When it comes to beaches on the West coast, it’s a matter of quality over quantity. Although each beach is blessed with crystal clear waters and soft sand to dip your toes into, each beach also has something different to offer. The West coast is slightly warmer compared to other areas of the island, making it the perfect destination for all you beach bums out there.
The water is so translucent at Flic en Flac beach that you can probably count the grains of sand at the bottom of the sea! Scuba diving here is an extraordinary experience: a huge reef full of marine life protects this west coast bay from the currents, making it a very popular place to dive and swim, especially for families.
Renowned for its fresh waters thanks to the coral reef that protects the shoreline and prevents sea currents, Flic en Flac is a popular choice among families and tourists alike. Silky sand and crystal-clear waters are just some of the features of Flic en Flac beach. This 8km stretch of coastline is easily accessible by car or public transport. Flic en Flac is the ideal place to spend the day sunbathing, picnicking in the shade of a casuarina tree or taking part in the many water-based activities on offer.
Feeling peckish? Grab some spicy street food while admiring the magnificent views of the exotic mountainous seascape. The continued development of the seaside town behind the beach means it has started to take on the party crowd - a godsend if you like to roll from the beach to a bar stool.
If you spend the day here, you can expect to see spontaneous football and volleyball matches - join in for something to do.
Backed by the stunning World Heritage-listed Le Brabant Mountain, the public Le Morne Beach is a must see, known for its spectacular scenery gleaming with authentic Mauritius! With white, coral sands fringed over emerald palms lapping turquoise waters, Le Morne is one of the most photographed Mauritian beaches. The particularly clear seas lap against the white coral beach offering great opportunities for snorkelling and diving.
An ideal wind blows almost year-round against southwestern Le Morne, making this possibly the best beach around for wind and kite surfing paradise all year, and it's often said to be the best location for these activities on the Island.
Professional kitesurfers start the annual Kiteival race here in July, when things are busiest, but you’ll find plenty of people catching waves throughout the year. If you’re not yet up to taking on the fearsome One-Eye or joining a trip to the big waves further offshore at Manawa, the likes of the Pryde Club, Ion Club and Le Morne Kite schools will get you there.
Because of this, the beach can become quite crowded, particularly at weekends. But, don't let that put you off. Why not head there early in the day or as evening starts to fall so you can take in the exceptional views of the mountain and capture some magical memories in photo form.
Half an hour from the hustle and bustle of Port Louis lies the charming beach of Mont Choisy, often described as the most beautiful beach on the island. Mont Choisy has an interesting history: the island's first horse race was held here in 1891 and the beach was used for the landing of the first tourist aircraft in 1933. This historical heritage and natural beauty has helped Mont Choisy to become a popular destination, with several developments of lavish homes, villas and leisure facilities, including a superb golf course.
The beach at Mont Choisy is truly magnificent, with a perfect blend of white sand and crystal clear waters. The shady Casuarina trees are a welcome sight on the beach and are ideal places to enjoy a picnic of local produce before or after a refreshing dip in the sea.
The main draw of Tamarin Bay, located near the west coast village of Black River, is its world-class surfing conditions. Nestled between the scenic Black River mountain range, this largely undeveloped bay benefits from a break in the coral reef that generates large, powerful waves perfect for surfers. While the impressive surf may be the primary reason to visit, Tamarin Bay offers an array of other activities and charms. Those less experienced in the water can enjoy dolphin watching boat trips or try their hand at sea fishing, both popular pastimes in the bay. And even without braving the monster waves, the breathtaking natural scenery and laidback surf town vibe make Tamarin Bay a must-visit destination. With some of the cheapest surf lessons on the island, it would be a shame to miss out on experiencing this legendary surfing spot and its unspoiled natural beauty.