Mauritius Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in Mauritius

Mauritius sits in the south-western Indian Ocean, roughly 2,000 kilometres off the coast of south-east Africa – a volcanic island of 1,860 square kilometres ringed by 150 kilometres of coral reef and lagoon that together create one of the most sheltered and visually dramatic cruising environments in the Indian Ocean. The reef, which almost completely encircles the island, transforms the coastline into a chain of calm, turquoise lagoons – some stretching up to 4 nautical miles from shore on the east coast – separated from the open ocean by a natural barrier that breaks the swell and creates flat-water conditions for much of the year. Inside the lagoon, the water is typically 1–2 metres deep over white sand, graduating to vibrant coral gardens and deeper channels that attract an extraordinary diversity of marine life.

Above the waterline, Mauritius is a sensory feast. The volcanic interior rises to 828 metres at Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, with the Black River Gorges National Park protecting 6,754 hectares of tropical forest and nine endemic bird species. The south-west coast is dominated by Le Morne Brabant – a 556-metre basaltic monolith designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its role as a refuge for escaped slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries – whose surrounding lagoon offers some of the best kitesurfing and snorkelling on the island. Inland, the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel (a geological formation of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow sands), the 100-metre Chamarel Waterfall and the Rhumerie de Chamarel rum distillery add a layer of terrestrial adventure that complements the ocean experience.

The island’s multicultural heritage – a fusion of French, Indian, Chinese and African influences – is perhaps best expressed through its food: Creole rougaille, dholl puri, mine frité and fresh grilled dorado seasoned with local spices sit alongside fine French dining at colonial-era plantation houses and Michelin-pedigree Indian cuisine at resort restaurants. Grand Baie on the north coast is the primary yachting hub, with a sheltered, reef-protected bay, the Grand Baie Yacht Club (established 1941) and easy access to the northern offshore islands – Coin de Mire, Flat Island, Gabriel Island – that make perfect day-charter destinations. Start planning your Mauritius charter with Boatcrowd and let our team match you to the right yacht and itinerary.

Why Charter a Yacht in Mauritius

A Coral Reef That Encircles the Entire Island

Few destinations on earth offer a cruising ground as naturally protected as Mauritius. The island’s near-continuous fringing reef – 150 kilometres of coral barrier – creates a chain of calm lagoons that ring the coastline, sheltering yachts from ocean swells and providing flat-water conditions for swimming, snorkelling and water sports in virtually every weather window. The lagoons vary from narrow, reef-close channels on the west coast to expansive shallow flats on the east coast that stretch up to 4 nautical miles from shore. Inside the reef, 159 hard-coral species, over 260 fish species and 3,500 mollusc species create a marine ecosystem of exceptional richness. Blue Bay Marine Park, on the south-east coast, protects the island’s finest coral gardens – including a 1,000-year-old brain coral with a 5-metre diameter – in crystal-clear water averaging just 5 metres deep.

The Underwater Waterfall: An Optical Illusion Like No Other

Off the south-west coast, near the Le Morne Peninsula, an extraordinary optical illusion has become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in the Indian Ocean. Sand and silt, swept by ocean currents over the edge of an underwater shelf, cascade into the deep ocean beyond – creating the appearance of a vast underwater waterfall plunging into an abyss. The illusion is caused by the abrupt drop-off of the Mascarene Plateau (which sits at a maximum depth of about 150 metres) into open ocean depths exceeding 4,000 metres. The colour contrast between the turquoise shallow lagoon and the deep indigo beyond creates a visual effect that is genuinely breathtaking. While best appreciated from a helicopter or seaplane, your yacht offers front-row positioning in the waters near Le Morne, and your charter specialist can arrange an aerial excursion for the full panoramic view. Best visibility runs from September to December at low tide.

Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Mauritius holds two UNESCO World Heritage designations, both accessible as shore excursions from your yacht. Le Morne Cultural Landscape – the dramatic 556-metre basaltic monolith on the south-west peninsula – was inscribed in 2008 as a monument to the resistance against slavery. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, escaped slaves (known as maroons) sheltered in the mountain’s caves and on its summit, and the site remains a powerful symbol of resilience and human dignity. The lagoon surrounding Le Morne offers exceptional snorkelling, diving and kitesurfing. In Port Louis, Aapravasi Ghat – inscribed in 2006 – marks the spot where half a million indentured labourers from India, eastern Africa, Madagascar and China arrived between 1834 and 1920 to work the sugar estates, shaping the multicultural society Mauritius is today.

Dolphins, Sperm Whales and World-Class Diving

Tamarin Bay on the west coast has long been the Indian Ocean’s best-known dolphin-watching spot: pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins gather in the bay’s sheltered waters year-round, and your crew can position the yacht for a gentle approach that allows guests to swim alongside these remarkably sociable animals. Beyond the dolphins, Mauritius’ resident population of sperm whales – groups of 10–20 individuals, year-round – and the seasonal migration of humpback whales (July to November) add open-water encounters that few charter destinations can match. The diving is equally impressive: Cathedral Reef off Flic en Flac, rated among the world’s 50 best dives by CNN Travel, features naturally formed arches, grottoes and diffused light filtering through the coral like stained-glass windows. The Stella Maru, a Japanese trawler sunk in 1987 in 23 metres of water, is now a thriving artificial reef bursting with hundreds of marine species.

A Multicultural Cuisine Unlike Anywhere in the Indian Ocean

Mauritius’s food is a direct expression of its multicultural population – French, Indian, Chinese and African culinary traditions have fused over centuries into something distinctive and irresistible. La Toque Blanche in Grand Baie is a lobster specialist serving Mediterranean-Creole fusion. Le Château de Bel Ombre occupies a beautifully restored colonial mansion for special-occasion French fine dining. L’Alchimiste at the Rhumerie de Chamarel turns local ingredients into upscale Creole dishes – smoked marlin, grilled dorado and caramelised papaya – paired with pure-cane Mauritian rum distilled on site. The diversity is extraordinary: you can eat dholl puri from a roadside stall for lunch and sit down to a Michelin-pedigree Indian tasting menu at Rasoi by Vineet for dinner. Your onboard chef draws on this multicultural pantry to bring the flavours of Mauritius to the aft deck.

Top Destinations Near Mauritius

• Grand Baie – The primary yachting hub on the north coast, roughly 25 kilometres from Port Louis. A sheltered, crescent-shaped bay protected by coral reef, with calm turquoise water, the Grand Baie Yacht Club (established 1941) and a lively waterfront of restaurants, boutiques and cafés. The gateway to the northern offshore islands and the natural base for a Mauritius charter.

• Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin) – A dramatic 65-hectare wedge-shaped island rising from the sea 8 kilometres north of the mainland. The surrounding waters offer excellent snorkelling and diving – vertical walls, caves, groupers, snappers and barracudas. Uninhabited and undeveloped, it feels like a fragment of prehistoric Mauritius. A natural first stop on a northern-island day charter.

• Flat Island (Île Plate) and Gabriel Island – Two northern offshore islands roughly 11 kilometres from Cap Malheureux. Flat Island (2.53 km²) features a lighthouse and walking trails; Gabriel Island, just 750 metres away, offers pristine white-sand beaches and shallow turquoise water ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Together they make the perfect full-day excursion from Grand Baie.

• Île aux Cerfs – An 87-hectare island off the east coast, accessible via a 15-minute boat ride from Trou d’Eau Douce. Famous for its white-sand beaches, palm-lined shores and an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Bernhard Langer. The surrounding lagoon – the largest in Mauritius – offers calm, shallow water for swimming and water sports. Anchor offshore and tender in for a beach afternoon.

• Le Morne – The UNESCO World Heritage monolith on the south-west peninsula, rising 556 metres from a turquoise lagoon. The shallow, crystal-clear waters surrounding Le Morne offer exceptional snorkelling, diving and some of the best kitesurfing conditions in the Indian Ocean. The underwater waterfall illusion is visible from the waters nearby. A must-visit for any Mauritius charter.

• Tamarin Bay – A picturesque west-coast bay famous for its dark volcanic sand, consistent surf breaks and, above all, its resident dolphin pods. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins gather in the bay’s sheltered waters year-round, and a guided swim-with-dolphins experience is one of the highlights of a Mauritius charter. The nearby salt pans and the backdrop of the Black River Gorges add to the visual drama.

• Blue Bay Marine Park – The finest coral gardens in Mauritius, protected as a marine park on the south-east coast near Mahebourg. Crystal-clear water averaging 5 metres deep, 72-plus fish species, 38 coral species and a 1,000-year-old brain coral with a 5-metre diameter. The snorkelling here is outstanding and suitable for all levels. Less than 15 minutes from the international airport.

• Flic en Flac – A 6–8 kilometre stretch of white-sand beach on the west coast, backed by a turquoise lagoon protected by reef. Excellent snorkelling and the gateway to Cathedral Reef – one of the world’s 50 best dives. The west coast’s sheltered position makes it a reliable all-conditions anchorage.

Best Time to Charter a Yacht in Mauritius

Peak Season: October to December

The Mauritian spring and early summer bring the finest combination of warm weather (27–30’C), excellent diving visibility (often exceeding 40 metres), calm seas and the beginning of the warm-water season that draws the greatest marine-life diversity. October is considered the locals’ favourite month – settled, pleasant weather without the heat and humidity of high summer. November and December are warm and increasingly sunny, with humpback-whale migration (July to November) overlapping the start of the season. Charter rates begin to rise towards Christmas and New Year, which book out months in advance.

Shoulder Season: March to May and September

March through May marks the end of the austral summer and the transition to the drier, cooler winter. April and May are particularly pleasant: reduced humidity, comfortable temperatures (25–28’C), calm seas and excellent diving conditions as the post-cyclone waters settle. September, at the end of winter, offers similar advantages – warm enough for comfortable swimming (water at 23–24’C), dry and sunny, with fewer visitors. Charter rates during these months are typically 15–25% softer than peak season.

Cyclone Season: January to March

The austral summer brings the warmest temperatures (28–32’C), the highest humidity and the cyclone risk. The peak cyclone window runs from January to March, with February historically the most likely month for tropical-cyclone activity. While direct hits are infrequent and can miss the island entirely, the risk and the associated weather patterns (heavy rainfall, stronger winds) make this the least predictable charter period. Yacht availability may be reduced. For guests comfortable with the residual risk, the warm water (27–28’C) brings the greatest marine-life diversity, and charter rates outside the Christmas–New Year peak are softer.

Signature Experiences

• Dolphin Swim at Tamarin Bay – Your captain positions the yacht in Tamarin Bay at dawn, when the dolphins are at their most active. Pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins – sometimes 50 or more – surface around the yacht, spinning, leaping and riding the bow wave. Slip off the swim platform and float alongside them in warm, clear water as the sun rises over the Black River Gorges. Your chef has fresh tropical fruit, pastries and Mauritian coffee waiting on the aft deck.
• Cathedral Reef Dive off Flic en Flac – Moor off the west coast and descend to Cathedral Reef – a naturally formed underwater cavern system where arches and grottoes filter the sunlight into shafts of diffused light that feel like stained-glass windows. Stonefish, morays, lionfish and clouds of reef fish inhabit the crevices. Rated among the world’s 50 best dives by CNN Travel, and your yacht is the most comfortable way to reach it.
• The Underwater Waterfall from Above – Anchor near Le Morne on the south-west coast and arrange a helicopter or seaplane flight to see the famous underwater waterfall illusion from the air – sand cascading over an underwater cliff edge into the deep ocean, creating the appearance of a vast waterfall plunging into an abyss. The contrast between the turquoise lagoon and the deep indigo beyond is one of the most photographed natural phenomena in the Indian Ocean. Best viewed from September to December at low tide.
• Seven Coloured Earths and Chamarel Rum – Tender ashore on the south-west coast and drive inland to Chamarel. Walk among the surreal Seven Coloured Earths – undulating dunes of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow sand caused by the decomposition of volcanic basalt. Continue to the 100-metre Chamarel Waterfall, then finish at the Rhumerie de Chamarel for a tasting of pure-cane Mauritian rum distilled at 300 metres elevation in the island’s lush south-western micro-climate. Return to the yacht for a sunset cocktail made with the rum you just tasted.
• Northern Islands Escape – Cruise from Grand Baie to Coin de Mire for a morning dive on the dramatic vertical walls, then continue to Flat Island for a lighthouse walk and Gabriel Island for a beach picnic on pristine white sand. The crew sets up paddleboards, snorkelling gear and a barbecue on the beach while you explore this uninhabited cluster of islands. Return to Grand Baie as the sun drops behind the mountains.
• Sperm-Whale Encounter – Mauritius is one of the few places in the Indian Ocean with a resident population of sperm whales – groups of 10–20 individuals present year-round in the deep water off the west coast. Your captain positions the yacht in the whale zone, and the crew spots the distinctive angled blow from the flybridge. Watching an 18-metre sperm whale surface, breathe and dive – its massive tail fluke rising silhouetted against the sky – is one of the Indian Ocean’s most humbling wildlife encounters.

Yacht Types Available

Mauritius’s yachting infrastructure is centred on Grand Baie, with the Grand Baie Yacht Club (established 1941) and Caudan Waterfront Marina in Port Louis providing berthing options. All charters in Mauritius are fully crewed – the complex reef navigation requires expert local knowledge, and your captain and crew handle all seamanship while you enjoy the voyage.

• Motor Yachts (55’–99’) – A selection of crewed motor yachts operates from Grand Baie and the west coast, offering speed and flexibility for circumnavigating the island and reaching the offshore islands. At 15–20 knots, a motor yacht covers the north-coast islands in under an hour and can transit from Grand Baie to the south-west coast (Le Morne, Chamarel access) in half a day. Accommodation for 6–8 guests in 3–4 en-suite cabins, with a crew of 3–5 and water toys. Weekly rates typically start from $35,000–$75,000 depending on season and yacht.

• Superyachts (100’+) – Caudan Waterfront Marina in Port Louis accommodates vessels up to 30 metres on its berths, while larger superyachts anchor in the protected waters off Grand Baie or the west coast. Mauritius’s encircling reef creates some of the calmest anchorages in the Indian Ocean, and the island’s multicultural shoreside scene – French fine dining, Indian temples, Creole markets – provides a rich complement to the ocean experience. Weekly rates start from approximately $100,000–$200,000+, depending on vessel size and season.

• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Premium power catamarans are excellently suited to Mauritius’s lagoon cruising. Their shallow draft allows access to the reef-protected shallows and lagoon channels that deeper-hulled yachts cannot safely navigate, and the twin-hull stability is ideal for families spending long days swimming, snorkelling and enjoying water sports in the calm lagoon water. Fully crewed with captain, chef and steward/ess. Weekly rates start from approximately $25,000–$45,000 depending on season and vessel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in Mauritius cost?

Luxury catamarans (55’–80’) start from around $25,000–$45,000 per week, fully crewed with captain, chef and steward/ess. Motor yachts (55’–99’) typically start from $35,000–$75,000 per week. Superyachts (100’+) start from roughly $100,000–$200,000+ per week. Most charters operate on MYBA terms: base rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (usually 25–35%) covering fuel, food, drinks and dockage. Shoulder-season rates (March–May, September) are typically 15–25% softer than peak season. Crew gratuity is customarily 10–15%. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote.

Are luxury catamarans available for charter in Mauritius?

Yes, and they are ideally suited to the island’s lagoon-based cruising ground. The near-continuous reef that encircles Mauritius creates shallow, calm lagoons that a catamaran’s draft can navigate with ease – accessing sandy bays, reef-edge snorkelling sites and offshore-island anchorages that deeper-hulled yachts cannot safely reach. Fully crewed and stable, catamarans are particularly popular with families and multi-generational groups who spend most of the day in or on the water. Boatcrowd’s fleet includes premium power catamarans from leading builders.

Can I charter a yacht in Mauritius for a film or TV production?

Yes. Mauritius’s visual diversity – volcanic peaks, turquoise lagoons, the underwater-waterfall illusion, UNESCO heritage sites and multicultural streetscapes – makes it a versatile filming location. The island has attracted both international and Bollywood productions over the years, drawn by the reliable warm weather, the dramatic natural backdrops and the well-developed tourism infrastructure. Boatcrowd can arrange production-friendly charters with yachts that accommodate camera crews and equipment, and coordinate with local authorities for filming permits and marine-park access.

Is Mauritius a good destination for a proposal, honeymoon or milestone birthday?

Mauritius is outstanding for celebrations. Your crew can arrange a sunrise proposal on the deserted sands of Gabriel Island, with champagne and a photographer arriving by tender. A honeymoon itinerary might weave between a dolphin swim at Tamarin Bay, a couple’s spa treatment at a plantation-house resort and a candlelit dinner on the aft deck beneath the Southern Cross. Milestone birthdays come alive with a Seven Coloured Earths excursion, a rum tasting at the Rhumerie de Chamarel and a beach barbecue on a northern offshore island. Let Boatcrowd know the occasion and we’ll ensure every detail is handled.

Can I bring the whole family, including grandparents and young children?

Absolutely. Mauritius’s lagoons are among the calmest and shallowest in the Indian Ocean – flat, sandy-bottomed water typically 1–2 metres deep inside the reef, with negligible current. Young children can wade, swim and snorkel in safety while grandparents relax on the sun deck or join a gentle dolphin-watching excursion. The northern offshore islands (Flat Island, Gabriel Island) offer pristine, shallow beaches perfect for family picnics. Catamarans provide the widest, most stable platform, and crews are experienced with multi-generational groups. The island’s multicultural cuisine means even fussy young eaters will find something they love.

Can I combine Mauritius with other Indian Ocean destinations?

Mauritius is well positioned as a hub for Indian Ocean exploration. While Rodrigues Island (350 nautical miles east) is reachable by yacht for adventurous multi-week charters, most guests combine Mauritius with the Seychelles (roughly 1,000 nautical miles north) or the Maldives via flights between charter segments. A popular approach is to charter in Mauritius for 4–5 days, fly to the Seychelles for a second charter leg covering the inner islands, and experience two dramatically different Indian Ocean destinations in a single trip. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist can design a multi-destination itinerary that makes the most of flight connections and yacht availability.