Things to do in

Grand Baie

Explore Mauritius' 3 Northern Isles in just one day on this full-day catamaran cruise. Marvel at Mauritius' very own island getaways, government-declared nature reserves featuring pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, beautiful coral gardens, rich birdlife, spectacular coastal scenery, and a casual atmosphere. Enjoy tea, coffee, and cake upon arrival at the catamaran Wind Dancer, then depart from Grand Baie Public Beach at 8 AM after the captain's briefing. Cruise easily for approximately 1 hour on the way to the magical Flat Island. Visit the island before returning to the catamaran for a sumptuous BBQ lunch and drinks. After lunch, explore the beauty of Gabriel Island. Snorkel in the lovely lagoon, or simply laze in the sun on the beautiful sandbar that Gabriel Island is best known for. On the return journey to Grand Bay, make a stop at the natural aquarium of Coin de Mire and swim and snorkel among a multitude of colorful reef fish. The catamaran arrives back in the bay at 4:30 PM. Both shared and private options are available for this tour.

Experience the best of Mauritius for a full day with the independence of having a comfortable private car and experienced local chauffeur at your disposal. You’ll plan your own itinerary with your driver’s guidance, and see the places that you would most like to visit. This is the perfect opportunity to discover the island’s stunning natural beauty. The duration of this private excursion is around 8 hours, which is sufficient time to take in a good part of Mauritius. Your driver will provide some recommendations on the best restaurants for sampling the local cuisine at lunch. Note that English, German, and French speaking drivers are available.

Spend the first part of the day exploring the capital city of Mauritius, Port Louis. Climb up to Fort Adelaide, known as 'The Citadel', a 19th-century military fortress which features a walled courtyard and panoramic city views. Then head into the central market, the Grand Port Louise Bazaar & China Town for a stroll around. Marvel at the impressive array of clothing, local vegetables, and exotic spices. Continue your shopping excursion at the splendid Caudan Waterfront. In the afternoon, pay a visit to the beautiful gardens at the Grapefruit Botanical Paradise. Then continue along the northwest coast via the Tamil Temple, Choisy Beach, and Grand Baie. Make a stop at Cap Malheureux, a village located in the Rivière du Rempart District to see The Palatial Red Church, a Roman Catholic Church famous for its vivid red roof against the bright turquoise sea and azure sky. Opt to pop into L'Aventure Du Sucre or the Sugar Factory Museum, where you can discover the history of sugar production in Mauritius and taste local products. Or perhaps make a stop at the majestic Chateau de Labourdonnais, one of the most beautiful colonial houses of the island inspired by Italian neo-classical architecture. Lunch fees are not included in the tour, however, your driver will provide you with a variety of restaurant suggestions according to your tastes. Feel free to request a stopover at any other restaurant of your choice at any point during the day.

Get ready to discover the 3 islands of the North of Mauritius. Jump onboard a speedboat for an unforgettable and unique private boat trip. Leaving the coast of Grand Bay, arrive at Flat Island after 30 minutes of sailing and discover white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise waters. Enjoy a relaxing time on the island before the arrival of groups of tourists. Be served morning drinks, refreshments, and taste a delicious BBQ prepared by the crew on the beach at noon to experience a real holiday sensation on a tropical island. Discover Gabriel island, the second island of the North that offers a stunning view of Coin de Mire. Stop at Coin de Mire to experience the most beautiful snorkeling spot on the island and admire the colorful marine fauna and flora of Mauritius.

Enjoy an exhilarating Seabob activity which allows you to move through the ocean with the agility and speed of a dolphin. Grab onto the submersible device and maneuver through the ocean at your own pace. Choose from 6 power different power levels and explore the ocean floor and surface. This is an easily accessible activity and suitable for all ages. Get to grips with your new ergonomic device within a few minutes. Make your way into the ocean and brush up against schools of fish. Discover the colors and wonders of the ocean floor. Once you finish up, enjoy a fresh juice to complete the activity.

Uncover and experience the real Grand Baie; a charming and authentic village full of history and delicious Mauritian food and drinks. Whilst here you will discover that few locals even know about the history of this coastal town. Grand Baie was once a wild coast where escaped slaves would hide and live off the land and sea. It later became a port of commerce for French landowners, and eventually the landing site for the English invasion. Explore the back streets of Grand Baie and experience the local life. You can discover some of the locals' favorite restaurants and food spots, and at each food spot taste a variety of local dishes. You can try the typical Mauritian rougaille, as well as tasty Creole curries and a pizza with a Mauritian twist. Towards the end of the tour you will even be treated to a fruity surprise for dessert. As you taste the delicious dishes and sip on refreshing local drinks, your guides will chat with you as you get to know one another.

Discover why the sunsets on the north-west coast of Mauritius are legendary as you enjoy incredible ocean views. Meet the crew at 4:45 PM and receive a boarding and pre-departure briefing from your Captain. Climb aboard a catamaran with a large open seating area on deck and at the front and rear. These vessels are uniquely designed for sunset viewing, photograph taking, and socializing. Onboard, also find a bar facility, a top-of-the-line stereo system, and a tasteful music collection. At 5;00 PM, set sail into Grand Baie to appreciate the region's full splendor. Keep your eyes peeled for large pods of dolphins looking for rest and shelter for their young ones, which are often spotted at this time of day. Head out as far as Gunner’s Quoin and admire the spectacular sea cliffs and excellent views of the other northern isles and the central mountain chain of Mauritius. Sail past Fort Malarctic, Cap Malheureux, and other important historical sites. As you cruise, enjoy tasty tropical snacks and a wide selection of drinks (complimentary selected cocktail, wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, and coffee) served throughout the cruise. Return to Grand Baie by 7:00 PM to end your experience.

The north of the island has plenty of beaches, each one more beautiful than the next. The most popular ones among Mauritians and tourists are Trou aux Biches and the long curvy beach of Mont Choisy, which continues from Pointe aux Canonniers to Grand Bay and to the divine Pereybere public beach. In Mauritius, when the north is spoken of, Grand Bay is the first thing that comes to mind. Grand Bay, through sustained development, has become the premier tourist destination of Mauritius. Another picturesque village in the north of Mauritius is Cap Malheureux, with its famous red-roofed church, its view of the northern islands and its important fishing community.

Depart from Grand Bay Beach at 9am (morning session) or 1.30pm (afternoon session). After being welcomed aboard a private speedboat, sail to Coin de Mire, one of the most beautiful snorkeling spots of Mauritius. On board, the crew will provide you with snorkelling equiment, snacks and drinks.  Admire the amazing marine fauna and flora and their wonderful colors as your swim and snorkel through the water.

Sail off at a leisurely pace into Grand Baie’s spectacular sunset aboard a luxurious catamaran while you sit back and relax with a refreshing cocktail. Meet your cruise captain at 4:45 PM for a pre-departure briefing. At 5:00 PM  set sail and pass Fort Malarctic, Cap Malheureux, and other important historical sites on your way towards Coin de Mire for views of its spectacular sea cliffs.  While cruising, have the chance to see large pods of dolphins, take photographs, eat tasty tropical snacks, or spend your time socializing with your travel companions. Enjoy complimentary beverages served throughout the duration of the cruise and dance to the tasteful music played from a top-of-the-line stereo system. ​Soon after sunset, at about 7:00 PM, head back to Grand Baie, where the skipper will anchor the catamaran in a quiet cove and begin the dinner preparations while festivities get under way.   ​