Sports and leisure activities Mauritius

In Mauritius, and even beyond thanks to the impact of social networks, lovers of glamorous tropical underwater photos have been liking and commenting on Cédric's shots for years, and the privileged experience offered by Vitamin Sea: seeing dolphins, swimming alongside them and immortalizing the moment with professional photos taken from just a few meters away. And since Tamarin, the territory where the cetaceans roam, is stormed daily by dozens of boats, we head off to Le Morne, where other groups of dolphins frolic more peacefully. This is Vitamin Sea's DNA: exclusivity. No large groups, the fast, comfortable boat is privatized for a couple, a family or a group of friends, who can choose between several experiences: an early-morning swim with the dolphins followed by a snorkeling session on a spot (3h); a full day with picnic on Ile aux Bénitiers (7h); a sunset cruise; a catamaran cruise...

More unusual: private photo sessions on the white seabed of Le Morne. This exceptional environment is enhanced by Cédric's art of advising poses while embellishing the "décor" with delicate plant touches, like these fuchsia petals elegantly set against the turquoise of the water... Young girls and couples alike love it, especially as Cédric knows how to build confidence and make the moment charming - see Instagram, TripAdvisor, Facebook...

Big Foot's speciality: quad biking not on private land with marked trails, but in the very heart of Mauritius, on coastal paths and inland tracks. Welcome to the small roads of the South: its villages, its fabulous coastal paths skirting the cliffs, its wild inlands dotted with waterfalls, its more athletic forest trails, its cane fields where you can hit top speed... A varied 2h and 18 km route, and two other circuits of 3h (30 km) and 5h (35 km) with picnic breaks for enthusiasts.

Directly in front of the spot in a room on the beach, this club is managed by Willy (IKO instructor) and his qualified team. Friendly, it is open to all for initiations, sessions on reformed waves, improvement lessons (figures, jumps) or foil... Willy also organizes kite descents to the Ile au Chat or the Ile Catherine, with one or more boats for security and to take along the accompanying persons, and optional picnic or barbecue, etc.

Created by a couple of French divers, this center is managed in a European way. Certified Scubapro, it benefits from new equipment renewed every two years. All the PADI and SSI training courses are offered and the club is also affiliated to the French diving federation. In addition to morning and afternoon trips, the center organizes day safaris with snorkeling sessions for non-divers.

The center also offers accommodation + diving packages, and private cruises on a luxury catamaran with 4 cabins.

Adrien's Dream is one of the best operators on the West Coast. Given the amount of abuse that goes on when it comes to dolphin excursions, we recommend the excursions of this human-sized company, whose crews are concerned about the environment. Outings take place on comfortable motorboats (with toilet facilities on board) that can accommodate 6 to 13 passengers, and can be privatized on request. The most popular activities: swimming with dolphins in the early morning from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and a day meeting sperm whales with snorkelling and lunch.

It's the island's second-highest peak, at 823 meters, and much more technical and difficult to access than Le Pouce, to the point of requiring the accompaniment of a guide for its ascent. The mountain is emblematic and recognizable by the large, ball-shaped rock at its summit, which can only be reached by roping up. At the top, the 360-degree view across Mauritius to the northern islets is impressive. The descent can only be made by abseiling. A number of local service providers offer this service, including Vertical World, Otelair and Lokal Adventure.

At 812 metres,the mountain, worn down by erosion, is fairly easy to access and can be tackled with or without a guide, in an average of 3 hours round trip. Choose to climb the easier, better-marked south-facing slope. The hike begins on a wide dirt track through cane fields, leading to a first stony plateau, then a second, higher one. Then a steeper path to the right leads to the summit. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views over the whole island, including Port-Louis and Pieter Both.

It's the only diving club in this part of Mauritius, open to all, including hotels in the area. Well-equipped, it offers all PADI, SSI and CMAS courses from age 7, as well as first dives, day and night dives and snorkeling courses. Instructors are highly qualified and well-informed. Other branches of the same group (same rates, same services) in the west at Flic en Flac at the Hotel Anelia and in the east at Solana Beach.

Versatile and well established on the east coast, this company can combine several types of services. From its platforms anchored off Ile aux Cerfs, it offers fun nautical activities: towed buoy tours, parasailing, underwater walking... Fast boat crossings are organised at any time and can be enhanced with multiple options depending on the package chosen: visit of the waterfall, BBQ etc. Also catamaran day trips.

Behind the hotels in Wolmar, more than 5,000 deer and wild boar roam the 700-hectare estate. From June to September, hunting takes place here. The rest of the time, people ride fat bikes: bicycles with oversized tires specifically configured for difficult terrain. This is an opportunity, under the guidance of the guide, to see animals, discover the world of the charcoal makers and the history of the hunted. The ride ends in the shade of a hundred-year-old banyan tree.

Designed by Peter Matkovich, it is the only 18-hole course in the northern region and the green lung of the huge Mont Choisy Park real estate project built on a historic estate. Endemic plants and remains have been preserved and constitute one of the particularities of the course - a par 72 of 6,245 meters long, punctuated with black volcanic rocks and designed for players of all handicaps. On site: driving range, putting green, chipping green and club house with Pro Shop, restaurant, wine cellar and changing rooms. Lessons on request.

Created by Reef Conservation, an association for the protection of marine ecosystems, this nautical trail, the only one of its kind in Mauritius, was built in the heart of the Voluntary Conservation Zone of Anse la Raie. Chosen by and for the community (fishermen, inhabitants, tourist operators, NGOs...), it consists in closing a part of the lagoon to fishing in order to limit the degradation of the coral reef and to fight against the decrease of the marine biodiversity. In exchange, local fishermen are authorized, after having followed a specific training and for a small contribution for the journey, to take travelers to the site of the protected area. This is located 10 minutes by boat from the coast, in a very quiet area inside the lagoon. There, a signposted path enamelled with didactic panels has been set up under water. Equipped with a snorkel mask, you can walk the 250 meters of this interesting and curious circuit, which lasts no more than 20 minutes. Ideal to sensitize children to the importance of nature protection, this original excursion is also a way to get involved in local life, to meet fishermen and to participate in the preservation of the Mauritian lagoon.

If you are lucky enough to stay at the Lagoon Attitude, one of the very first hotels in Mauritius to have committed to responsible and sustainable tourism through its Positive Impact charter, you can extend the dive with a visit to the Marine Discovery Center, an educational center dedicated to the protection of the lagoon.

The bay itself is already beautiful. In calm weather, if you are a good swimmer, you can reach the site by swimming directly to the middle of the bay. There, not far from the coral reef (be careful with the currents some days), is a beautiful natural aquarium with corals still in good condition attracting a lot of colorful fish. To get there by boat, go through Frederic (mob : 5 798 2896) or through the local service providers who offer the trip.

Here's a quality club located on an ideal spot for progress: vast lagoon, cross-shore wind, uncrowded area and offshore waves for experts. Lessons at all levels for everyone aged 7 and over, taught by experienced IKO or VDWS-certified instructors. Also kite equipment rental, windsurfing lessons, surfing lessons on nearby Sancho and Macondé islets - ideal spots for beginners.

The club also rents out paddles, offers wake sessions and exclusive private boat trips (fishing, sunset), including dolphin trips.

One Love's fuchsia pink speedboats cruise the turquoise lagoon of the south and offer the colours of a beautiful day of discovery of one of the most fabulous coastal areas of Mauritius. In the morning, snorkeling in the marine park of Blue Bay or Trou Moutou, then exploration of the islets of the South-East, navigation to the waterfall of Grand Rivière Sud-Est (with swimming on the site), lunch at Ile aux Cerfs, then relaxation and swimming near Ile aux Aigrettes on the way back. Privatization possible on request (full boat).

This new course is located on the same estate as the Château Golf Course, making it the only 45-hole golf destination in the Indian Ocean. Nestled alongside the Bel Ombre biosphere (a UNESCO site), with panoramic ocean views from every hole, it is the first contemporary links course in this part of the world, co-designed by champion Louis Oosthuizen. Oosthuizen emphasizes the spectacular nature of the course, which he describes as "dramatic, different and totally unique". The course features a Leadbetter Golfzon Academy.

Although the school is located on the beach of the C Mauritius resort (a dynamic and cool boutique hotel promoting fun, unrestricted, zen and/or sporty vacations...), it is of course open to all. With its vast expanse and steady winds, this section of the eastern lagoon offers excellent conditions for kitesurfing for all - beginners, intermediates and advanced. Passionate Martin and his team of IKO-certified instructors encourage fun-filled learning, with a range of options: private lessons for 2 or families; downwind on request.

Framed by the Bamboo Mountain and the ocean, this par 72 of 6,828 meters with 6 holes on the edge of the lagoon was designed by South African Ernie Els who considers the 18th hole to be one of the most impressive in the world. Facilities and infrastructures are of the highest standard: GPS-equipped golf carts, practice range on grass,putting green, clubhouse with bar, Italian restaurant and top-of-the-range Pro Shop, plus the Four Seasons Golf Academy for private and group lessons

In the park of the Maritim hotel, in the middle of nature, a stone's throw from the sea, this well-equipped centre welcomes riders of all levels, tourists and residents alike, for rides or lessons with a qualified instructor. A dozen horses (mostly former champions) share the stable, plus 2 ponies for the younger ones. There is a choice of rides in the cane fields or by the sea, and the possibility for riders of a good level to swim in the lagoon with the horses

This 9-hole, PAR 29 course was laid out and designed by Australian golf champion Graham Marsh in the extensive grounds of the Maritim Hotel. Hotel residents and out-of-town guests alike can enjoy this new, intermediate-level course, where each hole can be played from 2 different tees. Pros are on hand for lessons at all levels and, in addition to a Club House overlooking the tropical vegetation, the club is equipped with driving range and putting green, and a driving range lit at night.

Located in the heart of the Maritim hotel and its huge range of activities, this fine club, open to all, offers various types of diving (including wreck diving), the full PADI course curriculum and packages for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Services are of the highest quality (with the emphasis on safety), Scubapro equipment is regularly renewed, and a shuttle bus takes divers within a 5 km radius. In general, 2 dives are offered per day: one at 9am, the other at 1pm. Training courses are also available for children and the disabled.

Open to all and not necessarily to specialists, spinning fishing is considered even more sporting and physical than big game fishing. It is not practiced offshore, but directly from a small boat anchored to the reef or even standing in the water, balancing on the reef. Wearing large boots, the participants (never more than two at a time) fish with a cast or a fly directly in the drop-off that follows the lagoon. The catches are obviously less imposing than in the open sea (we mainly target jacks weighing from 2 to 40 kg), but they must be mastered and reeled in directly, without any harnessing or assistance.. The fisherman has to fight against the currents, the force of the waves crashing on the coral reef, the weight of the beast fighting for its life... The sea spray slams into your face, the rocks give way under your steps, the sea wraps around your waders, and sometimes even a shark attacks the catch you are trying to hook. In short, it's great sport and certainly a true condensed sensation!

As far as logistics are concerned, Dominique provides a service tailored to the client's expectations and takes care of everything: choosing the site according to the day's tide, the moon, the swell, etc., picking up the fishermen directly from their hotel, providing equipment, accessories, boots, drinks and snacks... All you have to bring is sun cream, Polaroid lenses, a change of clothes and towels.

It is THE big game fishing club of the island, renowned as the holder of no less than 13 world records in 4 different fishing techniques! At the helm of the huge Legend L 50, Yan Colas, IGFA certified captain. He offers one day fishing for marlin at a maximum distance of 30 km from Rodrigues, but also 34 to 89 hours of non-stop multi-fishing. Chosen spots: the famous big schools evolving at 90 km east of Rodrigues and 150 km west. Nights and meals on board in very good conditions - three double cabins, equipped kitchen, lounge.

Founded in 1997, this serious and friendly club is located in the Rodrigues Marine Park. It has always been run by Benoît de Baize, a NAUI instructor who knows Rodrigues' underwater waters like the back of his hand and has even cleared a few spots that he reserves exclusively for his divers. A must in the area: exploration of the Grande Passe, one of the longest channels in the Indian Ocean, located almost opposite the club. Groups are small and safe, with a maximum of 6 divers per supervisor (4 for Level 1). Reservations recommended.

This small multi-leisure centre allows you to make the most of the natural heritage of this part of Mauritius: by mountain bike for a free ride along the coast or to explore the National Park with a guide; by kayak or stand up paddle to go up the estuary of the Tamarin River (mangroves) or to approach the dolphins in the early morning; by motorboat at dawn to swim with the dolphins or by day to extend the outing by snorkeling on the reef and a BBQ lunch on the Ile aux Bénitiers. Also free kayak, paddle and mountain bike rental.

On superb recent or new Nautitech catamarans, this company offers cruises of several nights to the four corners of Mauritius with crew (skipper, and preferably also cook for a real vacation) and activities. In short, turnkey cruises, at a rate no higher than that of a stay in a hotel of good standing, with the added exclusivity of : a lagoon as far as the eye can see for oneself in the morning and at the end of the day when the other boats are at the quay; the possibility of seeing dolphins outside the hours when the other boats are chasing them; the possibility of discovering the numerous and famous islets surrounding Mauritius when they have been emptied of their vacationers; the happiness of being often alone to anchor in dreamy bays and coves etc.

In addition to the pleasure of sailing, each stay is based on scuba diving and/or shore excursions. The entire boat can be privatized or, to benefit from more advantageous rates, you can travel by cabin - with people you don't know at first but who share the same vacation philosophy. Several packages are offered on the website, such as the Discovery Cruise: a one-week tour of the island with 2 scuba dives per day supervised by an instructor + guided excursions to discover the main sights and beauties of the island.

Sea Spirit, and this is very rare, also offers expeditions in the wild and preserved archipelago of Saint-Brandon for an ultimate experience!

Specialized in the sale and management of boats, this highly qualified company organizes private cruises tailored to the 4 corners of the island: by the day, by the weekend, by the week, by sailboat or catamaran. Everything is possible: from single charter to a complete stay, meals included, with crew and activities à la carte.

Exclusive and high-end: superb half or full days for 2 to 10 people on a luxury yacht, a superb Gran Tursimo 40 to sail in style on the magnificent West lagoon or to the Northern islands.

Supervised by Mukesh Buldewa, one of the great divers of Mauritius, this club is open to all and also has a branch in the nearby Long Beach Hotel. Well equipped, it offers all the classic PADI and CMAS courses, as well as first dives, exploration dives by day and night, and even snorkelling courses for those who don't want to pass their level but are attracted by the beauty of the underwater world. Children are welcome from 7 years old. Instructors are pedagogical and very professional.

Of course, you can rent a bike or mountain bike for a half-day or a full day (several sizes, helmet, basket and anti-theft device supplied) and explore the surrounding area at your leisure, choosing a model with large wheels for riding on beaches or byways. You can even opt for an electric bike or, in another style, a scooter. But nothing beats the charm of a guided tour in the company of the formidable Rakesh: from villages to cultural sites, beaches, forests, churches, temples and lunch with the locals - immersion guaranteed!

The Seabob is a submersible watercraft that's versatile, stylish, quiet and environmentally friendly (100% electric). It's one of the best ways to discover the lagoon in a fun way! Relaxed in snorkeling mode or intense in sporty driving mode in the water, you can reach impressive speeds of 20 km/h. Like a dolphin, you enter a new dimension as you explore the seabed at depths of up to 2.50 m. With its individually adjustable power, Seabob is accessible to everyone aged 8 and over, and takes less than 2 minutes to master.

The Chutes de Tamarin (or Sept Cascades) is a magnificent canyon, suitable for beginners and experts alike. Its main asset is its diversity, with several waterfalls of different heights, from 10 meters (you can jump!) to 55 meters, and as many abseils. Unless you're a specialist in the discipline, you'll need the services of a guide. A number of professionals, such as Vertical World and Otelair, can organize your outing in complete safety.

This is one of the most beautiful sites in the interior: a group of seven waterfalls plunging into their natural basins. It's possible to walk to the top of the falls and then cover the first cascades in 2 to 3 hours - depending on bathing time! As the paths are not always well marked, or if you want to go further, we recommend a guide. A number of reliable companies organize this outing, including Lokal Adventure, Otelair, Vertical World and Yanature.

This new luxury boat company combines the art of ocean cruising and fishing with the art of good food. Owner of an Italian delicatessen and the Botteghita restaurant in Grand Baie, the company takes great care to ensure that what is put on the plate is tasty during motorboat outings (notably to Islet Bernache and its mangroves, the most popular trip) or big-game fishing trips (beautiful boat with upper pontoon for up to 16 people, including a maximum of 8 fishermen). You'll be well looked after by Curtis, the super-professional skipper, and his team.

Because the colors of the lagoon are even more beautiful and intense seen from the sky than from the beach, and because it's a wonderful experience to climb aboard a seaplane-ULM taking off directly from the water, we offer you this flash of aerial beauty: in a 15-minute version for the sensation of flying and discovering a piece of the East coast and in particular the island of Ambre; or 30 minutes for a panoramic view of the seven northern islands and flying over the Blue Water Hole; or the ultimate 60-minute experience to float out of time. Experienced pilots and maximum safety.

Adapted to beginners as confirmed riders, this 1:30-hour equestrian ride by professional instructors offers the discovery of a 650 ha private property that would be like a condensed part of part of local history: old traditional house, remnant of a factory chimney, lime oven and, in the park, deer on day parole, giant turtles and farm animals. Departure early at about 8:00 a. m. or afternoon around 3 p. m. to avoid big bats. Refreshments and snacks included in the visit.

THE specialist in catamaran cruises in Eastern France is Océane, which pioneered the activity on the island over 37 years ago and is now a benchmark in the sector. Of the company's 9 boats, 6 ply the Île aux Cerfs lagoon daily, offering not only classic day cruises, but also private cruises (choice of itinerary and timetable) enriched by a range of à la carte experiences.

The company also offers private excursions for up to 10 people in speedboats or Pontoon Boats - fast, flat-bottomed boats ideal for the lagoon.

This is a short but steep hike for good walkers only. Remember to take water! In places, ropes help you up and down. At the start, walk along the left-hand side of the reservoir for about 20 meters, past a low wall and then a wire fence. Once you've passed the fence, walk along it until you come to a sign indicating the "z path". Follow this path to the top, where the 360° panorama of the lagoon and mountains is well worth the effort! Return down the same path.

At the end of the beach of Anse aux Anglais, follow the path along the sea. It ends at Grand Baie, absolutely superb in its deserted immensity. The landscape of the inlet, bordered in the background by a lush coconut grove, is reminiscent of an oasis. At low tide, it is possible to continue on foot through the rocks to Baladirou beach, nestled in a cove. Alternatively, go by the coastal road where cars are quite rare.

Renowned among divers and fans of underwater life, Couzoupa is the pearl of the Rodrigues Marine Park or Marine Biodiversity Conservation Project, a 35 km2 protected area in the heart of the lagoon of Port Sud-Est. Accessible by boat, it is the most beautiful natural aquarium of Rodrigues. Shallow, it abounds in corals, molluscs and reef fish, including rare species. From the silky lips of the clams to the massive Acropora, passing through fields of multicoloured corals foraged by swarms of sergeant majors, the spectacle is everywhere

Created by Anne and Elodie, two adventurous and sporty friends, this local company with well thought-out services offers outings and experiences that are respectful of the environment and off the beaten path: Moris out of the Box. From yoga sessions on the beach or Pilates in the forest to trail immersions, through multi-activity days with the family or cultural discoveries, the offer is vast and adapted to all types of expectations, whether you are looking for an emotional thrill, a challenge or just a good time with friends in an atypical place.

On the program: moderate level canyoning, a superb guided hike to the 7 waterfalls, walks in the south, climbing of several "summits" (from the moderate Le Morne to the very technical Pieter Both with climbing on the last section), via Ferrata on the pan of Mamzelle Zabeth in the west, paddle boarding at sunset on the Tamarin River, dugout canoeing in the Mahébourg lagoon in the south-east, swimming with horses at La Preneuse, etc. In short, a lot of what the island has to offer in terms of relaxing and/or sporting activities

In the best of: kayak trips as early as 6am in the morning in the Tamarin lagoon to see the sun rise over the ocean and hope to meet the dolphins in a gentle way, far from the noisy ballet of boats of all kinds. A 2h30 trip with a walk on the Tamarin River and a Mauritian breakfast served directly in the kayak!

This water park occupies 4,000^m2 of the gardens of the Maritim Crystals hotel. It consists of 3 pools, one of which is shallow for children, and 5 slides: one of 71 meters that you can slide down in a buoy, another of 57 meters and 3 smaller ones of 17 meters each. If the park is accessible free of charge to hotel guests, non-residents can purchase a day pass including a buffet lunch and unlimited ice cream, milkshakes and drinks. An entertainment program is included in the price: aquagym classes, zumba, water volleyball.

In line with its program to protect animals and ecosystems, Casela Nature Parks is offering a number of new eco-friendly activities, including this Eco Rider Safari. Guided tours of Casela's superb African-style reserve are carried out on totally silent electric vehicles, halfway between a segway and a quad bike. Intuitive to use, these machines offer total immersion in this beautiful part of Mauritius, where zebras, giraffes, rhinoceroses and other animals have found an ideal habitat in which to flourish.

Supervised by Wildwind, a leading reference brand in Europe, it is the only real sailing school in Mauritius, the only place on the island off the hotel where it is possible to rent boats and take courses to European standards to learn, progress, improve. The center offers the best guarantees of safety and a high level of education, in addition to recent and high-quality equipment, in addition to a new and high-quality equipment adapted to each level. floats and catamarans of different sizes, windsurfing boards, stand up paddle… Right before, the lagoon offers excellent navigation conditions throughout the year: depth and regular winds - which is far from the case everywhere in Mauritius where water is sometimes low and corals cut. Sessions in the heart of the bay for beginners and beautiful seams on the high seas for the confirmed (just across front allowing to exit the lagoon), under the permanent supervision of French instructors trained to the Wildwind standards. Also: classes for children from 8 years of age, equipment for rent and regatta from time to time. 

This French diving school is renowned for the quality of its services and the diversity of its formulas and training courses (CMAS, FFESSM, PADI, SSI, etc.). From snorkeling in the lagoon to shark safaris or dives in very deep waters (TEK technical training), the experienced and highly professional team adapts to everyone's needs, favoring small groups for a more personalized service and maximum safety. All levels are catered for: from beginner to professional, and the center also trains children aged 8 and over. Equipment supplied.

The Seabob is a submersible watercraft that's versatile, stylish, quiet and environmentally friendly (100% electric). It's one of the best ways to discover the lagoon in a fun way! Relaxed in snorkeling mode or intense in sporty driving mode in the water, you can reach impressive speeds of 20 km/h. Like a dolphin, you enter a new dimension as you explore the seabed at depths of up to 2.50 m. With its individually adjustable power, Seabob is accessible to everyone aged 8 and over, and takes less than 2 minutes to master.