North of Mauritius: Sunset Catamaran Cruise, Drinks & Snacks

Sunsets are better from the water. This two-hour catamaran trip from Grand Baie combines northern-coast views, a calm lagoon ride, drinks, and light snacks in one easy evening outing. I especially like the large catamaran and the relaxed atmosphere, plus the chance to watch for the rare green flash after sunset. The main drawback is that the snacks are simple, and anyone prone to seasickness may find the boat uncomfortable.

At $55 per person, this is a fair-value choice if you want a scenic cruise without committing to a full-day sailing trip. You get drinks, local rum, beer, wine, soft drinks, fruit juice, water, and canapés, but hotel transfers are not included. You will need to reach Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie on your own.

Five useful things to know before you book

• The trip lasts two hours: It is long enough for a proper sunset outing but short enough to fit neatly into an evening in Grand Baie.
• Departure changes by season: Meet at 4:45 pm for a 5:00 pm departure from October through March, or at 4:15 pm for a 4:30 pm departure from April through September.
• Drinks are part of the experience: Local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water are provided.
• The food is light, not a full meal: Expect tomato chatini with croutons, nachos and dips, moolkoo, and banana chips.
• The green flash is not guaranteed: It is an occasional optical effect seen just after sunset, so treat it as a bonus rather than a promise.
• Sea conditions can change the route: The captain may alter direction if the water is rough or unsafe.

Meeting the crew at Sunset Boulevard

The cruise begins at the Blue Safari, Sportfisher, and Croisieres Australes office on Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie. The meeting point is near the jetty, facing the sea. Since hotel pickup is not included, allow enough time to find the office and complete boarding before departure.

The schedule follows the length of the day. From October through March, you meet at 4:45 pm and sail at 5:00 pm, returning at 7:00 pm. From April through September, the meeting time is 4:15 pm, departure is 4:30 pm, and you return at 6:30 pm.

That timing matters. You are not simply stepping onto a boat for a quick look at the sunset. The cruise begins while there is still daylight, giving you time to enjoy the bay and northern coastline before the sky changes color. Arriving late could mean missing the start, so do not treat the meeting time as a rough suggestion.

The operator provides service in English and French. The boat returns to the same meeting point, which keeps the evening simple if you are staying in or near Grand Baie.

Sailing out of Grand Baie for the northern coast

Once the catamaran leaves the bay, the focus shifts from town to open water. The route heads along the northern coast and out toward the horizon, with the lagoon and shoreline providing the main scenery.

I like this format because it gives the cruise a sense of movement. You are not sitting at a restaurant watching the sunset from one fixed angle. The catamaran carries you through changing views, and the water adds the gentle motion that makes the final part of the day feel separate from ordinary sightseeing.

The two-hour duration is well judged for this kind of outing. A shorter ride might feel rushed, especially if the sun is slow to set. A much longer cruise would require more evening planning and could become repetitive if the main goal is simply the sunset.

The captain can change direction if conditions are rough or the sea is impassable. That is worth keeping in mind if you have your heart set on one exact view. Safety takes priority, and a changed route does not mean the cruise has failed. It means the crew is adapting to the water.

Drinks, snacks, and the onboard mood

Food and drinks are included, which is a major part of the value. The beverage selection covers a useful range:

• Local rum
• Red, rosé, and white wine
• Phoenix beer
• Fruit juice
• Soft drinks
• Mineral water

The description also refers to cocktails, so you can expect more than plain water and juice. Still, the listed drinks suggest a casual selection rather than a specialist cocktail program. If you are seeking a serious tasting experience, this is not that. If you want a drink in hand while the sun drops, it fits the occasion well.

The food is designed as finger food. The listed choices include tomato chatini with croutons, nachos with dips, moolkoo, and banana chips. These give you salty, crunchy, and savory bites, but they should not replace dinner.

One important point is that the snacks have received mixed praise. The service and atmosphere earn the strongest approval, while one comment specifically suggested that the food could be improved. I would plan to eat a proper meal before or after the cruise, especially if you are hungry in the early evening.

The strongest praise goes to the crew and the mood onboard. One account describes the drinks and snacks as unlimited, while another highlights a friendly crew that takes good care of people. The catamaran is also described as large, which should help the boat feel less cramped than a small motorboat, though the exact capacity is not provided.

Waiting for the sun to reach the horizon

The central event is, of course, sunset. As the boat moves toward the horizon, the sky takes over the show. The changing light is ideal for photographs, but you should avoid spending the entire cruise staring at your phone. The point is to watch the colors change across the water and coastline.

The timing is arranged around the sunset seasonally. The October to March departure is later because the sun sets later, while the April to September departure is earlier. This is a practical adjustment, not a small scheduling detail. You want the final stretch of the cruise to coincide with the best light.

The green flash gets special attention. This rare optical effect can appear just after the sun slips below the horizon. It depends on clear conditions and a clean view, so you may not see it. Keep watching for a moment after sunset, but do not judge the outing by whether this unusual effect appears.

The better reason to book is the entire hour around sunset, not one rare second. Even without the green flash, you still have the coastal views, boat ride, drinks, and changing evening light.

How the cruise feels in practice

This is a relaxed social outing rather than an action-heavy sea trip. You are there for scenery, conversation, refreshments, and the change from daylight to evening.

The mood has been described as cool and easygoing, with the atmosphere receiving repeated praise. That makes this a good fit for couples, friends, and anyone wanting a gentle activity after a day of sightseeing. It can also work as a final evening in Mauritius because the boat returns to Grand Baie rather than leaving you at a distant destination.

You should expect some movement from the sea. The activity is not recommended for people prone to seasickness, and that warning deserves attention. Even a large catamaran can move in open water. If you know you are sensitive, bring motion sickness pills and consider taking them according to medical guidance before boarding.

The cruise is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Boarding at a jetty and moving around a boat can be difficult, and the available information does not promise accessible facilities. Ask the operator directly if you need a specific accommodation.

What to bring for a comfortable evening

The essentials list is sensible. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a towel. A swimsuit is useful, although the supplied details focus on sailing and sunset rather than promising a swimming stop.

Pack a waterproof bag or backpack for your phone, wallet, and camera. Spray from the water and spilled drinks are possible hazards for electronics. A change of clothes and a cover-up are also useful, especially if you feel cool once the sun goes down.

Wear non-slip shoes. A boat deck can become slick, and practical footwear is better than sandals with poor grip. Bring insect repellent and a waterproof jacket as well. The jacket may be unnecessary on a calm evening, but the wind can feel cooler after sunset.

The most important small tip is to protect your phone. Sunset photos are tempting, and a waterproof pouch lets you take them without worrying about spray or wet hands.

Is $55 a good price?

At $55 per person, the cruise offers reasonable value if you will make use of the included drinks. The price covers two hours on the water, a catamaran ride along the northern coast, snacks, canapés, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

The value is less convincing if you do not drink and mainly want a quick sunset photo. In that case, a waterfront viewpoint in Grand Baie could cost less, though it would not give you the same moving perspective or boat atmosphere.

I would compare this with the cost of arranging a private boat outing. A shared catamaran with included refreshments is usually a simpler option for an evening, especially if you do not want to organize a route, crew, and catering yourself. The lack of hotel transport is the main extra cost to consider. You must arrange your own way to Sunset Boulevard and back.

The food should also be part of your calculation. Since the snacks are light, budget for dinner elsewhere if you want a substantial meal. Think of the onboard offering as a pleasant accompaniment to the cruise, not a floating restaurant.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A short and scenic evening activity in Grand Baie
• A relaxed catamaran ride rather than a high-speed excursion
• Included drinks and light snacks
• A chance to photograph the northern coast at sunset
• A social atmosphere with a friendly crew
• A simple outing that returns to its starting point

I would be more cautious if you dislike boat movement, need step-free access, or want a full dinner. It is also not the best match if your main goal is swimming, snorkeling, or marine wildlife. The available details focus on sailing, refreshments, and sunset views.

Pets are not allowed, except assistance dogs. Do not touch marine life or litter from the boat. Those rules are simple, but they help protect the water and keep the cruise pleasant for everyone.

Final verdict: a strong short evening cruise

I would book this cruise if I were staying in Grand Baie and wanted an easy way to mark the end of the day. The crew, catamaran, drinks, and atmosphere receive the strongest praise, and the two-hour schedule gives you a real outing without taking over your evening.

Go with realistic expectations. The snacks are modest, the green flash may not appear, and the captain may adjust the route in rough conditions. But with a $55 price, included refreshments, northern-coast scenery, and a return to the same jetty, this is a solid choice for a calm, social sunset on the water.

The best plan is to eat lightly beforehand, bring a jacket and motion sickness medicine if needed, protect your phone, and arrive early at Sunset Boulevard. Then sit back and let the changing sky do most of the work.

FAQ

Where does the sunset catamaran cruise depart from?

It departs from the Blue Safari, Sportfisher, and Croisieres Australes office at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie, Mauritius. The office is near the jetty and faces the sea.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts two hours. In summer, it runs from approximately 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. In winter, it runs from approximately 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

What time should I arrive?

From October through March, meet the team at 4:45 pm for the 5:00 pm departure. From April through September, meet at 4:15 pm for the 4:30 pm departure.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks consist of local rum, red wine, rosé wine, white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. Cocktails are also included in the experience description.

What food is served?

The snacks and canapés include tomato chatini with croutons, nachos with dips, moolkoo, and banana chips.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie.

Will I definitely see the green flash?

No. The green flash is a rare optical event that can appear just after sunset, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat or cap, a towel, a swimsuit, a waterproof bag, a cover-up, a change of clothes, non-slip shoes, insect repellent, and a waterproof jacket. Motion sickness pills may be useful if needed.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

The activity is not considered suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The captain may change the direction of the cruise if sea conditions are rough or impassable. Safety determines the final route.