Living in Tamarin – Black River

Tamarin, a region on Mauritius’s west coast in the shadow of Tourelle du Tamarin mountain, is a sought-after destination for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle supported by many amenities. It has impressive landscapes and a vibrant community. The more popular the West becomes for tourists and expats, the more it is developed, so those living there benefit from more schools, shopping malls, gyms, and sports developments.

This seaside village, established between the Tamarin public beach and the Tourelle du Tamarin mountain, is ideal for families, couples, and singles. The weather in Tamarin is dry in winter and rainy in summer. Being a tropical island, it is humid, but residents enjoy cooler weather in Tamarin than in the North.

Schooling

Parents with school-going children considering a move to Tamarin can choose from several education options. Schools offer high-quality education with excellent facilities, making Tamarin an attractive choice for expats and local families.
The West has several well-regarded international and private schools catering to different curricula, including the French, British, and IB systems.
Notable institutions include École Paul et Virginie (preprimary and elementary), offering the French curriculum for children from kindergarten to CM2.
Telfair International Academy is a co-ed school for children aged three months to 15 years old. It is an English-medium primary and secondary school following the British Curriculum.
Meanwhile, Westcoast International Secondary School (WISS) is the only English medium secondary school on the West Coast. It is part of the Uniciti Education Hub in nearby Flic en Flac. Students progress via Cambridge International Examinations. WISS is an International Baccalaureate World School authorised to implement the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Its classes are small, with a maximum of 25 students, emphasising individual attention.
According to the Expatriate Guide Mauritius 2025 Edition, published in collaboration with the Economic Development Board, some schools charge tuition fees over EUR1,000 per month for non-citizens. “French nationals benefit from reduced fees at schools within the French education system in Mauritius.” Telfair International Academy has a two-tier system with separate structures for Mauritian and non-Mauritian students.

Healthcare

Residents of Tamarin can rest assured about their health needs, as they have access to top-tier healthcare facilities. Several private clinics, medical centres, and pharmacies are nearby, ensuring convenient access to medical services. C-Care Clinic Black River provides general and specialised medical services. The region is also well-connected to major hospitals in Black River and beyond, ensuring comprehensive healthcare options.
The area has private clinics: C-Care Tamarin on Royal Road, La Mivoie, and LIFE Nova+ Tamarin in Cap Tamarin. General practitioners have rooms at both facilities.

Shopping in Tamarin

Despite its laidback coastal atmosphere, Tamarin offers a diverse range of shopping experiences. La Place Cap Tamarin, a central hub, provides access to supermarkets, boutiques, and speciality stores. Another big shopping mall is Tamarin Coeur de Ville. The nearby Ruisseau Créole Mall in Black River, near Tamarin, features high-end fashion outlets, home decor shops, and artisanal products. Additionally, you can buy fresh local produce at the weekly Cap Tamarin Market, which is perfect for those who appreciate organic fruits, vegetables, and seafood. It’s open every Saturday from 10:00 to 13:00
Additionally, Super U, in the Cap Tamarin Smart City in Royal Road, is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 20:30 and until 15:00 on Sundays and public holidays. The ever-popular Food Lover’s Market, known for its high-quality products and organic food, is open at Tamarin Rivière Noire. The South African chain ensures products are locally sourced and imported from its home base and Great Britain. London Way is another supermarket in Black River where locals love to shop.
Look out for Lupina, women’s clothing inspired by the tropics, and Sephora Rosalba’s ready-to-wear fashion and earrings collections, available through outlets such as My Pop-Up Store.

Restaurants and bars in Tamarin

Best sunset locations

Tamarin is renowned for its sunsets, and there’s no better way to enjoy them than from a beachfront bar. Enjoy uninterrupted ocean views from The Bay on Tamarin public beach with a locally crafted drink. Another fantastic spot is Big Willy’s, which promises a laid-back atmosphere with live music and a selection of fine wines and craft beers. If you want to incentivise yourself to hike up Tourelle du Tamarin, the panoramic view as the sun dips below the horizon is a fine reward. You’ll get a similar spectacle at Le Morne Beach while Buddha Bar at Sugar Beach is popular for its bohemian beach-chic ambience, mouthwatering menu and cocktails.

Best places to wine and dine in Tamarin

Restaurants and bars in Tamarin offer a delightful blend of local Creole flavours and international influences, offering a diverse culinary experience. Some of the best restaurants in Tamarin include:
• Le Kiosk at Ruisseau Créole Mall – Experience a Mauritian food avenue and market, live music, sega tipik, and traditional games for the kids.
• La Bonne Chute is the second oldest restaurant in Mauritius and the oldest on the West Coast. It specialises in gibier cuisine (game meat sourced locally through hunting wild boar and deer in Mauritius) and exceptional seafood. The longstanding favourite restaurant serves Creole and Western cuisine while delivering an old-school, authentic Mauritian experience.
• Big Willy’s, Tamarin: Guests love the pub fare and excellent service. Locals love it!
• Le Chamarel Restaurant, Chamarel, Black River: Open for breakfast and lunch, this restaurant has a signature menu for the latter. Four courses include local favourites and refined Creole cuisine. There are à la carte offerings for both mealtimes. Try the “gadjacks” (Mauritian appetisers) to whet your appetite.
• La Varangue Sur Morne, Chamarel: Enjoy more traditional Mauritian dishes influenced by European, Indian, Chinese and African cuisine while admiring views of mountains and forest.
• Zub Express, Flic en Flac: This award-winning restaurant specialises in Indian and Chinese cuisine.
• Chez Pepe, Coastal Road, Flic en Flac: The speciality is Italian and local cuisine for lunch or dinner.
• Medium Rare Steakhouse, Tamarin: This restaurant promises the best meat and spare ribs on the West Coast of Mauritius.
• Pavillon de Jade, Trois Bras, Black River: This was the first Chinese restaurant in Black River. Its chefs are from China and serve authentic Chinese cuisine.
• Domaine Anna, Flic en Flac – Gourmands love the food served in the main restaurant, under the custom-made veranda or in the garden under the typical kiosks above the ponds. Private dining is available for special occasions, arranged in advance.
• Creole Shack, Flic-en-Flac: A small family restaurant that surprises guests with a daily unadvertised three-course lunch menu. However, it is known for Mauritian fare, which includes fried unicorn fish, banana curry, and lentil soup.
Whether looking for a casual meal by the beach or a fine dining experience, restaurants in Tamarin cater to all tastes and preferences.

Golf

For golf enthusiasts, Tamarin offers access to world-class courses. Tamarina Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course set against the backdrop of Tourelle du Tamarin. It’s a par-72 course designed by Rodney Wright and built to USGA standards. You will be distracted by the views of Tamarin Bay and Rempart Mountain as you work your way around the challenging fairways.
In the southwest, you can play Le Château Golf Course, which they say is like playing in a tropical garden, or test your skills at La Réserve Golf Links at Heritage Golf Club. The recent host of the DP World Tour 2023 Mauritius Open, this course was co-designed by Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen.
Tamarin also has sports clubs with tennis courts, beach volleyball and a swimming pool.

Surfing in Tamarin

One of Tamarin’s biggest attractions is its reputation as a top surfing destination. Surfing in Tamarin is legendary, with consistent waves that attract surfers from around the world. Tamarin public beach is the primary surfing hotspot, offering great swells for beginners and experienced surfers. The West is renowned as a kitesurfing hotspot. The conditions are unsuitable for beginners, but more advanced surfers like to test their skills at Le Morne Lagoon, One Eye and Manawa.

Hiking and cycling routes

Outdoor lovers will find plenty of opportunities for adventure in Tamarin. The hike up Tourelle du Tamarin rewards climbers with coastline views and mountains. Just a short drive away, the Black River Gorges National Park offers hiking and mountain biking trails through lush forests, waterfalls, and possible wildlife encounters.
Black River Gorges is in the hilly southwestern part of Mauritius. It stretches almost 68 square kilometres and incorporates humid upland forest, drier lowland forest, and marshy heathland.
The island’s highest mountain is Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (Black River Peak). Located in the Rivière Noire District and rising to 828m above sea level, it forms part of the Black River Mountain Range.
Cycling enthusiasts can explore the scenic coastal roads or take on the more challenging off-road trails in the region.

Nightlife in Tamarin

Tamarin comes alive after dark with a lively entertainment scene that caters to various tastes. The good news for families is that it is still child-friendly. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed evening with live music or an energetic night out, the nightlife in Tamarin does not disappoint. Popular venues in Tamarin and surrounding areas include:
• Big Willy’s, Tamarin – sports bar, live music
• Le Lounge 9381, Tamarin – live music, DJ, dancefloor, tapas and à la carte menu
• Kenzi Bar, Flic en Flac – jammin’ on Wednesday, live music on Friday, live concerts on Sunday, great cocktails and burgers
• Shotz Nightclub, Flic en Flac – two bars around a palm courtyard, a large dancefloor and terrace, great DJs and local artists, capacity for up to 1 200 people
• Saxo Beach Club, Flic en Flac – dance and nightclub, televised live soccer, karaoke
• Lakaz Cascavelle, Cascavelle, Black River – a fun meeting place, restaurant, bar, nightclub
• ENSO Restaurant and Lounge Bar, La Gaulette, Black River – open-air venue, live music every weekend
• Crazy Fish Bar, Veranda Tamarin – beach culture, charming bar, salads and light meals during the day, jazz and tapas in the evening, cocktails and socialising by the beach.

With a perfect mix of beach bars, live music venues, and nightclubs, Tamarin’s nightlife offers something for everyone.
Tamarin combines leisure, adventure, and modern living to the delight of residents and locals. From Tamarin public beach and its popular surf culture to fine dining, spectacular sunsets, and thrilling outdoor activities, the region is an exceptional place to call home. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, excitement, or a bit of both, Tamarin delivers on all fronts.