An island country in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, beautiful waters, and lively culture. For those who enjoy cruising and sailing and wish to discover its gorgeous coastline and feel the rush of traversing its clean waters, it is a hidden gem. Similar to sailing vacations in the Caribbean, Cruising Destinations in Mauritius offers some of the best sailing experiences in the world with a wide variety of cruise spots, sailing cities, and boating locations.
A once-in-a-lifetime adventure is sailing in Mauritius. The island nation offers a variety of options to indulge in your enthusiasm for sailing, regardless of whether you are an expert sailor or a novice wishing to try out sail boating. It is a great place for both short-term and long-term sailing adventures because the breezes are good all year round. Sailing in Mauritius may also be a way of life because to the island’s several live-aboard marinas; many sailors choose to do so in order to independently explore the magnificent coastline of the island.
Mauritius has some of the greatest beginner sailboats to get you started if you’ve never been sailing before. It’s a great spot to pick up the basics of sailing in a small boat and acquire confidence because of the calm waters and consistent breezes there. From there, you may sail to any of the island’s numerous sailing destinations, including its pristine lakes and gorgeous coastal cities.
Top Ten Cruising Destinations in Mauritius
It comes as no surprise that it’s a well-liked vacation spot for cruise and sailing aficionados given its reputation for having turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and a tropical environment. The following Cruising Destinations in Mauritius are recommended:
Grand Bay
On Mauritius’s northern coast is Grand Bay, a well-liked sailing location. It is renowned for having a sheltered bay that offers great sailing conditions and a variety of activities for sailors. The bay is a terrific area to come to for a day or two because it is surrounded by many eateries, pubs, and stores.
- Recommendation for a sailboat: Bavaria Cruiser 46
- Activities include deep-sea fishing, diving, and snorkeling.
Île aux Cerfs
Off Mauritius’s east coast is the little island of Île aux Cerfs. It is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters. Due to its boat accessibility, the island is a great place for sailors who want to explore the nearby waterways. Along with these activities, the island provides snorkeling, jet-skiing, and parasailing.
- Leopard 40 recommended as a sailboat
- Activities include swimming, snorkeling, and going to the beach.
Black River Gorges National Park
The Black River Gorges National Park is situated on Mauritius’ southwest coast. Over 16,000 hectares of tropical forest, mountains, and waterfalls are contained inside this protected area. There are various hiking paths in the area, and sailors love to visit the neighboring Black River Gorges. The river’s verdant surroundings make for a picturesque sailing backdrop.
- Recommended Sailboat: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 449
- Activities include swimming, hiking, and observing birds.
Trou aux Biches
On Mauritius’s northwest coast lies a coastal community called Trou aux Biches. The area is renowned for its beautiful beaches, pristine waters, and abundant marine life. The hamlet has a well-equipped marina and year-round offers great sailing conditions. Trou des Biches is an excellent spot to come for a day or two because it has a lot of eateries, bars, and stores.
- Recommendation for a sailboat: Hanse 445
- Activities include swimming with dolphins, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Le Morne
Morne, Le The peninsula of Le Morne is situated at the south westerly most point of Mauritius. It is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, imposing mountains, and crystal-clear waters. The peninsula has ideal sailing conditions, while Le Morne Mountain, close by, is a well-liked destination for trekking and rock climbing. The peninsula is an excellent location for those seeking a more opulent sailing experience because it is also home to several luxury resorts.
- Recommendation for a sailboat: Beneteau Oceanis 41
- Activities include hiking, beachgoing, and spa visits.
Mahebourg
Mahebourg is a seaside community on Mauritius’ southeast coast. It is renowned for its thriving marketplaces, iconic locations, and breathtaking ocean vistas. The community has a well-equipped marina and year-round offers great sailing conditions. A number of museums are also located in Mahebourg, notably the Naval Museum, which is devoted to the island’s marine heritage.
- Lagoon 380 is a recommended sailing vessel.
- Activities include visiting museums, markets, and the beach.
Port Louis
The capital city of Mauritius is Port Louis, which is situated on the northwest part of the island. The city is well-known for its active port, impressive colonial buildings, and lively street markets. Additionally, Port Louis features a modern marina and year-round ideal sailing conditions. There are many restaurants, museums, and historic sites in the city that are worth exploring for a day or two.
- Recommended Sailboat: Sun Odyssey 419
- Visit museums, and markets, and take a city tour.
Blue Bay Marine Park
The southeast coast of Mauritius is home to Blue Bay Marine Park, which is renowned for its coral reefs and pristine waters. In addition to a large diversity of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish, the park is home to over 50 different varieties of coral. Due to its boat accessibility, the park is a favorite stop for sailors who want to explore the local waters.
- Leopard 48 is a recommended sailing vessel.
- Activities include swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Belle Mare
A little community called Belle Mare can be found on Mauritius’ east coast. The area is renowned for its beautiful beaches, pristine waters, and abundant marine life. The hamlet has a well-equipped marina and year-round offers great sailing conditions. For those seeking a more opulent sailing experience, Belle Mare is a terrific option because it is also home to several luxury resorts.
- Lagoon 450 is a recommended sailing vessel.
- Activities: golf, spa visits, and beach excursions
Flic-en-Flac
The beach community of Flic-en-Flac is situated on Mauritius’ west coast. It is renowned for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear oceans, and exciting nightlife. The hamlet has a well-equipped marina and year-round offers great sailing conditions. Flic-en-Flac is an excellent place to go if you want a more exciting sailing experience because it is also home to a number of restaurants, pubs, and clubs.
- Recommendation for a sailboat: Bavaria Cruiser 51
- Activities: clubbing, swimming, and snorkeling
Finally, it is worthwhile to explore the many Cruising Destinations in Mauritius have to offer. There is something for everyone on the island, whether you want to sail along its breathtaking coastline, explore its national parks, or simply unwind on its pristine beaches. Sailing in Mauritius may be an exciting activity with the proper sailboat and a sense of adventure.
How do I pick a sailboat?
For Cruising Destinations in Mauritius, picking the appropriate sailboat is essential for a secure and enjoyable sailing trip. When selecting a sailboat for a cruise in Mauritius, keep the following things in mind:
- Sailing Conditions: The pleasant and reliable sailing conditions in Mauritius are well-known for being year-round. Sailors should be ready for rapid changes in wind strength and direction because the weather can be unpredictable. It’s crucial to pick a sailboat with good windward performance and maneuverability that is also strong and well-built.
- Size and kind: Your sailing expertise and the size of your crew will determine the size and kind of sailboat you choose. Smaller sailboats with less complicated rigging and sails could be easier for beginners to handle. Experienced sailors can prefer larger sailboats with more sophisticated gear. The type of sailing you intend to conduct will also influence the sailboat type you select. A small to medium-sized monohull sailboat might be appropriate for day sailing and coastal cruise. A larger yacht with greater facilities and storage may be required for longer journeys and offshore sailing.
To discover more about various sailboats, yachts, and catamaran types you can check out this Sailboat Data page. You may discover comprehensive details on different sailboat models and their performance here, making it easy for you how to pick the best boat for your requirements.
- The amenities you will require on board should be taken into account while selecting a sailboat for cruising in Mauritius. A good navigation system, a cozy cabin with a kitchen and a bathroom, and safety gear like life jackets and an emergency radio are a few examples. Additionally, some sailboats have amenities that might improve living on board, like air conditioning, a generator, and a water maker.
- Budget: A sailboat’s price will vary depending on its size, age, and state. Prior to buying a sailboat, it’s crucial to think about your budget and choose between new and used sailboats. Used sailboats could be more economical, but they might also need more upkeep and fixes over time.
- Considerations for Liveaboard traveling: If you intend to live aboard your yacht while traveling in Mauritius, there are a number of additional aspects to take into account. These include the accessibility of liveaboard marinas, the cost of mooring fees, and the logistics of provisioning and acquiring supplies.
Finally, it is worthwhile to explore the many Cruising Destinations in Mauritius have to offer. There is something for everyone on the island, whether you want to sail along its breathtaking coastline, explore its national parks, or simply unwind on its pristine beaches. Sailing in Mauritius may be an exciting activity with the proper sailboat and a sense of adventure.
Visit our sailing locations page for some incredible ideas and places to explore if you’re feeling motivated to organize your sailing holiday. Start preparing for your upcoming sailing excursion right away with Ocean Wave Sail!