Couples Guide to Black River, Mauritius
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.
A couple’s day in Black River, from dawn to dinner
The southwest coast of Mauritius suits two people who like warm water, a long lunch and a view. This page runs through one day in order. Prices are in Mauritian rupees (Rs) and are rough guides to confirm at booking.
Morning: dolphins at first light
Boats for dolphin watching leave Tamarin Bay and Grande Riviere Noire between 06:00 and 07:00, when the sea is flat. A private boat costs roughly Rs 8,000 to 12,000, and shared seats cost less. Pick a licensed operator that keeps its distance, and do not book a trip that promises time in the water with the animals, because the ministry announced tighter enforcement in October 2026.
Midday: the lagoon and a beach lunch
From La Preneuse, Black River or La Gaulette, a pirogue or catamaran crosses to Crystal Rock, a coral outcrop where snorkelling is easy and the water is shallow. The boat then lands at Ile aux Benitiers for grilled fish and chicken on the sand. Expect to pay about Rs 2,500 to 3,500 each for a full-day cruise.
Afternoon: Chamarel
Drive up the B104 to the plateau. The Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark costs Rs 800 for adults and includes two viewpoints over the waterfall, which drops about 100 m, as well as the coloured dunes. Do not try to reach the water below, as hiking down and swimming are both prohibited.
Then book a table at L’Alchimiste, the restaurant at the Rhumerie de Chamarel, for Creole and European cooking after a distillery tasting. Check opening days and prices on the official site, and do not drive after tasting rum. Le Chamarel restaurant, on the mountain edge, has a wide terrace with a view down to the coast.
Evening: sunset at sea
Sunset catamaran trips leave from La Balise Marina and Tamarin Bay at about 16:30 and sail along the calm west coast. Shared cruises cost roughly Rs 2,000 to 3,000 each, and a private charter for a couple costs about Rs 18,000 to 28,000. Ask what food and drink are included.
A special extra: flying over the underwater waterfall
The underwater waterfall is sand and silt sliding down the sea floor, and it looks like a waterfall only from above. Shared helicopter flights are sold from about 190 to 220 EUR or USD each, and private charters cost far more.
Where to base yourselves
Tamarin and Black River have small lodges and villas near the marina. Flic-en-Flac has apartments and mid-range hotels on a long beach. In Flic-en-Flac, keep phones and wallets on you, because UK advice warns of bag theft there.
Good to know
- Reef shoes keep feet safe from urchins and stonefish when you paddle in the lagoon.
- Cyclone season runs from November to May, and guests must stay in their accommodation during a cyclone.
- Carry rupees for beach boatmen and small stalls.
Read more: more ideas for two on the couples page , or the paid attractions .
Find a lodge or villa on Booking.com . Official details: Chamarel geopark and Rhumerie de Chamarel .