NORTH-WEST AND NORTH COAST OF MAURITIUS AND THE NORTHERN ISLETS (COIN DE MIRE, ÎLE PLATE, ÎLE GABRIEL)

Mauritius — Grand Baie: boating safety

Last verified:

Grand Baie, a sheltered bay on Mauritius's north-west coast, is the island's main base for yacht and catamaran charters. Trips typically run along the north coast lagoons and out to the northern islets such as Coin de Mire and Île Plate.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA
Call 999
Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

Mauritius: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Weather

Mauritius Meteorological Services issues a weather forecast for fishermen twice daily, plus English and French forecast bulletins, special weather bulletins and cyclone warning bulletins. A wave-rider buoy off Blue Bay is used to warn of rough seas.

Mauritius Meteorological Services ▾
metservice.intnet.mu (2026-10-14): “In order to ensure the safety of fisherman at sea the Mauritius Meteorological Services issues weather forecast for fisherman of Mauritius and Rodrigues twice daily.”

Local rules

Boats used in Mauritius for sport fishing, water sports or pleasure need a Pleasure Craft Licence from the Tourism Authority, issued for private or commercial use and valid for 12 months.

Tourism Authority (Mauritius) · Tourism Authority (Mauritius) ▾
tourismauthority.mu (2026-10-14): “A Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) is issued to a vessel used for fishing as a sport, for water sports, or pleasure purposes and includes a recreational platform.”
tourismauthority.mu (2026-10-14): “A Pleasure Craft Licence is issued either for private purpose or commercial purpose.”

Hazards

The warm, humid summer runs from November to April. For tropical cyclones Mauritius uses a four-class cyclone warning system; Class I is issued 36 to 48 hours before gusts of 120 km/h are expected.

Mauritius Meteorological Services · Mauritius Meteorological Services ▾
metservice.intnet.mu (2026-10-14): “The country has two seasons: a warm humid summer extending from November to April and a relatively cool dry winter from June to September.”
metservice.intnet.mu (2026-10-14): “Class I Issued not less than 36 hours, nor more than 48 hours, before the occurrence of gusts of 120 kilometres per hour.”

Hospital and medical

Emergencies are handled by the SAMU service and the Accident and Emergency departments of the public regional hospitals, which include Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital and Dr. A. G. Jeetoo Hospital.

Ministry of Health and Wellness (Mauritius) · Ministry of Health and Wellness (Mauritius) ▾
health.govmu.org (2026-10-14): “Services include emergency cases which are handled by the SAMU service and the Accident and Emergency departments of hospitals”
health.govmu.org (2026-10-14): “Hospital services of Public Health Institutions are provided by 5 Regional Hospitals (Dr. Abdool Gaffoor. Jeetoo Hospital, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, Sir Anerood Jugnauth Hospital, Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and Victoria Hospital)”

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Mauritius — Grand Baie?

Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

Where do I get the marine forecast for Mauritius — Grand Baie?

Mauritius Meteorological Services issues a weather forecast for fishermen twice daily, plus English and French forecast bulletins, special weather bulletins and cyclone warning bulletins. A wave-rider buoy off Blue Bay is used to warn of rough seas.

Read before you sail

Thunderstorms, lightning and squalls on the water: what to doCold water shock and hypothermia: what to doPerson overboard: what to doEngine failure: what to do when you lose power

Nearby destinations

Seychelles — Mahé / Praslin 932 nmMaldives — Malé MaldivesMuscat OmanDubai United Arab EmiratesPhuket ThailandPenang MalaysiaLangkawi MalaysiaSingapore (Keppel Bay & Sentosa) Singapore

Local rules change. Spotted something out of date? support@vesselsos.com