Mauritius fish hunting reaches extraordinary heights during deep sea fishing expeditions, where anglers pursue the ultimate catch in the island’s rich waters. The depth of the Indian Ocean plummets to a thousand meters about a mile from the South West coast off Le Morne, creating perfect conditions for landing impressive pelagic species. This marine environment has produced remarkable results—a blue marlin weighing 1355 lbs was caught off the West coast, nearly matching the world record of 1376 lbs.
Deep sea fishing in Mauritius offers thrilling opportunities to target blue and black marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and numerous other species. For serious anglers, the statistics speak volumes—about 7 marlins are caught every year during these expeditions. The most popular fishing spots are concentrated off Le Morne, Black River, and Tamarin on the South West coast, with the best time for big game fishing occurring during summer from October to April. With 98% of travelers recommending the experience, fishing in Mauritius delivers both the excitement of the hunt and the satisfaction of world-class catches.
The deep waters surrounding Mauritius offer anglers an exceptional fishing experience with a variety of prized catches throughout the year. Most fishing excursions operate on a private charter basis, allowing personalized guidance from experienced boat staff regardless of your expertise level. Fishing vessels are typically well-equipped with modern technology including GPS, fish finders, and fighting chairs to maximize your chances of success.
Aboard these boats, you’ll find comprehensive safety equipment including life jackets, medical boxes, fire extinguishers, and communication devices. Additionally, most vessels provide high-quality fishing gear with Penn International reels (ranging from 30 to 130 lbs line test), gaffs, and an extensive selection of lures.
Different fishing techniques are employed depending on the target species. Trolling at speeds between 7-9 knots is common for marlin, while jigging involves dropping weighted lures to depths around 100 meters for yellowfin tuna. For skipjack tuna and dorado, casting weighted lures around schools of baitfish proves effective.
The fishing calendar reveals optimal seasons for various species. Blue marlins are most prevalent from December through March, while black marlins peak between May and November. Yellow fin tuna, weighing between 3-25 kg, are available year-round off the West coast, with larger specimens (60-100 kg) appearing from mid-March to mid-April. Wahoo fishing peaks from September to December, while dorado (mahi-mahi) can be caught throughout the year but rarely exceed 50 pounds.
Mauritius holds several impressive fishing records, including a mako shark of 1115 pounds, a blue shark of 400 pounds, and a white tuna of 224 pounds. Some operators even claim an 85% catch rate when targeting tuna, bonito, dorado, and wahoo, making your chances of returning with a prize catch quite favorable.
Timing plays a crucial role when planning a deep sea fishing adventure in Mauritius. Although this tropical paradise welcomes anglers year-round with no true off-season, certain periods offer better opportunities for specific catches.
The summer months from October to April generally provide the best conditions for big game fishing. For those seeking the thrill of battling billfish, especially marlin, the period between November and March yields the most promising results. During these months, the chances of landing a record-breaking specimen increase significantly. Furthermore, serious marlin hunters should note that December through March represents the absolute peak season for blue marlin.
Moon phases notably influence fishing success. Experienced captains recommend scheduling your expedition three days before or after the full moon or new moon. Indeed, fish enjoy enhanced visibility during full moon periods, often feeding actively at night. The first quarter and last quarter moon phases also create favorable fishing conditions.
Different species follow distinct seasonal patterns:
Essential items to bring on your fishing expedition:
For optimal results, consider early morning departures—sometimes as early as 4-5 am depending on the season. This timing coincides with peak feeding periods just before or during sunrise, substantially increasing your chances of success. Consequently, booking with operators who offer these early starts can be advantageous.
Prior to finalizing your trip, research local operators thoroughly and establish exactly what experience you want. Last-minute planning rarely yields the best results for a destination as remote as Mauritius. Online marketplaces can simplify this process by allowing comparison between vetted operators and providing access to genuine customer reviews.
Most deep sea fishing excursions in Mauritius operate on a private charter basis, offering personalized guidance from qualified boat staff tailored to your experience level and preferences. Private charters provide flexibility to customize your day on the water, even allowing for stops at nearby islands for lunch and snorkeling.
Charter rates vary based on boat size and trip duration. Half-day excursions typically cost between 350-460 euros, whereas full-day adventures range from 700-1200 euros. For specific price points, expect to pay approximately 18,000 MUR (Mauritian Rupees) for a half-day boat and 23,000 MUR for a full-day trip. The minimum rental duration stands at 6 hours.
Standard fishing packages include:
Many operators provide modern boats equipped with GPS, fish finders, and other technologies to maximize your chances of success. When selecting a charter company, verify they are properly registered and licensed—this ensures your safety during the expedition.
For budget-conscious travelers, sharing options exist. Rather than booking an entire vessel, you can inquire about sharing with other tourists to reduce costs. Some companies facilitate these arrangements, making deep sea fishing more accessible.
Payment procedures typically involve a deposit (around 15%) to secure your reservation, with the remaining balance due directly to the charter operator before departure. Many companies accept cash payments in multiple currencies (MUR, EUR, USD) or online transactions.
Transportation services are often available, with prices starting at 1,200 MUR for a group of four, depending on your location. Most operators provide pickup and drop-off services throughout the island, though additional charges may apply for distant accommodations.
For specialized experiences, overnight fishing expeditions to remote fishing banks like Soudan Bank can be arranged upon request.
Mauritius stands as a world-class deep sea fishing destination, offering anglers exceptional opportunities to pursue impressive catches throughout the year. Though available year-round, the summer months from October to April present optimal conditions for landing trophy specimens, especially the prized blue marlin. Accordingly, planning your expedition during this peak season significantly increases your chances of success.
The strategic fishing locations off Le Morne, Black River, and Tamarin provide access to waters teeming with diverse marine species. Additionally, timing your adventure around favorable moon phases—particularly three days before or after the full or new moon—can further enhance your fishing experience.
Private charters remain the most popular option, with prices ranging from 350-460 euros for half-day excursions to 700-1200 euros for full-day adventures. These packages typically include all necessary equipment, bait, licenses, and refreshments. Budget-conscious travelers can explore shared options to make this premier fishing experience more accessible.
Undoubtedly, the thrill of battling powerful pelagic species coupled with the stunning tropical backdrop makes Mauritius fishing expeditions truly memorable. Whether pursuing the massive blue marlin that nearly matched the world record or targeting the year-round yellowfin tuna, anglers can expect professional guidance, modern equipment, and comprehensive safety measures.
Overall, Mauritius delivers both the excitement of the hunt and the satisfaction of world-class catches. The island’s impressive fishing statistics—including records for mako shark (1115 pounds), blue shark (400 pounds), and white tuna (224 pounds)—speak to its reputation as a premier fishing destination. Anglers who carefully plan their expedition, select reputable operators, and time their visit strategically will find themselves rewarded with an unforgettable deep sea fishing adventure in these bountiful Indian Ocean waters.
