Destination guide · West coast
Tamarin, Mauritius
Tamarin is a laid-back surf town on Mauritius' west coast, set around a river mouth where the Rivière du Rebek meets the sea. It built its reputation on the "Tamarin Wave", a left-hand point break that draws surfers between May and September, and on the resident pods of dolphins that gather in the bay each morning. The vibe is bohemian and unpolished compared with the big northern resorts: a small village centre, the historic Salt Pans, palm-lined beaches and the dramatic backdrop of Le Morne and the Black River mountains. It suits independent travellers, surfers, couples and active families who want sunset swims, early dolphin trips and easy access to the wild south-west, rather than packed beach clubs.
Things to do in Tamarin
- Surf the Tamarin Bay point break, one of the island's most famous left-hand waves, best from May to September
- Take an early-morning boat trip to swim with the wild spinner and bottlenose dolphins that frequent Tamarin Bay
- Visit the Tamarin Salt Pans (Les Salines), the working salt evaporation flats that have shaped the village for over a century
- Hike or drive into Black River Gorges National Park for endemic forest, viewpoints and the Black River Peak trail
- Spend a day at Casela Nature Parks nearby for safaris, zip-lines, big cats and family rides
- Go big-game fishing out of Rivière Noire (Black River), Mauritius' main marlin and tuna fishing base
- Watch the sunset over the lagoon from La Preneuse beach with Le Morne on the horizon
Beaches near Tamarin
Getting to Tamarin
SSR Airport sits in the south-east, roughly 50-60 km from Tamarin, about a 55-70 minute drive via the M1/M2 motorways. There is no direct public transport, so the simplest option is a pre-booked private transfer that meets you on arrival; once here, a hire car or arranged driver is best for exploring the west coast.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Tamarin from the airport?
Tamarin is about 50-60 km from SSR International Airport in the south-east, a 55-70 minute drive depending on traffic. The motorway route is straightforward, and a pre-booked private transfer is the easiest way to arrive.
What is Tamarin known for?
Tamarin is best known for surfing the Tamarin Bay point break, for morning boat trips to see and swim with wild dolphins, and for its historic salt pans. It has a relaxed, bohemian feel and is a handy base for the wild south-west.
When is the best time to visit Tamarin?
May to September brings the cleanest surf and cooler, drier weather, ideal for the Tamarin wave and hiking. For warm-water swimming and the calmest seas, the summer months of November to April are better, though brief tropical showers are common.
Where should I stay near Tamarin?
Tamarin itself has guesthouses, villas and a few small hotels. For more resort choice, nearby Black River, Flic-en-Flac and Le Morne are all within a short drive and keep you close to the west-coast beaches and dolphin trips.