Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has become one of the most popular watersports in Mauritius, and the island's lagoon environment — calm, warm, and protected by the outer reef — makes it ideal. The east and north coasts have the flattest, most consistent conditions for beginners; the south and west offer more challenging open-water paddling for experienced boarders.

The east coast lagoon between Belle Mare and Palmar is the classic SUP location. The water is protected, exceptionally clear, and the distance to the outer reef (3–4 kilometres) gives good paddling distance. The lagoon floor is visible throughout at 1–3 metres depth, giving the impression of floating above the reef. Morning conditions (before 10am) are flattest; afternoon trade winds from the south-east create small chop that adds challenge.

Most beach hotels on the east and north coasts include basic SUP boards in their watersports package. Independent watersport centres at Belle Mare, Palmar, Trou aux Biches, and Grand Baie hire boards by the hour or half-day. Lessons are available for complete beginners — learning to balance and paddle on flat water takes 30–60 minutes with a patient instructor.

Sunset SUP sessions are increasingly popular on the west coast at Flic en Flac — paddling out into the flat evening water with the sun setting over the ocean is a genuinely beautiful experience. Several Flic en Flac operators offer guided sunset SUP tours with stops for snorkelling at the reef. For yoga practitioners, sunrise SUP yoga sessions are available at some east coast resorts.