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West Mauritius holidays
When booking your trip to Mauritius, the West coast should be at the top of your list of destinations to visit. Home to lavish restaurants, fantastic nightlife and plenty of ideal spots for watersports and nature parks for hiking, West Mauritius has everything and more that you could possibly want from your dream holiday.
- Flight time
- 12h
- From London
- Currency
- MUR
- Mauritian Rupee
- Time zone
- GMT + 4h
Getting to West Mauritius
After you arrive at Plaisance Airport, also called Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, you may take a taxi or use a shuttle transport arranged to your desired hotel. You may also hire a car to reach your destination. Notably, a non-stop flight from London Gatwick to Mauritius is 12 hours on average and flights with a stopover will have a longer duration.
Average weather in West
- Temperature (°C)*
- Rainfall (Inches)*
Holidays in West Mauritius
If you’re looking to dance the nights away to an eclectic choice of music whilst sipping on tropical cocktails, then Mauritius’ nightlife has all that you could want and more.
When holidaying on the West coast, Flic en Flac is the place to be for all your evening entertainment. Head to the Shotz Nightclub Lounge and make the most of the live shows and well-known international DJs that perform and play an array of different music ranging from afro beats to R&B. Party hard until the early morning hours with the locals and tourists alike that frequent this lively club.
Another of Flic en Flac’s popular drinking spots is Kenzi bar. Kenzi bar offers a laid-back atmosphere and authentic beach bar experience with its sandy floors and wooden style furniture. Delicious cocktails and no-frills tapas are on offer as you soak up the live entertainment and take in your surroundings.
If you’re wanting a more relaxed evening, then Al Shisha is the place to be. Providing some of the best shisha around and perfectly complimented by the oriental teas and snacks on offer, Al Shisha is the perfect alternative to a big night out.
If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie who’s looking to experience all the culinary delights Mauritius has to offer, then the West Coast is the place to be. West Mauritius plays a host to a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines that are bound to whet anyone’s appetite.
Citronella restaurant is in the five-star Sugar Beach resort in Flic en Flac. With a chic, spacious interior, glistening sea views, and delicious food, you can’t go wrong. Popular amongst locals, Lemon Taste is a small, unassuming restaurant located in the shopping centre. Lemon Taste is known best for its monthly ‘7 cari’ menu and traditional Mauritian dishes, such as the Octopus Curry served alongside rice and roti. For comfort food like chicken strips and skinny potato chips, head to Creole Shack in Flic en Flac, serving a variety of cuisines with vegetarian and vegan options. Pakbo Pizza Restaurant & Bar can be tricky to find, but it’s well worth a visit: you can indulge in Asian, Cajon & Creole, and seafood dishes amidst a vibrant atmosphere lit by fairy lights.
Copy Approx. 100 words In recent years, Mauritius has become a widely popular shopping destination with sought after goods such as: jewellery, textile products and diamonds being in high demand. Despite the fact the Western coast of Mauritius isn’t the main shopping location on the island, it still offers plenty of great markets and shopping outlets to choose from. For a fun filled afternoon of shopping, head on down to Flic en Flac village. Flic en Flac consists of many street shops and market stalls which are ideal for finding that perfect souvenir which will remind you of your once in a lifetime holiday forever. If you’re wanting a wider selection of shops for all your clothing items and accessories, partnered with a choice of great places to eat, then either Cascavelle shopping mall or Pasadena village centre are a must visit. If you have exhausted Flic en Flac of all its shopping options, then take a trip to Black River. The main place to shop in Black River is the Ruisseau Creole Commercial centre. Here, you’ll find plenty of quaint boutique shops to roam around and many restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a tasty lunch.
Activities in West Mauritius
Home to stunning scenery and the Indian Ocean that provides ideal conditions for all watersports; the West Coast is perfect for both land and water activities. Whilst visiting West Mauritius, why not take yourself out of your comfort zone and take up diving or surfing? Beyond flamboyant corals, you may encounter legions of fish among dolphins, tiger sharks, and striped parrotfish.
On land, advanced 18-hole golf courses and unbelievable backdrops of cascading mountain peaks offer a tempting proposition for every passionate hiker. Check out things to do on the sea and land in Mauritius.
Watersports
Diving in West Mauritius
Although Mauritius isn’t renowned for its diving, that doesn’t mean you should dismiss or overlook it as an option. The West coast has an abundance of idyllic scuba diving spots that are great for exploring all the marine life below the surface.
A great introduction to diving on the West coast is Snake Reef. Within reach of diving centres in Flic en Flac, Snake Reef originates its name from the fact it’s made up of rock and coral formations that create pinnacles that snake to the bottom of the ocean and not from the fact that there are sea snakes in the area. Snake Reef does have an array of other sea life on offer though, including: the stonefish and moray eels.
Also accessible from Flic en Flac, Cathedral dive site isn’t one to be missed. Blessed with caves and arches that protect the lobster and reef fish, partnered with steep drop offs and boulder formations makes Cathedral dive possibly the best scuba diving spot on the whole of Mauritius.
Surfing in West Mauritius
Whether you’re an experienced surfer who loves to ride the high waves, or a novice who isn’t very confident, the West coast of Mauritius is any surfer’s idyllic destination.
Located at Mauritius’ South Western’s furthest point; sits Le Morne cape, which is suitably considered the most widespread place to surf on the island. Thanks to the level wave conditions for those of you that are beginners situated at the western peninsula and the place known as ‘One eye’ because of the ‘eye’ on the rock face that any keen surfers see when they find the perfect surfing spot, Le Morne has something for everyone.
If Le Morne doesn’t float your boat, then head on down to the infamous Tamarin Bay. Calm waves, partnered with a surf school located nearby, makes Tamarin Bay the perfect spot for any newcomer to the surfing scene.
Alternatively, for all you skilful surfers, Black Rock is the perfect place to catch the big waves.
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing in West Mauritius
With fantastic wind conditions between April – October, partnered with white beaches and turquoise waters, it comes as no surprise that Mauritius is often ranked as one of the best windsurfing destinations on earth. Thankfully, the West coast lives up to this and provides some great windsurfing spots.
Le Morne is a great place to start for windsurfers of all capabilities. Le Morne is blessed with a lagoon that’s surrounded by a reef and is positioned just 600 feet from the shore. This shallow water utopia is the perfect place for beginners to learn how to windsurf and there is also plenty of scope for you to practice your gybes and water starts.
Le Morne is also home to ‘Litte Reef’ which is ideal if you’re building up your confidence thanks to the smaller waves and Manawa and ‘One Eye’ is reserved for the expert windsurfers only.
Sailing in West Mauritius
There’s no better way to explore the Indian Ocean and the stunning landscape of the West Coast of Mauritius than by jumping on board a catamaran and setting sail on a day-long cruise. For a set price, you can make the most of the snacks, delicious BBQ lunch, and snorkelling equipment. That’s all included whilst you embark on a trip to the lagoons and admire the picturesque views of the mountains and coastal villages. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll even get the chance to witness the spinner dolphins in Tamarin Bay! Book a private yacht to explore breathtaking coastlines like Le Morne Brabant Mountain and the Black River. The glass-clear waters provide ideal conditions for sailing, with chances to spot marine life and observe mesmerising sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
Fishing in West Mauritius
Mauritius prides itself on being one of the best places in the world where big game fishing is concerned. With perfect fishing conditions and exotic fish available for catching all year round, it isn't any wonder to see why.
If you’re as keen on fishing as we are, then you’ll be thrilled to know that the West coast is home to the best spots for deep sea fishing on the whole of the island.
Whether you’re a learner or expert, the calm water conditions of the West coast make it ideal for anyone to attempt fishing. Black River is perhaps the best spot to go fishing. Here, tuna, sharks and marlin are up for grabs.
Black River is also host to plenty of major fishing competitions including the Marlin world cup.
Regardless of whether you pick a half or full day fishing excursion or simply join the locals for a spot of fishing down by the shore, you won’t be disappointed with the catch of the day.
Canoeing and Kayaking in West Mauritius
If you fancy combining a bit of exercise with on the water sight seeing then why not consider a sea cave kayaking trip. Leaving from Pointe aux Sable, this 7-kilometre excursion will give you the full experience offered by the unspoilt Albion Sea Caves. All tours are escorted by experienced kayakers and guides ensuring your safety and providing interesting facts along your journey.
After a safety and familiarisation briefing you will head out to sea passing Montagne Jako, where you may well see daring cliff jumpers testing their nerve. You will also paddle close to the 100-year-old Belle Vue lighthouse, still used as a navigational aid for ships heading to Port Louis Harbour. As you draw closer to the caves you will traverse alongside basalt rock gardens before beginning to explore the total of eight, beautiful caves.
Whilst Kayaks and all safety equipment is provided, we recommend you consider taking sea sandals or shoes, masks and snorkels, sun cream and towels to ensure that you have a truly magical time.
Land activities
Golf in West Mauritius
The West Coast of Mauritius is home to the stunning Tamarina Golf Club. This 107-acre, residential golf estate was the first to open on the Island, and as well as the course, hosts a hotel, spa and a variety of luxury villas; but don’t worry they are all well away from the fairways so that occasional errant drive will not get you into too much trouble.
The 18-hole course has been designed to make the best of some amazing natural features and has a real ‘tropical’ feel. The backdrop to the immaculate fairways and greens are the three distinctive peaks of Trois Mamelles, which can be seen from nearly every part of the course. The river Rempart cuts through the course and your round will provide the opportunity to play over, alongside and up its path. The Rempart flows into the Barachoise Estuary, which is used to form part of the signature 13th hole, with its 25 metre drop from tee to green, a visual delight and golfing challenge not to be missed.
Cycling and Mountain Biking in West Mauritius
If you want to take a break from the sedentary pleasures offered by the Island and shed some of those calories, then why not consider a mountain biking excursion and discover some of the Mauritian West coast sights from the saddle. Tours are widely available and can range from the leisurely to quite technical. Whichever you choose you’ll be escorted by experienced guides and provided with all the right equipment, which meets applicable safety standards.
Macchabee Forest is a firm favourite amongst cyclists and provides the opportunity to explore on two wheels what remains of the Island’s indigenous rainforest. Highlights include snaking through the forest catching glimpses of parakeets, pink pigeons and kestrels; before circling a lake and getting up close to the stunning Tamarind Falls.
Cycling from Tamarin Bay takes advantage of the coastal plain and volcanic mountain paths to provide a good mixture of cycling opportunities. Gentle trails are available for the novice or family to explore whilst serious thrill seekers can tackle some technically challenging routes. There is even an annual, three-day mountain biking event held here in October, which attracts many international competitors.
Walking and Hiking in West Mauritius
Walking is a great way to keep fit and get up close and personal with Mauritius’ fauna and flora while exploring the West Coast’s rugged landscape. Lush green forests and tranquil, protected lagoons govern Mauritius’ scenery. The West Coast has a range of walking inclinations that are bound to suit everyone, no matter your hiking abilities.
Encompassing roughly five per cent of the entire Indian Ocean Island nation and with plenty of established hiking trails on offer, Black River Gorges National Park is a must-visit. This national park is the largest in Mauritius, meaning there are plenty of popular spots to visit and admire the glorious views over Mauritius. These views, partnered with accessible and fixed footpaths, ensure this national park is any hiker’s idea of paradise.
