Reviewed · MAURITIUS

GOLDEN WAVE 3 – IGFA Captain Vic – Blue Marlin Fishing

★ 5.0 · 52 reviews Operated by Golden Wave - Captain Victor Pelletier · Bookable on Viator
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Mauritius is one of the world’s celebrated big-game fishing destinations, and this private charter puts you in the right place for a serious shot at blue marlin. Captain Victor Pelletier and his crew work the waters between Port Louis and Le Morne Brabant, where marlin, tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi are present throughout the year.

I like two things here: no fishing experience is needed, and the group gets a private boat rather than a seat on a shared excursion. The crew handles the tackle and bait, while you can focus on watching the lines and enjoying the open Indian Ocean. The main drawback is simple: a six-hour trip gives you a chance, not a promise, of landing a fish. Weather can also cancel the outing.

Key points to know before booking

  • Blue marlin is the main target: Mauritius has a reputation for exceptionally large marlin, including fish weighing more than 1,000 pounds.
  • Captain Vic leads the trip: Victor Pelletier and his crew provide the local experience, tackle, bait, and practical help needed for first-time anglers.
  • The boat leaves early: Meet at Le Morne Anglers’ Club at 6:00 am for the best use of your fishing time and a quieter start at sea.
  • You fish privately: The charter costs $872.36 for up to five people, so the value improves when you fill the boat.
  • Several species are possible: Blue and black marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado, and mahi mahi are among the targets.
  • Plan for the ocean, not a guaranteed catch: A 200-pound blue marlin has been landed on this boat, while other outings have released marlin after long fights.

Why Mauritius is serious marlin country

GOLDEN WAVE 3 - IGFA Captain Vic - Blue Marlin Fishing - Why Mauritius is serious marlin country

Mauritius sits in the Indian Ocean, far from the feel of a short harbor fishing trip. The waters around the island attract large predators throughout the year, giving this outing a clear purpose beyond simply putting a line over the side.

The main prize is the blue marlin. Mauritius has produced major fishing records, including the largest blue marlin caught on 80-pound test line. Fish weighing more than 1,000 pounds, often called granders, are caught here each year.

That does not mean you should expect to see a fish of that size. Big-game fishing is built around possibility. You may spend hours watching the spread of lures, then suddenly find yourself holding a rod attached to a powerful fish. That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it is also the central thing to understand before paying for a charter.

Captain Vic’s crew also targets black marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dorado. A successful day could mean a marlin, a tuna, several bites, or simply time spent seeing marine life from a well-run boat. The right mindset is to judge the trip by the quality of the boat, crew, equipment, and time on the water, not only by the final catch.

A few more Mauritius half-days to weigh up

A 6:00 am start at Grande Riviere Noire

Your meeting point is Le Morne Anglers’ Club on Colonel Dean Avenue in Grande Riviere Noire. The scheduled start is 6:00 am, and the boat returns to this same point after the trip.

That early hour matters. You have more fishing time before the six-hour outing ends, and one report from a previous trip noted that the early start meant fewer boats around. The morning can also make the experience feel more focused, with the crew setting lines and getting to the fishing grounds before the day becomes busier.

Pickup is offered, but confirm the arrangement when booking. The listed meeting point is still important, especially if you plan to make your own way to the marina. Public transportation is nearby, according to the tour details.

You should treat the start time seriously. This is not a late breakfast cruise that happens to include a fishing rod. Bring your breakfast if you need one, though bottled water and snacks are provided during the trip.

Getting the lines out with lures and fresh bait

GOLDEN WAVE 3 - IGFA Captain Vic - Blue Marlin Fishing - Getting the lines out with lures and fresh bait

Once the boat reaches the fishing area, the crew uses a mix of artificial lures and fresh bait. The main method is trolling at high speed, with several lures spread behind the boat. Small tuna may be used as live bait or dead bait, depending on the setup.

This approach gives the crew more than one way to attract fish. Artificial lures cover the water while the bait offers a natural option for predators. You do not need to know how to rig anything or choose the right lure. That work belongs to the captain and crew.

The experience is well suited to a first-time angler because the staff sets up the equipment and helps you respond when a fish strikes. At the same time, experienced anglers have enough serious targets and quality tackle to stay interested. One returning angler specifically praised the equipment and the condition of the Golden Wave 3.

You may spend stretches of time waiting. That is normal for offshore fishing. The crew’s job is to read the water, keep the spread working, and give you the best possible odds. It cannot make a marlin bite on command.

Golden Wave 3 and the private-boat advantage

This is a private activity for your group, with a maximum of five people. That makes a real difference. You are not sharing the fishing time with a large crowd, and the crew can focus on the people who booked the boat.

The Golden Wave 3 is described as spacious, comfortable, clean, and well maintained. It is part of the Golden Wave fleet, and returning customers have singled out this newer boat for its room and condition. Those details matter on an offshore trip, where six hours can feel long if the boat is cramped or poorly kept.

The boat and equipment received repeated praise, along with the crew’s willingness to work hard throughout the day. Captain Vic is supported by crew members including Jason, Gigi, Ludovic, and Didier on various outings. Their roles can include preparing tackle, watching for fish, and helping you when a fish takes the line.

Because the charter is private, it works especially well for a family, a group of friends, or a small party with mixed fishing experience. You can choose whether everyone fishes, takes turns, or simply enjoys the ride and scenery.

Same lagoon, a completely different day out:

What a marlin fight can really involve

A blue marlin is not a quick photo opportunity. One fish was fought for an hour before being released. That gives you a useful sense of the physical demands involved.

The crew will help you manage the equipment, but you still need to work with the rod and stay engaged. A large fish can test your strength and concentration. If you are new to fishing, listen closely to the crew and follow their instructions. Their role is not just to find fish but to help you handle the moment safely and effectively.

The outing is also suitable for people who want the excitement of big-game fishing without needing to arrive as experts. Several successful trips have included beginners and families. A nine-year-old was able to take part in another outing with this operator, though the fishing charter itself still involves an open-ocean setting and should be judged by your family’s comfort with boats and sea conditions.

Catch and release is part of the experience. Blue marlin have been released after being brought alongside the boat, and one outing produced two released blue marlin over two days. If keeping fish is your main goal, confirm the current practice and expectations before you book.

The other wildlife around the fishing grounds

The fishing is the focus, but the Indian Ocean may provide extra sightings. The crew has spotted whales, sperm whales, spinner dolphins, flying tuna, and other marine life during outings from the same boat operation.

Do not treat these sightings as part of the fishing guarantee. They are an added possibility, not a scheduled stop. Still, they can make a slow fishing period more rewarding, especially for companions who are less interested in handling tackle.

The crew has also been praised for giving whales and dolphins space and following local rules. That is worth noting if responsible wildlife conduct matters to you. The boat is used for both fishing and marine-life trips, so the crew’s ability to spot animals can add another layer to the morning.

Is $872.36 good value for five people?

The listed price is $872.36 per group of up to five people. That is a large single payment, but it can be reasonable when divided among a full group. At five people, the cost works out to about $174.47 per person before any separate transport arrangements.

The value rests on what is included. You have a private boat, a six-hour outing, an experienced captain and crew, fishing tackle, several lures, fresh bait, bottled water, and snacks. You are also paying for access to a specialized activity in one of Mauritius’s best-known big-game fishing areas.

The calculation changes if only one or two people are going. A pair would pay the full group rate between them, making this a premium experience. For dedicated anglers, that may still be worthwhile because the charter is built around marlin rather than casual reef fishing. For people who simply want a pleasant boat ride, a less specialized excursion could offer better value.

I would book this for a group that sees the fishing itself as a major holiday experience. I would think twice if your only acceptable outcome is catching a marlin. Even an excellent captain cannot control weather, sea conditions, or fish behavior.

Weather, timing, and practical comfort

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is helpful, but you should still keep some flexibility in your Mauritius schedule rather than placing this outing on your final morning.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 6:00 am start. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, so watch the local cut-off time carefully.

Bottled water and snacks are supplied, but you may want to bring any additional food you need for an early and active morning. The tour information does not give a full clothing or equipment list, so ask the operator what to bring before departure.

The boat is described as comfortable and spacious, but this remains an offshore fishing trip. Sea conditions can affect how pleasant the ride feels. If you are prone to motion sickness, ask about suitable preparation before you go.

Who should book Golden Wave 3?

I would recommend this charter to:

  • A small group that wants a private fishing boat
  • First-time anglers who want crew support
  • Experienced fishers targeting marlin and tuna
  • Families with an interest in a serious ocean activity
  • Anyone who values a well-maintained boat and a hands-on crew
  • Visitors staying near Mauritius’s west coast

I would be more cautious if you want a guaranteed catch, dislike early starts, or prefer a short, gentle cruise close to shore. The six-hour format is a commitment, and the main event may involve waiting between bites.

For the strongest chance of a memorable marlin day, consider asking about a longer charter. One angler who fished four days recommended at least eight hours, and another successful blue marlin trip lasted eight hours. The advertised experience is about six hours, so confirm whether a longer option is available and what it costs.

Should you book this Mauritius fishing charter?

Book Golden Wave 3 if you want a private, serious attempt at blue marlin with Captain Vic and a crew that handles the technical side of the fishing. The combination of a west-coast location, good equipment, fresh bait, and a small group makes the package attractive for both beginners and experienced anglers.

Just keep your expectations honest. You are buying time in promising marlin waters, not a guaranteed trophy. If you can accept that, and you have a group of up to five to share the cost, this is one of the more focused and memorable ways to spend a morning off Mauritius.

FAQ

Where does the blue marlin fishing trip start?

The trip starts at Le Morne Anglers’ Club on Colonel Dean Avenue in Grande Riviere Noire, Mauritius.

What time does the fishing trip begin?

The scheduled start time is 6:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The fishing trip lasts approximately six hours and returns to the original meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price covers one private group of up to five people.

Do I need previous fishing experience?

No. The tour is suitable for beginners, and the captain and crew provide guidance and handle the fishing setup.

Which fish might I catch?

The main targets include blue marlin, black marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dorado or mahi mahi.

What is included during the trip?

Several lures, fresh bait, bottled water, and snacks are included. Pickup is also offered.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.

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