Deep Sea Fishing in Mauritius

Miles Willis
5 days ago
3 min read

Mauritius offers exceptional deep sea fishing opportunities year-round, drawing anglers from around the globe thanks to its deep waters close to shore, rich marine biodiversity, and skilled local crews. Whether you're a seasoned sport fisher or a curious first-timer, Mauritius delivers with world-class fishing grounds and impressive game fish.

🎣 Why Mauritius for Deep Sea Fishing?

Deep waters very close to shore – just 1-2 km offshore drops into deep ocean.
Warm currents from the Mozambique Channel and Indian Ocean attract big game.
Renowned fishing banks: The Mauritius Trench, Soudan Bank, St. Brandon, Hawkins Bank.
Well-equipped boats and experienced local skippers.
Scenic ocean setting with calm conditions most of the year.

🐟 Fish You Can Catch in Mauritius

🏆 Big Game Species

Blue Marlin – The crown jewel (frequent catches of 150–400 kg)
Black Marlin
Sailfish
Yellowfin Tuna
Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)
Wahoo
Giant Trevally (GT)
Dogtooth Tuna
Bonito

Peak game fishing runs from October to April, especially for Marlin, Sailfish, and Tuna.

🛥️ Fishing Charters & Locations

📍 North Mauritius – Grand Baie & Trou aux Biches

Ideal for tourists staying in the north.
Access to the deep sea within minutes.
Popular charters: Big Game Fishing Mauritius, Papa Fishing Team, JP Henry Charters.

📍 West Coast – Black River & Tamarin

One of the most famous bases.
Closer to Le Morne drop-off and the Marlin highway.
Calm sea conditions.
Top charters: Fish Whisperer Mauritius, La Perle Noire, Rod Fishing Club.

📍 South & East – Bel Ombre, Mahebourg

Less commercial, more exclusive.
Great tuna and dorado fishing near outer reef drops.
Resorts like Heritage Le Telfair and Shandrani Beachcomber offer direct access.

🎣 Types of Trips Available

Trip Type	Duration	Target Species	Ideal For
Half Day	4 hours	Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo	Beginners or families
Full Day	7–8 hours	Marlin, Sailfish, GT	Enthusiasts & sport fishers
Overnight / Multi-day	24–72 hours	Banks like Soudan or Hawkins	Pros looking for trophy fish

🧰 What’s Included in a Typical Charter

Professional skipper and crew
High-quality rods, reels, tackle
Live bait or artificial lures
Refreshments or lunch
Catch-and-release option for sport species

Most operators allow you to keep part of the catch – or have it prepared fresh at a nearby restaurant!

💸 Approximate Costs (2025, ZAR)

Trip	Price per boat	Price per person (shared)
Half Day (4 hrs)	R6,000–R8,000	R1,800–R2,500
Full Day (8 hrs)	R10,000–R15,000	R3,500–R5,000
Overnight	R25,000–R35,000	Private charter only

Prices vary by boat size, gear quality, and whether it’s private or shared.

📅 Best Time to Go

Season	Fish in Season
Oct–Apr (summer)	Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish
May–Sep (winter)	Wahoo, Bonito, some Tuna

🏨 Resorts Offering Fishing Packages

LUX Le Morne* – west coast, premium fishing packages.
Heritage Resorts – private charters from Bel Ombre.
Canonnier Beachcomber and Trou aux Biches Beachcomber – access to Grand Baie fishing.
Four Seasons at Anahita – high-end sport fishing excursions.

⚠️ Tips for First-Time Fishers

Wear sun protection and bring motion sickness pills.
Book early in peak season (Dec–March).
Ask if catch is shared or kept.
Discuss ethical catch-and-release if targeting Marlin or Sailfish.
Families can opt for combo trips (fishing + snorkeling or dolphin watching).

🌟 Unique Experience

"Tag & Release" Marlin tournaments are held in Mauritius, attracting global anglers.
Mauritius holds IGFA world records for Blue Marlin and Dogtooth Tuna.