Mauritius
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
19
Coastline
177 KM
Cost of living
Capital
Port Louis
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- Tamarin's flawless left
- Quality reefbreaks
- Exotic culture
- Beautiful scenery
Negatives
- Crowds
- Tamarin Bay inconsistency
- Lack of sheltered waves
- Expensive flights
Where to surf in Mauritius
Mauritius surf has focused on Tamarin Bay, a perfect, almond-eyed left that became a symbol of escapism in the heart of surfers thanks to the 1974 surf film, Forgotten Island of Santosha. The epic 8-10ft swell featured in the film, captured the attention of the surfing world, but it turned out to be inconsistent, leaving many travelling surfers disappointed.
Localism flared in the ‘90s, with incidents of violence from the now notorious White Shorts enforcers, but the aggression has thankfully calmed down. When it fires, Tamarin is a true slice of surfing paradise, plus there are a handful of quality reef passes on the exposed Morne Peninsula that are way more reliable and provide a great diversion on what is often referred to as the “Honeymoon Island”.
Mauritius shares a good few features with Réunion, being a bit more teardrop shaped, with a west side that is mainly NW-facing and therefore set up to work far better in the big S-SW swell convoys, which explains the consistency problems at Tamarin Bay. Consistency is never a problem on the lashed S coast, but the SE winter trades are, so summer NE winds are the Christmas present for this coast. Unlike Réunion, the west coast has an extensive coral reef formation with multiple passes and cuts in the platform. Unfortunately, the curse of the Mascarene east coasts is the permanent, pesky E trades that exceed 32kmh (20mph) for half the time in July and don’t drop by too much through Jan.
Rodrigues
The relaxed outer-island of Rodrigues, is a windswept kite-surfing Mecca and has essentially one surf spot. Passe Jimmy is only surfable on small WSW swells and high tide, when the longer high-performance left and the abrupt hollow right break over very shallow, healthy live coral, often ruffled by hard offshores.
The other Mauritian administered outer islands (Cargados Carajos Shoals, Agalega Islands and Tromelin) are all unsuitable places for a designated surf trip.
Surf spots in Mauritius
Research the 19 surf breaks in Mauritius and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 19 breaks in Mauritius.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Mauritius
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 1,399,000
- Population
- 1,271,768
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- MUR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 33.350 MUR MUR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +230
- Dialing out
- 020
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- Mauritian Creole, French, English.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cg
Visas
For most countries in the world a visa is not needed for stays of up to 90 days.
Getting There
Flying there is expensive; most flights come from European capitals (Paris and London), Reunion, Madagascar and South Africa. Air Mauritius charges for boards. Dep tax is $10. It’s 1h30min from Mahébourg (the capital) to Tamarin.
Getting Around
Tamarin is the northern limit of the surf zone and so you’ll need a rental car to roam the SW. A basic reef Cub (small open top “car”) is $28/d. Hiring a taxi costs around $30/half-day. Le Morne to both Passe lefts involves a boat ride, costing around $20/h. Local buses are usually packed.
Accommodation
Surf Camp Mauritius offer accommodation and car packages fr $300/w, plus lessons and boat transport. At Chez Jacques, doubles start at $50/night. A double in Tamarin Hotel starts at $145/night half board. Le Morne has several luxury resorts facing the surf (Le Paradis, Dinarobin, Indian Resort, Les Pavillons); all expensive. Package deals are your best bet. Street food is good and spicy with Creole, French and Indian flavours on offer from local restaurants ($15/meal) or overpriced fusion food from the resorts.
Activities
Unlike Reunion, Mauritius is hilly rather than mountainous, and only the Trou aux Cerfs crater testifies to the ancient volcanic activity. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. Port-Louis spice markets, Pamplemousse Gardens, and Moka Town are all worth a visit. Shellorama Museum next to Tamarin is interesting.
Hazards & hassles
Tamarin locals can be surly, but other spots are cool and usually uncrowded. Coral heads are a worry at low tide Tamarin. Most coral reefs are dangerous and involve long paddles from shore. The island is generally safe for tourists and unprovoked shark attacks are not an issue, despite proximity to Rèunion. Bull sharks are around the passes and like the murky water at Mont Choisy.
Handy Hints
There are good shapers in Tamarin, and having a locally made board can make you feel safer in the Tamarin line-up! Mauritius is a peaceful blend of Catholics, Protestants, Hindus and Muslims. The Indian population is large. Go with an open mind and see what the melting pot of exotic culture is like. If the surf is flat, there are many ocean options like diving, snorkelling the lagoons, kitesurfing, SUP etc. Phoenix, the local beer, is the best in the Indian Ocean.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
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