Grand Bay
The island's liveliest seaside town: restaurants, shops and bars around a turquoise bay from which most northern-island excursions depart. The ideal base for the whole north coast.
Tip: Haggle at the Grand Baie bazaar; lively evenings around Sunset Boulevard and La Croisette.
Why base yourself in Grand Baie
Grand Baie is the busiest seaside town in Mauritius. Restaurants, bars, shops, dive centres and tour operators cluster around a sheltered bay, and most catamaran trips to Gunner's Quoin, Flat Island and Gabriel Island leave from here.
The catch: the town beach is often crowded with moored boats. For swimming, locals head to La Cuvette Beach, Pereybere Beach or Pointe aux Canonniers, all a few minutes away.
Things to do in town
Grand Baie Bazaar (sarongs, spices, crafts) generally opens Monday to Saturday during the day and closes on Sundays; haggling is expected. Grand Baie La Croisette, the mall at the entrance to town, has shops, restaurants and a cinema, with longer hours and Sunday opening.
On the waterfront you will find glass-bottom boat trips, dive clubs and kayak rentals. In the evening, nightlife runs along the coast road around Sunset Boulevard.
Getting there
By car, Grand Baie is roughly 30 to 40 minutes from Port Louis via the northern motorway and about 75 minutes from Flic en Flac outside rush hour. Parking in the centre gets tight in the late afternoon and at weekends.
By bus, the air-conditioned express route 215 (operated by TBS) links Immigration Square in Port Louis with Grand Baie about every 30 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays. Slower regular buses also serve the town. Fares are paid in cash to the conductor, so carry small notes.
When to go and practical tips
The north is the island's driest region in the southern winter: from May to October rainfall is often under 40 mm a month, with stronger trade winds in June and July. December to March is hotter and more humid, and boat trips can be cancelled during cyclone alerts.
For excursions, compare a few operators and ask exactly what is included (transfers, lunch, drinks, gear). The shopping streets are walkable, but pavements along the coast road can be narrow, so keep an eye on children.
Combine it with
Grand Baie makes an easy base for the red-roofed church at Cap Malheureux (15 minutes), Mont Choisy Beach and Trou aux Biches Beach to the west, or a full day on a northern islands catamaran. Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and L'Aventure du Sucre are about 20 minutes inland.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Port Louis to Grand Baie by bus?
Take express route 215 from Immigration Square in Port Louis; it runs about every 30 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays. Pay in cash on board.
Can you swim in Grand Baie?
Yes, but the town beach is busy with boats. La Cuvette, Pereybere and Pointe aux Canonniers, all close by, are far nicer for swimming.
Is Grand Baie Bazaar open on Sundays?
Generally not. La Croisette mall does open on Sundays, with shorter hours.
How far is Grand Baie from Port Louis?
About 30 to 40 minutes by car outside rush hour, a little longer by express bus.
