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 (other than agency fees if used). 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.