In Mauritius, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. National Coast Guard: 177. Second 24-hour line: National Coast Guard, +230 208 3935. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
999Ask for the CoastguardNational Coast Guard: 177National Coast Guard: +230 208 3935
Boating in Mauritius: what to know
From official sources · checked 2026-10-14
Weather and season
Mauritius Meteorological Services issues a forecast for fishermen of Mauritius and Rodrigues twice daily. When heavy swells are expected, it issues a high-waves Special Communiqué, as far as practicable about 12 hours in advance.
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.”
metservice.intnet.mu (2026-10-14): “As far as practicable, about 12 hours in advance, a Special Communiqué is issued to inform the public of any impending high waves based on observation available.”
The tropical cyclone season usually runs from November to May (UK and Canadian travel advice). Mauritius Meteorological Services describes the warm, humid summer as November to April and issues phased cyclone warnings.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca) · Mauritius Meteorological Services ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The tropical cyclone season in Mauritius usually runs from November to May.”
travel.gc.ca (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The cyclone season occurs from November to May.”
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.”
Rules: life jackets, licence, charter
Before any water-sports or boat trip, check that the operator holds a valid Ministry of Tourism permit and that the boat carries enough life jackets.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “operator holds a valid permit issued by the Ministry of Tourism”
Official warnings
A significant piracy risk remains in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, with attacks possible up to 1,000 nautical miles or more from the Somali coast.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “There is still a significant risk of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, where piracy has been reduced but not prevented. Pirates can attack up to 1,000 nautical miles from the Somali coast or more.”
Divers: recompression
A decompression chamber is available at Candos hospital near Quatre Bornes (+230 427 5131). Treatment is charged (MUR 10,000 per session in 2022). For decompression concerns, call SAMU on 114. Source is an archived 2022 tourism-authority page.
web.archive.org (2026-10-14, archived): “A decompression chamber is available at the Candos hospital near the city of Quatre- Bornes (tel: +230 427 5131).”
web.archive.org (2026-10-14, archived): “The cost for treatment carried out in the hyperbaric decompression chamber is 10,000 MUR per session.”
Arriving by boat
Port Louis is the only port of entry for yachts. Go straight to the Customs Landing Steps for health, immigration and customs, and stay on board until health clearance. A foreign yacht may stay 3 months from arrival, and you must return to Port Louis to clear out.
mra.mu (2026-10-14): “Masters of yachts are required to call at the Customs Landing Steps at Port Louis which is the only port of entry for yachts upon immediate arrival for completion of Health & Quarantine, Passport and Immigration and Customs formalities.”
mra.mu (2026-10-14): “Any foreign yacht is allowed to stay for a period of 3 months as from date of arrival.”
mra.mu (2026-10-14): “Any departing yacht to a foreign port shall call back to Port Louis Harbour to complete the departure formalities”
What number do I call for help at sea in Mauritius?+
In Mauritius, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. National Coast Guard: 177. Second 24-hour line: National Coast Guard, +230 208 3935. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in Mauritius?+
999 is the number the authorities in Mauritius give for emergencies at sea. Many phones also pass 112 on, but we found no official confirmation for Mauritius.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
When is the storm season in Mauritius?+
The tropical cyclone season usually runs from November to May (UK and Canadian travel advice). Mauritius Meteorological Services describes the warm, humid summer as November to April and issues phased cyclone warnings.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for Mauritius?+
Mauritius Meteorological Services issues a forecast for fishermen of Mauritius and Rodrigues twice daily. When heavy swells are expected, it issues a high-waves Special Communiqué, as far as practicable about 12 hours in advance.
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