Mont Choisy
Mont Choisy, a long wild beach lined with casuarina trees on Mauritius's north coast. Local vibe, calm waters, easy access from Grand Baie. 2026 guide.
- Area
- North coast
- Vibe
- Wild, local, relaxed
- Beaches
- 3 km of sand lined with casuarinas
- Access
- 45 min from the airport
Mont Choisy: The Mauritians’ Beach
Stretching nearly three kilometres, Mont Choisy beach is the longest on Mauritius’s north coast. It curves from the village of Trou aux Biches all the way to Mont Choisy point, lined along its entire length by a forest of casuarina trees (filaos) that look like tropical maritime pines. These tall trees provide welcome natural shade in the middle of the day and give the beach a wild character you won’t find at the big hotel resorts.
Mont Choisy isn’t a resort beach. It’s a public, open beach, visited on weekdays by a handful of tourists and on weekends by Mauritian families who come to spend the day with their coolers, barbecues and music. This warm, local atmosphere is one of the place’s great strengths. If you want to understand local life and mingle with the Mauritian population, a Sunday at Mont Choisy is an experience not to be missed.
The lagoon waters are calm, shallow and a beautiful turquoise colour. The fine sandy bottom is ideal for swimming, including with children. Snorkelling enthusiasts will find a few coral patches toward the northern end of the beach. And for those simply looking to lie down under a casuarina and watch the sea sparkle, Mont Choisy is an excellent choice. Our guide to Mauritius beaches ranks this beach among the most accessible and authentic on the north coast.
At a Glance
| Where | North coast, between Trou aux Biches and Grand Baie |
| Price | Free public beach; kayak/paddle rental around 300 to 500 rupees per hour |
| Time needed | Half a day to a full day |
| How to get there | Rental car (45 min from the airport) or bus/taxi from Grand Baie (10-15 min) |
| Best time to visit | May to November, ideally May-June |
What to Do at Mont Choisy
Swimming in the Lagoon
Swimming is Mont Choisy’s main activity, and the beach is perfectly suited to it. The lagoon is protected by a coral reef that keeps the water calm and gentle. The seabed shelves gradually, letting children paddle safely. The water clarity is remarkable, and the temperature, around 25 to 28 degrees, is ideal year-round.
The water is generally clearest in the morning, before foot traffic and boats stir up the fine sand a little. For the best swimming conditions, arrive before 9am and enjoy the calm of the morning beach before the visitors arrive.
Walks Under the Casuarinas
The filao forest lining the beach offers lovely shaded walks. The ground is carpeted with fallen needles, creating a soft, fragrant natural carpet. These trees are iconic of Mauritius’s northern beaches and contribute greatly to the coast’s visual identity. In the late afternoon, light filtering through the branches creates highly photogenic dappled effects.
The walk along the beach under the casuarinas stretches for several kilometres and can be done in full, on foot, in under an hour. It’s one of the most pleasant coastal walks on the entire north coast, accessible to all ages and fitness levels.
Water Sports
Several operators offer water activities from the beach: kayak, pedal boats, paddleboarding and windsurfing for windier conditions. The wind often blows from the northeast, creating conditions windsurfers appreciate. Lessons for beginners are available from local instructors.
Stand-up paddleboarding is particularly enjoyable at Mont Choisy in the morning, when the lagoon is still calm and the wind hasn’t yet picked up. You glide silently along the coast, watching fish in the coral areas near the reef.
Catamaran Excursions
Mont Choisy is one of the departure points for catamaran excursions to the northern islets. These full-day trips reach Ile Plate, Ile Gabriel or Coin de Mire, with snorkelling stops and a Creole lunch on board. It’s one of the best ways to combine beach, nature and maritime discovery from the north coast.
To book a catamaran cruise to the northern islets, it’s best to book ahead during high season (July-August and December-January). All the practical information on boat trips in Mauritius is gathered in our dedicated guide.
Cycling and Local Exploration
The Mont Choisy area is pleasant to explore by bike. Bikes can be rented from some accommodations or local shops. The coastal road linking Mont Choisy to Trou aux Biches to the south and Grand Baie to the north runs alongside the lagoon for several kilometres, offering lovely views of the sea and the islets offshore.
By bike, the distance between Mont Choisy and Grand Baie is about 8 kilometres, on a relatively flat, well-maintained road. Set off early in the morning to avoid the heat and traffic, and stop at the small beaches and viewpoints you’ll discover along the way.
A Mauritian Picnic
A tradition not to be missed: a picnic under the casuarinas. Mauritian families take over the beach on weekends, especially Sundays, with food, portable barbecues and sega or reggae music. This festive, laid-back atmosphere is a perfect immersion into local culture. No one will bat an eye if you turn up with your own picnic.
Bring bread, fresh fruit bought at the local market, a few chilli cakes from the village bakery, and a cold bottle of fruit juice or Phoenix beer. This is how Mauritians enjoy their beach, and this simplicity is a luxury in itself.
Golf
The Mont Choisy Golf Club is located near the beach. This 18-hole course offers a lovely tropical golfing experience with ocean views from several fairways. Outside visitors can play for a green fee. The course is carefully maintained, and the natural setting — between casuarina forest and lagoon — is particularly pleasant.
Snorkelling and Marine Life
Although Mont Choisy isn’t the north coast’s top snorkelling spot, the coral areas stretching toward the northern tip of the beach are worth exploring. You’ll find parrotfish, blue surgeonfish, starfish and occasionally small rays in the sandy patches between the coral heads.
For richer snorkelling, Trou aux Biches offers a more developed reef just a few kilometres north. Our snorkelling and diving guide to Mauritius compares all the north coast’s spots.
Dining On Site
Unlike Grand Baie or Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy doesn’t have a seafront lined with restaurants. The offering is limited to a few street vendors and one or two small snack stalls near the main entrance, serving dholl puri, samosas and cold drinks at very reasonable prices. For a proper sit-down meal, you’ll need to head to Grand Baie or Trou aux Biches, less than 15 minutes away by car. Many visitors actually prefer the local picnic route, buying provisions at the market or the village bakery before heading to the beach.
Golf and Kitesurfing: Two Complementary Activities
Beyond swimming, Mont Choisy also attracts fans of more specific sports. Golf in Mauritius finds one of its finest courses here, right on the lagoon, while the steady northeast wind makes it a decent spot to get into kitesurfing and surfing in Mauritius, even though the more renowned spots for these disciplines remain Le Morne for kiting and the east coast for surfing.
Fans of kayaking and paddleboarding in Mauritius will find ideal conditions at Mont Choisy, with flat water in the morning and a light chop in the afternoon depending on the wind.
Mont Choisy by Season
| Period | Weather | Crowds | Our take |
|---|---|---|---|
| May - June | Cool, dry, sea still warm | Low to moderate | The best trade-off of the year |
| July - September | Dry, steady wind | High (French school holidays) | Great for wind, livelier |
| October - November | Dry, rising heat | Moderate | Nicely quiet before the austral summer |
| December - April | Hot, humid, possible showers | Variable, peaks at Christmas | Lower prices, sea sometimes rougher |
To fine-tune your choice month by month, check our detailed guides such as Mauritius in May or Mauritius in June, which describe precisely what to expect on the north coast.
Mont Choisy Beach
Mont Choisy beach is the longest in the north and one of the most popular with locals. It lacks the dense tourist infrastructure found at Grand Baie, which preserves its natural, authentic character.
The sand is white to slightly golden, fine and clean. The turquoise waters gradually deepen to dark blue toward the reef. The beach is entirely public and no hotel monopolises it. Picnic tables and a few benches are set at regular intervals under the casuarinas.
Street vendors circulate on weekdays, selling fresh fruit, dholl puri (stuffed local flatbreads) and cold drinks. On weekends, the beach takes on a very lively local festival feel, especially near the jetty.
The northern part of the beach, toward Mont Choisy point, is the least crowded. The sand there is a little coarser and the water slightly deeper, but the calm is total. A few coral patches emerge for snorkelling.
Where to Stay at Mont Choisy
Accommodation at Mont Choisy is more low-key than at Grand Baie or Trou aux Biches, which is an advantage for travellers avoiding heavily touristed areas. Our guide to Mauritius hotels and our full guide to where to stay in Mauritius give you an overview of the options available in the area.
Rental Apartments and Villas
Many furnished apartments and villas with pools are available to rent at Mont Choisy and in the surrounding residential areas. These rentals offer excellent value for money, especially for stays of a week or more. A fully equipped kitchen, terrace and walking access to the beach make this type of accommodation ideal for self-sufficient families.
Rates range between 80 and 200 euros a night depending on size and standard. Compared to the north coast’s big resorts, these rentals often offer more space and freedom for an equivalent or lower price.
Family Guesthouses
Several guesthouses offer simple rooms and studios at very accessible rates. The quality of hospitality is often excellent at these small, family-run establishments. Breakfast is included in most cases, along with helpful advice on nearby activities and restaurants.
Residences and Small Hotels
A few mid-range hotel residences are located at Mont Choisy or on the border with Trou aux Biches. Pool, basic service and immediate proximity to the beach are the main draws of these establishments. These suit couples or families looking for some comfort without the all-inclusive format of the big resorts.
Grand Baie as a Base
Grand Baie (less than 10 minutes away by car) offers the widest range of accommodation in the north. From this base, Mont Choisy is easily reached within minutes. Travellers who want to combine Mont Choisy’s natural beach with Grand Baie’s restaurants, bars and shops will find this setup gives them the best of both worlds.
How to Get to Mont Choisy
Mont Choisy is about 45 minutes by car from Mauritius’s international airport. The most direct route passes through Pamplemousses and Triolet. A taxi from the airport costs around 1,000 to 1,200 rupees. A private airport transfer is a convenient way to start your stay stress-free.
The bus from Port Louis (La Caudan terminal) regularly serves Trou aux Biches and Grand Baie, with stops at Mont Choisy. The trip from Port Louis takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. From Grand Baie, a local bus or taxi in under 15 minutes will do.
Renting a car in Mauritius is recommended for exploring the northern region freely, including the nearby villages of Cap Malheureux, Péreybère and Grand Gaube. Driving on the left comes naturally quickly, and the north coast’s roads are in excellent condition.
Practical Tips
Mont Choisy beach is especially pleasant on weekdays, when it’s less crowded. On weekends, crowds can be dense but the atmosphere is festive and warm. If you’re after absolute quiet, stick to weekday mornings.
Bring your own supplies for a picnic under the filaos. The natural shade of the casuarinas is precious in the middle of the day when the sun is strong. Adequate sun protection is still essential, even in partial shade. The white sand reflects UV rays strongly, and sunburn is common among travellers unused to the tropical sun.
On Mauritian public holiday weekends (12 March, 1 November, 25 December), Mont Choisy is one of the most popular local destinations. Crowds can be very heavy on these days, but the atmosphere is especially festive and representative of Mauritian joie de vivre.
For catamaran excursions from Mont Choisy, book ahead, especially between June and September and over the Christmas period. Trips sell out several days in advance during high season.
If you’re travelling with children, Mont Choisy is one of the most family-friendly beaches on the north coast. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for young swimmers. Our guide to family activities in Mauritius and our family itinerary include Mont Choisy in a well-balanced programme.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season, from May to November, is the ideal time to enjoy Mont Choisy. Temperatures range between 22 and 27 degrees, the sky is often clear and the lagoon is at its calmest. The wind is stronger from July to September, which can pleasantly cool down the days.
Between December and April, the rainy season brings occasional tropical showers. The sea can be a bit rougher and underwater visibility poorer. But accommodation prices are noticeably lower and tourist numbers are smaller. To choose the best time based on your priorities, our Mauritius weather guide breaks down what to expect month by month across the whole island.
May and June are especially recommended for Mont Choisy: the lagoon is calm, the casuarinas are lush green thanks to the recent rains, the water is still warm (around 26 degrees) and the beach hasn’t yet been overrun by summer crowds.
What We Think of Mont Choisy
Mont Choisy is a beach smart enough to stay true to itself. Neither overtly touristy like some stretches of Grand Baie, nor so out-of-the-way it’s hard to reach — it’s a Mauritian lagoon beach at its best: long, natural, accessible to everyone, and alive with real local life.
Hikers looking to get out of the water will find coastal and forest trails nearby. Our hiking guide to Mauritius lists several northern trails accessible from Mont Choisy or Trou aux Biches. Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts will find the north coast’s best underwater spots in our snorkelling and diving guide, several of which are reachable by swimming straight from Mont Choisy’s shore.
For those seeking the perfect balance between beach relaxation and island discovery, Mont Choisy is an ideal base camp. Spend your mornings in the lagoon, your afternoons exploring the north by car, and your evenings at restaurants in Grand Baie or Trou aux Biches.
To plan your stay, our guide to accommodation in Mauritius lists the best options along the north coast, from family guesthouses to boutique hotels with lagoon views.