Hundreds of spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins regularly visit Tamarin Bay and the surrounding waters; however, numbers and sighting patterns may vary. The area also offers a seasonal left-hand wave, hikes described as having different difficulty levels, and salt craft nearby. This mix can help you decide whether you want your stay to focus more on the sea, outdoor activities or cultural history.

The bay, dolphins and seasonal surfing

Dolphin-watching and swimming-with-dolphins trips depart from Tamarin Beach. For a specific trip, it is best to check current availability. The left-hand wave in Tamarin Bay forms during the southern winter, from June to September. If you are travelling mainly for this wave, you can take this time frame into account when choosing your travel dates.

Market and salt craft

Tamarin’s weekend market offers fresh fruit, spices and handicrafts for sale. Alongside the nature and hiking activities, it provides a specific opportunity to explore what is on offer locally. Weekend opening hours and the range of goods may change, so check the latest information if you are planning a visit.

In the vicinity of Tamarin, salt production is a traditional economic craft. Tamarin Salt Pans are considered the last active salt pans in Mauritius; the status of salt production may change over time. The techniques used there have not changed for about 200 years. The pans are also among the few remaining traces of the once-important salt industry on Mauritius’ west coast. The salt pans lie in a landscape of mangroves and salt marshes: craft, industrial history and wetlands each shape a different aspect of the surrounding area.

Hikes for different levels

Hiking options around Tamarin include Montagne de la Tourelle. The ascent is described as challenging and offers views of Morne Brabant, the gorges and the lagoon. A clearly marked, well-trodden path leads to the summit of Tourelle du Tamarin; this hike is described as not particularly challenging. From the summit, the view stretches across Black River Gorges, Le Morne Brabant and the lagoon. The descriptions offer different points of reference when choosing a hike; trail conditions and difficulty levels may vary.

More to explore in the wider Black River destination

In the wider Black River destination, the story of Trou Chenille reaches back to the period after the abolition of slavery in 1835. Trou Chenille in Le Morne is considered the cradle of settlement in southwest Mauritius and the first village of Le Morne where descendants of enslaved people lived. The reconstruction project of the former village aims to inform visitors from Mauritius and abroad about its historical and cultural significance.

Near Chamarel, Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earths add a natural formation of volcanic sand to the regional landscape. A 3 km path leads from the main entrance to the dunes and passes viewpoints overlooking Chamarel Waterfall. Aldabra giant tortoises can be seen in the geopark; the animals on display may change. Check the latest conditions before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Petite Riviere, Flic En Flac, Le Morne, La Preneuse, La Gaulette, Black River, Chamarel, Albion

Go to the main travel overview: Black River.