Tamarin — Dolphins & Salt Pans
The small coastal town of Tamarin (Tamarin Bay) on the west coast is a place considered a hidden gem among travelers — less touristy than Grand Baie, more authentic, with a surfer atmosphere reminiscent of earlier days. Here, Mauritians live who go fishing in the morning and sit on the beach in the evening, with the mountain range of Rivière Noire rising in the background.
Dolphin Watching
The Bay of Tamarin is the most famous place in Mauritius to observe spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins in the wild. Every morning, groups of 20–100 dolphins come into the calm bay to rest before heading out to the open sea. Boats usually depart between 6:30 and 7:30 am — yes, getting up early is worth it!
Swimming with dolphins is allowed in Mauritius and is offered by numerous providers. Important: Choose a responsible provider who does not harass the animals, maintains minimum distances, and limits group size. Good providers let the dolphins decide if they want to approach — and most do. Price: 1,500–3,000 MUR (€30–60) per person.
Salt Pans of Tamarin
The historic Salines de Tamarin are the last functioning salt production facilities in Mauritius. In shallow basins, seawater evaporates under the tropical sun, and the sea salt is harvested by hand — a tradition dating back to the French colonial period. The geometric patterns of the salt basins, mirrored in the shallow water, are spectacularly photogenic, especially at sunset. The salt is sold on-site (from 50 MUR for a jar) — an authentic, unusual Mauritius souvenir.
Surfing in Tamarin
Tamarin Bay is one of the few places in Mauritius where real waves break — the reef passage allows the ocean swell through. The left wave of Tamarin is a classic and a must for experienced surfers (best time: June–August). For beginners, local surf schools offer lessons on flatter beach sections (from 2,000 MUR / €40 for 2 hours). The surf scene is small, relaxed, and friendly.
