La Gaulette: Lagoon and village life

La Gaulette brings together water sports on the lagoon, a small market and Mauritian cuisine in the village, appealing to different travel interests. When choosing a destination, you can take into account activities on the water, shopping at the market and local dishes. Water sports options vary in course length, activity and time of day; the market and restaurants represent another side of a stay here.

Water sports on the lagoon

Pryde Club Mauritius in La Gaulette offers introductory lessons, a six-hour beginner course and a twelve-hour programme with radio helmets and IKO-certified instructors. The course lengths are easy to compare: the twelve-hour programme includes twice as many hours as the beginner course. The school also offers surfing, wake foiling and stand-up paddleboarding. Course and equipment details may change, so check them directly with the school before your trip.

The shallow water off La Gaulette extends far out; visitors can explore the reef flat there and observe marine life. From the water, there are unobstructed views of Le Morne. Early morning is a good time for stand-up paddleboarding on the lagoon, when the wind dies down.

The wider surrounding area is also associated with dolphin and whale watching, as well as deep-sea fishing.

Market and Mauritian cuisine

The small market in La Gaulette is where local people buy fruit, vegetables, spices and local produce. The small snack bars and restaurants in the village serve Mauritian dishes, including fish curry, rougaille with sausage, dal puri and biryani. The market offers a place to shop, while the small eateries offer a selection of specific dishes.

More to explore in the wider destination of Black River

The wider destination of Black River also offers cultural and historical attractions and landscapes that extend beyond La Gaulette. Trou Chenille is considered the birthplace of settlement in southwest Mauritius after the abolition of slavery in 1835, and the first village of Le Morne inhabited by the descendants of enslaved people. The reconstruction project of the former village aims to raise awareness among visitors from Mauritius and abroad of its historical and cultural significance, and to inform them about it.

At Chamarel, also in the wider destination of Black River, Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earths is a natural formation of volcanic sand. A 3 km trail leads from the main entrance to the dunes and past viewpoints; two viewpoints overlook Chamarel Waterfall. Aldabra giant tortoises can be seen in the geopark. Which animals can be seen may change. Check the current trail conditions before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Albion, Black River, Tamarin, Le Morne, Petite Riviere, La Preneuse, Chamarel, Flic En Flac

Back to the main travel overview: Black River.