Grand Gaube
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Chop
- Spot Type
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Grand Gaube is a small, sandy lagoon commonly used for wind sports, with crystal-clear water and largely flat to slightly choppy conditions. The riding area is sheltered compared with open coast, and the shallow lagoon bottom makes it well suited for progression—especially for kitesurfing beginners and foil riders once they are established away from the shore. The strongest and most reliable wind typically arrives during the winter trade-wind season, with best months generally reported as June through October. Wind direction for the spot is consistently described as NE through ESE into SE, aligning with the region’s Southeast Trade Winds (Alizés). Typical on-water wind is reported around 15–25 knots, with sources describing steady conditions in this season. The key on-spot factor is logistics and safety at the access point: lagoon entry is limited to one safe spot near the Catholic church area, and the immediate launch zone can be narrow and cluttered with moored fishing boats, as well as nearby jetty/excursion activity. With shallow water and underwater hazards, riders should stay within the designated launch area, avoid boating/jetty zones, and carefully watch for corals—particularly in the shallows. Amenities and support are generally available nearby (toilets and parking are reported), and rental/lessons exist through local/regional watersports services. For preparation, sources emphasize protective footwear for sea urchins/coral fragments and basic safety gear like a helmet and impact protection, while noting that lifeguards are not present and rescue help is limited.
- Crystal-clear, shallow sandy lagoon waters
- Steady trade winds with best reliability in June to October
- Beginner-friendly flat-water kitesurfing conditions
- Limited safe access point near the Catholic church area
- Foil riding possible with careful shallow-water/coral awareness
- Protected, flat-water lagoon with crystal-clear visibility and sandy bottom.
- Beginner-friendly conditions for progression in a lagoon setting.
- Consistent winter trade winds with the most reliable period typically from June to October.
- Foil riding is supported once away from shore, with generally low chop.
- Access to the lagoon is limited to one safe launch spot.
- Launch area can be narrow and busy with moored fishing boats and a nearby jetty used by excursion vessels.
- Hazards in/near shallow areas include corals and ships/boats; shallow depth requires careful line choice.
- Rescue availability is limited and no lifeguards are reported.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NNE, NE, E, ENE, ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Southeast trade winds (Alizés) driving the main wind pattern.
- Reliability
- high during the winter trade-wind season
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Sources describe steady wind conditions.
- Best Months
- June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Sources describe small waves/flat to slight chop typical of a lagoon.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Flat-water with chop varying with wind strength.
- Launch
- Small — Easy self-launch from shore/lagoon access, but the usable/narrow safe area near the Catholic church is limited.
Through the year
Generally quiet on the water; beach can be busy with locals on weekends.
January to March (cyclone and rainy season).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Protected, shallow flat-water lagoon with clear visibility and small/flat conditions suitable for learning and progression. The main practical challenge is the narrow/cluttered launch area with many moored fishing boats; riders should keep clear of boats/jetty/excursion traffic. Foil riding is also supported when conditions allow, with shallow-water navigation and coral awareness required.
Possible within the lagoon, but the narrow launch and boat traffic make it less ideal than more spacious nearby options.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Suitable for foiling in the lagoon once away from the shore due to generally low chop, but riders must be cautious of coral heads at low tide.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Sources indicate the spot is foil-friendly.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Grand Gaube in the full forecast view.
Grand Gaube wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–15 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- E79°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2615 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–1.7 m7s period
- Temperature
- 21–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Grand Gaube is forecast for daytime winds of 2–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.8–1.7 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- ships
- corals
- moored fishing boats
- stonefish
- sea urchins
- sharp coral fragments
- excursion-jetty area
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported at the launch/spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited, supported by regional coast safety services and supplementation from private rescue resources via watersports centers/resorts.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency numbers for medical assistance and police are 114 and 999; nearest major medical facility is SSRN Hospital in Pamplemousses.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism constraints indicated in the provided sources.
Rules of the spot
Avoid riding too close to moored fishing boats and the jetty area used by excursion vessels. Stay within the designated safe launch spot.
- Access to the lagoon is limited to one safe spot located in the Grand Gaube village along the road leading to the water passed the Catholic church.
- Stay within the designated safe launch spot near the Catholic church.
- Be prepared to walk your gear out past the first line of moored boats due to the small/narrow launch area.
- Watch the shallow water for corals and coral heads, especially at low tide.
- Wear booties to protect against sea urchins and sharp coral fragments.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Grand Gaube
- Nearest Town
- Grand Gaube VCA
- Nearest Airport
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU)
- Parking
- Parking near the launch/public beach area is available but can be limited.
- Public Transport
- Local bus routes connect the region to Grand Baie and Port Louis; taxis and car rentals are preferred for travelers with equipment.
- Access
- Access is through the public beach area in Grand Gaube village, typically reached via the road passing the Catholic church; the launch is along the road where the lagoon begins (access to the lagoon is limited to one safe spot).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English, French, Mauritian Creole
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Several hotels/resorts and guesthouses are located within the village/nearby.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants/snacks available in the village area.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available via local/regional watersports centers.
- Gear Storage
- Storage is commonly provided by major schools and resort watersports operations.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair services are available through local schools and regional watersports services.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Grand Gaube offers a more tranquil, traditional atmosphere than the busier west coast, with fishing-village life plus luxury-estate surroundings and easy access to northern islands.
Famous for its red-roofed church and stunning views of the northern islands.
Iconic luxury resort and beachfront.
Creole and colonial heritage in the Riviere du Rempart district.
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere, known for its giant water lilies.
Sailing trips to the iconic wedge-shaped island for snorkeling and diving.
Selection of authentic local Mauritian restaurants serving fresh seafood and curries.
An interactive sugar museum offering tours and tastings suitable for all ages.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Grand Gaube?
The best overall months at Grand Gaube are May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Grand Gaube?
Grand Gaube works with NNE, NE, E, ENE, ESE, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Grand Gaube?
Recommended equipment sizes at Grand Gaube: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Grand Gaube suitable for?
Grand Gaube suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.