A calm beach town on Mauritius' west coast with a 5km white sand beach and clear lagoon waters. Popular for snorkeling and swimming year-round due to its sheltered location.
Flic en Flac extends along an 8-kilometer white sand beach on Mauritius's western coast. You can swim in the calm waters of the lagoon, spot dolphins near Snake Reef, or try DhalPuri from beachside vendors. The casuarina trees that line the shore create shaded spots for afternoon breaks. From here, you can take day trips to Black River Gorges National Park or watch pink pigeons at Casela World of Adventures, just 10 minutes away.
Getting to Flic en Flac
The drive from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport takes about one hour along route M2, covering 44 kilometers through the central regions of Mauritius. Public buses connect Flic en Flac to Port Louis in 30 minutes, and to Curepipe and Quatre Bornes. Many hotels arrange airport transfers, which can be more convenient than taking a taxi or public transport.
Beach Activities and Marine Life
The coral reef barrier creates calm waters in the lagoon where you can swim and snorkel. At Snake Reef and Cathedral diving sites, you'll find coral formations and tropical fish. Water sports centers along the beach rent equipment for kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing. From May to September, whale and dolphin watching boats depart from the beach in the early morning.
Local Food Scene
Street vendors set up along the beach selling DhalPuri - a multi-layered flatbread filled with yellow split peas and curry. The restaurants serve Mauritian dishes like fried noodles with meatballs and fresh fish caught daily. You'll find both casual cafes and formal restaurants along the beachfront, with many open until late evening.
Exploring Casela World of Adventures
This 250-hectare nature park, a 10-minute drive from Flic en Flac, includes safari drives, Segway tours, and camel rides. Children can sign up to be a zookeeper for a day, feed giant tortoises, or visit the petting farm. The park has 140 bird species, including the pink pigeon native to Mauritius.
Where to Stay
You can choose between international hotel chains and locally-owned apartments. The Wolmar area south of town has several beachfront resorts including Sugar Beach Mauritius, Sofitel L'Impérial, and Maradiva Villas. For lower-cost options, look for serviced apartments in the town center, many within walking distance of the beach and restaurants.
Evening Entertainment
Along Coastal Road, bars and restaurants stay open late into the night. Local musicians perform Sega dance shows with guitars and ravanne drums throughout the week. On weekends, venues like Shotz become nightclubs, drawing a mix of tourists and locals.
