Travel advisory, 31 October 2026: Mauritius is at US Level 2 (exercise increased caution) for crime, and the UK advises avoiding demonstrations and large gatherings after unrest in October 2026. Curfews ended on 19 October. Check your government’s current advice before you book.

Outdoor Activities in Black River

Black River District, on the southwest coast of Mauritius, has a reef lagoon, a deep offshore channel and a forested national park, so outdoor options run from snorkelling to hill walking.

1. Black River Gorges National Park

Entry is free. The park has forest trails, free lookouts on the B103 road and birds such as echo parakeets and pink pigeons. The Macchabee trail runs downhill for roughly 8 to 10 km and takes about 3 to 4 hours. Visitor centres keep limited hours, so start early.

2. Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire

At 828 m this is the highest point in Mauritius. The return walk from the B103 road is about 6 to 7.5 km and takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours. It is muddy, and the final stretch is steep with ropes.

3. Snorkelling at Crystal Rock

Boats from La Preneuse, Black River and La Gaulette cross the lagoon to Crystal Rock, a coral outcrop with parrotfish and damselfish in shallow water. The trip continues to Ile aux Benitiers for a beach lunch.

4. Chamarel plateau

The Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark ticket (Rs 800 for non-resident adults) covers the coloured dunes, two waterfall viewpoints and a tortoise park. Walking on the dunes, hiking to the waterfall and swimming at its base are all prohibited.

5. Big-game fishing

Grande Riviere Noire is the island’s sportfishing base. Blue marlin peak from November to April, and a full-day charter costs about Rs 30,000 to 45,000.

Outdoor safety

• After heavy rain, streams in the gorges rise within minutes. Never cross a swollen river.
• Sea urchins and stonefish live in the lagoon shallows, so wear reef shoes.
• Do not feed the macaques along the trails and lookouts.
• Carry 1.5 to 2 litres of water a person, and start walks in the morning.
• Cyclone season runs from November to May and peaks from January to March.