Grand Gaube: Wooden Canoes and Fishing Tradition

Grand Gaube lies on the northeast coast of Mauritius. One distinctive aspect of the town is the making of wooden canoes: they are used for artisanal fishing in the lagoon or close to the coast. This combines a traditional material with a practical purpose on the water and gives the coastal setting a tangible cultural dimension.

Wooden Canoes as Craft and Working Boats

For decades, fishermen from all over Mauritius came to Grand Gaube to commission wooden canoes from the many carpenters in the town. This custom work declined. The story thus links the carpenters’ work with the fishermen who ordered their boats, and its demand extended beyond the town. At the same time, the tradition of wooden canoes represents an enduring craft dimension. For visitors interested in local craftsmanship, the connection between making, material and use is what makes it special: the wooden canoe is closely linked to a specific form of fishing.

Grand Gaube and Grand Baie: Two Locations

Grand Baie, a seaside resort, is about a 15-minute drive from Grand Gaube; actual travel time may vary. For your trip planning, this offers a concrete comparison between Grand Gaube on the northeast coast and a nearby seaside resort. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can consider whether Grand Gaube itself should be your main focus or whether Grand Baie as a separate base better suits your plans. The stated driving time provides an approximate guide.

Fishing as a Tradition and a Tour

A big-game fishing tour is offered from Grand Gaube. This brings two different connections to fishing together: the craft tradition of wooden canoes used for fishing in the lagoon or close to the coast, and an available fishing tour. One tells the story of making and using a working boat; the other is an activity to consider when planning your trip. If you are considering Grand Gaube for the tour, check its current availability directly with the operators.

Within the Wider Destination of Riviere Du Rempart

The wider destination of Riviere Du Rempart offers further cultural and leisure perspectives. In Cap Malheureux, you can enter the Notre Dame Auxiliatrice church to attend a Mass or see the holy water font made from a giant shell. The distinctive shell detail gives a visit to the church a special visual focal point. For golf enthusiasts, The Nine at Azuri Golf is another attraction: the course has nine holes, is par 3 and lies in the Rivière du Rempart district near the northeast coast of Mauritius. Confirm that the course is currently open before your trip. The church and the golf course represent different regional interests alongside Grand Gaube’s craft tradition.

When choosing your base, you can consider the criteria separately: Grand Baie provides an approximate driving-time comparison with Grand Gaube; the church and golf offer further things to explore within the wider destination of Riviere Du Rempart. This can help you decide whether a holiday rental in Grand Gaube suits the main focus of your trip or whether you would like to include other locations in your search.

Discover more destinations: Grand Baie, Pereybere, Amitié, Cap Malheureux, The Vale, Poste Lafayette, Riviere Du Rempart, Calodyne

Back to the wider travel guide: Riviere Du Rempart.