Water sports and leisure activities Mauritius

This reliable and quality club is affiliated to CMAS and PADI and offers a wide variety of training and services, including for children. At the helm is the friendly Vellin Bhurtun, a former resuscitation nurse and great traveller, with more than thirty years of experience in the discipline. Vellin agrees to go out to sea for one person and never takes more than six divers per outing. Baptisms, island dives and night dives, with or without nitrox, are therefore carried out in complete safety, without it being "the factory". A good address.

It's one of Mauritius's leading cruise operators, and has been operating for years in all parts of the island: from Grand Baie to Gabriel Islet (north); from Trou d'Eau Douce (east) or Mahébourg (southeast) to Ile aux Cerfs; from Rivière Noire to the southwest lagoon. In the latter region, as in Mahébourg, we sail on the spacious Harris Wilsons, legendary boats! Each outing is punctuated by swimming, snorkeling, lounging and a BBQ lunch on board. Sunset cruises are also available in the north and southwest.

Friends divers, here is a mythical club created by the very popular Hugues Vitry, diving virtuoso and specialist in underwater photography, who, in addition to the classics, can concoct tailor-made trips, in particular to meet morays or sperm whales. To supervise you, several instructors, including Hugues when he is there, a CMAS 3-star instructor also affiliated to the French diving federation (FFESSM). Dives for all levels from 8 years old, training up to level IV, exploration of technical sites, safaris (2 dives and lunch), freediving, etc.

On the banks of the river, Otentic, in addition to offering nights in tents, is open to day-trippers who wish to discover real Mauritian cuisine prepared as at home by the village ladies. For a fairly modest fee, guests can enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the place, its leisure facilities (swimming pool, pétanque, kayaking...) and a shuttle service to Île aux Cerfs. At an additional cost, you can take part in some great off-the-beaten-track activities - mountain biking, kiteboarding, hiking...

Created in 2008, this excellent center advocates flexibility and safety above all. Established in the immediate vicinity of a large variety of sites (caves, drop offs, wrecks...), it is managed by a team of experienced and passionate instructors, who provide PADI courses and training of all levels (from Bubblemaker and baptism to PADI Divemaster). Lessons are given in French, English and German and children are accepted from 10 years old. On the program: exploration dives to discover wrecks, underwater cavities, shark sites, etc., trips to iconic sites such as Cathedral (famous for its caves, its light shows, its high density of fish) or Silvana (for its sea turtles), night dives...

The club also offers a range of exclusive outings for a minimum of 4 people (family, friends): safaris combining 1 or 2 adventure dives and a barbecue on an islet; a discovery of the mythical Passe Saint Jacques and its stingrays; multi-activity packages for intense and varied fields days combining diving, surfing, kayaking with a lunch break at the Veranda hotel. A la carte rates on request.

More unusual: night snorkeling open to non-divers and preceded by a boat ride at sunset. Or the underwater wedding proposal at a "romantic" location chosen according to the diving level of both partners. Rates on request.

Totof is a local figure and a pioneer of tourism in the bay. 20 years ago, he had the idea to build a glass-bottomed boat to discover the wonders of the most beautiful marine park in Mauritius. The boat is still there, with the addition of motorboats to discover Ile aux Cerfs and/or the islets of the South-East with Vanessa and Virginie, Totof's daughters who have taken over: picnics and BBQ, swimming, lazing around, snorkeling... all personalized to the maximum, far from mass tourism.

The JPH team members, who generally grew up in the area, have known dolphins since their childhood. They offer a privileged encounter with the cetaceans, both by boat and by swimming. The objective is to go to the bay early enough around 6 or 7 am (before the big catamarans arrive), and to observe the mammals underwater with a mask and a snorkel, and a red buoy for safety - we underline this because it is rarely the case. On board a small speed boat, we try to find a group of morning dolphins. We approach them with the boat and we slip into the water as gently as possible to follow the cetaceans. The latter, used to men, let themselves be approached with pleasure. If you keep a certain distance of a few meters, you can often accompany them for several minutes at a time to observe their behavior underwater. As soon as they accelerate, all the best crawlers in the world can do nothing: the space empties in a few seconds and you have to get back in the boat to find the group or to spot another one. You don't need to be a good swimmer: either the dolphins are calm and move at a slow pace and you can see them very well with the mask while staying on the surface; or they try to move away and disappear in a few seconds - a vision that is both fleeting and long-lasting, and that will be etched in your memory..

This company specializes in unique and/or exclusive (i.e. privatized and upmarket) sea excursions.

Well-known in Mauritius for its submarine excursions, it is the only company in the Indian Ocean - and one of the very few in the world - to market this extraordinary atypical activity, offering the opportunity to realize a Jules Verne fantasy! Duration of the expedition: just over an hour, not including the 15-minute boat ride to a large trawler from which the captain and crew help future passengers into the boat: a 10-person submarine with one porthole per participant. Then begins the incredible 40-minute dive out of this world, the sensations of which we won't reveal, to leave everyone the pleasure of discovery. Three sites are usually visited at depths of over 30 meters: a coral mass rich in fish, an authentic wreck as in our explorers' dreams, and a mercy anchor probably dating from the ^17th century. A magical experience!

Another unique activity in the world, invented by Blue Safari, which has exclusive rights to it: the underwater scooter. Although original, the concept is simple: an aquatic scooter covered by a large, transparent, panoramic dome under which you can breathe freely without a passenger. Steering is via a simple steering wheel and accelerator pedal. The machines, certified by safety classification societies, can each accommodate 2 people seated one behind the other, for rides in groups of 5 scooters under the watchful eye of 2 diver-accompanist guides. As with our submarine excursions, the activity begins with a boat transfer to the operating barge from which the immersion takes place. The depth is less than 3 metres, which is more than enough to see fish in Mauritius, especially as the experience of the scooter itself and the wildly unprecedented nature of the machine are just as attractive as the marine beauties!

More classically, but with the same concern for quality and service, Blue Safari also offers exclusive, fully à la carte outings (quotations on request) by motorboat or monohull for up to 6 people (ideally 2 or 4 on the sailboat). The company also has a superb catamaran that can be privatized for up to 22 people - day, sunset, dinner and even overnight stay(s) on request for a few people (4 fully-equipped cabins, skipper, cook).

Run by a Mauritian with European and American diplomas in the discipline, the company offers top-quality services and maximum safety - first aid is one of the specialties of Krish, the manager. Each canyoning trip is limited to a maximum of ten people (often fewer), supervised by 2 or 3 guides who are fully conversant with canyoning and water rescue techniques. Several canyons are available throughout the island, on request and according to the level of participants. In particular, Krish takes beginners and/or experienced climbers to Les Sept Cascades, which, depending on the section, is suitable for both beginners and more experienced climbers (several abseils from 15 to 50 meters). Outings generally last a full day and include lunch.

At the same time, Vertical World organizes half-day and full-day guided hikes for all levels, including ascents of the island's main peaks such as Pouce and Montagne du Lion. In particular, Krish takes good hikers to the top of Pieter Both, a mythical Mauritian peak that can only be reached by guides with mountain training (alternating walking and climbing).

We also offer roped climbing sessions in Baie du Cap and on the Albion lighthouse and cliffs, team building for groups and lasertag(BattleZone) in the open air. A la carte combinations available.

Here is another super pro school under the leadership of the friendly Andy who offers courses for all levels, big runs with sessions on small and big waves, speed sailing, introduction to foiling. With his boat, Andy also organizes activities for non-kiters: snorkeling sessions with or without a picnic on the southeast islets, day trips to Cocos Island, traditional pirogue rides in the southern lagoon and even 24-hour trips with a bivouac, grills and drinks and an overnight stay on Cat Island.

Known as the White Wolf, Cap Malheureux personality Martial La Mouette and his wife Tina offer a day's cruise to Ile Plate in a small, friendly group, far removed from mass tourism. Departure at 9 a.m. aboard a motorboat for 1 hour of fast sailing. As soon as you arrive on the island, the bar opens its doors. Here you can cool off, swim, snorkel and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by Tina. We return to the shore after the other boats have left, so we're the last ones on the island! Local.

This highly professional club specializes in teaching kitesurfing to beginners, and is run by Jean-Charles and Keylendo, certified instructors (BPjeps & IKO). It organizes courses on the Le Morne spot and jet-boat lessons on the more exclusive site of La Prairie - that sublime shallow calm-water cove at the back of Le Morne, away from the other schools and the sometimes crowded One Eye spot. Once you've taken your first lessons and are ready to take to the water, you'll be assisted by an instructor on a turbine boat specially designed for teaching kitesurfing in the lagoon. 2 to 3 sessions are offered per day, with a maximum of 3 students per lesson. In order to learn and evolve in optimal conditions, it is also possible to privatize the boat. The school's objective is to enable trainees to become autonomous in complete safety. F-One and/or Mystic equipment is supplied, but you'll need sunglasses, sun cream and neoprene booties if necessary. The club also offers stand-up paddle lessons (always on the calm lagoon at the back of Le Morne) and can take care of the whole holiday - apartment rental, pick-up, kiteboarding course... Please refer to the Son of Beach agency and store on La Gaulette's main road.

Bonus: a permanent test center at the tip of Le Morne offers free trials of Ozone kites and Ozone, Redz and AlMerrick boards - a privilege reserved for experienced riders.

A special mention for this 36-seater catamaran, the only one in Mauritius to use renewable energy - solar panels to recharge the batteries and hydro-electric regeneration by the propellers. We appreciate the environmental awareness and the quality requirements of the teams during the daily cruises organized between Mahébourg and Ile aux Cerfs, via the estuary of Grande Rivière Sud Est. BBQ buffet lunch on board, snorkeling, time to relax and enjoy water sports at Ile aux Cerfs.

During the austral winter, you can surf one of the most beautiful lefts in the world. The rest of the time, the bay is ideal for learning or improving. Nothing could be easier under the guidance of Cyril Thevenau, a big name in Mauritian surfing, renowned for his technique and a French state diploma (he has trained several champions in Reunion Island). This is an opportunity to learn or improve in this sport which mixes the search for balance and sharing with the energy of the sea. Top address !

It's the best spot on the island, and the only one with an international reputation in discerning circles. With a very good south-easterly wind that accelerates at the south-western tip, it is named One Eye in reference to a hole that pierces one of the flanks of Le Morne mountain (have it pointed out on site to see it) and also because its wave forms an eye as round as a spiral. Fast and powerful, it is reserved exclusively for experienced sportsmen or well-trained amateurs. At coral reef level, very large waves can form, up to 7 meters on the best days! At the same time, strong currents sweep the reef outwards. It's a wild ride, but also a dangerous one - some adventurers have lost their lives. To avoid accidents and optimize the operation of the site, its management has been entrusted to Club ION - formerly Club Mistral International, one of the main leaders in the gliding market. At the same time, a number of other clubs offer good courses to IKO standards, including for beginners, who can learn close to the coast in an area large enough for safe progress.

Tip: you can try out most of the year's models of kites, surfboards and boards free of charge at the spot and at the equipment truck set up during the day at the tip of Le Morne public beach - a welcome initiative from the Le Gall and Duotone stores.

This excellent independent club is run by a no less excellent professional of this sport: Christophe Pelicier, son of an underwater fauna specialist having identified several rare or endemic local specimens. You will dive here with great connoisseurs, in small groups, in a spirit of sharing and proximity. Quality services: day and night dives, first dives, dives for children or disabled divers, CMAS training. Two trips per day at 8am and 11:30am. Excellent teaching methods.

This is the best Mauritian school of wingfoil, the trendy board sport, a subtle combination of SUP and kite which is practiced with a small board equipped with a foil (to fly above the water) and a wing (or directional wing not connected to the board and which is held by a boom or handles). The learning process is relatively simple and fast, especially under the guidance of Jean de Falbaire (Mauritius champion, in contention for the 2024 Paris Olympics) and his instructors.

Less known than the Morne in the south-west or the lagoon of Anse la Raie in the north, much less frequented as well (it is one of its assets), the spot of the Pointe d'Esny-Mahébourg is nevertheless ideal for the practice of wingfoil and board sports in general. We are on the largest lagoon in Mauritius, a huge body of water blessed with regular winds and whose depth rarely exceeds two meters. The foilers love it and often meet in this shallow part called the pool which has hosted the Hydrofoil Pro Tour several times.

For beginners the conditions are ideal, but also to progress, or simply to have fun, especially during downwinds and foil expeditions of several hours proposed by the club which is pleased to be able to propose "a 30 kilometers board"!

Of course, you can rent equipment on site and take advantage of it to test the latest Duotone brand. If the wind sulks and/or the weather is gloomy, the center offers several alternative activities: SUP, wakeboarding, wakefoiling.

A special mention for this Scubapro center, a pioneer of its kind in Mauritius, created in 1977 by the great Pierre Szalay, a French 3-star CMAS instructor and founder and president for many years of the Mauritian Diving Federation (MSDA). Although Pascal Ava and his team have taken over, their professionalism and high standards continue to make the club one of the best on the island. On offer: a wide range of underwater explorations for beginners to advanced divers, CMAS training up to level 4, PADI up to Dive Master, Nitrox diving... Recommended!

A child of Mahébourg, Jean Claude, with the help of his faithful second Robert, is the only boatman on the island to offer 100% sailing trips on a wooden pirogue specially designed for leisure sailing. Larger than average, stable and equipped with a colorful sail, the boat can accommodate up to 6 people for exclusive outings to be booked as a duo, with family or friends. People come from all over the island for this beautiful excursion and to share a typical moment with Jean Claude and Robert who are outstanding skippers who know how to combine the pleasure of sailing with a unique experience. We are in the heart of the largest lagoon of the island, under the care of Jean Claude who was a windsurfing and swimming champion and takes us diving with mask, in complete safety, on his own sites. Whether it's in the morning or in the late afternoon until sunset, the walk is always punctuated by a break for drinks and snacks - good wine and homemade snacks.

In the same spirit, Eric, Jean Claude's son, organizes private day trips by speedboat to Ile aux Cerfs via the islets of the South East. An accomplished fisherman and sailor, Eric, like his father, has a great knowledge of the sea that he shares with a small number of vacationers each day by mixing cultural discovery of the sites of the Southeast, snorkeling on spots, and lunch with his feet in the water on a "secret" beach.

It is the most spacious catamaran on the island, a mythical racing boat that has sailed the oceans under the leadership of great sailors such as Florence Arthaud. An exceptional boat, exclusive services for day cruises, much more upscale than the average: number of seats limited to 24 people for larger spaces, lounges, bean bags, bar, more varied choice of beverages and finer dishes, wider range of activities (including giant buoy and paddle). VIP service and staggered hours for less traffic. Great!