Logo

Why the coast you choose matters

Mauritius is small enough to explore in a day, but the coast you base yourself on shapes your holiday far more than you might expect. The north and east both offer beachfront resorts, yet they feel like different islands. The north is livelier and more sheltered; the east is quieter, grander and more exposed to the trade winds. For British visitors escaping a grey winter, both work beautifully — but they suit different moods, budgets and family setups. This comparison focuses on beach quality, dining and family facilities so you can pick the right base for a relaxed coastal stay.

Beach quality: calm lagoons versus long white sands

In the north, beaches around Grand Baie, Pereybère and Trou aux Biches are protected by a wide reef, creating shallow, turquoise lagoons that are warm and calm. You can wade out for metres without the water going past your waist. That makes the north a superb choice for young children, nervous swimmers and anyone who likes to snorkel straight off the sand. The trade-off is popularity: Mont Choisy and Grand Baie can get busy, especially at weekends and during school holidays.

The east coast — Belle Mare, Palmar, Trou d'Eau Douce — offers a different spectacle. The sand is often finer and whiter, and the beaches stretch for miles, backed by casuarina trees rather than bars and shops. The lagoon is wider, but the reef sits further out, so the water can be deeper and choppier. Stronger currents appear in places, and from roughly May to October, seaweed can wash ashore. If you want a dramatic, near-empty beach for long walks, the east wins. If you want guaranteed calm water for paddling, the north is safer. For snorkellers, the north's reefs are easily accessible, while the east requires a boat trip to reach the best coral.

Dining options: variety versus resort-centric

Dining is where the north pulls ahead for independent travellers. Grand Baie has a dense cluster of restaurants — Creole curries, seafood grills, Italian, Indian and Chinese — plus street food stalls and supermarkets for self-catering. You can eat well for £10–£15 per head, or splash out on a beachfront dinner. Trou aux Biches and Pereybère add more local spots, and you can walk between many of them.

The east is more resort-centric. Belle Mare has a handful of excellent hotel restaurants, but outside the gates you'll find fewer independent options. Trou d'Eau Douce has a small selection of local eateries, especially near the jetty, but you'll want a car or taxi to explore. Many east-coast resorts offer half-board or all-inclusive packages, which can be good value given the lack of nearby competition. If you love trying different restaurants each night, base in the north. If you prefer to dine where you sleep and not think about it, the east is ideal.

Family facilities: kids' clubs and shallow water

Both coasts have family-friendly resorts, but they differ in emphasis. Northern resorts tend to be smaller and more intimate, with kids' clubs that are often included in the rate. The shallow lagoons are a natural playground — you can float with little ones without worrying about waves. Nearby attractions include the aquarium at Pointe aux Piments, the botanical gardens at Pamplemousses and boat trips to Île Plate. The downside is that some northern beaches lack natural shade, so bring a parasol or rent a lounger.

Eastern resorts are often larger, with bigger pools, waterslides, teens' clubs and dedicated babysitting. The long beaches are great for football and kite-flying, but the wind can make them less comfortable for toddlers. Several east-coast hotels have excellent kids' facilities, but you may need to book family suites well in advance. Note that some resorts charge for kids' clubs during peak weeks, so check before booking. If your children are older and love water sports — kayaking, windsurfing, glass-bottom boats — the east's breezier conditions are a plus.

Weather, transport and when to go

The north is warmer and more sheltered year-round, with less rain in the winter months (June to September). The east catches the southeast trade winds, which keep temperatures a degree or two cooler and bring occasional showers. Cyclone season runs November to April, affecting both coasts, though the east can be windier. For seaweed-free swimming on the east, aim for December to April; for the calmest seas in the north, May to November is lovely.

Transport matters. The north is about 1 hour 15 minutes from the airport, but once there you can walk to shops and restaurants. The east is closer to the airport (45–60 minutes), but you'll almost certainly want a hire car to reach restaurants, markets and attractions. Taxis are available but add up. If you prefer not to drive, the north is more convenient. Driving in Mauritius is on the left, as in the UK, and roads are generally good, though northern traffic can be slow at rush hour.

Which base suits your holiday?

Use this quick guide to match your priorities:

• Choose the north if you want calm lagoons, easy dining, lively evenings and a sociable atmosphere. It's the better bet for families with young children, couples who like to wander out for dinner, and anyone on a moderate budget.
• Choose the east if you want long, dramatic beaches, larger resorts with extensive facilities, and a quieter, more exclusive feel. It suits families with older children, honeymooners and anyone happy to stay put within a resort.

Either way, you'll find warm water, good food and that unmistakable Mauritian welcome. Book early for school holidays, and don't be afraid to split your stay — a few nights north, a few nights east — to enjoy the best of both coasts.