Sailing out of Mahébourg, you cross one of the most important battlefields in the history of the Indian Ocean. In August 1810, the bay of Grand Port saw the Battle of Grand Port, the only naval battle France won against Britain during the Napoleonic wars. It is the only naval victory engraved on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
The setting
At the time, Mauritius was the French "Île de France", a base for privateers attacking British ships on the route to India. Britain wanted it. The entrance to Grand Port bay passes the small island of Île de la Passe, which the French had fortified to guard the channel through the reef.
What happened
A British squadron took Île de la Passe and tried to trap a French squadron inside the bay. In the fighting that followed, British frigates ran aground on the reefs they did not know, while the French ships, anchored in position, kept firing. Several British ships were lost or captured. It was a clear French victory.
The win did not last long. A few months later, in December 1810, a much larger British force landed in the north and the island surrendered. Mauritius stayed British until independence in 1968, which is why the island today mixes French language and place names with British law and driving on the left.
What you can see today
From the boat you see Île de la Passe and its old stone fortifications, the reef passages that decided the battle, and the bay itself. In Mahébourg, the National History Museum keeps relics from the battle. Our Mahébourg guide lists what else to see in town.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the Battle of Grand Port?
France won the Battle of Grand Port in August 1810. Britain took Mauritius a few months later, in December 1810.
Can you visit Île de la Passe?
Our south-east routes pass close to Île de la Passe so you can see the fortifications from the water. Your skipper will point out where the battle took place.
Where can I learn more about the battle in Mauritius?
The National History Museum in Mahébourg has a section on the battle, a few minutes from our departure point at Pointe des Régates.
Plan your day with Captain Pascal
Southeast Cruises runs private speedboat days from Pointe des Régates in Mahébourg, on the south-east coast of Mauritius. Tell us your date, party size and what you want to see, and Captain Pascal Bosquet will shape the route around the tide and the wind.
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