Things to do in the West of Mauritius

The west coast's longest beach: 8 km of white sand lined with casuarinas along a reef-protected turquoise lagoon. Grand sunsets, easy snorkeling and a local weekend vibe.

The legendary bay where the Tamarin river meets the ocean, cradle of Mauritian surfing since the 70s. Volcanic-sand beach, beginner-friendly waves and a superb view of Rempart mountain.

Every morning, pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins come to rest in Tamarin and Black River bays. The dawn boat trip, sometimes with a swim, is the west coast's signature experience.

A 556 m basalt monolith and UNESCO World Heritage site, refuge of the maroon slaves whose symbol it became. The climb (3-4h return) rewards you with dizzying views over Mauritius's most photogenic lagoons.

At the foot of Le Morne mountain, a lagoon in fifty shades of blue edged with immaculate sand and casuarinas. To the south, the 'One Eye' kitesurf spot ranks among the world's best.

A large flat coconut island in the lagoon off La Gaulette, minutes away by boat. Photo stop at Crystal Rock, a coral boulder rising from turquoise water, and snorkeling in a natural aquarium.

A huge adventure park against Rempart mountain: bus safari among zebras and ostriches, giant tortoises, panoramic aviary, ziplines, quads and canyon swing. The west coast's number-one family outing.

A unique geological phenomenon: volcanic clay dunes in seven ochre, red and violet hues that never mix. The geopark also hosts giant tortoises and the Chamarel waterfall lookout.

Mauritius's highest waterfall: a nearly 100 m curtain plunging from a basalt plateau into a lush green cirque. The viewing platform offers a striking panorama.

An open-sea trip beyond the reef from Tamarin: migrating humpbacks July-October, resident sperm whales visible year-round thanks to the west coast's deep drop-off.

A quiet Black River beach with one of the best views of Le Morne mountain, especially at sunset. Basalt-flecked sand, calm water and a peaceful residential feel.

A remarkably preserved 1834 British defence tower, now a small museum on the abolition of slavery and Indian Ocean piracy. A short but fascinating guided visit.

Mauritius's big-game fishing capital, this lagoon village is home port for the west coast's dolphin, marlin and sailing trips. Marina, waterside restaurants and a laid-back vibe facing Le Morne.

From La Balise Marina, chase blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, dorado and wahoo on the drop-off, just minutes from port. Mauritius hosts the Marlin World Cup every year.

A world-class spot: waist-deep turquoise lagoon for beginners, the legendary One Eye wave for experts, wind 300 days a year. Several schools right on the beach.

One of only two working lighthouses in Mauritius (1910), standing on a wave-battered volcanic cliff. A wild, quiet site with superb west-coast views and theatrical sunsets.

A popular seaside suburb at the gates of Port Louis, with a long local beach, food stalls and views over the capital's harbour. An authentic stop far from the hotel zones.

A craft distillery nestled among cane fields and mountains, producing award-winning agricole rum. Guided tour of the cellars and stills, followed by a full tasting.

A playful illusion house by the waterfall road: upside-down room, mirror maze and giant puzzles. A quirky break, a hit with children, on the Chamarel circuit.

A conservation reserve for Mauritius's endemic forest: canopy-level walkways, replanted ebony trees and the Sublime Point lookout over Le Morne bay. Reintroduced pink pigeons and Mauritius fodies.

Mauritius's highest point (828 m), reached by a forest trail off the Plaine Champagne road. From the top, a 360° panorama over the gorges, Le Morne and the whole south-west.

A spectacular canyon where the Tamarin river tumbles down seven successive falls through dense tropical vegetation. Hiking, natural-pool swims and canyoning: the western highlands' adventure playground.

A checkerboard of pink and white pans where sea salt is still harvested by hand, as it has been since the 19th century. With Rempart mountain behind, one of the west coast's most singular landscapes.

A trio of spectacular volcanic peaks above the Magenta plain. A short but steep climb (2h30-3h) with an airy finish on the central peak and views along the whole west coast to Le Morne.