Flic en Flac is the most popular tourist destination on the west coast of Mauritius thanks to its wide selection of hotels and resorts catering to all budgets, along with various restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
The main draw of Flic en Flac is its 8-km long sandy shore that offers one of the best sunset views on the island.
Add to that a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon where one can spot wild dolphins, a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean, an adventure park where you can interact with animals, and plenty of shopping opportunities, you definitely won’t be bored here.
To help you plan your trip, I’ve compiled a list of the 20 best things to do in Flic en Flac Mauritius, including tips on how to get there, where to stay, and the best places to eat.
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How to get to Flic en Flac?
If you’re traveling from the airport to Flic en Flac, you can book your airport transfer on GetYourGuide here. It costs around USD 50 and the trip takes around 1 hour.
If you’re coming from other parts of Mauritius, you can reach Flic en Flac by car (find the best car rental deals here) or by bus (find can see all the bus routes here but keep in mind that buses are quite slow).
Where to Stay in Flic en Flac?
Flic en Flac is one of the best areas to stay on Mauritius Island with a wide range of hotels and resorts. Below are a few hotel recommendations:
Luxury: Maradiva Resort & Spa is a 5-star luxury resort with over 60 private pool villas. Their main infinity pool overlooks the ocean and Le Morne mountain and is heated in winter.
Mid-range: Sugar Beach is a beachfront hotel with 200+ rooms and suites, 2 restaurants serving local and international dishes, a huge swimming pool, and a spa. Rooms are spacious and can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children.
Budget: Le Tribord is great for budget travelers or those looking for a self-catering accommodation. You can choose between a 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom apartment with a kitchen. There’s a supermarket and several restaurants nearby and the beach is less than a 5-minute walk away.
FIND MORE HOTELS IN FLIC EN FLAC HERE
Things to do in Flic en Flac
Flic en Flac Beach
No visit to Flic en Flac would be complete without spending the day at the beach.
Lined with casuarina trees, this long sandy beach is perfectly positioned toward the sunset, making it a great spot for relaxing during the day and enjoying the golden hours in the evening.
Don’t forget your mask and snorkels if you want to see the fish swimming in the crystal-clear waters. However, the shore is a bit rocky so it’s recommended to wear water shoes.
There are a few food stalls along the beach, my favorite being Roti AKA Vinoda which serves delicious rotis (a flatbread filled with vegetable or meat curry).
If you’re planning to visit Flic en Flac Beach on the weekend, keep in mind that it can get very busy, so come early to get a spot in the shade.
Facilities available include benches and tables, toilets/changing rooms, and parking lots.
Wolmar Beach
If you’re looking for a quieter beach, I recommend checking out Wolmar Beach.
The beach features turquoise water and white sand and offers an incredible view of La Tourelle du Tamarin and Le Morne mountain.
I wouldn’t recommend it for swimming though since the water is too shallow and a bit murky. Nevertheless, it’s still a nice spot to sunbathe or watch the sunset away from the crowds of Flic en Flac Beach.
I visited Wolmar on a weekday and saw only one food stall on the beach although there may be more during the weekend.
The beach has a small parking lot and the bus stop is located nearby. There’s also a public toilet/changing room at the entrance.
Ile aux Benitiers and Crystal Rock
One of the best things to do in Flic en Flac is to take a boat trip to Ile aux Benitiers.
On your way there you’ll likely see wild dolphins swimming alongside the boat and if you’re lucky you might even spot humpback and sperm whales as well!
I first visited Ile aux Benitiers right before the borders reopened and the whole island was basically empty and quiet.
However, as more tourists are coming back to Mauritius, the island has become more lively. But if you head toward the southern end of the island, you can still find some quiet spots.
This is also where you get the best view of Le Morne Brabant!
You can visit the island with a catamaran or speedboat tour, which usually includes BBQ lunch and drinks or DIY your own trip by hiring a private boat.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll also make a stop at Crystal Rock, a small rocky outcrop surrounded by crystal-clear water.
Watersports
Apart from swimming and relaxing at the beach, you can also enjoy a selection of watersports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and pedalo.
You can rent all the necessary equipment from your hotel and explore the lagoon at your own pace while soaking up the sun and breathtaking scenery.
Cascavelle Shopping Mall
Cascavelle is an open-air shopping mall with tree-lined alleyways featuring boutiques selling clothes, handicrafts, home décor, and cosmetics as well as coffee shops, restaurants, and a supermarket.
The mall has several international fast-food chains such as McDonalds, KFC, and Subway. If you prefer the local cuisine, there are also a few food court stalls selling dholl puri and “mine bouille” (ramen noodles).
Kogi Kogi is one of my favorite places to dine at Cascavelle. They serve some of the best Korean dishes including pork and beef mandu, chicken tangsuyuk, and yaksik.
Cascavelle Shopping Mall also features the biggest bowling alley in Mauritius and a nightclub.
Opening hours: 10 a.m to 7 p.m from Monday to Thursday; 10 a.m to 8 p.m on Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m to 3 p.m on Sundays and public holidays
Casela Nature Park
If you’re looking for a place to visit in Flac en Flac with kids, I recommend Casela World of Adventure.
Casela features over 1,800 birds and animals such as the Mauritian Kestrel, lions, zebras, rhinos, and giraffes among others.
Aside from viewing the animals, you can also book a zip line and Nepalese bridge experience to admire the lush surroundings from a bird’s eye perspective. For something more adrenaline-inducing, you can even go bungee jumping.
The best time to visit Casela is on weekdays when it’s not too crowded.
Nightclubs and Bars
Unlike other places in Mauritius that completely shut down in the evening, Flic en Flac very much comes alive at night with a few bars and nightclubs where you can party the night away.
Two of the most popular bars/nightclubs in Flic en Flac are Shotz and Kenzi Bar which have live music and delicious cocktails, the perfect combination for a fun night out.
If bars and nightclubs aren’t your thing, some hotels like Sugar Beach and La Pirogue also provide evening entertainment with live music and Sega performances.
Bassin Vert Waterfall
Situated about a 20-minute drive from Flic en Flac Beach, Bassin Vert is a picturesque waterfall that flows directly into the ocean. It has a small emerald pool hence the name Bassin Vert.
To get to the waterfall, you first need to go to Maha Kalyug Mandir located here. The trailhead is located on the left side of the temple. As you follow the trail, you’ll reach a fork in the path where you need to turn right.
At the next intersection, turn right again. You’ll know you’re on the right track as long as the forest and river are on your right and the sugar cane field is on your left.
Eventually, you’ll come to the final intersection, which you can find here). Follow the narrow path on your right until you reach the cliff overlooking the ocean.
The path leading to the waterfall is located on the right, just a few meters before the cliff edge. From there, the hike becomes slightly more difficult as the path leading down to the waterfall is steep.
If you’re not a good swimmer, I don’t recommend swimming there as the waves can sometimes be rough and crash into the pool.
The hike takes around 30-45 minutes one-way.
Things to do near Flic en Flac
La Tourelle du Tamarin
Offering incredible views of the west coast including Le Morne Brabant, Black River Gorges, and Tamarin Bay, La Tourelle du Tamarin is the ideal spot for hikers and nature lovers.
This hike requires a moderate level of fitness and takes around 3-4 hours to complete.
Note that the trail is located on private property, and you need authorization before attempting the hike.
You can read my guide to hiking Tourelle du Tamarin for more details, including how to get the authorization, what to expect during the hike and other helpful tips.
Black River Gorges National Park
Home to some of the best hiking trails on the island, Black River Gorges National Park is free to visit and a must for avid hikers or those looking for an easy nature walk.
The park has four main entrances, but if you’re in Flic en Flac, I recommend entering from the Black River Visitors Center, which can be reached within 40 minutes by car.
Black River Gorges boasts several hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous. Most of the trails are well-marked so you don’t necessarily need to hire a guide.
Some of the trails you can visit include Plateau Remousse, Macchabee Viewpoint (my personal favorite), and Mare aux Joncs Waterfall.
The national park is also home to the highest mountain in Mauritius, Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire (Black River Peak), which provides a stunning 360-degree view of the park.
You can read my guide to the best hiking trails in Black River Gorges for more details.
7 Cascades (Seven Waterfalls)
Another awesome spot for hiking near Flic en Flac is 7 Cascades, also known as Tamarind Falls.
From the name, one might think that there are only seven waterfalls but there are in fact 12 waterfalls with emerald-green pools scattered within a lush valley!
While you can do this hike on your own, I highly recommend booking a guided hiking tour if it’s your first time visiting or if you’re not confident hiking alone.
Having a guide will ensure your safety and prevent you from getting lost. Although there are a few markers along the trail, it’s not always easy to navigate due to the dense vegetation.
Chamarel
Chamarel is famous for its windy roads, scenic viewpoint, and unique geological features, making it one of the best places in Mauritius.
There are several attractions to see in Chamarel, so I recommend allocating a full day for your visit.
You can start by visiting Chamarel Waterfall followed by the 7 Colored Earth Geopark which features colorful sand dunes that were formed several thousand years ago by the weathering and decomposition of lava and mineral deposits.
The entrance fee for tourists is Rs 600 for adults and Rs 300 for children (buy your entrance ticket here).
Other activities you can do include hiking at Ebony Forest, zip lining at Lavilleon Adventure Park, or rum tasting at Rhumerie de Chamarel.
Le Morne
Located near Flic en Flac, Le Morne Peninsula is considered the most beautiful place in Mauritius.
Here you’ll find a long stretch of sand flanked by turquoise waters and palm trees with a huge monolith in the backdrop.
One of the best things to do in Le Morne is to hike to the summit of the UNESCO-listed Le Morne Brabant.
Those who don’t want to hike can opt for a helicopter flight for a bird’s eye view of the lagoon and the underwater waterfall.
Alternatively, you can spend the day at the beach swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.
If you prefer something more active, the southeastern part of the peninsula is particularly great for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Port Louis
Located about a 40-minute drive from Flic en Flac, Port Louis is a great place to visit if you want to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Mauritius Island.
One of my favorite places in Port Louis is Chinatown, where you can find numerous Chinese shops and restaurants, colorful street art, and pagodas.
The Central Market is also worth visiting and is one of the largest covered markets on the island selling everything from fresh produce to traditional medicines and souvenirs.
The Central Market is also a great spot to sample the street foods of Mauritius like dholl puri, faratha, and gateaux piments. If you’d like you can even book this 3-hour guided street food tour.
Another must-visit in Port Louis is the Caudan Waterfront, a shopping mall/waterfront promenade featuring high-end stores, a craft/souvenir market, a casino, two movie theaters, a museum, and lots of restaurants.
La Preneuse Beach
Located about a 25-minute drive from Flic en Flac, La Preneuse is a little white-sand beach with turquoise-blue water overlooking Le Morne Brabant.
Be sure to go early in the morning or bring an umbrella as you won’t find much shade here.
For an insight into the history of Mauritius, you can take a guided tour of the nearby Martello Tower.
The old watchtower has been converted into a museum and is located near the beach parking lot.
Tamarin Beach
Tamarin Beach is known as one of the best surfing spots in Mauritius. The swell isn’t too big, making it ideal for beginner surfers.
If you’re not into surfing, you can just hang out under the trees with a bowl of noodles or boulettes (Chinese dumplings) bought from the small street food stall located near the beach.
Ruisseau Creole Shopping Mall
Located in Black River, Ruisseau Creole features several independent retailers, restaurants, and coffee shops with alfresco dining areas overlooking La Tourelle du Tamarin
While the shops here seem to offer good quality products, I found them to be more expensive compared to other shopping malls in Mauritius but I guess this is because it’s aimed at tourists and expats.
Ruisseau Creole regularly hosts pop-up events for Easter, Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Halloween with local craft and food markets and live music.
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m to 6 p.m from Monday to Saturday
Corps de Garde Mountain
Located about a 20-minute drive from Flic en Flac, Corps de Garde Mountain is one of my favorite hikes offering a panoramic view of the west coast and central region.
Keep in mind that there isn’t a lot of shade along the trail, so an early start is advisable if you want to avoid the scorching heat.
For more details, including directions, hike duration, etc, you can read my guide to hiking Corp de Garde Mountain here.
Albion Lighthouse
Set along the edge of a cliff, Albion Lighthouse is one of the most Instagrammable places in Mauritius, perfect for catching the sunset.
Beneath the cliffs are several beach caves and rock pools that you can explore or you can simply take a stroll along the cliff edge to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Trou aux Cerfs
Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcano with a small lake in the middle.
There isn’t a lot to do here but you can spend about 30 minutes to 1 hour walking around the perimeter of the crater while enjoying a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
Where to eat in Flic en Flac?
From local eateries serving traditional Mauritian dishes to Western restaurants for those craving home comforts or food trucks along the beach offering local street food, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Below are some of my personal recommendations for places to eat in Flic en Flac:
Roti Aka Vinoda: This is my go-to place to eat when I visit Flic en Flac. Their rotis are so good and cheap starting at Rs 20 for a vegetarian roti. They also have fish, chicken, and lamb rotis.
Ah Youn: A reasonably-priced restaurant serving mainly Chinese and Mauritian dishes, including some Western food options.
Krish Delights: The best spot for cheap street food including gateaux piments, samosas, rotis, fried noodles, fried rice, etc.
Creole Shack: A small local restaurant serving traditional Mauritian food, including gateaux piments, fish and chicken curries, lentil soups, chutneys, rice, and ice cream for dessert.
Supermarkets in Flic en Flac
There are two supermarkets in Flic en Flac, namely Jumbo Express and Wolmar Supermarket.
You’ll also find a Winner’s Supermarket at Cascavelle Shopping Mall, about a 10-minute drive from Flic en Flac.
Did you find this guide to the best things to do in Flic en Flac helpful? If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.
Read more about Mauritius:
- How to plan the perfect Mauritius itinerary for first-timers
- 11 Beaches in Mauritius for swimming
- What to expect while driving in Mauritius
- When should you visit Mauritius
- 22 Stunning viewpoints in Mauritius