Mauritius - Facts
Mauritius FAQs
Pre-Arrival Boat: Boat documents must be sent to the Harbour Authorities no later than 24 hours before arrival. See Clearance for details.
Pre-Arrival Crew: Crew documents must be sent to the Harbour Authorities no later than 24 hours before arrival. No visa required for yacht crew. See Clearance and Immigration for details.
Where can I enter? Port Louis is the only official Port of Entry on Mauritius. It is possible to clear in first at Port Mathurin on Rodrigues, however, you must subsequently carry out clearance in Port Louis.
Are fees high to enter by yacht? There are no entry or exit fees. See Fees for details.
What security concerns should I know about? Mauritius is generally a safe country. See Security for more info.
Mauritius Facts for Sailors
- A volcanic outcrop of the land bridge that once connected Africa and Asia, Mauritius lies about 804 kms (500 miles) east of Madagascar. Part of the Mascarene archipelago, Mauritius also includes the islands of Rodrigues, Agalega, and the Cargados Carajos archipelago.
- Mauritian Creole is spoken by 90% of the population. It is French-based with English derivatives. However, English and French are generally accepted as the de facto official languages and are used exclusively in schools and government departments. The population of the country is circa 1.26 million.
- The currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MRS). For details see General Info.
- The country operates on Mauritius Standard Time (UTC +4).
- Mauritius enjoys a mild tropical maritime climate throughout the year and has two seasons. For more information see the Weather section below.
- Yachts calling in Mauritius are usually on passage westwards across the Indian Ocean and in a hurry to leave before mid-November due to the number of early cyclones that have hit the island in the past. Yet a few who have spent time cruising the Indian Ocean have enjoyed the beauty of this high island and the exotic mixture of its culture and peoples.
- The waterfront in Port Louis has been dramatically transformed in recent years and has been turned from the once dirty harbour into an attractive complex, with shopping centres, restaurants, hotel and docking facilities for yachts.
- Grand Baie on the north-west coast is the favourite anchorage with a friendly yacht club and good basic facilities.
- Some cruisers also break their passage at the smaller island of Rodrigues, which is a pleasant stop due to easier formalities and friendly islanders. The inner harbour in Mathurin Bay is very well protected and the yacht can be left there while exploring the interior, particularly the caves on the windward side of the island.
- Occasionally yachts stop at the Cargados Carajos Shoals, a large reef area lying some 320 kms (200 miles) north-east of Mauritius. Although one is supposed to obtain prior permission to stop, this rule does not seem to be strictly enforced. However, one should ask permission from local fishermen to anchor off one of the four islands they occasionally inhabit. Over 50 islets and cays make up this small archipelago which abounds in marine life. The chart of this area is badly out of date and it is reported that the lighthouse marked as on Ile du Sud, is very rarely operational. Eyeball navigation is essential throughout this reef-infested area.
- For details of services for cruising boats see Yachting Essentials.
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We found most of the information here inaccurate as of Sep 2024. Forms, Emails, Whatsapp numbers etc.
Thanks for advising us of out of date information. We have been in touch with the Mauritius authorities and updated our formalities information as of today.
I would like to add my own comments re Yoann and Patrick – see below. Over the past year I have been seriously looking at purchasing an offshore vessel ex Reunion and after seeing their recommendations on Noonsite, I made contact with them both. I am based in NZ so it was all long distance, email and WhatsAp.
Both these guys ( and they do now know each other ) not only traveled across to Reunion to carry out a full and comprehensive inspection of the vessel but whilst they were there they carried out an amazing amount of repairs and maintenance, getting things going that quite frankly the owner had given up on.
These two, if you need electronics or mechanical assistance are honest, reliable, experts in their fields and their costs or rather lack of…is amazing. Simply I cannot recommend them enough. Dave Blackley. Kiwifarmer.
please note that Patrick phone number has changed +23057481323
Caudan Waterfront Marina, Prices:
Up to 12m, RS 650 for 24 hours!
12.1m TO 14m, 800 RS
Prices with all the services.
If you want to cut stainless steel, steel, have special pieces are done, welding, etc. I recommend Integrity near the north bus stand. http://integrity.mu/
contact@integrity.mu.
Also for stainless steel, parts, firing, tubing, etc. try http://www.dalafix.com or sales@dalafix.intnet.mu.
We were very satisfied with both for service, prices, and help.
Yacht Borée V
Yoann is indeed a reliable electronics fellow who is very friendly and capable. He would like you to also have his email address for all your electronic repairs. He’s fixing Prince Diamond’s Raymarine chart plotter. He can be reached at the phone number Tel: 572 34 80 6 or at yoann.ddm@live.com
Yes, Patrick is a good mechanical worker. Good rapid work and a specialist on Marine Diesel Engines. You can call him on +23059429989, WhatsApp +23058543216 or Email: angel111277@hotmail.com. Good man & great job – keep it up, Pat!
For all your electronics, Yoann is a great guy. He operates all over the island and came to us in Port Louis. He was working on another boat at La Balise and offered to come to us at Grand Baie.
He installed a new Raymarine part for our chart plotter. He also gave us advice on our new VHF wire. Speaks perfect English and French. Call him on 572 34 80 6.
Hi everyone, my name is Alex, I was a cruiser for several years and I now live in Mauritius, and it might well be my turn to help other sailors. Let me know if I can assist with anything, contacts or directions, as facilities, equipment, and expertise are a bit scarce around here.
I work very close to the Caudan harbour. Drop me an email at alexsnow1184 at gmail.com (remove spaces) or text or call on 5257 3764 and leave a message. Hope you are enjoying your stay!
A new marina has opened 15 miles south of Port Louis, La Balise Marina. A safe and convenient place to leave your boat, especially if you wish to fly out of the country for a while. Entry channel depth does not exceed 1.5 m, so access is restricted to catamarans and centerboard. Contact : https://www.yachtmauritius.com/boat-management/. S/Y Dreamweaver
Dear Myra, please note that Patrick phone number has changed +23057481323
We would strongly recommend a mechanic called Patrick ph: 230 59429989 email angel11277@hotmaill.com for any engine or mechanical repairs in Port Louis. Myra & Paraic SV Saol Eile.