Trou aux Biches & Mont Choisy
Long, shallow lagoon beaches on the sheltered north-west coast.
Hero image: Karsten Ratzke, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy share a long stretch of the north-west coast between Pointe aux Piments and Grand Baie. The beaches here are long and gently shelving, backed by casuarina trees, with a wide, calm lagoon that suits swimming and snorkelling.
Mont Choisy has one of the longest public beaches on the island; Trou aux Biches, to its south-west, mixes resort hotels with smaller guesthouses and apartments. Pointe aux Canonniers, between Mont Choisy and Grand Baie, completes the area. Because the coast faces west, sunsets over the sea are part of the appeal.
At a glance
- Region
- North Coast
- From Port Louis
- North along the coast or via the M2 motorway
- Suggested stay
- Four to seven nights
- Best time
- May to December; the coast is sheltered in winter
- Known for
- Long public beaches, calm lagoon, sunsets
- Getting around
- Taxi, bus along the coast road, hire car
Where to stay and what to book
Places to stay
In this Trou aux Biches & Mont Choisy guide
Why visit Trou aux Biches & Mont Choisy
If your priority is a long, swimmable beach with Grand Baie’s restaurants a short ride away, this is one of the strongest bases in Mauritius. The beaches are wide enough to find space, and the west-facing shore gives evening light that the east coast does not.
The area is quieter than Grand Baie but not undeveloped. Public beaches fill up at weekends, especially Mont Choisy, which is popular with Mauritian families.
Mont Choisy beach
Mont Choisy’s public beach runs for a long distance beneath casuarina trees, with fine sand and a shallow lagoon. It is a favourite picnic beach for Mauritian families, so weekdays are calmer. Behind the beach the land is largely residential, with villas and apartment complexes.
Trou aux Biches
Trou aux Biches has a long beach with resort hotels along part of it and public sections elsewhere. The lagoon is calm and clear in most conditions, which makes it popular for snorkelling and for boat and diving operators. The coast road behind the beach has small shops and restaurants.
Pointe aux Canonniers
Between Mont Choisy and Grand Baie, the headland of Pointe aux Canonniers has several hotels and a quieter feel, while remaining close to Grand Baie’s amenities. It is covered in this guide rather than as a separate destination.
Getting there and around
From the airport, the route runs through Port Louis and north on the motorway or coast road. A pre-booked transfer or taxi is the simplest option on arrival.
Buses run along the coast road towards Grand Baie and Port Louis. Taxis are widely available, and a hire car makes day trips to the north-east and Pamplemousses easy.
Best time to visit
The cooler, drier months from about May to October are the most comfortable, and the north-west coast is relatively sheltered from the winter trade winds. The summer months are hotter and more humid and include the cyclone season.
How long to stay
Four to seven nights suits a beach-focused stay. With a week or more in Mauritius, consider splitting time between here and a contrasting base in the south-west or south-east.
Find accommodation in Trou aux Biches & Mont Choisy
Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy offer resort hotels on the beach as well as apartments and villas a short walk inland.
Browse Trou aux Biches & Mont Choisy accommodation
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Nearby destinations
Grand BaieThe north coast’s busiest resort town, built around a sheltered bay.Read the Grand Baie guide 
PereybèreA small, popular public beach in a sheltered cove north of Grand Baie.Read the Pereybère guide 
PamplemoussesThe island’s historic botanical garden, famous for its giant water lilies.Read the Pamplemousses guide Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Trou aux Biches or Mont Choisy?
Both have excellent beaches. Mont Choisy’s public beach is longer and more local in feel; Trou aux Biches has more hotels directly on the sand. Choose based on where your accommodation is.
Is the water calm at Trou aux Biches?
The lagoon is generally calm because the reef breaks the swell, but conditions change with weather. Follow local advice.
Is Trou aux Biches close to Grand Baie?
Yes. Grand Baie is a short drive or bus ride north-east along the coast.
Plan the rest of your trip
- North Coast region guide
- Where to stay on the North Coast of Mauritius
- Grand Baie guide
- Mauritius travel planning
Official sources for Trou aux Biches & Mont Choisy
Opening hours, entry fees, boat and transport schedules, access rules and park conditions change; check the official source before you travel.
- Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) — official visitor information
- Mauritius Meteorological Services — forecasts, warnings and cyclone bulletins
Plan a North Coast trip
Compare the places in this region before you choose a base.
Where to stay, and what to book
Browse Trou aux Biches & Mont Choisy accommodation or North Coast accommodation, and see tours and activities. See also where to stay on the North Coast.