The village of Black River

Located on the west coast of Mauritius, the Black River region is a peaceful and picturesque authentic area. Set between lush green mountains and turquoise waters, the twin villages of Black River and Tamarin offer the best of Mauritius in terms of water and land-based activities and discoveries.

Originally a fishing village

Originally a peaceful coastal fishing village, the expatriate craze for Black River has modernized the place, without altering the authenticity of the lifestyle centered on sea and mountains.

Among the historical sights, visit the last remaining salt pans in operation on the island. Bring back some fleur de sel in your luggage. Just next door are the remains of a lime kiln. In the heart of the village of Black River, check out the very old colonial-style post office building, nestled next to an old cemetery with some centuries-old graves.

The range of restaurants, bars, convenience stores, banks, supermarkets and souvenir shops, as well as a small shopping mall just across the road from Marguery Villas, offer plenty to choose from within a few minutes walk or drive. There are also organic vegetable shops and stalls, as well as several wine shops.

La Preneuse and Tamarin Bay, Black River’s fine beaches

A few minutes walk from Marguery Villas, the beach of La Preneuse is a peaceful lagoon where you can explore the underwater wildlife in complete tranquility. Its transparent waters are home to numerous corals and small fish. Swimming is pleasant all year round. Visit the Martello Tower, which faces the lagoon and served as a lookout post during the British occupation.

Tamarin Bay is a short distance away and is the Mecca of surfing in Mauritius. With its grey sandy beach, its open sea and its peaceful river, Tamarin follows the gentle pace of the islands. The tiny village is authentically Mauritian, with a nice social mix. The world-famous surf spots of Dale and Black Stone attract wave riders all year round. Paddle boarders set off at dawn to follow the schools of dolphins in the bay or travel up the peaceful river to discover monkeys and moorhens. It is also an excellent place to bathe and relax in the sun.

Both beaches are famous for ‘sundowners’, a local custom of watching the luscious colors of the sunset while sitting on the beach and sipping a local beer.

Lots of water activities available

Black River is the starting point for many sea excursions, including dolphin watching in their natural environment and humpback whale watching during the southern winter. Catamaran trips to Ile aux Bénitiers are a great way to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and near the coral reef to explore the marine wildlife.

Black River Yacht Club and other operators offer big game fishing in the fish filled coastal waters.

Finally, it is possible to book a romantic boat trip for two or a magical sunset with friends in Black River.

 The Black River Gorges, a hikers’ paradise

Nature lovers, grab your hiking gear: the Black River Gorges National Park is the ideal place to discover superb hiking trails, waterfalls… This 6,500-hectare nature reserve is home to a varied and endemic flora and fauna, including protected species. The hiking trails are well marked, some of them are difficult, but the reward is always at the end of the effort, swimming in cool waterfalls and enjoying panoramic views. Very popular, the Gorges are frequented all year round by sportsmen and women as well as families who like to go on picnics.

Black River will satisfy visitors looking for authenticity and exciting activities to do during their stay in Mauritius.