Sports activities in Mauritius

Abseiling and Mountain Climbing


Archery: Possible at the Domaine de l'Etoile, (South-East region) where targets are realistic 3D reproductions of wild animals.


Boating


Deep Sea Fishing: Deep sea fishing in Mauritius has always been an important source of revenues for the coastal fisherman. Big game fishing as a hobby is enjoyed in Mauritius since decades, allowing Mauritius to appear on the Anglers' map of the world since the 1960's thanks to several world records, including a 1,430 lbs Blue Marlin having been set in Mauritius in 1984. Big game fishing has been a corner stone to the development of tourism in Mauritius as it attracted the passionate anglers from around the world, especially from South Africa "nearby."

Although the times of plenitude is over since years, Mauritius remains among the sport-fishers' favourite destinations owing to the large variety of fish; of which the anglers favour:
The yellow-fin Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo
The Hammer-head, Mako and Tiger sharks
and especially the Black and Blue marlins, the spear-fish and sailfish, just to name a few.

Big-game fishing is now widely offered as an excursion to tourists and the offer became sophisticated along the years. Several highly professional operators own several well-equipped sports-fishing boats of 40 to 50 feet meant to reach the most remote banks in just a few hours.

The boats are generally skipped by experts of the local conditions, able to read through the currents, sea conditions and bird activity to locate shoals. The fishing equipment is sophisticated and renewed regularly. Fishing methods have also evolved and "Tag & Release" is now a standard offer from all big game fishing organisations.

The fishing boats are generally rented on an exclusive basis for half days or full days, fully serviced, including lunch and drinks.

The best periods of the year are from October to April but one can also book deep-sea fishing trips outside these months, after having checked weather forecasts.
As regards to the regions, the West enjoys a better reputation than the other regions, owing mainly to historical facts. When, several decades ago the boats were limited in power and capacity, the West coast was favoured as shoals were closer to the shore than in other regions. Now that boats can cruise quickly and efficiently, departing from the North coast is no longer a disadvantage.
However, the East coast the least favoured as the sea is often more rough outside the pure summer months of December to February.

Mauritius hosts the Marlin world Cup in February / March every year, attracting the greatest amateurs of big game fishing from around the world.


Diving in Mauritius:
Possible almost all around the island. Most beach resorts have a well-organised in-house dive centre with qualified instructors (mainly P.A.D.I.) organising several dives a day. Several independent dive centres are found along the East and North coasts.
See our diving photo gallery


Golfing


Helicopters: the national airline company Air Mauritius operates two helicopters for leisurely rides and many hotels are equipped with helipads.


Helmet Diving: East and North coasts. This activity consists of walking on the seabed with equipment allowing surface air to be supplied continuously.


Hiking


Horse Riding


Hunting: Dear or stag hunting is possible during authorised hunting season (June to October.) Wild boar or hare hunting can take place at any time of the year. Some private game reserves have opened their doors to visitors in order to catch-up on the expenses. Since hunting is not very appreciated by most visitors, hunting possibilities remain restricted. Karting: Only at Kart Loisir near Port Louis.


Kayaking:
Only sea-kayaking possible, along the North and West coasts.
The main operator is Yemaya Adventures.

See our kayaking photo gallery.



Kitesurfing / Kiteboarding


Mountain biking:
Several hotels have mountain bikes for rent but most are fit only for moving around. Yemaya Adventures proposes several specialised trips in different regions of the island. Possible all around the island, especially in the West at Yemen nature park, in the East at l'Etoile and in the central region where guesthouses La Vieille Cheminée propose interesting guided trips.

See our mountain biking photo gallery.

Parasailing: A few independent parasailing boats propose trips to individuals. We recommend dealing only with those having specialised boats.


Quad biking:
Possible at Yemen nature park (West), at the Domaine de l'Etoile (South-East) and at "Valriche" (South.)


Safari photo: Possible at Yemen nature park (West)


Sailing (Yacht & dinghy)

Skydiving in Mauritius: Thanks to Skydive Austral, holidays in Mauritius are now thrilling. Skydive Austral proposes adrenalin pumping tandem skydiving excursions. Dive from an aircraft at an altitude of 10,000 feet or more; let that scream out and enjoy the... breathtaking... aerial view of the east-coast lagoons and the rest of the island. After a 40-second freefall, enjoy the parachute flight. 30 minutes to go up, 5 to get down; a 35-minute life-changing experience.

Snorkelling: Most beach resorts lend or rent snorkelling equipment to residents. Marine life in shallow lagoons is quite limited but recovering. The marine park of Blue Bay (South-East coast,) is the exception; something to see absolutely. Otherwise, the best spots are further out at sea and accessible when joining a boat / catamaran trip. Most day-charter boats also supply snorkelling equipment to clients.


Squash: Only a few hotels have Squash courts and there are no commercial squash courts on the island.


Surfing


Tennis: Most hotels from 3-star category and above have floodlit tennis courts and coaching facilities.


Water-skiing: Most beach hotels offer water-skiing facilities and often with no surcharge. However, there is often a long queue of guests waiting for a ride that will not last more that 5 minutes. Equipment is mainly for beginners. For confirmed skiers, it is better to reside in the region of Mon Choisy where sea conditions are the best and "Jacques" operates a "ski-nautique" boat for individuals. Contact us for details.


Windsurfing


Zip Lines

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Update January 2013