Catch the Best Wave of Your Life in These Mauritius Surf Spots

surfing in mauritius

Mauritius is a beautiful island located in the Indian Ocean, around 1,100 km east of Madagascar. Featuring amazing beaches, beautiful lagoons and colourful reefs, the island’s remarkable natural formations are ideal for many adventurous activities such as surfing, kite surfing and snorkelling. However, it wasn’t until Californian surfer Larry Yates released the surf movie ‘Forgotten Island of Santosha’, which showed epic 8-10 foot surf sessions at Tamarin Bay, that the island gained fame among surfers. This was enough to attract many surfers travelling to the island in search of the world-class waves they had seen in the legendary 1974 film. With over 330 km of coastline, the island offers many other surf spots, and we’re here to tell you where they are. Read on to find the 5 best surf spots in Mauritius!

Mauritius Climate
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What is the climate like in Mauritius?

Mauritius experiences a mild tropical maritime climate. There are essentially two seasons: a fairly cool dry winter from June to September and a warm and humid summer from November to April. The prime time for surfing is from June to November. This is when strong groundswells regularly roll in from the southern ocean, making for consistent waves. Water temperatures average 26-29°C in the summer and 23-25°C in the winter, so don’t fret about lugging your wetsuit along – you certainly won’t need it.

Do I need to be an experienced surfer to surf in Mauritius?

Not at all! Mauritius has waves suitable for all skill levels. Beginners can learn to surf at popular spots like Tamarin Bay, which has small, gentle waves perfect for learning. More advanced surfers will love the big wave action at spots like Black Rocks and Macondé. No matter your skill, you can find excellent instructors and surf schools all over the island to help you improve your technique.

What is the surf season in Mauritius?

The surf season in Mauritius runs from June to November, during the island’s winter months. This coincides with the southeast trade winds, which produce the largest swells, especially on the east and south coasts. The biggest waves tend to appear from July through September, so if you’re looking for some serious stoke, make sure to book your trip to Mauritius during these months.

Best surf spots in mauritius
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Do I need a wetsuit?

The water temperature in Mauritius remains warm all year, ranging from 23 to 29°C, so a wetsuit is not necessary for most surfers. However, some surfers prefer to wear a short-sleeved wetsuit, especially in the winter months, to prevent chafing from the surfboard. Board shorts and a rash guard will work for most surfers in the summer. You can also rent wetsuits from the surf shops if you ever decide to wear one.

Can I rent surfboards in Mauritius?

Yes, you can easily rent surfboards from many locations around the island. Popular spots for rentals include Tamarin Bay, Le Morne, and Flic en Flac. You’ll find a range of boards for all skill levels, including longboards, shortboards, and stand-up paddleboards. There’s also a school for kite surfing if you ever find yourself in Mauritius during the flat season. If you plan to surf often during your trip, consider renting a board for a full day or multiple days to save money.

The Best Surf Spots in Mauritius

Tamarin Bay

Tamarin Bay is undoubtedly the most famous surf spot on the island. When the southwest swell comes up, conditions here are truly world-class. During those days, expect the lineup to be full, and keep in mind that the locals have priority at the take-off zone. It’s best to hang loose and wait your turn politely because the locals can become quite territorial with their waves. The wave itself is a lengthy roller with multiple sections where you can find yourself cruising along inside a barrel. When it hits low tide, be very careful as it gets extremely shallow near the shore and given that this is a reef break, it can become quite dangerous.

Black Rocks

This right-hand reef break can produce some excellent waves when conditions are favourable. The ride starts with a quick take-off on the shoulder before folding into a nice wall section as it wraps around the exposed reef. Black Rocks is a good surf spot for intermediate to advanced surfers as there are not many people around. You actually have to paddle out into the ocean for 10 minutes – which can be tiring for many people. However, those who make the effort are rewarded with some really clean surf. Surfing here during high tide with a decent NE swell will give you the best waves with the most pushing power. You’ll find this spot just offshore from the Taj Exotica resort.

longboarding in mauritius
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Ilôt Sancho

Located a canal away from the beach of Baie-de-Jacotet, Ilôt Sancho is one of the most consistent surf spots on the south coast. There are lefts and rights breaking over the reef bottom. Usually, it’s not too busy, so it’s a great option if you want a break from the bigger crowds. The reef break provides a long ride and is suitable for surfers of all abilities. Depending on the size of the waves, beginners with a qualified guide can surf here, too.

Macondé

For advanced surfers, Macondé is the perfect surf spot to spend hours catching barrels. Locals don’t usually come to this place, so visitors won’t have a problem catching waves here. However, getting to this surf spot will require a 15-minute paddle out of a giant river mouth, and there may have been some shark sightings in this area. So we suggest renting a boat that will take you to the surf break – it’s much safer and you can save all your energy for catching waves. Macondé has short, hollow left waves, perfect for barreling all day.

Darne

This surf spot sits just behind Île des Deux Cocos. It’s a truly beautiful and remote location with stunning scenery stretching as far as the eye can see. With northerly winds, barrels can form on occasion. South-easterly and easterly swells work best here – this usually happens in the summer, so even when you find yourself in Mauritius during these months, you’ll still have an option for surf. It does get rather shallow at low tide, so for the best waves, aim to catch them on a rising or high tide.

Potential Hazards

When visiting the local coastline, there are a few natural risks to be aware of. Strong currents and reefs with jagged edges can be hazardous for swimmers. The sea is also home to various shark species, so make sure to take the necessary precautions. Additionally, cyclones are most common between November and April each year. Taking proper safety measures and checking local weather forecasts will help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to the beach.

Catch Some Waves in Mauritius!

Whether you’re a novice surfer ready to learn or an expert chasing big waves, Mauritius offers an epic surfing experience in a tropical paradise setting. With stunning beaches, warm weather, and waves for all levels, this island nation is a premier surf destination that should be on every surfer’s bucket list.

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