The North of Mauritius
The north is the liveliest and most touristy region of Mauritius: white-sand beaches, calm lagoons, restaurants, shops and nightlife centred on Grand Baie. It's an ideal base for a first stay, especially with family or for those who enjoy a buzz.
From the north you easily reach the airport (about 1h on the motorway) and roam out to the finest northern beaches and boat trips to the islets.
What to do in the north
- 1Stroll around Grand Baie: restaurants, bars, shopping and catamaran trips.
- 2Boat trip to the northern islets: Coin de Mire, Flat Island, Îlot Gabriel — snorkelling and picnic.
- 3Visit the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and its giant water lilies.
- 4Photograph the red-roofed chapel of Cap Malheureux facing the islets.
- 5Swim at Pereybère, a lively public beach.
- 6Explore the market and waterfront, taste Creole street food.
The finest beaches in the north
- Trou aux Biches — calm, shallow lagoon, ideal for families.
- Mont Choisy — long beach lined with casuarina trees.
- Pereybère — lively public beach with shops nearby.
- La Cuvette — a quiet little cove near Grand Baie.
Where to stay in the north
Grand Baie and Pereybère for buzz and restaurants nearby; Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy for a more beachy, family stay. Options range from guesthouse to resort.
Rent a car in the north
A rental car is strongly recommended to explore the north coast at your own pace and reach the rest of the island without relying on buses. Compare vehicles from licensed agencies in Grand Baie.
Frequently asked questions
What to do in the north of Mauritius?+
Grand Baie and its nightlife, a boat trip to the northern islets (Coin de Mire, Flat Island), the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, the Cap Malheureux chapel and the beaches of Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy.
Which is the best beach in the north of Mauritius?+
Trou aux Biches is often cited for its calm, family-friendly lagoon; Mont Choisy for its long casuarina-lined beach. Pereybère is the liveliest.