Tamarin Bay opens onto Mauritius's west coast, nestled between the black cliffs of the Black River and the Rempart hills. Protected by a coral reef, it forms a calm lagoon ideal for surfing, kayaking and dolphin watching. The village of Tamarin retains the character of a fishing village, worlds away from the bustle of major beach resorts.

Quick Facts

• Access: car recommended from Port-Louis (approximately 40 km via the M2 motorway then B9); no direct public transport from the capital.
• Entry: beach open to all.
• Recommended duration: half-day to full day depending on activities.
• What to wear: swimwear; cover up when entering village shops.
• Wheelchair accessibility: main beach accessible from car park, though soft sand limits wheelchair mobility.

What You'll See

The bay curves in an arc of golden-brown sand framed by volcanic rocks. At sea, the reef breaks the Indian Ocean swell and creates a left-hand wave renowned among local surfers. At the mouth of the Tamarin River, sandbars form seasonally. The village lines colourful Creole cottages, a small church and fishermen's stalls.

History and Context

Tamarin takes its name from the tamarind trees that once bordered the river. The village developed around artisanal fishing and salt production in neighbouring salt marshes, now partly abandoned. In the 1970s, Australian and South African surfers "discovered" the Tamarin wave, giving it international renown through the film The Forgotten Island of Santosha (1974).

Highlights of Your Visit

The Tamarin Wave

The Tamarin left breaks over sand and rock. It works best during the Southern Hemisphere winter (June–September) with south-westerly swells. Experienced surfers find it hollow and powerful; beginners prefer to stay in the inner lagoon.

Dolphin Watching

Pods of spinner dolphins regularly frequent the bay early in the morning. Local operators offer boat and kayak trips for viewing, even swimming alongside them. Choose operators who maintain minimum distance and don't encircle the animals.

The Salt Marshes

North of the bay, the old Tamarin salt works are among Mauritius's last visible salt-production sites. Outside the production season, basins host waders and herons. Access is on foot from the main road.

Photography Tips

Golden morning light illuminates the bay from the east, revealing lagoon hues. To photograph surfers, position yourself on rocks at the bay's north end. Late afternoon tints the Rempart hills violet behind fishing boats—the classic angle from the village quay.

Location and Access

Tamarin sits on the west coast in the Black River district. From Port-Louis, allow approximately 40 km via the M2 motorway toward Flic en Flac, then the B9 heading south. Flic en Flac is about fifteen kilometres to the north. Black River lies a few kilometres south. No railway station; taxis and car rental remain the most practical options.

Nearby

• Black River National Park — hikes through endemic forest and Java deer spotting, less than 10 km south.
• Flic en Flac — long white-sand beach with numerous restaurants and water activities, north of Tamarin.
• Black River Gorges — panoramic viewpoint over the island interior, accessible by car.
• Le Morne Brabant — UNESCO-listed peninsula in the south-west, with beach and hiking.