Grand Baie, Mauritius: Things to Do, Eat and Stay
Grand Baie is the busiest and most social resort town in Mauritius. A wide, sheltered bay, plenty of restaurants and shops, and boats leaving for the northern islands every morning make it a favourite base for first-time visitors who want everything close by.
Why visit Grand Baie
It is the easiest place on the island to combine beach days with evenings out. You can walk to cafes, bars, boutiques and supermarkets, and there is a good choice of apartments, villas and hotels at every budget. It is also the main starting point for cruises to Gabriel Island, Flat Island and Coin de Mire.
Things to do
- Boat trips: catamaran and speedboat cruises leave from the bay. See our catamaran guide and the best islets to visit.
- Diving and snorkelling: dive centres run trips to the northern reefs and Coin de Mire.
- Shopping: shops, boutiques and malls sell clothes, souvenirs and local crafts.
- Sunset: the bay is lovely in the evening, with boats silhouetted against the sky.
- Nightlife: bars and clubs make this the liveliest evening spot on the island.
Beaches near Grand Baie
The town beach is small and busy with boats, so for swimming, head to nearby Mont Choisy, Trou aux Biches or Pereybere, all a short drive away.
Where to eat
Choose from street food and cafes to seafood restaurants and fine dining. Try Mauritian dishes such as fish vindaye and rougaille, along with fresh seafood. Book ahead for weekends and holidays.
Where to stay
Options include beachfront resorts such as LUX* Grand Baie, apartments and villas. Browse our hotels and resorts, or see our guide on where to stay in Mauritius.
If you want quiet evenings, stay a few minutes outside the centre at Pereybere or Trou aux Biches, and drive in for dinner.
From fishing village to holiday hub
Grand Baie was once a quiet fishing village on a sheltered bay. Its calm water and sunny climate made it one of the first places in Mauritius to welcome tourists, and today it is the liveliest resort town on the island, with shops, bars, restaurants, boat operators and the Sunset Boulevard shopping street.
Nightlife
Grand Baie has the most active nightlife in Mauritius, with beach bars, lounges and a few clubs, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Things start late, so many people have dinner first, then move to a bar after 10 pm.
Boat trips from Grand Baie
- Catamaran cruises to Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate.
- Sunset cruises on the bay.
- Big game fishing and glass-bottom boat trips.
- Submarine and undersea walk at nearby Trou aux Biches.
Getting around
Grand Baie is about an hour from the airport. Taxis wait near the main street, and buses run along the coast to Port Louis and Cap Malheureux. Many visitors hire a car or a driver for day trips south.
Top 10 things to do in and around Grand Baie
- Sail to Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate on a catamaran.
- Swim at La Cuvette, a small sheltered beach at the edge of town.
- Spend a morning at Pereybere beach, five minutes north.
- Dive or snorkel with one of the dive centres in Grand Baie and Pereybere (Ocean Spirit).
- Watch the sunset from a sunset catamaran.
- Shop at Sunset Boulevard and the Grand Baie bazaar.
- Visit the Surya Oudaya Sangam temple, one of the most colourful Tamil temples on the island.
- Fly over the north on a helicopter tour from Triolet.
- Take a day trip to Pamplemousses botanical garden and L’Aventure du Sucre.
- Photograph the red-roofed church at Cap Malheureux.
Where to stay: beachfront resort or town?
Staying in the centre of Grand Baie puts you within walking distance of restaurants, bars and shops, which suits young couples and groups. Resorts on the edge of town, such as LUX* Grand Baie, Mauricia Beachcomber or Veranda Grand Baie, give you a quieter beach with the town a few minutes away. For a calmer stay, look at Mont Choisy, Trou aux Biches or Pointe aux Canonniers.
Grand Baie on a budget
- Eat at local snack bars and the market for a fraction of resort prices.
- Use the bus along the coast road between Grand Baie, Pereybere and Cap Malheureux.
- Swim at the free public beaches of La Cuvette, Pereybere and Mont Choisy.
Book it with Plan Mauritius
These experiences can be booked through us, with transfers added if you need them:
- Sunset Cruise – TOPCAT – TOPCAT sunset cruise
- Catamaran Cruise – Ilot Gabriel & Ile Plate – catamaran to Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate
- LUX* Grand Baie
- Veranda Grand Baie Hotel & Spa
Prices of things to do near Grand Baie
Live prices from Plan Mauritius. Hotel pick-up can be added to any trip. Looking for somewhere to stay? Compare all hotels in Grand Baie.
| Activity | Where | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Catamaran Cruise – Ilot Gabriel & Ile Plate | From Grand Baie | From $83.74 per person |
| Sunset Cruise – TOPCAT | From Grand Baie | From $47.30 per person |
| Blue Safari Submarine – Trou aux Biches | Trou aux Biches, 10 min | From $141.80 per person |
| Scuba Diving – Ocean Spirit | Pereybere, 5 min | From $52.36 per person |
| Helicopter Tours from Triolet – Northern Mauritius | Triolet, 15 min | From $141.80 per person |
Frequently asked questions
How far is Grand Baie from the airport?
About an hour by car, depending on traffic. We can arrange private airport transfers.
Is Grand Baie good for families?
Yes. Resorts on the edge of town are calm, and nearby beaches such as Mont Choisy and Trou aux Biches are ideal for children.
Is Grand Baie good for first-time visitors?
Yes. It has restaurants, shops, activities and transport links in one place.
Is Grand Baie noisy?
The centre can be busy and lively in the evening. Choose accommodation a little away from the main strip if you want peace.
Are there good beaches?
The town beach is small, but excellent beaches are close by, including Mont Choisy and Trou aux Biches.
Is Grand Baie safe at night?
Generally yes, but take normal precautions: use registered taxis and keep valuables out of sight.
Where is the best beach near Grand Baie?
Mont Choisy and Pereybere are both close by and excellent for swimming.
How much do activities in Grand Baie cost?
Catamaran day trips to the northern islets start from about ₹7,202 per person, the sunset cruise from about ₹4,068, scuba diving from about ₹4,503 and the Blue Safari submarine from about ₹12,195.
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