Cruisers who have stopped here while on passage across the Indian Ocean recommend reserving a place in the small marina here.
Cruisers have reported that some electronic charts show a shallow area in the inner basin of the harbour, while others do NOT show anything. As a result, a large number of yachts have hit this “inner basin rock” which is located southeast of the Customs House. It is recommended to hug the wharf when going to Customs and when departing the wharf, back out the same way you approached. Do not loop out and away from the wharf or you will most likely hit the rock. Even catamarans have hit the rock as there is very little water over it. See Entrance Notes & Cautions for more details.
Yachts may proceed to Le Caudan Marina after clearance and tie at any available spot. The marina is in a small basin with concrete walls, cleats are metal hoops in the ground and are spread quite far apart in some places. Moorings are only available inside the basin as the outside wall is used by Customs boats. Special permission is needed (requested to Customs from the marina team) for any boats to go on the outside wall, however this is rather exposed and uncomfortable from passing wake. An abundance of fenders are needed and rafting up is permitted. There is electricity and water available around the whole basin which is included in the nightly berthing charge.
If planning on leaving your boat here for any length of time, it is advisable to take great care with how your fenders are situated to prevent damage from the tidal movement and harsh concrete docks. Fenders are often stolen here, so be sure to secure each fender with a lock (bicycle lock). It may also be preferable to have a boat you know raft alongside for the duration of your absence. Locals can be employed as guardinage (see General Services).
Port Louis is not very clean (particularly bad after heavy rains) and diesel is often present on the surface of the water. Easterly winds usually keep this out of the marina however expect your waterline and lines to suffer.
See marina details below in Related Businesses.
There is an anchorage just outside the port entrance where yachts are directed to if they arrive overnight and until they have permission to enter the port in daylight hours.
If westerly swells are present, yachts should move elsewhere, commonly into the Caudan Basin. This is used as a cyclone shelter and visiting yachts may go into the basin and tie up wherever there is room. Proceed with caution as there are shallow areas and numerous unmarked wrecks there.
It is advisable to lock your boat at all times here.
Last updated: November 2025
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