Wild Coasts, Key Areas & Authentic Vibe
The West of Mauritius is the island’s sunniest and driest region, famously known as the "Sunset Coast." It offers the perfect balance for travelers who want a bit of everything: long sandy beaches, active nature adventures, vibrant nightlife, and the best weather on the island year-round.
The West covers the district of Black River (Rivière Noire). It stretches from the bustling tourist town of Flic en Flac down to the surfing village of Tamarin and the deep-sea fishing hub of Black River. It is backed by a dramatic mountain range, giving the area a unique "beach meets mountain" landscape.
Key areas you'll encounter:
Flic en Flac: The main tourist hub of the West. It has a very long, public beach with casuarina trees, tons of street food stalls, and a strip of restaurants and nightclubs.
Tamarin: A laid-back, bohemian village famous for its surf break (Dalber) and the bay where dolphins are frequently spotted in the morning.
Black River (Rivière Noire): A more upscale, residential area. It’s the gateway to the Black River Gorges National Park and a hub for luxury catamaran cruises and deep-sea fishing.
Chamarel: Located in the hills just above the coast, this village is home to the Seven Coloured Earths and the Rhumerie de Chamarel.
Local Insight: Flic en Flac and Tamarin feel very different. Flic en Flac is where you go for public buzz, street food (try the Roti or Kebab trucks), and nightlife. Tamarin is where the locals and expats hang out—think surf vibes, coffee shops, and sunset beers on the bay.
The West is the "on the side away from the wind" coast, meaning it is sheltered from the southeast trade winds by the central mountains. This makes it the safest bet for good weather, no matter when you visit.
Summer (Nov–Apr): Hot and humid (27-34°C). It can get very hot here in the afternoons. The sunsets during summer are spectacular, often turning the sky purple and orange.
Winter (May–Oct): The best region for winter travel. While the East gets windy and cool, the West remains warm (20-26°C), dry, and pleasant. If you are visiting in July or August, book your hotel in the West (or North) to avoid the wind.
The vibe in the West is golden, social, and outdoorsy. It’s generally more relaxed than the Grand Baie area in the North but busier than the sleepy South.
Daytime: Action-packed or lazy—your choice. You can swim with dolphins in the morning, hike the Black River Gorges at noon, and surf or paddleboard in the afternoon. It’s also the jumping-off point for Casela Nature Parks.
Nighttime: The "Sundowner" culture is huge here. Everyone heads to the beach around 5:30 PM to watch the sun dip into the ocean. After dark, Flic en Flac offers lively bars and clubs, while Tamarin has chilled-out restaurants and live music venues.
The West is the most versatile region. It works for almost everyone: families, solo travelers, and couples. It is the top choice if you prioritize sunsets and warm weather during the Mauritian winter.
It's perfect for you if:
You want to see the sunset over the ocean: This is the only coast where the sun sets directly into the sea.
You are visiting in Winter (May-Oct): You'll escape the trade winds and enjoy warmer beach days.
You love nature and hiking: You are minutes away from the National Park entrance and Le Morne mountain.
You want to see dolphins: The West coast (Tamarin/Black River) is the dolphin watching capital of the island.
It might not be for you if:
You want a secluded, private beach: Flic en Flac is a public beach and gets very busy with locals on weekends (which is fun, but not private).
You want the highest concentration of luxury resorts: While there are 5-star hotels, the East has a higher density of ultra-luxury, secluded properties.