GOLDEN WAVE 3 – IGFA Captain Vic – Blue Marlin Fishing

The main attraction here is the chance to hook a blue marlin in Mauritius, a place known for serious big-game fishing and occasional fish weighing more than 1,000 pounds. Captain Victor Pelletier and his crew run Golden Wave 3 from the west coast, where the boat heads offshore between Port Louis and Le Morne Brabant.

I like two things right away: the charter is private for up to five people, and beginners can take part without bringing fishing skills or equipment. The crew works with artificial lures, fresh bait, and small tuna used as live or dead bait, giving you several ways to attract fish. The catch is never guaranteed, and six hours can feel short if you want a real shot at a grander marlin.

Key points at a glance

• Early 6:00 am departure: You get on the water before the day becomes crowded and have the best part of the morning ahead.
• Blue marlin is the main target: Tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, dorado, and black marlin may also take the bait.
• Private boat for up to five: Your group gets the boat and crew without sharing the trip with strangers.
• Good for first-time anglers: Captain Vic and the crew handle the tackle, bait, setup, and fishing strategy.
• Golden Wave 3 is spacious and maintained: The boat is described as comfortable, clean, and well equipped for a full morning offshore.
• Wildlife can add to the day: Dolphins and whales have been seen on outings, though this is a fishing charter, not a wildlife tour.

Why Mauritius is a serious marlin destination

Mauritius sits in the Indian Ocean, where deep offshore water brings large pelagic fish close enough for dedicated sport-fishing trips. Blue marlin, black marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi, and dorado are present throughout the year, although the number of fish you see on any given morning depends on weather, sea conditions, and luck.

The island has a strong big-game fishing reputation. Mauritius holds several fishing records, including the largest blue marlin caught on 80-pound test line. The possibility of a fish over 1,000 pounds gives this trip its high-stakes appeal, but it is important to keep expectations sensible. You may spend hours watching the lines without a strike.

That uncertainty is part of the sport. This is not a sightseeing cruise with a guaranteed catch. You are going offshore to search for powerful, fast-moving fish, and the best day may mean one hard fight rather than a boat full of smaller fish.

Meeting Captain Vic at Le Morne Anglers’ Club

The trip begins at Le Morne Anglers’ Club on Colonel Dean Avenue in Grande Riviere Noire. The scheduled departure is 6:00 am, so plan to arrive ready for an early start. Pickup is offered, and the meeting point is near public transportation, though you should confirm the pickup details when booking.

The early hour makes practical sense. It gives the crew a full morning to reach productive water, set the lines, and work the fishing grounds before the strongest heat of the day. An early launch can also mean fewer boats around you, which matters when the goal is to cover open water rather than sit in a busy harbor.

Captain Victor Pelletier is the central figure on board, supported by a working crew that prepares the equipment and helps you manage a fish once it strikes. This is useful for beginners. You do not need to know how to rig a lure, set a drag, or handle a large fish before you arrive.

What happens during the six-hour charter

After leaving the club, Golden Wave 3 heads toward the productive waters off Mauritius’ west coast. The exact route is not fixed because the captain adjusts the plan according to conditions, fish activity, and the best information available on the day.

The principal method is high-speed trolling with artificial lures. Several lure types may be put out at once, creating a spread behind the boat. The crew also uses fresh bait, including small tuna as live bait or dead bait. That mix gives the captain more than one way to tempt a marlin or other predator.

You can expect periods of movement, waiting, and sudden action. A marlin strike can turn a quiet stretch into a serious physical contest in seconds. The crew will help you get into position and work with the rod, but you should still be ready for a demanding fight if a large fish takes the line.

Six hours is enough for a proper half-day fishing session, but it is not an extended expedition. One useful tip comes directly from the experience of repeat customers: if catching marlin is your main purpose, consider asking about an eight-hour option before booking. A longer charter gives the captain more time to reach productive areas and gives you more chances at a strike.

Golden Wave 3, comfort, and equipment

Golden Wave 3 is described as spacious, clean, modern, and well maintained. Those details matter more than they might on a short harbor cruise. You could spend much of the morning standing, moving around the deck, or waiting for a fish, so a cramped or poorly kept boat would quickly become tiring.

The fishing equipment is reported to be good quality, and the crew supplies the lures and fresh bait. You do not need to arrive with a rod, tackle box, or special fishing setup. The crew’s preparation is especially helpful when several people in the group have never fished offshore.

The charter includes bottled water and snacks. That is a welcome touch, but you should still think of this as a physical morning at sea. Wear practical clothing, protect yourself from the sun, and bring any personal medication you may need. The supplied information does not specify meals, so do not assume a full breakfast or lunch is included.

The private format is another advantage. Up to five people can share the boat, making the $872.36 group price easier to assess. For five people, the cost works out to about $174 per person. For two people, it is about $436 per person, so the value improves sharply when you fill most of the places.

The fish you may encounter

Blue marlin is the star of the outing. These powerful fish are the reason experienced anglers return to Mauritius, and the possibility of a 200-pound catch or even a much larger fish gives the day its memorable edge. A marlin may also be released after a long fight, which is both exciting and better for the fish than bringing every catch aboard.

Black marlin is another target, along with yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi, and dorado. Tuna can provide the kind of action many groups hope for, while mahi mahi and dorado add color and variety to the day. Sailfish has also been caught on this boat, showing that the fishing can extend beyond the main target list.

The crew’s approach is active rather than passive. They use several lures and fresh bait to improve your odds, but no method can control the ocean. If your group needs a guaranteed catch, this is the wrong activity. If you enjoy the tension of watching the lines and waiting for a sudden run, it is a strong fit.

Wildlife sightings are a welcome extra

Although the purpose is fishing, the west coast waters can bring unexpected wildlife encounters. Dolphins, whales, and flying tuna have been spotted from the boat, and some outings have included sperm whales and spinner dolphins.

The crew is also described as respectful around whales and dolphins. That matters in Mauritius, where a boat operator’s conduct can shape the quality of a wildlife encounter. Still, you should not book this charter solely for whale watching. Wildlife sightings are an extra, not a promised part of the six-hour fishing plan.

This distinction is useful when planning a family outing. A child or nonangler may enjoy the open-water setting and the chance to see marine life, but the boat will spend much of its time focused on fishing. If everyone in your group wants a dedicated dolphin or whale experience, choose a purpose-built wildlife trip instead.

What the day feels like for beginners

You do not need prior experience. Captain Vic and the crew take care of the technical work, then guide you when it is time to handle the rod. That makes the charter approachable for a first fishing trip, particularly if you want the excitement of big-game fishing without learning all the equipment beforehand.

A beginner should understand that help does not make the fish effortless. A large marlin can fight for a long time, and even a tuna can test your strength. The most enjoyable approach is to listen closely, let the crew set the pace, and accept that the crew may need to take over part of the process for safety and fish welfare.

Families can participate, and the activity information says most people can take part. It is still wise to consider your group’s comfort on a boat and at sea. The supplied details do not give a minimum age, medical guidance, or specific accessibility information, so ask the operator about those points if they affect your booking.

The strongest part of the experience: crew and care

Captain Vic’s friendly manner and the crew’s willingness to keep working are central to the appeal. They prepare the gear, watch the water, adjust the fishing approach, and help you through the moments that matter.

That support is particularly valuable after a strike. Big-game fishing can look simple from shore, but managing a powerful fish requires timing and coordination. The crew’s role is not just to drive the boat. They help turn a difficult situation into one you can enjoy.

The boat’s condition also receives consistent praise. Golden Wave 3 is spacious and comfortable, which makes a difference during a long fight or a quiet period between bites. Clean equipment and a well-kept boat build confidence before the first line even goes out.

Price, group size, and what you receive

The listed price is $872.36 per private group of up to five people. That includes the boat, captain, crew, fishing equipment, lures, fresh bait, bottled water, and snacks. Pickup is offered, and the trip returns to the same meeting point.

I see the price as reasonable for a private offshore charter when five people share it. You are not paying per seat on a crowded boat, and you get a focused crew working for your group. For a couple, the cost is much higher per person, so the value depends on how strongly you want a private marlin-fishing experience.

The charter is also listed with a 4.9 rating from 52 reviews and a 98 percent recommendation rate. The most praised points are the crew’s effort, the boat’s condition, the quality of the equipment, and successful marlin catches and releases. Those are meaningful strengths, but they should not be mistaken for a promise that your group will catch a fish.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

Fishing offshore depends on safe sea conditions. If poor weather causes the trip to be canceled, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the 6:00 am start time.

Late changes and cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so do not leave this charter until the last minute if your Mauritius schedule is tight. It is booked, on average, about 45 days in advance.

The trip lasts about six hours and ends back at Le Morne Anglers’ Club. Build the rest of your day around that return rather than scheduling another fixed activity immediately afterward. Offshore conditions can affect the pace, and you will probably want some quiet time after an early morning on the water.

Should you book Golden Wave 3?

Book this charter if blue marlin is high on your Mauritius wish list, you want a private boat, and you are comfortable with an uncertain catch. It is a particularly good match for a small group of friends, a family with older children, or first-time anglers who want an experienced crew to handle the technical work.

I would book it for five people to make the price work best, and I would ask about an eight-hour trip if marlin is the main goal. I would choose another activity if you want guaranteed wildlife sightings, a relaxed cruise, or a simple meal-on-the-water outing.

Golden Wave 3 offers the real thing: an early launch, serious tackle, fresh bait, open Indian Ocean water, and a genuine chance at a powerful fish. The ocean makes no promises, but Captain Vic and his crew give you a capable setup and a fair shot at a memorable day.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip start?

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

What time does the boat leave?

The scheduled start time is 6:00 am.

How long does the fishing experience last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours and returns to the meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

The private activity is for one group of up to five people.

Do I need previous fishing experience?

No. Prior fishing experience is not required, and the captain and crew assist with the fishing equipment and process.

What fish might I catch?

The main targets are blue marlin, black marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dorado. Mahi mahi and other species may also be caught.

Are food and drinks included?

Bottled water and snacks are included. The supplied information does not specify a full meal.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the trip is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.