Trou aux Biches is our home. Our base is on the Coastal Road, a short walk from the public beach. So this guide is not copied from a brochure. It is what we tell friends when they ask what to do here.

Trou aux Biches sits on the north-west coast of Mauritius, between Pointe aux Piments and Mont Choisy. It has a long, calm lagoon, shady casuarina trees and west-facing sunsets. It is quieter than Grand Baie, but Grand Baie is only a short drive away.

Here is how to spend your time.

1. Snorkel where the green turtles feed

This is the reason many people come to Trou aux Biches. Green turtles live and feed on the reef areas just off the beach.

Our Turtle Habitat Snorkelling Experience is a one-hour guided snorkel from Trou aux Biches beach. Snorkel gear, a life jacket and a guide are part of the trip. It suits first-timers and experienced snorkellers. It costs from €38 per person.

Let's be honest about the turtles. Our crews say they are often seen, not guaranteed. They are wild animals. Some days the water is busy with them. Some days it is quiet. We take you to the right spots, and we never chase, touch or feed them.

2. See the reef without getting wet

Not everyone wants to snorkel. Maybe you have young kids, or a grandparent who prefers to stay dry. The answer is a glass-bottom boat.

The shared Glass-Bottom Boat in Trou aux Biches is a one-hour trip over the lagoon reef. You look down through clear panels at coral and fish. The crew explains what you are seeing. It costs from €29 per person and suits all ages.

Want more space and more time? We also run private glass-bottom trips, including one with breakfast. Ask us on WhatsApp.

3. Swim and relax on the public beach

The public beach is long and the lagoon is usually calm. It is a good place for a morning swim before the sun gets strong. Weekends are busier, because Mauritian families come for picnics. Weekdays are quieter.

Bring water shoes if you have them. Some parts of the lagoon floor have coral and rocks.

4. Watch the sunset

Trou aux Biches faces west. That means the sun sets over the sea. Walk down to the beach around sunset with a drink. It is free and it is one of the best things you can do here.

If you want to watch the sunset from the water, catamaran sunset cruises leave from nearby Grand Baie. Message us and we will suggest the best one for your dates.

5. Take a catamaran to the northern islands

Grand Baie is the starting point for the northern islands. These are Coin de Mire, Île Plate and Îlot Gabriel. A full-day catamaran gives you swimming, snorkelling, beach time and lunch on board. It is the classic day out from the north. See our catamaran and boat trips for options.

6. Visit the Triolet temple

Inland from Trou aux Biches is Triolet. It is home to the Maheswarnath Mandir, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Mauritius. Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. It is a calm, colourful visit and a good break from the beach.

7. Eat local

Along the Coastal Road you will find small snack shops and roadside stalls. Try dholl puri (a thin flatbread with curry), gâteaux piments (chilli cakes) and fresh fruit with chilli salt. For a sit-down dinner, Grand Baie has more choice.

8. Use Trou aux Biches as a base for island tours

Trou aux Biches is well placed for the north. From here, a private day tour can take in the Pamplemousses botanical garden, Château Labourdonnais, Grand Baie and the Red Church at Cap Malheureux. You get a driver and hotel pick-up, so you do not have to rent a car.

How to plan a Trou aux Biches day

Here is a simple plan that works well:

• Morning: turtle snorkelling or glass-bottom boat. The lagoon is often calmest early.
• Midday: lunch on the Coastal Road, then a rest in the shade.
• Afternoon: swim at the public beach.
• Evening: sunset on the sand.

Book the boat trips a day or two ahead in busy months. Sea trips can move if the weather turns. If that happens, we contact you on WhatsApp to rearrange.

Getting here

Trou aux Biches is in the north-west. Coming from the airport is a long drive across the island. We can book a private airport transfer for you, so your first trip is simple. Just ask on WhatsApp.

FAQ

Is Trou aux Biches good for snorkelling? Yes. The lagoon is calm and shallow in many places, and there is reef close to shore. A guided trip takes you to the better spots, including areas where green turtles feed.

Will I definitely see turtles? No one can promise that. Turtles are often seen, not guaranteed. They are wild and free to come and go.

Is the glass-bottom boat good for kids? Yes. You stay dry and seated, and the trip lasts about an hour. It suits all ages.

Where do the boat trips start? From Trou aux Biches beach. We confirm the exact meeting point when you book.

Plan your Trou aux Biches days with locals

We live and work here. Tell us your dates and we will suggest the best time for turtles, reef and sunsets. Book on WhatsApp +230 5944 1336 Or see the Turtle Habitat Snorkelling Experience.