Water sports and leisure activities Mauritius

It is the best club on the island, created and run by the Frenchman Jérôme Branellec: a reference in Rodrigues. All levels of kitesurfing courses are given, as well as sailing on sandbanks and/or in the waves, and long accompanied descents with a picnic. And also surfing courses, stand-up paddle (initiation and reinforcement courses, guided excursions), wingfoil lessons. Very professional, the center combines all the assets to practice, progress and have fun. Also equipment rental and storage, and purchase/sale at preferential prices.

Popular in Mauritius, underwater walking consists of walking in the lagoon at a depth of 3 meters with a diving suit on your shoulders. Even if you are wet to the neck, you can breathe freely, wear your goggles and admire the small reef fishes in their natural environment without fear of creasing your hair. As the guides bring bread, the tête à tête with the fishes is guaranteed, as well as some good laughs given the slightly crazy side of the activity! To be done as much for the experience as for the funds explored.

In Mauritius, everyone knows the dolphins of Tamarin, but few know that other groups frolic between Bel Ombre and Le Morne without the hindrance of incessant traffic like in the West. Namori organizes exclusive observation sessions on private boats (10 people max.) with snorkelling and a trip to Tamarin if the dolphins aren't in Le Morne. For day trips, the skipper pushes on to Roche Crystal and then to the islet of Bénitier for lunch. A leisurely return to the lagoon along this beautiful, unspoilt southern coastline.

Top-of-the-range services (cocktails on arrival and deckchairs on the beach) at super-correct rates under the aegis of the Sunlife (= serious) hotel group. Here's the best value for money for regular, scheduled crossings on uncrowded boats, from a jetty in the grounds of Shangri-La's Le Touessrok hotel, with guarded parking. A choice of packages, including buffet lunch and drinks. Activities available at extra cost.

From the company that developed the concept in Mauritius comes one of the island's most unusual activities: underwater walking, or a 3-meter-deep stroll in a diving helmet. Accessible to all, the activity is as much about fun (Instagram photos galore) as it is about discovering the seabed, especially as the fish, regularly fed, arrive by the dozens! The excursion lasts around 60 to 80 minutes, 30 of which are spent underwater after a gentle dip from an offshore platform.

Three large diving families: dives from the wide (10 sites, depth 30 to 60 meters for experienced divers), coral dives, easy access and varied (15 sites, depth 10 to 25 meters), interior dives of the lagoon, in passes, canyons and other faults, to meet the pants of the pill elagic (6 sites, depth 5 to 30 meters). The staff were very helpful and helpful. The club offers baptisms, explorations and CMAS and PADI formations.

Operational for years, this small agency knows its business well and brings dozens of tourists to Ile aux Cerfs every day. Its various packages cover almost the entire range of beach activities: from a simple round-trip transfer to a full day with lunch and a choice of activities. On the island, the company offers towed buoy tours and parasailing. Nice staff and good prices.

This very good center is run by Mukesh Buldewa who manages several other clubs around the island. Open to PADI and CMAS divers, it offers serious training in these two schools, as well as explorations on all the surrounding sites. Children are welcome from 7 years old. For freediving enthusiasts, the club also offers snorkelling lessons. Another branch in the area, at the Peninsula Bay Resort in Blue Bay, under the name of Blue World Explorer Mauritius - www.blueworldexplorer.com

A special mention for this excellent club based at Constance Belle Mare Plage but open to all, and with branches in 4 luxury establishments which is a guarantee of quality. Even if he no longer gives courses, it is Jean-Michel Langlois, a great name in Mauritius diving, who supervises the centre. Several outings and training courses are offered: first dives, exploration dives, wreck dives, exclusive dives around the island, CMAS-PADI courses, etc. Prices are a little more expensive than elsewhere, but this is justified by the quality of the service: 4 clients per instructor maximum.

A pioneer in the introduction of kitesurfing to Mauritius, Nico Kux, a well-known kitesurfer on the island, has always run this high-quality, human-scale center, affiliated to the IKO. Private lessons are favored here, except for experienced kitesurfers. Top site with ideal lagoon depth for all levels, especially beginners. Also tow foil lessons (foil towed by a boat to learn) for wingfoil students on windless days. Access to the club and the pretty stretch of beach for accompanying adults. Reservations recommended.

Ex-Club Mistral. The name has changed, but not the teams or the philosophy that make this brand a strong value in the world of snow sports. Starting with state-of-the-art equipment that's completely renewed every year. Super-professional instructors with international diplomas give surf, kitesurf, windsurf and wingfoil lessons at all levels, in several languages, in groups, semi-groups or individually on request. For windless days and/or non-sailing companions, the club offers stand-up paddle rentals and/or lessons.

For many years, Olivier Bourquin, canyoning specialist and FFME (Fédération française de Montagne et d'Escalade) graduate, and/or the members of the team trained by him, have been taking and supervising beginners and experienced climbers in the canyons of Mauritius - and in particular the 7 cascades, his specialty. He also gives climbing lessons and organizes hikes and treks - more technical hikes to which Olivier adds abseiling and via cordata (via ferrata with ropes). Safety and friendliness are the main themes of each outing.

Thanks to the quality of its services, this family-run company has become the leader in nautical activities on the west coast and part of the island. In addition to operating nautical bases, it offers a wide range of sports and leisure activities from its La Balise Marina pier.

Catamaran day cruises aboard the superb Madiana, boats for 15 to 30 people, which can also be privatized with skipper for 1 or more days. A 2-day/1-night package along the west coast aboard a Nautitech 475 with 4 double cabins and 4 bathrooms. Low-cost cabin departures available for 2 or 3 couples.

Privatespeedboat excursions by the hour or day to see Tamarin's dolphins, discover the west coast, snorkel spots or enjoy a BBQ break on an islet. You can also take a trip to the north to discover the islets of this region.

Luxury canoeing in a Bennington Poonton Boat for those who prefer comfort to speed, the quiet refinement of a platform boat like a floating lounge with deep armchairs. Space, elegant materials, smooth sailing... for a few hours of pure idleness on the lagoon.

Big-game fishing aboard the Moana under the guidance of highly skilled crews, as the club is reputed to be one of the best in Mauritius, originally founded by 2 eminent specialists in the discipline, and organizers of major competitions.

Forerunner of catamaran cruises on the island over 37 years ago, Océane is one of the leading historical companies for this activity. In the West, a typical cruise includes Tamarin Bay and its dolphins, the white seabed of Le Morne, Islet Bénitier, Roche Crystal and, of course, snorkeling and a delicious BBQ lunch. Océane also offers cruises, à la carte or in small groups, enriched with a range of experiences linked to well-being, culture and history, or moments of adventure and sport. One of a kind!

Nice character that Thierry who did not hesitate to accomplish the equivalent of half a world tour to convey his dear boat from Pornic to Mauritius! There, our Captain Haddock or his son concocts, for 6 to 7 people maximum, cruises outside the busy maritime routes on a retractable keel sailing boat for the lagoon. As soon as you are on the pontoon, you are introduced to the rudiments of navigation: reading a nautical chart, hoisting the sails... Then follows a day of cruising with snorkelling, lounging and a barbecue lunch on board.

Unique, Groove Boat is a one-of-a-kind bar, restaurant and dance floor, with room for up to 120 people on board. A 100^m2 room with a sophisticated sound system and a more lounge-like upper-deck bar offer an overall quality experience: good sound, good bands, a fine selection of food and beverages. Day cruises (Coin de Mire, Ile Plate) with occasional live jazz; Sunshine in a glass - sunset cruise into the evening with DJ, etc. See the program on Facebook or Instagram.

Under the leadership of Youl, a trained and certified IKO instructor, this nomadic school takes place on the beach of Anse Mourouk and offers all types of training for beginners and advanced, and organized descents with a swimming break and BBQ. Equipment is provided by the center, but you can also bring your own equipment for a refresher course, advice, or simply benefit from a minimum of assistance (safety). The team can take care of the whole stay: booking of hotels, pensions, transfers, organization of excursions...

A special mention for this ultra-practical platform, which has the genius of bringing together, on a single site, the best offers for cruises to the four corners of Mauritius, with additional services such as transfers. Well-organized, the platform offers a demanding selection of the best service providers for classic day cruises or more exclusive outings - Sunset Cruise, multi-night cruises, privatization of catamarans or speedboats, and so on.

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...

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 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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.