Black River Activities on Land and Sea
Advisory as of 31 October 2026. The US rates Mauritius Level 2 for crime. UK guidance warns of petty crime and bag theft, including at Flic-en-Flac, and says to stay away from protests after unrest that began on 9 October. Evening curfews lifted on 19 October. Read current official advice before booking.
Black River activities at a glance
Black River (Riviere Noire) is the southwest district of Mauritius. Its coast has a reef lagoon and a deep-water channel offshore, and its interior climbs to a forested plateau. That mix gives you sea days and mountain days within a short drive of each other. Money here is the Mauritian rupee (Rs).
| If you want | Try | Rough cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife at sea | Early morning dolphin boat from Tamarin | Rs 1,500 to 2,500 shared |
| A beach lunch | Crystal Rock and Ile aux Benitiers cruise | Rs 2,500 to 3,500 full day |
| Fishing | Deep-sea charter from Grande Riviere Noire | Rs 30,000 to 45,000 full day |
| Scenery | Chamarel geopark and waterfall viewpoints | Rs 800 adult, Rs 400 child |
| Forest | Ebony Forest jeep tour | Rs 1,600 adult |
| A family park | Casela Nature Parks | From about Rs 1,300 to 1,600 |
Costs for boats and fishing are typical ranges that vary by operator, so ask for a written price.
Dolphins and whales
Spinner dolphins and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins use Tamarin Bay and the outer reef, and boats go out at dawn, around 06:00. Whale sightings are possible all year for sperm whales, and from about July to October for humpbacks. Responsible operators follow the Tourism Authority rules, which ban feeding and ban passengers from swimming, diving or snorkelling with whales. Officials announced a stricter enforcement squad in October 2026. Choose a licensed boat and keep your distance.
Out on the reef
Boats to Crystal Rock leave from La Preneuse, Black River and La Gaulette. Snorkellers see parrotfish and damselfish over the coral outcrop, and the cruise carries on to Ile aux Benitiers for a grilled lunch on an empty beach. Sea urchins and stonefish live in the lagoon shallows, so wear reef shoes when you wade.
Deep-sea fishing
Grande Riviere Noire is known for big-game fishing because the water plunges past 1,000 m close to shore. Blue marlin fishing peaks from November to April, with tuna, wahoo and dorado through the year. Tag and release is encouraged for billfish. The Le Morne Anglers Club at Case Noyale is a base for charters.
The plateau
- Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark: coloured dunes, two viewpoints over the Chamarel Waterfall and a tortoise park on one ticket. Under-5s enter free.
- Ebony Forest: a two hour jeep tour at 09:30, 11:30, 13:30 or 15:30, with a short raised walkway.
- Casela Nature Parks: open daily 09:00 to 17:00, closed 25 December and 1 January. Go for the safari, the aviary and the toboggan, and pass on the big-cat encounters that welfare groups discourage.
- Black River Gorges National Park: free entry and walking trails, with monkeys that should never be fed.
Money and weather
Cards work at the larger attractions. Chamarel does not take foreign cash, so bring rupees or a card. Cyclone season runs from November to May and peaks from January to March, and guests must remain indoors at their accommodation during a cyclone.
Read more: the sightseeing guide and the hiking notes for this district.
Boat trips and tickets can be compared on Viator . Official details: Chamarel geopark , Ebony Forest and Casela .