grand Baie with several casinos around the area.

Cost: Free to visit - costs to play

 

5. Book a catamaran day cruise to the Northern Isles

Off the Northern coast of Mauritius are a few isles - Gunner’s Quoin, Flat Island, and Gabriel’s Island. A common excursion from Grand Baie is catamaran day tours to these islands with one of the several agencies to book with.

Cost: Depends on charter, length of cruise, and private vs public

6. Visit the colorful & architecturally interesting religious sites

Mauritius is a melting pot of several large religions. Over 50% of the population is Hindu, followed by Christian, Catholic, and Muslim. Due to this diversity, you can find many religious sites around the island worth visiting for their colorfulness and architecture.

Cost: Free

 

7. Do an unforgettable Underwater Sea Walk

A unique alternative to snorkeling or diving is to do an underwater sea walk. It is essentially walking on the ocean floor with a clear, oxygen-supplied container on your head allowing you to freely move your head while watching the stunning underwater wildlife of the Indian Ocean.

Cost: These companies range from $30-45/person

 

8. Have a relaxing spa day

Spend a day pampering yourself with massages and spa treatments. Here are some highly rated suggestions in Grand Baie.

Cost: Costs range depending on location and service

 

9. Take a snorkeling or scuba trip in the pristine waters

At some point while you are in Mauritius, you should get underwater, because it is breathtaking! Snorkeling and scuba diving (and the required training) are offered widely around the island and in Grand Baie.

Cost: Depends on whether you choose to snorkel or dive and the agency you choose to go with

10. Browse the Grand Baie Bazaar

The Grand Baie Bazaar is a collection of stalls and shops selling local artisan goods and souvenirs. Try your hand at bargaining to get the best deal!

Cost: Free to visit

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

11. Book a sunset cruise

A romantic sunset cruise on the water - some even with dinner and drinks included!

Cost: Depends on charter, length of cruise, and private vs public

 

12. Go deep-sea fishing with a guide

Deep sea fishing is a popular attraction around the Grand Baie area if this interests you. There are many charters in Grand Baie and around Mauritius that you can book with and a great way to choose your charter is to browse through FishingBooker.com.

Cost: On average $300-600/trip

 

13. Support local art galleries

A unique way to experience and support local art and heritage is by visiting art galleries owned by artists around the area.

Cost: Free to visit

14. Visit the postcard-worthy Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice de Cap Malheureux

The Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice de Cap Malheureux is seen on postcards all around stores in Mauritius. Why not go see it and the stunning surrounding coastline and bays for yourself while in the North of the island? This is a Catholic church with a striking red roof and is rooted in deep historical significance.

Cost: Free

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

15. Stroll through Daruty Forest on the Belle Vue Forest Trail

A short 10-minute drive inland from Grand Baie is a small, quiet forest oasis - the Daruty Forest. Following the Belle Vue Forest Trail, you will find yourself engulfed by endemic trees and brush.

Cost: Free

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

16. Tour a former sugarcane factory - L’Aventure du Sucre

L’Aventure du Sucre is an old sugarcane factory that now is a museum and restaurant with guided tours where you can learn of the sugarcane industry history and importance of Mauritius. It is about a 20-minute drive from Grand Baie.

Cost: Rs 575/adult (about $12.70 USD)

📍Location: B18, Pamplemousses 21001, Mauritius - Get directions on Google Maps

 

17. Wander through the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

To see a bit of the beautiful native plants of Mauritius, you can visit the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden. This botanical garden is around a 20-minute drive from Grand Baie and down the street from L’Aventure du Sucre (mentioned above as #16) so is a great add-on to a short trip out of Grand Baie.

Cost: Rs 300/adult (about $6.60 USD)

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

18. Do a rum tasting at Château de Labourdonnais

Château de Labourdonnais is an 1850s estate located only a 15-minute drive from Grand Baie with significant history and heritage importance for Mauritius. You can visit the estate and learn of its history and also taste-test the in-house made rum - a key export of Mauritius.

Cost: No entrance fee to enter the grounds. Tastings and choice of eating at restaurant cost.

📍Location: Domaine de Labourdonnais Mapou MU, 31803, Mauritius - Get directions on Google Maps

Tips & Things to Know Before Visiting Mauritius

  • US citizens do not need a visa to enter Mauritius if they are staying less than 60 days. You just need a valid passport, proof of your exit ticket, and proof of accommodation. In addition, there is an All-In-One Travel Form required. This can be filled out ahead of time (highly advised) or you can fill it out in person before getting in the immigration line.

  • Speaking of going through immigration - this took me over an hour. The airport is small and there are limited flights coming in at the same time. If you can get a seat as close to the front of your plane as possible so you can get out quicker, have your All-In-One Travel Form already filled out digitally, and quickly head to the immigration line, you can get ahead of most of the people on your flight. Otherwise, you will be there for a while.

  • It is cheaper to get your SIM card outside of the airport. You can find Emtel shops all around Mauritius to get your SIM card or top-up. Another option is to get an eSIM through Airalo ahead of time to have service right when you land. This is more expensive than a physical SIM card but convenient to get you going.

    • You can also get an eSIM card ahead of your arrival in Mauritius using the app Airalo. Get $3 off your first eSIM card with my referral code, ANNA5384

  • Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the wildlife in the waters and be sure to reapply sunscreen for your own protection regularly.

  • The weather can change rapidly being on a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Keep an eye on the weather when making outdoor plans. Cyclone season runs from September to May.

  • Most places in Mauritius take cards but I recommend keeping extra cash on you just in case. Taxis, some local vendors, and farmers markets for example are cash only.

  • Mauritius can get expensive quickly. You can expect to pay Western prices at most restaurants (unless it’s a small local cafe, sometimes much less). Accommodation can be done for as little as $40 USD/night up to hundreds-thousands a night depending on what you are looking for.

  • Exchange your money in Mauritius. This will get you the best rate vs exchanging outside of the country.

  • There are no large predator animals to worry about in Mauritius, no venomous animals, and no current cases of malaria.

  • Take a look at the vaccine requirements from the CDC for Mauritius prior to your visit. There are no special vaccines required that aren’t already advisable in most other countries (unlike many other parts of Africa).

  • We noticed that the Google Maps hours provided by many restaurants and stores were incorrect. The best thing to do is to find the place you are wanting to go on Facebook or their website and check their open times there. If they don’t have that noted, send the owners a DM to confirm. (Had to do this a few times).

  • Many places are closed on Saturdays, (especially) Sundays, and public holidays. Regardless of Mauritius being a tourist destination, the locals prioritize their weekends and holidays - as they should! You may need to do some planning to prepare food from your accommodation on Sundays or holidays.

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Anna Rooker
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