Humans were not designed to fly. If we were, we would have wings instead of anxiety. But for some reason, we love the idea of strapping ourselves to a stranger and hurling our bodies out of a moving aircraft at 10,000 feet. If that sounds like your idea of a mari top (super good) Tuesday, then skydiving in Mauritius is exactly what you need.
While most people come here to kas poz (chill/relax) on the sand, you are clearly looking for something that will make your heart beat faster than a Sega drum. Whether you are ticking off a bucket list item or just enjoy terrifying yourself for fun, the drop zone over the northeast coast offers some of the most spectacular views on the planet. Just imagine seeing the turquoise lagoons and endless sugar cane fields rushing towards you at 200 kilometers per hour.
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Why Choose Mauritius for Your Jump?
You can skydive in many places around the world. You could jump over a brown field in the middle of nowhere or over a grey city skyline. But here in Mauritius, the visual experience is half the thrill. The island is surrounded by a coral reef that creates a stunning contrast between the deep blue ocean and the crystal clear lagoon. From 10,000 feet up, you get a bird’s eye view of this natural wonder that usually only drones and astronauts get to see.
It is not just about the adrenaline. It is about the scenery. The north and northeast coasts are particularly beautiful with their scattered islands like Coin de Mire and the lush greenery of the inland areas. When you combine the terror of falling with the beauty of the landscape, you get an experience that is hard to beat.
Where Does The Madness Happen?
The magic happens at the Skydive Mauritius airstrip located in Riviere du Rempart. This is near the Mon Loisir Sugar Estate on the northeast side of the island. It is quite a specific spot so you need to plan your transport ahead of time.
It is a bit of a drive if you are staying in the south or the west but trust me the journey is part of the experience. You will drive through small villages and endless fields of green cane. The airstrip itself is situated right in the middle of these fields which adds to the rustic charm of the adventure.
The Preparation: Getting Your Head Right
Your preparation starts long before you get to the airstrip. It actually starts when you book. You should book your slot for the beginning of your trip. I cannot stress this enough. If you book it for your last day and it rains then you go home with a heavy heart and zero adrenaline. Check our 7-day Mauritius itinerary to see how to fit it in early.
On the day of the jump you want to eat something light. Do not go for a heavy oily breakfast or a massive bowl of spicy curry. Your stomach will be doing flips later so keep it happy for now. Wear comfortable clothes like shorts and a t-shirt. Avoid skirts or dresses for obvious reasons unless you want to flash the entire district of Riviere du Rempart. You must wear closed shoes like sneakers. Sandals or flip flops will fly off your feet and become dangerous projectiles for the people on the ground.
Arrival and The Paperwork
When you arrive at the airstrip you will feel the vibe immediately. There is a mix of nervous energy and excitement. You will head to the reception to sort out the paperwork. Yes there are waivers to sign. You are jumping out of a plane so they need to make sure you understand what you are doing.
This is also where they will weigh you. It might feel a bit like a doctor’s visit but it is crucial for safety. The weight limits are strict. Usually the minimum is around 40kg and the maximum is 95kg. If you are over the limit it is not personal. It is physics. The instructors and the parachutes have limits for safe operation. If you have been enjoying too many of the top food spots in Mauritius, you might want to check the scale before you book.
The Briefing and Gearing Up
Once the paperwork is done you will meet your instructor. These guys and girls are legends. They have done thousands of jumps and they know exactly how to handle your nerves. They will give you a briefing on what to do. It is surprisingly simple.
- Head back.
- Pelvis forward (the banana shape).
- Smile.
They will put you in a harness that feels a bit like a sturdy diaper. It is tight and secure. You want it to be tight. If it is loose you will not be comfortable when the parachute opens. You will look a bit ridiculous but everyone else does too so do not worry about fashion points here.
The Ascent: The Longest 20 Minutes
You will board the aircraft which is usually a Cessna 182. It is a small plane. You will be sitting on the floor between the legs of your instructor. It is intimate. There is no personal space in skydiving.
As the plane takes off and starts its climb to altitude you get a scenic tour that rivals any helicopter flight. The flight takes about 20 to 25 minutes to reach 10,000 feet. This is the time when reality sets in. You watch the altimeter on your instructor’s wrist climb higher and higher. 2,000 feet. 5,000 feet. 8,000 feet.
You will see the coastline stretch out. You will see the shadows of clouds on the ocean. It is peaceful inside the plane despite the noise of the engine. Your instructor will check the harness again. They will hook you up to them. You are now literally attached to another human being. There is no backing out now. You might think “Ki mo pe fer la?” which translates to “What am I doing here?” but push that thought away.
The Jump: Sensory Overload
When the pilot reaches the drop zone altitude he will cut the engine power slightly and give the signal. The door opens.
This is the moment. The noise of the wind rushes in like a physical blow. It is loud. The air inside the cabin suddenly feels wild. Your instructor will scoot you towards the open door. You will dangle your legs outside. The wind will whip at them.
You look down. It is a long way down.
Then you lean forward and fall.
The first few seconds are pure chaos. Your brain tries to process the fact that you are falling but you are moving so fast that it feels more like being buffeted by a giant fan. You accelerate to terminal velocity which is around 200 kilometers per hour.
The freefall lasts for about 30 to 40 seconds. It goes by in a flash but it feels like a lifetime. You do not feel that dropping sensation in your stomach like on a rollercoaster. Because you are resting on a cushion of air it feels more like you are floating or flying. The wind is roaring in your ears. The skin on your face is rippling. If you bought the video package make sure to smile and wave at the camera flyer who is falling right there with you.
The Canopy Ride: Silence and Beauty
Suddenly there is a jolt. The instructor has deployed the parachute. You go from 200km/h to a gentle glide in a couple of seconds. The harness pulls tight around your legs and shoulders.
Then comes the silence.
After the roar of the freefall the quiet is shocking. You are now floating gently under a large colorful canopy. The view stops rushing at you and settles into a majestic panorama. This is the part where you can actually speak. You can scream “Mari serye!” which means “That is amazing!” and your instructor will high five you.
The canopy ride lasts for about 5 to 7 minutes. Your instructor might let you steer the parachute for a bit. If you pull the toggle right you spin right. If you pull left you spin left. If you pull both you slow down. It is fun but do not go crazy or you might make yourself motion sick.
You will have time to look around. You can see the northern islands. You can see the mountain ranges. You can see the patchwork of fields. It is a view of Mauritius that few people get to appreciate. It gives you a new perspective on the island much like exploring the hidden gems in Mauritius does from the ground.
The Landing
As you get closer to the ground the ground speed becomes more apparent. The grass rushes by faster. Your instructor will tell you to lift your legs. This is important. You want to slide in on your butt or land standing up if the wind is right but lifting your legs ensures you do not trip and faceplant.
You touch down. The adrenaline is still pumping through your veins. You will feel a mix of relief and euphoria. You just jumped out of a perfectly good airplane and survived. You are now officially a skydiver.
Is it Safe? (Pa Per!)
Pa per means “don’t be afraid”. Safety is the obsession of the skydive team.
- Certified Instructors: You are jumping with professionals who have made thousands of jumps. They are licensed and undergo regular medical and physical checks.
- Equipment: The gear is top of the line. Every rig has a main parachute and a reserve parachute. There is also an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) which will automatically open the reserve if it detects you are falling too fast at a low altitude.
- Weather Checks: They are strict about weather. If it is too windy or too cloudy they will wait. They will not risk it. This is why you need to be patient.
If you are generally worried about safety on the island you can read our honest guide on safety in Mauritius to put your mind at ease about other things too.
Requirements and Restrictions
To keep everyone safe there are strict rules.
- Weight: The general limit is 95kg. If you are close to this limit or over it you might not be able to jump. It depends on wind conditions and the instructor’s assessment. Minimum weight is usually 40kg.
- Age: You usually need to be at least 15 years old. If you are under 18 you need written consent from a parent or guardian.
- Health: You need to be in good health. No heart conditions or epilepsy.
- The Scuba Rule: This is critical. You cannot skydive if you have been scuba diving in the last 24 hours. The pressure changes can cause decompression sickness which is very dangerous. So plan your Mauritius scuba adventures carefully.
Pricing and Packages
Skydiving is not a cheap activity. It is an investment in a memory. The price for a tandem jump is usually around 15,000 to 18,000 Mauritian Rupees.
The Video Question: You will be asked if you want to buy the video and photo package. It costs extra. Do it. Just pay the money. You will think you will remember every second but the adrenaline makes your memory fuzzy. having the video of your face flapping in the wind is priceless. Plus if you do not post it on social media did it even happen?
The Verdict
Skydiving in Mauritius represents a premier adventure experience. It combines professional-grade instruction with manageable risk and excellent execution. It fundamentally shifts your sense of what is possible. It helps you conquer your fears.
When you walk away from the landing zone you will feel taller. You will feel like you can take on anything. The rest of your holiday will feel even more relaxed because you have already done the hardest thing.
So go ahead. Book the jump. Tie your shoelaces tight. Take a deep breath. And get ready to fly. It is going to be a mari good time.
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