DESTINATION GUIDE
Grand Baie
The north coast of Mauritius at its finest — beaches, restaurants, activities and everything worth knowing, curated by our on-the-ground team.
GRAND BAIE
Beaches
La Cuvette
📍 ~5 min walkThe beach at the heart of Grand Baie — sheltered, lively and steps from restaurants.
Perfect for swimming and snorkelling in turquoise shallow water. The most accessible beach in the village, with sun loungers and beach bars close by.
Pereybère
📍 ~10 min by carWhite sand, crystal-clear lagoon and a relaxed local atmosphere.
One of the north coast's most beautiful beaches — calm waters ideal for families. Several beachside restaurants and local food stalls.
Mont Choisy
📍 ~15 min by car3km of immaculate casuarina-fringed sand — one of the longest beaches on the island.
Quiet on weekdays and excellent for walking, swimming and kite surfing. A favourite for those wanting space away from the village buzz.
Trou aux Biches
📍 ~20 min by carProtected turquoise lagoon — widely considered among Mauritius's finest beaches.
Safe swimming, rich marine life and a peaceful atmosphere. Excellent for snorkelling and free diving.
Bain Bœuf
📍 ~25 min by carSecluded beach with breathtaking views of Coin de Mire island.
Calm shallow water — ideal for young children. One of the most scenic viewpoints on the north coast.
GRAND BAIE
Restaurants
La Kaza
📍 ~8 min by carExceptional seafood on Sunset Boulevard — the best lobster on the island.
Ocean-to-plate dining right at the water's edge. Choose your own lobster or catch of the day. Themed evenings with live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
Le Capitaine
📍 ~5 min by carSeafood restaurant overlooking the Grand Baie lagoon.
Fresh, flavourful cooking, attentive service and excellent cocktails. Ideal for a romantic dinner or a relaxed family lunch.
La Rougaille Créole
📍 ~10 min by carAuthentic Creole cuisine by the sea in a colonial setting.
Seafood marinated in local spices is the house speciality. The essential address for experiencing real Mauritian cooking.
La Goélette — Royal Palm Beachcomber
📍 ~12 min by carRefined oceanfront dining — the definitive fine dining experience in Grand Baie.
French cuisine with Creole influences, impeccable service and a stunning terrace. Reservation recommended.
The Gourmet Grill
📍 ~10 min by carFine dining meets live music — an unforgettable evening out.
Perfect for a special occasion. Grilled meats and fish, curated wine list, warm and festive atmosphere.
GRAND BAIE
Activities & Excursions
Catamaran cruise to the Northern Isles
📍 Departs from Grand BaieFull-day trip to Gabriel, Flat and Coin de Mire — snorkelling, BBQ lunch and unspoilt beaches.
Depart Grand Baie for three government-protected nature reserve islands. Crystal-clear water, abundant tropical fish and spectacular scenery. The single best excursion on the island.
Swimming with dolphins
📍 ~45 min driveWatch and swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
Morning excursion to the west coast where hundreds of spinner dolphins live year-round. Guided by experienced naturalists.
Scuba diving
📍 ~15 min by boatWorld-class dive sites — coral reefs, wrecks and tropical marine life.
The north coast offers excellent visibility and varied diving. The Stella Maru wreck and Trou aux Biches reefs are among the most celebrated spots.
Kitesurfing & windsurfing
📍 ~15 min by carIdeal conditions on the Mont Choisy lagoon — one of the Indian Ocean's best kite spots.
Consistent trade winds and a protected lagoon. Lessons available for all levels from beginner upwards.
Château de Labourdonnais
📍 ~15 min by car19th-century colonial mansion — the island's finest cultural attraction.
A 2,000m² estate meticulously restored, with tropical orchards, an artisanal rum distillery and guided tours of colonial Mauritian life.
Deep-sea fishing
📍 Departs from Grand BaieBig game fishing — marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi in world-class waters.
Mauritius is one of the world's premier big game fishing destinations. Half-day and full-day charters available on request.
GRAND BAIE
Shopping
La Croisette
📍 ~5 min by carGrand Baie's main shopping centre — supermarket, pharmacy, boutiques and restaurants.
The practical anchor of the village. Banks, pharmacy, fashion boutiques and a well-stocked supermarket all in one place.
Sunset Boulevard
📍 ~8 min by carThe animated seafront strip — restaurants, boutiques and nightlife.
Grand Baie's main artery comes alive in the evening. Souvenir shops, local jewellery, terrace restaurants and bars.
Local market
📍 ~5 min by carExotic fruits, spices, local crafts and textiles.
The best place to find local produce to take home: vanilla, flavoured rum, Creole spices and carved wooden crafts.
GOOD TO KNOW
Before You Arrive
Currency
Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Euros are accepted throughout the tourist areas. Cash in EUR is more useful than cards in smaller local shops.
Language
French and English are both official languages — you will be understood everywhere. Mauritian Creole is the everyday spoken language.
Time zone
UTC+4. Four hours ahead of the UK (BST), two hours ahead of France (CET).
Getting around
Car hire is recommended for exploring the island. Grand Baie has taxis and tuk-tuks, and our team can arrange all your transfers.
Electricity
230V / 50Hz. Type G (British) sockets. A universal travel adapter is recommended.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations for Mauritius. Tap water is safe to drink. SPF 50+ suncream and mosquito repellent recommended.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What guests ask us
How far is Grand Baie from the airport?
What is the best time of year to visit Grand Baie?
Is Grand Baie good for families?
What currency is used in Mauritius?
Do I need a visa to visit Mauritius?
BASED IN GRAND BAIE
Stay at the heart of it all
Cocoon Bay sits ~100 metres from the ocean in Grand Baie. Our on-the-ground team can arrange everything in this guide — excursions, restaurant bookings, transfers and more.