Fishing in Mauritius

Reel in the Adventure

Mauritius is one of the Indian Ocean’s most exciting fishing destinations. Warm currents, deep channels and naturally rich waters attract powerful pelagic species throughout the year - from tuna and dorado to the iconic blue marlin. Whether you enjoy light coastal fishing or want to experience the intensity of a big-game battle offshore, the island offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, scenery and comfort that appeals to beginners and experienced anglers alike.

A Tradition That Lives On

Fishing is deeply rooted in Mauritian culture. Even today, you’ll often see locals casting their lines from the lagoon or bringing their catch to village markets. Over time, this tradition evolved into a world-class sport-fishing scene, allowing visitors to discover both the excitement of offshore adventures and the charm of life along the coast.

Types of Fishing Trips Available

You’ll find a wide variety of fishing styles across the island, ranging from relaxed to technical. Popular options include tight-line outings, bonito or dorado rides, bottom fishing, stand-up light-tackle trips, jigging sessions and of course, half-day or full-day big-game expeditions.

Mauritius: A World-Class Fishing Destination

Mauritian waters are known not just for their beauty, but for the sheer variety and size of the fish. Species such as dorado, wahoo and tuna grow particularly large here, and the island has produced several impressive world records - including a 1,115-lb Mako shark.

Depending on the season, anglers may encounter marlin, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, giant trevally, dogtooth tuna and many more. If you’d like to combine fishing with other activities during your stay, the Mauritius Tour Package Planner is a useful place to start.

Deep-Sea & Big-Game Fishing

Big-game fishing is one of Mauritius’ signature experiences. Heading offshore gives you a chance to target energetic, fast-moving predators with guidance from an experienced crew. Most charters are private, allowing your group to enjoy personalised tips, professional equipment and a flexible itinerary.

You can choose between half-day and full-day trips or opt for specialised outings such as popping or jigging. Full-day adventures departing from the north often include beautiful views of the Northern Islets.

Featured options include:

• Deep Sea Fishing - Grand Bay (Full Day, 47ft)
• Deep Sea Fishing - Grand Bay (Half Day Promotion, 47ft)
• Deep-Sea Fishing - Le Morne (Full Day, 40ft)
• South West Popping at the Reefs

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Where to Fish in Mauritius

Different coasts offer different strengths, making it easy to find a trip that suits your preferences.

North Coast - Grand Baie & Grand Gaube

The most popular starting point for big-game trips, with quick access to deep-sea channels and the Northern Islets. Learn more about the area here:

Grand Baie.

South-West Coast - Black River

Known for marlin and tuna runs, as well as calm seas during early mornings. It’s also a great place to combine fishing with marine wildlife encounters, such as Swimming with Dolphins & Whales.

South Coast - Le Morne

A scenic starting point close to productive offshore zones. To get a feel for the region, explore Le Morne Beach.

South-East & East Coast

The waters around Mahébourg and Trou d’Eau Douce are excellent for mixed lagoon and offshore trips, with several reef-edge spots suited for lighter styles of fishing.

If you’re interested in pairing your fishing trip with a relaxed day at sea, consider browsing Mauritius Catamaran Cruises or even taking to the skies with a Private Sightseeing Flight.

Fishing Banks: For Enthusiasts Looking for More

For experienced anglers seeking something bigger than a standard offshore trip, Mauritius’ remote fishing banks offer unmatched possibilities. These vast underwater plateaus sit far from the main island, attracting nutrient-rich currents and impressive concentrations of pelagic fish.

The main banks accessible from Mauritius include:

• Sudan Banks
• Nazareth Bank
• Saya de Malha Bank
• Hawkins Bank

These untouched areas lie within the Mauritian Exclusive Economic Zone and form part of the country’s wider maritime territory. If you’d like to understand how these remote banks relate to Mauritius and its outer islands, the Geography of Mauritius & Its Dependencies offers a clear overview.

Mauritius’ Outer Dependencies

These banks sit near some of the country’s lesser-known island groups, such as:

• Rodrigues - 650 km east of Mauritius, surrounded by coral reefs
• Agalega Islands - 1,100 km to the north, composed of two inhabited islands
• Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon) - a remote group of 16 small islands, 395 km northeast of Mauritius

These territories are governed by Mauritius and help define the expanse of the fishing grounds accessible from the main island.

Species Commonly Found in Mauritius

Here is a selection of the major fish species found in Mauritian waters:

• Dorado
• Bonito
• Blue and Black Marlin
• Yellowfin Tuna
• Wahoo
• Sailfish
• Spearfish
• Dogtooth Tuna
• Skipjack Tuna
• Tiger, Hammerhead and Mako sharks

Fishing is available year-round, with certain species more active during specific seasons.