Tamarin & Black River
A west-coast bay and base for boat trips, with mountains behind.
Hero image: Vaughan McShane, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Tamarin lies on a wide bay on the west coast of Mauritius, where the Tamarin River reaches the sea beneath the Tourelle du Tamarin and Rempart mountains. South of the bay, La Preneuse and Black River (Rivière Noire) continue the coast towards the south-west.
The area is known for boat trips along the west coast, for the surf break at the mouth of the bay, and for the traditional salt pans at the entrance to the village. It has a relaxed, residential feel, with villas, apartments and guesthouses as well as hotels.
At a glance
- Region
- West & South-West
- From Port Louis
- South along the west coast past Flic en Flac
- Suggested stay
- Three to six nights
- Best time
- May to November is driest
- Known for
- Boat trips, surf, salt pans, mountain views, sunsets
- Getting around
- Hire car or taxi; bus along the coast road
Where to stay and what to book
Places to stay
In this Tamarin & Black River guide
Why visit Tamarin & Black River
Tamarin and Black River suit travellers who want the calm, dry west coast with a less resort-like atmosphere than Flic en Flac, and easy access to the mountains and the national park.
The bay’s beach is not the island’s finest for swimming, as the river mouth and the open bay make the water less clear than in reef-sheltered lagoons. Many visitors are here for the setting, the boats and the access to the south-west rather than a classic beach.
Boat trips from the bay
Tamarin Bay and Black River are departure points for boat trips along the west coast. Trips often include dolphin-watching and snorkelling stops. Dolphin encounters with wild animals are never guaranteed, and responsible behaviour around them matters.
The salt pans and the village
The salt pans at the entrance to Tamarin are a reminder of an older coastal economy and still produce salt. They are visible from the coast road. The village itself has small shops and places to eat.
La Preneuse and Black River
La Preneuse, south of Tamarin, has a small beach and a Martello tower that has been converted into a museum. Black River (Rivière Noire), further south, is a base for big-game fishing boats and gives access to the lower slopes of the national park.
Getting there and around
From the airport the route crosses the island via the plateau. Buses run along the west-coast road between Port Louis and the south-west. A hire car is the most practical way to explore.
The national park’s lower entrances and the road up to Chamarel are a short drive from Black River.
Best time to visit
The west coast is the driest and most sheltered part of the island, especially from about May to November. The surf at Tamarin depends on swell and is best left to experienced surfers.
How long to stay
Three to six nights works well as a base for the south-west, with time for a boat trip, the national park, Chamarel and Le Morne.
Find accommodation in Tamarin & Black River
Tamarin, La Preneuse and Black River have villas, apartments, guesthouses and some hotels.
Browse Tamarin & Black River accommodation
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Nearby destinations
Flic en FlacA long west-coast beach and resort town with calm water and sunsets.Read the Flic en Flac guide 
Le MorneA peninsula beneath Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Read the Le Morne guide 
Black River Gorges National ParkThe island’s largest national park, a landscape of forested gorges.Read the Black River Gorges National Park guide Frequently asked questions
Can you see dolphins at Tamarin?
Boat trips from the west coast often look for dolphins, but sightings of wild animals are never guaranteed. Choose responsible operators.
Is Tamarin good for swimming?
The bay is more open and less clear than reef-sheltered lagoons. Many visitors swim at nearby beaches such as Flic en Flac or Le Morne.
Is Tamarin good for surfing?
Tamarin Bay has a known surf break, best suited to experienced surfers when conditions are right.
Plan the rest of your trip
- West & South-West region guide
- Where to stay in West & South-West Mauritius
- Black River Gorges National Park guide
- Mauritius adventure activities
Official sources for Tamarin & Black River
Opening hours, entry fees, boat and transport schedules, access rules and park conditions change; check the official source before you travel.
- Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) — official visitor information
- National Parks and Conservation Service — Black River Gorges and Bras d’Eau national parks
- Mauritius Meteorological Services — forecasts, warnings and cyclone bulletins
Plan a West & South-West trip
Compare the places in this region before you choose a base.
Where to stay, and what to book
Browse Tamarin & Black River accommodation or West & South-West accommodation, and see tours and activities. See also where to stay in the West & South-West.