The West Coast of Mauritius is more developed, with good roads, white sandy bays and calm turquoise waters. Flic en Flac is one of the more popular beaches for families with young children as the water is shallow and still. There is a beautiful lagoon, protected by coral reef and some of Mauritius’ best dive sites can be found here such as the Rempart Serpent and The Cathedral, a gorgeous underwater cave with light let in through cracks in the ceiling. If you prefer to stay ashore and sunbathe there are some good restaurants and shops along the beach, making for a convenient way to spend the day. A sugar estate, The Medine, is located just 6 km inland and has public tours where you can explore the distillery during the months of July through to November. Tamarina Golf Estate is just 10 minutes’ drive and 18-holes, a driving range and putting green as well as a fabulous clubhouse.
Tamarin Bay has a name as one of the best surfing spots on the island with massive waves between the months of June to September. The West Coast is also home to resident dolphin pods, and visitors can go out by boat to admire and swim with these beautiful creatures. Port Louis, the capital, has some fantastic street markets, museums and old colonial houses. The population is diverse and cosmopolitan, with churches, mosques, Hindu temples and Chinese Pagodas dotted around the city. Further inland, the geography is mountainous with forests and vast sugar cane fields, and interestingly the region of Tamarin encompasses Mauritius’ largest salt production, as the sunshine here is greater than anywhere else on the island.
The local airline, Air Mauritius, is a reliable and comfortable carrier with multiple flights a day operating between Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is located 48 km from the capital city, Port Louis and approximately 49 km from Flic en Flac Beach.
