It is a beautiful family destination with some great waves, but going surfing in Mauritius takes a whole different approach to get your fair share of waves.
There is a crew of surfers in Mauritius that don't let you surf if you're not a local. They are heavy-handed and brutal, and the authorities look the other way. It's well-known, and no one does a thing about it, so the best way to have fun with your family and still get a few waves on the island is to avoid any conflict. There are many waves on the island, and although the hotspot is Tamarin, there are enough waves for everyone to get their fair share.
The water is warm, and the winds blow predominantly from the south-east – the trades – so the whole west coast is a good zone for surfing, as well as kiteboarding.
To find the best waves on most swells, you need to be On The Peninsula, down in Le Morne. There are several options down there, from the barreling fun of One Eyes to the extended paddling mission of L'Ambulant, to some fun little double-ups that need a little bit less wind. If you're into it, and you know what you're looking for, some big right-handers work before the wind comes up, and there is a great beginner wave that you can see directly from the One Eyes car park.
It can still get a little tense at One Eyes, so it is suggested to you don't surf there on the weekends if it is looking excellent, and rather go and surf a little further down that long, winding reef.
When the wind puffs from the north, then you must head Down South as there is a veritable wonderland of options at the bottom of the island. There are, in fact, the best options on the whole island down south, but it is totally ripped apart by the trade winds for most of the season.
Most of the south end waves are based around a geographic anomaly called Mushroom Rock, with a few reefs and point-type waves in the vicinity, but the best waves are elsewhere, somewhere between Le Morne and Maconde, and you do need a boat to get to the best of them.
The best thing about the waves in the south is that they do not get frequented by the bullies who hang out at Tamarin. (drone footage)
When you're looking for quality waves on giant swells, then you need to think about Skirting the Upper Regions, as there are a bunch of secret and semi-secret waves around the Balaclava Bay area. They are rare, and they do need very specific swells and tides, but if you find them and give it a go you will find that the surfers are friendly and embracing of visitors, and the waves are so uncrowded that you will be stoked to be surfing with anyone. The waves further up the west coast are not as perfect as the waves around Tamarin and Le Morne, but they make up for it in wave count and having so much fun as opposed to having to watch your back every step of the way.
The zen of surfing in Mauritius is that you don't usually go there for a pure surf trip. There are better places to go to with guaranteed waves. If you do go to Mauritius for any reason, then just bring your board along, only in case. You never know what you might discover right in front of you.
Here's a couple places near Le Morne that stand out to live the Mauritius life
Kozy Le Morne / LUX* Le Morne Resort / Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa / Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa / Villa Cambier by StayMauritius / The St Regis Mauritius Resort / Happy Days Guest House /