North East of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

Mauritius looks best from the water. This full-day catamaran trip pairs a calm cruise along the northeast coast with snorkeling at Grand Gaube, a BBQ lunch, and free time at Bernaches Island and L’ile d’Ambre. I like the friendly crew and relaxed onboard mood, plus the generous drink selection, which includes cocktails, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water. The main drawback is that the snorkeling may feel ordinary, and one poor rating described the sailing portion as very brief.

I also like the simple meeting point at the Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort jetty in Grand-Gaube. You can reach the boat without hotel pickup confusion, but you must arrange your own transport to the jetty. The route is not a long-distance cruise, so this suits you best if you want an easy day on the water rather than a far-reaching expedition.

Key points at a glance

• Meet at 9:30 am in Grand-Gaube: The boat leaves at 10:00 am from the Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort jetty.
• A generous onboard drinks menu: Local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, cocktails, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water are included.
• BBQ lunch on the catamaran: Expect grilled fish, BBQ chicken, chicken sausage, seafood, salads, seasonal vegetables, garlic bread, and fruit.
• Two swimming stops: Snorkel in the Grand Gaube lagoon, then enjoy beach and lagoon time at Bernaches Island.
• A quiet mangrove pause: L’ile d’Ambre offers a change of pace, with time to relax in the mangroves and have a drink.
• Sea conditions can change the plan: The captain may redirect the boat to Gunners Coin or Casita Beach if the sea is rough.

What the $80 price really buys you

At $80 per person, this is a reasonably priced full-day outing if you value food, drinks, and several water stops in one package. You receive about six and a half hours aboard the catamaran, a cooked lunch, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snorkeling time, and beach time. That removes the need to pay separately for lunch and drinks during the day.

The price is less compelling if your main goal is serious snorkeling or a long coastal sail. The route stays close to the northeast coast, and the snorkeling area may not impress experienced snorkelers. One rating specifically found the snorkeling in this area not especially worthwhile, though the unlimited drinks helped make the day feel good value.

The overall score is 3.8 out of 5 from six ratings, which fits the experience nicely. Most of the praise centers on the crew, food, easy boarding, and cheerful atmosphere. The lower feedback points to the limited sailing and modest snorkeling. I would book this for a sociable day with lunch and swimming, not as Mauritius’s ultimate reef trip.

Meeting the boat at Grand-Gaube

You meet the crew at 9:30 am at the jetty of the Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort in Grand-Gaube. Departure is scheduled for 10:00 am, so arriving early gives you time to find the jetty, organize your belongings, and board without a rush.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. That matters if you are staying elsewhere on Mauritius. You need to arrange your own way to Grand-Gaube, and the activity ends at the same jetty at about 4:00 pm.

The boat is easy to board according to one rating, but this outing is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Wear clothes and shoes that make sense for a wet boat day. A swimsuit, cover-up, hat, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes will serve you well.

Bring a waterproof bag or backpack for small items. The operator also advises a waterproof jacket, even though the day may be sunny. Sea conditions can change quickly, and a jacket is useful during the return sail or any rough patch.

Sailing from Grand-Gaube toward L’ile d’Ambre

The first section carries you from Grand-Gaube toward L’ile d’Ambre, where mangroves and lagoon waters shape the day’s setting. The northeast coast is the focus, with the catamaran moving through calm-looking turquoise water when conditions cooperate.

Do not expect a long offshore voyage. The route stays fairly close to shore, and one rating complained that the actual sailing felt very short. That criticism is worth taking seriously if you picture hours under full sail. This is mainly a boat-based swimming and lunch outing, with cruising used to connect the stops.

The mood seems to be one of the strongest parts. The captain was praised for having a good sense of humor, while another rating highlighted the friendly crew. That kind of atmosphere matters on a shared catamaran. You spend much of the day near other people, so a warm crew can make the boat feel relaxed rather than cramped.

The trip is offered in French and English. The crew assists with the swimming and snorkeling period, which is useful if you are not fully confident in the water. You should still be comfortable in open water, since the activity is not designed for people prone to seasickness.

Grand Gaube lagoon for swimming and snorkeling

The first water stop is in the Grand Gaube lagoon. The schedule allows roughly two hours from 10:00 am to noon for swimming, snorkeling, and time around the mangroves. This gives you more than a quick dip beside the boat.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer. The information provided does not promise that equipment is supplied, so packing your own mask and snorkel is the safest choice. A proper fit makes a big difference, especially when you want to spend real time in the water.

Keep expectations sensible. The lagoon is attractive, but it may not deliver the coral and marine life that experienced snorkelers hope to see. One rating found the snorkeling in this area underwhelming. You might find it perfectly pleasant for a swim and a look below the surface, but I would not choose this cruise solely for underwater viewing.

The crew’s assistance is a plus. You can ask for help as you get into the water and follow their guidance about where to swim. The rules are clear: do not touch marine life or plants, and do not litter. Those limits protect the lagoon and keep the stop enjoyable for everyone.

A drink in the L’ile d’Ambre mangroves

After the water stop, the catamaran heads into the mangrove area at L’ile d’Ambre. This is one of the more distinctive parts of the trip. Instead of spending the entire day on open water, you get a quieter setting among the mangroves, with time to slow down and enjoy a drink.

The mangroves were described as feeling like a deserted island, which captures their appeal better than a standard beach stop does. You are not promised a wildlife tour, and the schedule does not list a formal nature talk. Still, the setting gives the morning a peaceful change of rhythm.

The included drinks help here. You can choose from cocktails, local rum, wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. If you do not drink alcohol, you still have plenty of options. Pace yourself carefully, since swimming, sun, and rum are a poor combination when treated as a contest.

This is also a good moment to sit in the shade if you can, drink water, and use sunscreen again. The cruise is relaxed, but the Mauritian sun is not shy.

BBQ lunch served on deck

Around noon, lunch is served on the catamaran. The meal includes rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, a seafood dish, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit.

The food earned strong praise, and that is important because lunch is a major part of the day. A fresh BBQ served on deck feels more satisfying than a packed sandwich between stops. You can eat while taking in the ocean views, then return to the water or settle into the catamaran’s easy pace.

The vegetarian menu includes rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and seasonal fruit. The children’s menu is listed as the same as the adult menu. If you have an allergy or a strict dietary requirement, the supplied information does not explain how special requests are handled, so ask before booking.

Lunch is not presented as fine dining. Think of it as a hearty beach-style meal designed to keep you going through the afternoon. The mix of grilled food, salads, vegetables, and fruit should suit a broad range of tastes.

Bernaches Island from 1:00 to 2:30 pm

After lunch, the boat continues to Bernaches Island. From about 1:00 pm, you have time to swim, snorkel, walk along the sandy beach, or sit by the lagoon. This is the most flexible part of the day, since you can choose your own pace instead of following a guided activity every minute.

Bernaches Island works well for anyone who likes a little land time during a boat excursion. You can stretch your legs, dry off, and take a short walk along the shoreline. If you prefer the water, the clear lagoon provides another chance to swim.

The stop lasts until about 2:30 pm, so it is long enough to enjoy but not so long that the afternoon drags. Bring your cover-up and footwear suitable for a beach walk. The information only describes sandy beaches and lagoon time, so do not expect shops, facilities, or a developed island attraction.

This stop also helps balance the snorkeling criticism. If the underwater conditions are average, you still have a pleasant beach setting and free time. If you want nonstop activity, though, the flexible pause may feel slow. I see it as a strength for people who want a gentle day, not a weakness.

The return sail and changing sea conditions

The catamaran returns to the Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort jetty at about 4:00 pm. The timing gives you a full but manageable day, with enough room for lunch, two water-focused areas, and the mangroves.

The captain can change the route if the sea is rough or impassable. In that case, the boat may head toward Gunners Coin or Casita Beach instead. This means the exact scenery and stops are not guaranteed, but it is the right call for safety.

I would keep your afternoon plans flexible. The stated return time is 4:00 pm, but the captain’s decision about the route can affect the schedule. Avoid booking a tight connection or an important appointment soon afterward.

If you are prone to seasickness, this is not a good choice. The operator specifically says the experience is unsuitable for people with seasickness. Take motion sickness medicine only if it is appropriate for you, and consider sitting where the movement feels easier.

Drinks, crew, and the overall mood

The crew is one of the clearest reasons to choose this cruise. The captain was praised for his good mood, and the general atmosphere was described as especially enjoyable. A pleasant crew can turn a basic itinerary into a memorable day, particularly when you share a boat with other people.

The unlimited drinks also shape the experience. You can have wine with lunch, a soft drink after swimming, or a cocktail while resting near the mangroves. Nonalcoholic options mean you are not forced into a party atmosphere, though the presence of rum, beer, and wine gives the day a festive edge.

The group size is not provided, so I would not assume an intimate sailing. If you want privacy or a quiet private charter, this probably is not the right format. If you enjoy a social boat day, the mood should suit you well.

Who should book this catamaran day?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and families who want an easy coastal outing with meals and drinks included. It also suits you if you like alternating between boat time, swimming, a beach walk, and a relaxed lunch rather than chasing one major sight.

Families should note that the children’s menu is the same as the adult menu. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and anyone uncomfortable on boats should think twice. You should also be prepared for sun, wet clothes, and a possible route change.

Experienced snorkelers may want a different excursion. The lagoon snorkeling is convenient and enjoyable for a casual swim, but it is not the strongest reason to book. The cruise’s real appeal is the combination of friendly service, BBQ food, drinks, mangroves, and easy beach time.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a relaxed $80 day with lunch, drinks, swimming, and a cheerful crew. The mangrove stop and Bernaches Island add welcome variety, and you do not need to plan each part of the day yourself.

Skip it if you want a long sailing route, excellent snorkeling, or a private and quiet boat. The cruise stays near the northeast coast, and the snorkeling may be only average. For the right kind of day, though, this is a pleasant way to enjoy Mauritius from the water without paying separately for every drink and meal.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

You meet the crew at the jetty of the Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort in Grand-Gaube, Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

The meeting time is 9:30 am, with departure scheduled for 10:00 am.

What time does the experience end?

The catamaran is scheduled to return to the same jetty at about 4:00 pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to and from the Grand-Gaube jetty.

What food is served for lunch?

The BBQ includes salads, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, a seafood dish, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. The vegetarian menu includes salads, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and seasonal fruit.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, cocktails, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water.

Should I bring snorkeling equipment?

You may bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer. The trip includes snorkeling at the Grand Gaube lagoon, but the provided information does not confirm that equipment is supplied.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. If the sea is rough or impassable, the captain may change direction and take the boat to Gunners Coin or Casita Beach for safety.