The famous Grand Baie – Mauritius #1 tourist destination is only a few kilometres away from Pereybere. Of course we are not afraid to visit the area, so we take the bus to Grand Baie. Actually it was our plan, a taxi catches us and drives us to Grand Baie for the same price. This happens often and is of course more pleasant, but you always have to expect a sales talk for tours 😉 Arrived in Grand Baie we first stroll through the shopping street. Mauritius, where are you? Nothing reminds us of the quiet, somewhat untidy islet. Perfectly maintained streets, pedestrian lights, luxury labels and countless shopping possibilities and souvenir shops and of course hardly any locals on their way.
On the beach we discover something local after all again. Food stalls! Well, not exactly – for tourist prices of course 😉 Nevertheless, we’ll have lunch. Very local-like as a picnic on the beach! That’s Mauritius!
We are surprised! Hardly any tourists on the beach! During the winter season, Grand Baie seems to be quiet and you can relax on the beach.
The water is beautiful and crystal clear, under the casuarina trees you can relax in the shade. The only drawbacks are the many boats that fill the bay! Not our picture of a dream beach, but an excursion to Grand Baie is definitely worth it. And Grand Baie isn’t as bad as we imagined – at least in winter 😉
At our food truck from lunch we book a tour to the three islands in the north of Mauritius. At the food truck? Right, the owner has also a speedboat with which he performs tours to the islands. To be honest, we are not sure if we actually would have booked a tour here, but other tourists we met on Ile aux Cerfs recommended us the tour. We should definitely book the tour at the food truck in Grand Baie. OK! You are to blame if it’s a failure! 😉 But more about this in the article about the Three Island Tour.
We are strolling through the streets, but there is not much more than a church and a mosque to see.
Of course we will stop by the Grand Baie Bazar afterwards.
As expected, we are approached at every corner, so we keep our visit short and return soon. After all, tourists are scarce and we are the only prey.
Afterwards we take the bus back to Pereybere. Bye bye Grand Baie!
Summary and tips
Our Accommodation in Pereybere
Apartment for less than 50€ per night
- Rating at booking.com: 9,1
- very nice, modern rooms
- close to the beach
- very good location (supermarket, bus stop, restaurants)
Tours
At the yellow food truck you can book a “Three Island Tour” to the northern islands of Mauritius.
Price: trade down to 1400 MUR (34€)
Transfer
Taxi: Pereybere – Grand Baie (25 MUR)
Bus: Pereybere – Grand Baie (18 MUR)
Tips
- Buy food from the many food stands and enjoy it on the beach like the locals do
- The Grand Baie Bazar is only for someone who still needs souvenirs
- In winter Grand Baie is worth a visit, but you don’t necessarily experience authentic Mauritius here
