Surfing in Mauritius: season, best spots, schools and prices

Mauritius has long been considered one of the best surfing destinations in the Indian Ocean. The island attracts surfers with its warm climate, comfortable water temperature and variety of waves, which make it possible to surf here almost all year round. There are calm lagoons for first lessons as well as famous reef spots known far beyond the island.

Surfing in Mauritius is chosen not only by professional athletes. Many people come here to stand on a board for the first time, combining lessons with a beach holiday, excursions and a stay at comfortable resorts.

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Is it worth going to Mauritius for surfing

If the main purpose of your trip is surfing, Mauritius will be an excellent choice. Professional schools operate on the island, there are spots for almost every skill level, and the water temperature rarely drops below +24 to +26 °C even in winter.

Another advantage is the opportunity to combine surfing with a holiday. When conditions on one part of the coast are not suitable for riding, you can go on an excursion, go snorkelling, visit national parks or simply spend the day on one of the island's most beautiful beaches.

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When to go to Mauritius for surfing

The period from June to November is considered the best for surfing in Mauritius. During these months, conditions are usually the most stable and the waves are of good quality, so this is the season recommended by many local surf schools. If you already have experience and want to get the most from your trip, it is better to plan your holiday for this period.

Surfing in Mauritius is also possible from December to May, but conditions become more changeable. The ocean is often calmer than during the high surf season, making this period more suitable for first lessons with an instructor and learning.

At the same time, heavy rainfall is possible on the island from December to April. This does not mean that the weather will be bad every day, but before travelling it is worth checking the weather forecast and ocean conditions.

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Is Mauritius suitable for beginner surfers

Despite the island's reputation as a place with powerful reef waves, Mauritius is also well suited to beginners. First lessons take place not at difficult ocean spots, but in protected lagoons with calmer water. This is where instructors teach the basics of technique, safety and correct behaviour in the ocean.

As students gain experience, they gradually move on to more difficult waves. This approach makes it possible to learn surfing safely and enjoy the first successful rides.

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Where to surf in Mauritius

Despite the island's relatively small size, Mauritius offers spots for different skill levels. There are calm places for first lessons as well as famous waves that attract experienced surfers from around the world. Most popular spots are located on the south-west coast, where surfing conditions are considered the most stable. However, there are also places to surf in other parts of the island.

Le Morne

Le Morne is one of the island's best-known surfing locations. The legendary Manawa and One Eye spots are located here, and surf schools and equipment hire are also available. Thanks to the protected lagoon and several waves of different difficulty levels, this area is suitable both for learning and for confident surfing. Most international kitesurfing competitions take place here, and surfing conditions are considered among the best on the island.

Another advantage of Le Morne is its developed infrastructure. Premium resorts and restaurants are located nearby, so many travellers choose this area for the most comfortable holiday possible.

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Tamarin Bay

Tamarin Bay on the west coast is another popular spot in Mauritius. It became famous in 1974 after the film "The Forgotten Island of Santosha", which made the local left-hand wave well known.

Tamarin Bay Surf School operates directly on the coast. When the waves are small, the bay is suitable for first lessons: instructors teach basic skills, explain safety rules and help students make their first attempts to stand on a board. As the level of preparation improves, lessons can also take place in more difficult conditions.

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Other surf spots in Mauritius

Besides the famous locations mentioned above, the island has several other places where you can catch good waves. They include:

• Black Rocks - for intermediate and experienced surfers looking for fast and powerful waves;
• Maconde - a versatile spot for surfers of all skill levels;
• Ti Reef - a good place for beginners;
• Ilot Sancho - for intermediate surfers.

Tip: if you are coming to Mauritius for surfing for the first time, it is better to start with popular spots where instructors work, equipment hire is available and you can get current information about ocean conditions.

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Where to stay in Mauritius for surfing

The choice of where to stay largely depends on where you plan to surf. Most popular surf spots are located in the south-west of the island, so both beginners and experienced surfers prefer to stay in this area.

La Gaulette

The small village of La Gaulette is only a few minutes' drive from Le Morne and is considered one of the most popular places to stay among surfers and kitesurfers. The area's advantages include a good combination of price and location. There is a wide choice of apartments, guesthouses and small villas, while the drive to popular spots takes about 5 to 10 minutes by car.

La Gaulette also has shops, cafés, restaurants, equipment hire points and tourist services. Thanks to its developed infrastructure, the area is convenient for both short holidays and longer stays.

Le Morne

The Le Morne area is located next to the island's best-known spots, so you can reach the surfing area in just a few minutes. Luxury resorts predominate here. Some of them cooperate with surf and kite schools, arrange lessons, offer equipment hire and provide transfers to surfing locations.

Accommodation in Le Morne usually costs more than in La Gaulette, but it allows you to spend a minimum amount of time travelling and stay within walking distance of the best waves.

Are there surf camps in Mauritius

Unlike Bali or Sri Lanka, Mauritius does not have many traditional surf camps with accommodation, group training and a full programme for an entire week.

Local schools more often offer surf packages that include lessons, instructor support, equipment hire and, if necessary, help with accommodation. This format makes it possible to choose a programme according to your skill level and the length of your holiday.

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Best hotels for surfers in Mauritius

Mauritius does not have resorts with exclusive access to waves, as on some islands in the Maldives. However, some hotels are located close to the island's main surf spots or cooperate with surf schools. They include:

• LUX* Le Morne Resort - this 5-star resort at the foot of Le Morne mountain is suitable for those who want to combine an active holiday with a high level of comfort. It offers a wide range of water activities, including windsurfing.
• The St. Regis Le Morne Resort - a 5-star resort consisting only of suites and served by butlers provides a premium holiday close to the best waves. The hotel is near the main surf spots and cooperates with ION Club Le Morne, allowing guests to arrange surfing lessons easily during their stay.
• Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort - this luxury hotel shares facilities with the nearby Dinarobin Beachcomber. It offers a rich choice of facilities and services, including windsurfing lessons.
• Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius - an adults-only all-inclusive hotel. It cooperates with ION Club, making it easy to combine a high-class holiday with water sports.
• Surf House Villa d'Or - a budget choice for independent surfers in La Gaulette. The guesthouse consists of 5 apartments equipped with kitchens and balconies overlooking the sea.

Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort

Surf schools in Mauritius

Several professional surf schools operate in Mauritius. They offer lessons for beginners, progressing surfers and experienced surfers, and programmes usually include instruction, practical sessions and hire of the necessary equipment. The best known include ION Club Le Morne, Tamarin Bay Surf School and Lokal Surf Mauritius.

Instructors select the place and time of lessons according to the students' level, the wave forecast, wind and tides. For beginners, schools choose areas with the calmest conditions and gradually increase the difficulty as technique improves.

Most schools offer lessons in English and French, and some instructors also teach in other European languages. When choosing a school, it is worth paying attention to the maximum number of students in a group and the instructors' experience.

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How much surfing costs in Mauritius

The cost of surfing in Mauritius depends considerably on the chosen school, lesson format and course duration. Most schools offer both single lessons and packages of several sessions, which usually cost less per lesson.

In general, you can use the following prices as a guide:

• group lesson, 1.5 to 2 hours, from 40 euros per person;
• private lesson with a coach, 1 hour, from 80 euros;
• package of 5 lessons from 200 euros;
• full-day board hire from 28 euros.

At many schools, the lesson price already includes a board, leash and necessary protective equipment. If you plan to practise for several days in a row, it is more cost-effective to choose a package programme. Besides saving money, it allows you to develop new skills gradually under the guidance of one instructor and follow a consistent training programme.

When surfing independently, keep in mind that equipment hire is usually paid separately. The cost depends on the type of board and the rental period: the longer the period, the lower the price per day.

Before booking, it is recommended to clarify what is included in the lesson price. Different schools may have different lesson durations, maximum group sizes, included equipment and additional services such as photo or video shooting, transfers or guidance at remote spots. If a boat transfer is required for the chosen spot, it is worth checking in advance whether it is included in the lesson price or paid separately.

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What you need to know before travelling

Even if you already have surfing experience, it is worth considering several features of the island before travelling to Mauritius. They will help you choose a suitable spot, avoid common mistakes and make surfing safer.

Reef bottom

The main feature of surfing in Mauritius is that most famous spots are located over coral reefs rather than a sandy bottom. This requires more experience and caution. Even at the same spot, conditions can change considerably depending on the season, tide, wind and wave height. Therefore, before every session it is worth checking recommendations with local instructors or reviewing the forecast.

If you have never surfed over reefs before, it is better not to go out to difficult spots on your own. The best option is to take several lessons with a local instructor who will choose a place according to your skill level.

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Pros and cons of surfing in Mauritius

To sum up, Mauritius will not suit every surfer. Before travelling, it is worth considering both the island's advantages and its particular features.

Pros:

• warm ocean all year round;
• famous world-class surf spots;
• schools for beginners and experienced surfers;
• the opportunity to combine surfing with excursions and a beach holiday;
• a high level of tourist infrastructure.

Cons:

• most famous waves are located over coral reefs;
• some spots are suitable only for experienced surfers;
• conditions can change quickly during cyclone season;
• some spots may require a boat transfer.

Nevertheless, with the right choice of season and spot, the island will offer excellent surfing conditions regardless of your skill level.

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