Destination guide · North coast
Grande Gaube, Mauritius
Grande Gaube is a low-key fishing village on the northern tip of Mauritius, just east of busy Grand Baie. Pirogues still pull up on its small public beaches, and the pace stays slow even in high season, which makes it a favourite for couples and travellers who want the north's calm lagoons and warm water without the crowds. It is best known for its two big lagoon resorts, easy boat and kayak access to the mangroves of Île d'Ambre, and some of the best snorkelling and diving in the north. With Grand Baie's restaurants and nightlife a short drive away, it works well as a relaxed base for exploring the whole northern coast.
Things to do in Grande Gaube
- Kayak through the mangrove channels of Île d'Ambre, the calm islet just offshore, on a guided half-day paddle with a beach picnic
- Take a catamaran or speedboat cruise to the northern islets - Coin de Mire, Flat Island (Île Plate) and Gabriel Island - for snorkelling and a barbecue lunch
- Snorkel and scuba dive the northern reefs and wrecks; Grande Gaube and nearby Grand Baie are the main dive bases for the region
- Visit Cap Malheureux and photograph the red-roofed Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice church with Coin de Mire in the background
- Spend a half-day at the SSR Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses to see the giant water lilies and the famous palm collection
- Drive into Grand Baie for shopping, beach bars, restaurants and the north's main nightlife, about 15 minutes away
- Charter a half-day deep-sea fishing trip from the village or nearby Grand Baie for marlin, tuna and dorado
Beaches near Grande Gaube
Getting to Grande Gaube
From SSR Airport in the south-east, Grande Gaube is roughly 75 km away, about 1 hour 15 minutes by road via the M2 motorway. There is no convenient public-transport route with luggage, so the simplest option is a pre-booked private transfer that meets you on arrival and drives you straight to your hotel. A car or driver is handy for day trips around the north.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Grande Gaube from the airport?
Grande Gaube is about 75 km from SSR Airport in the south-east, roughly a 1 hour 15 minute drive on the M2 motorway. A pre-booked private transfer is the easiest way to arrive, especially with luggage.
What is Grande Gaube known for?
It is a quiet northern fishing village known for calm lagoon swimming, two large beach resorts, excellent snorkelling and diving, and easy boat and kayak access to Île d'Ambre and the northern islets. It suits travellers who want the north's warm water without Grand Baie's crowds.
What is the best beach in or near Grande Gaube?
The village beach is small but calm and good for swimming. For a longer stretch of sand, Mont Choisy on the north-west coast is one of the best public beaches on the island and is about 20 minutes' drive away.
When is the best time to visit Grande Gaube?
The cooler, drier months from May to November are ideal for diving, boat trips and beach days. Mauritian summer (December to April) is hotter and more humid with a chance of cyclones, but the lagoon stays warm year-round.