Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 483 8764; Royal Rd; adult/child Rs 200/100; 8.30am-5pm Mon-Sat)
Not quite a
route
like the
Route du Thé, the 18th-century salt flats along the main road in Tamarin are a popular
stopping point for camera-happy travellers. This is the last place in Mauritius where salt is
still produced and the compulsory 15- to 20-minute guided tour takes you through the his-
tory of this fading industry with the chance for some good photos. There's also a small
shop at the entrance.
La Balise Marina
YACHT HARBOUR
( 483 7272;
www.labalisemarina.com
)
The billboards are everywhere - La Balise Marina prom-
ises to revolutionise the tourism industry in Mauritius by creating the island's first port
welcoming luxury yachts. Construction of the marina and its adjoining complex of shops
and apartments is well underway (if behind schedule), but once complete, Black River is
expected to overflow with some serious tourist traffic.
Beaches
Tamarin Beach
Locals like to wax nostalgic about Tamarin Beach, and in many ways this sandy cove still
feels like a throwback to earlier times - especially since the centrally located Tamarin
Hotel looks like it hasn't been renovated since
Jaws
was in cinemas.
Once upon a time the area was known as Santosha Bay (you'll still find the word 'San-
tosha' scribbled on a few buildings in faded paint) and offered wave hunters some of the
best surfing on the planet. In fact, before the bay earned the name Santosha, locals refused
to give the beach a moniker because they didn't want outsiders to discover their cache of
surfable seas!
Today the waves and currents have changed and surfing at Le Morne has really taken
off, but Tamarin - unmarred by high-walled resort compounds - remains a popular place
and during the evening live jazz tunes waft through the air.
The walk between Tamarin Beach and southern Wolmar is very scenic and not access-
ible by car (women are advised not to do it alone).
BEACH
