Trou aux Biches, the lagoon that gets everything right
The water here is an almost surreal shade of blue, shifting between pale turquoise and celadon green depending on the time of day. Trou aux Biches, on the northwest coast of Mauritius, is one of the island's most frequently photographed beaches.
But behind the postcard views, there is a village that still feels lived-in, with fishermen heading out early in the morning, casuarina trees rustling along the shoreline, and small roadside eateries where the food is better than what you will find at the hotels.
Is this destination for you?
Trou aux Biches is a perfect fit for those looking for a white-sand beach with a protected, calm, and safe lagoon for swimming. Families with children, couples looking to relax, and divers will easily find what they are looking for here.
Conversely, if you are hoping for a lively nightlife, a dense cultural scene, or an immersion into deep, rural Mauritius, you will likely be disappointed. The village is primarily a beach resort area, and the tourist infrastructure is heavily focused on luxury hotels and water activities.
Best for:
- Beach lovers and those who prefer a calm lagoon
- Families with young children
- Divers and snorkelers, whether beginner or advanced
- Travelers who want a relaxing setting without sacrificing convenience
- Those who want to explore the north coast of Mauritius from a pleasant base
Not ideal for:
- Travelers looking for nightlife and lively bars
- Surfers or wave chasers (the lagoon is too protected)
- Those on a very tight budget (affordable lodging is rare)
- Travelers who want to avoid areas heavily frequented by European tourists
Budget: more than you might expect
Mauritius has a reputation as an expensive island, and Trou aux Biches is no exception. Large all-inclusive resorts dominate the beachfront, though mid-range options exist if you search well in advance.
| Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Night in a guesthouse | 1,950 MUR to 3,900 MUR (about $40 to $80) |
| Night in a comfortable hotel (3-4 stars) | 4,850 MUR to 12,150 MUR (about $100 to $250) |
| Quick meal (local snack, dholl puri) | 100 MUR to 245 MUR (about $2 to $5) |
| Restaurant meal | 730 MUR to 1,700 MUR (about $15 to $35) |
| Water activity (snorkeling, kayak, excursion) | 970 MUR to 2,900 MUR (about $20 to $60) |
| Total daily budget for backpackers | 2,900 MUR to 4,850 MUR (about $60 to $100) |
| Total daily budget for comfort | 7,300 MUR to 17,000 MUR (about $150 to $350) |
Indicative rates are subject to change
Practical realities
The village is small and very easy to navigate on foot along the coast. To explore the area or reach Grand Baie (about a ten-minute drive away), a rental car or scooter remains the most convenient solution. Taxis are available, but always negotiate the price before you get in.
Mauritian Creole is the everyday language, but French and English are understood everywhere. You will have no trouble making yourself understood. Regarding safety, Trou aux Biches is a quiet place. Just keep an eye on your belongings at the beach, as you would anywhere else in the world.
The beach and the lagoon: the heart of your stay
Trou aux Biches beach stretches for nearly two miles of fine sand lined with casuarina trees. The lagoon is shallow, protected by a coral reef, and swimming is safe almost all year round. The water reaches temperatures of about 79 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit between November and April.
The central part, facing the village, is the most popular. To find more quiet, walk toward the north or south ends of the beach, where the trees are denser and beach umbrellas are fewer.
Pro tip: get to the beach before 9 a.m. The light is golden, the water is smooth as a mirror, and the hotel beach attendants haven't set up yet. This is the hour when Trou aux Biches truly looks like the version you pictured in your head.
Diving and snorkeling: under the surface
The reef bordering the lagoon hosts marine life that is accessible even to beginners. Several diving centers in the village offer discovery dives and PADI certifications. The most popular sites are a short boat ride away: the Stella Maru, an artificial wreck sunk to create a reef, attracts schools of tropical fish and divers of all levels.
For snorkeling, masks and snorkels are easily rented on the beach. While the corals are less spectacular than in certain parts of Rodrigues or the east coast, the water clarity remains excellent.
Nearby: getting out of the village
Grand Baie, less than ten minutes away by car, is the commercial and party center of the north coast. With restaurants, shops, and beachfront bars, this is where the evening action happens if Trou aux Biches feels too quiet after sunset.
To the south, Pereybere is a small beach very popular with locals on weekends, offering a more authentic vibe and more reasonable prices at the roadside snack shacks. It is a solid spot to grab a bol renversé (upside-down bowl of rice, chicken, and vegetables) or fish curry without paying an ocean-view premium.
Where to eat and drink in Trou aux Biches?
Beachfront restaurants mostly serve grilled fish, lobster, and Mauritian curries. Quality varies, so be wary of laminated menus with photos. The best tables are often the ones without neon signs on the main road.
For local and inexpensive food, look for snacks and street vendors selling dholl puri (a split-pea flour flatbread, the quintessential Mauritian street food) or grilled skewers. The market in Triolet, a neighboring village, is a good option in the morning for stocking up on fresh fruit.
Where to sleep in Trou aux Biches and the surrounding area?
The waterfront is dominated by large hotel complexes. The Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa is the gold standard in the village, with direct beach access and high-end amenities. For a more moderate budget, guesthouses and villa rentals can be found on the streets further inland, five to ten minutes' walk from the beach.
If you are looking for more activity or a wider choice of accommodation, Grand Baie remains the most practical base for exploring the entire north coast.
How to get to Trou aux Biches?
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, in the southeast of the island, is the only international airport in Mauritius. Direct flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle are operated by Air Mauritius and Air France, with a flight time of about 11 hours. Connections are also available from other European cities, often with a layover.
From the airport, Trou aux Biches is about 35 to 40 miles away, or one to one and a half hours by car depending on traffic. A private, pre-negotiated taxi is the easiest solution upon arrival. Hotel shuttle services are offered by most large properties.
How to get around in Trou aux Biches?
The village itself is walkable. For excursions, renting a car is highly recommended. Agencies are numerous, and prices are competitive if you book in advance. Expect to pay between 30 and 50 euros per day for a small car. Driving is on the left, a British legacy.
The Mauritian bus network serves the north coast at very low fares, but frequencies and punctuality are unpredictable. It is fine for a simple trip to Grand Baie, but less suitable for a full day of exploration.
When to go?
The best period is from May to November, during the austral winter. You will find milder temperatures around 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, less stifling humidity, and generally calm seas. July and August correspond to the European tourist peak, with higher prices and more crowded beaches.
Avoid the January-March period, which is the height of cyclone season. The risk of weather disturbances is real, even if direct hits are rare. The heat and humidity can also make your days exhausting.
Pro tip: the period from September to November offers the best compromise. There are fewer crowds than during the European summer, the sea is still beautiful, rates are more accessible, and the late-afternoon light on the lagoon is worth every Instagram filter.
The most beautiful place and one of the finest beaches in Mauritius is in Trou aux Biches, with white sand and turquoise water. At certain times, especially in August, you can even spot whales just a few meters from the beach by boat.
There are some sublime hotels, and I suggest you go for a drink at the Beachcomber.
And to enjoy a good rum and smoke a cigar, the hotel that is perfect for that is the Royal Palm, a legendary hotel located about a 14 minute drive from Trou aux Biches.
Speaking of rum, you can also visit the Chamarel rum distillery, where you can eat the best palm heart salad and discover a classic distillery. However, it is about a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Trou aux Biches.