Good news for tourists: No individual license is required to fish in MauritiusWhether on board a charter flight or from the shore, it's one of the few destinations where the activity is so accessible to visitors.

However, some important rules apply:

• On a fishing charter: The sport fishing license is normally included in the price of the trip. Check this when booking.
• From the edge: No permit is required for angling. However, as Mauritian regulations may change and some areas are subject to specific rules, it is advisable to check with the local operator or the Ministry of Fisheries before your trip.
• Protected areas: All fishing is prohibited in marine protected areas, including the Blue Bay Marine Park (353 hectares) and Voluntary Marine Conservation Areas (VMCs) such as Roches Noires and Anse La Raie. Fines of up to 100,000 Mauritian rupees are imposed for violations.
• Protected species: Sea turtles, shells and marine molluscs are strictly protected by Mauritian law.

For any official questions, you can contact the Fisheries Division from the Ministry of Agriculture of Mauritius via the website govmu.org.

For tourists, this activity is practiced exclusively on board a private charter with skipperThis is the safest and most efficient way to enjoy deep-sea fishing, as the skipper has in-depth knowledge of the fishing grounds and local regulations. You can also book a fishing activity directly online.

What's included in a charter trip

Most charter companies offer an all-inclusive package that includes: use of the boat, fishing equipment (rods, reels, lures, bait), a sport fishing license, a first mate, and often soft drinks. Some providers also include snacks or lunch.

Note regarding the sockets

In Mauritius, it is customary that Fish caught during a charter trip remain the property of the boat owner.However, it is possible to negotiate with the captain to keep some pieces for dinner, or to buy them back. Some operators also offer a taxidermy service for exceptional trophies.

Indicative prices

Prices vary depending on the size of the boat, the duration, and the service provider. For your information:

• Half-day (4 hours): approximately €150 to €250 per boat (private)
• Full day (8 hours): approximately €250 to €500 per boat, or even more for larger boats or high-end services.
• Some luxury providers (boats from 42 to 55 feet) charge between €800 and €1,800 per day

These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the season and service provider. Always check the full quote at the time of booking.

See available deep-sea fishing trips →

See also our A complete guide to sport fishing in Mauritius

It is perfectly possible to fish from the beaches, rocks, or breakwaters of Mauritius without a permit or charter. In fact, you regularly see local fishermen set up by the water with their lines.

However, here are a few practical points to keep in mind:

• The lagoon is protected by the reef: The waters inside the lagoon are shallow and mainly home to smaller coastal species (trevally, mullet, groupers, red mullet). For larger species, you need to position yourself outside or near the passes in the reef. If you also wish to explore the lagoon's seabed, discover our Complete guide to snorkeling in Mauritius.
• Fishing equipment is not easy to find: Specialty shops are scarce for tourists. If you wish to fish from the bank, it is recommended that you bring your own equipment or inquire at your accommodation about possible rentals.
• Respect for designated areas: Do not fish in marine protected areas or near marked swimming areas.

Fish that can be caught from the shore include, in particular, jacks (including the formidable giant trevally or GT), barracudas, groupers, mullets and some emperors.

On the high seas (big game fishing)

• Blue Marlin: the emblematic species of Mauritius. The island is among the world's destinations where record catches have been made — the exact figures should be checked directly on the IGFA website (igfa.orgPresent all year round, but the high season is from November to April.
• Black Marlin: rarer, mainly fished from November to April as well.
• Yellowfin tuna: present all year round, particularly abundant from March to May.
• Dogtooth tuna: formidable fighter, present all year round with a preference for the period November-March.
• Wahoo: very fast-growing, abundant from November to March.
• Dolphinfish (mahi-mahi): spectacular battles, especially from March to May.
• Mako shark: species present in Mauritian waters.
• Sailboat (sailfish): rarer, requires a specific technique.

In coastal fishing and from the shore

• Bighead trevally (giant trevally / GT)
• Barracuda
• Grouper
• Mule
• Emperor fish
• Red mullet

Fishing in Mauritius is feasible all year roundHowever, conditions and species vary depending on the month:

• November to April (southern summer): High season for big game fishing. This is the ideal time for blue marlin, black marlin, wahoo, and dogtooth tuna. Weather conditions can sometimes be disrupted by cyclones (January to March), but fishing trips are generally still possible. Consider check the weather in Mauritius before each outing.
• March-May: Excellent time for yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi.
• December to March: absolute peak for blue marlin.
• May to October (southern winter): Sea conditions are generally calmer. Black marlin are more common. Fishing remains productive but with fewer pelagic species at the surface.
• August-September: Increased presence of the mako shark.

Black River / Le Morne (west coast)

It is the number one spot in Mauritius for big game fishingThe seabed drops rapidly to 2,000 meters close to shore, making it easy to spot large pelagic species. Many charter boats depart from the Le Morne Angler's Club, an essential reference for sport fishermen, or the Balise Marina in Rivière Noire. It is there that some record catches have been made.

Grand Baie (north coast)

A very touristy area with a high concentration of service providers. Easy access, good port services, suitable for beginners. Departures from Sunset Boulevard Jetty or the various yacht clubs in the bay.

Trou aux Biches / Pointe aux Canonniers (north coast)

Located near ocean drop-offs, these areas offer good access to pelagic species in a less crowded setting than Grand Baie.

Trou d'Eau Douce (east coast)

This area is renowned for fishing, particularly for bottom-dwelling fish. The waters are sometimes rougher, especially outside of December and January.

The Sudan Bank

A destination for highly experienced anglers. This remote area, accessible only via multi-day expeditions organized by select charter companies, is known for exceptional catches. The journey there requires many hours of sailing.

Comparative table of spots

• The trolling: The most common technique for big game fishing. The boat moves slowly while dragging lines with lures or live bait at different depths.
• Jigging: A technique using sinking metal lures, effective for tuna and trevally on plateaus of 80 to 120 meters. Physically demanding.
• Popping: Surface fishing with topwater lures is particularly spectacular for bighead trevally.
• Bottom fishing: used for coastal species such as groupers, snappers and rays.
• The cast and retrieve (spinning): lure fishing technique practiced from the shore or from a coastal boat, for jacks and barracudas.

Several practices are strictly prohibited in Mauritius and can lead to heavy fines or even criminal prosecution:

• Spearfishing: Strictly prohibited by Mauritian law. Do not import a crossbow, which is considered a weapon in Mauritius. For more information on permitted underwater activities, consult the regulations for diving in Mauritius.
• All fishing in marine protected areas: Blue Bay Marine Park, Île aux Aigrettes, AMCV zones and other marine reserves.
• The capture of protected species: sea turtles, molluscs, shellfish, and any species listed by law.
• Explosive fishing: forbidden.
• The sale of the fish caught: Recreational fishing is exclusively for personal consumption.

Several options are available to you for booking:

• Via your hotel: Most hotels have a concierge service that can arrange a deep-sea fishing trip. It's convenient but sometimes more expensive.
• Directly from the clubs and charters: The main clubs are located in Rivière Noire/Le Morne (Le Morne Angler's Club, JPH Charters, Pelagic Paradise, Fishing Master…) and in Grand Baie (Tempo Fishing Club, Club 1034, Horizon Maurice…).
• Via online booking platforms: you can book a fishing trip in Mauritius via our dedicated page, or sites like GetYourGuide which offer excursions verified and rated by other travelers, with free cancellation in most cases.

See available fishing excursions in Mauritius on GetYourGuide →

Advice : Book in advance, especially between November and April (high season). Boats fill up quickly during this period.

Here are the most frequently asked questions by tourists wishing to fish in Mauritius.

Do you need a fishing license in Mauritius?

No, no individual license is required for tourists, whether on a charter boat or fishing from the shore. On a charter, the sport fishing license is usually included in the price of the trip—check this when booking. As regulations can change, it is always recommended to check with a local operator or the Fisheries Division before your trip.

Can you keep your catch after a charter flight?

In Mauritius, it is customary for fish caught during a charter trip to remain with the boat owner. However, it is possible to negotiate with the captain to keep some fish or buy them back. Some operators even offer a preparation or taxidermy service for exceptional trophies. Check directly with your service provider before the trip to avoid any disappointment.

What is the best time to fish in Mauritius?

The peak season for big game fishing extends from November to Aprilwith a peak between December and March for blue marlin. Yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi are particularly abundant from March to May. Fishing remains possible year-round, but large pelagic species are more prevalent near the surface during the austral summer. Remember to check the weather before planning your outing.

Is it possible to fish from the beach in Mauritius?

Yes, fishing from the shore (beach, rocks, breakwaters) is possible without a permit for tourists. However, it is necessary to respect prohibited areas — particularly marine protected areas such as the Blue Bay Park — and do not fish in the marked swimming areas. The lagoon mainly offers coastal species (trevally, groupers, barracudas). For better catches, the areas near the passes in the reef are more productive.

Where can I find fishing equipment in Mauritius?

Fishing tackle shops catering to tourists are few and far between in Mauritius. It is therefore strongly advised to bring your own equipment from your home country if you wish to fish independently from the shore. If you are chartering a boat, all the necessary equipment will be provided on board. Locally, a few hardware stores and large supermarkets (particularly in Port Louis and Curepipe) offer basic tackle, but the selection is limited compared to what you would find in France or Europe.