Grand Pavois is the easiest beach outing from Mahajanga, reached along the airport road north of town. It has the relaxed, slightly scruffy feel of a local weekend beach rather than a resort strip, which is part of the appeal.
The sand and water are best judged with local advice, because tides and weather change the mood of the coast. Even if you do not swim, it is a good place to escape the city heat for a few hours and eat grilled fish with the sea in front of you.