Catamaran Mauritius: South East 5 Islands Catamaran Cruises

Five islands, one very full day. This southeast Mauritius catamaran cruise mixes clear-water snorkeling with a relaxed ride aboard a powered boat, making it a good choice when you want both sea time and sightseeing. I especially like the included barbecue lunch and drinks, plus the chance to see dolphins, turtles, and the historic lighthouse at Île au Phare. The main drawback is that the schedule is busy, and the open-water ride may not suit anyone prone to motion sickness.

You meet Jonathan at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point and set off at 9:30 a.m., returning around 4 p.m. I also like that the crew speaks English and French, and a recent rating praised the newer boat and the guides’ helpful service in both languages. Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, and motion sickness prevention if you need it.

Key points to know before you book

• The day runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: You get seven hours on the water, with several stops packed into one outing.
• Île aux Cerfs is a major stop: You have time for drinks, lunch, and a visit to one of Mauritius’ best-known island settings.
• Eau Bleue is the snorkeling stop: The 20-minute swimming and snorkeling break is aimed at seeing the lagoon’s underwater life.
• Lunch and drinks are included: A barbecue meal, beer, wine, cocktails, and other drinks add real value to the $82 price.
• Wildlife sightings are possible, not promised: Dolphins and turtles may appear, but they depend on luck and sea conditions.
• The outing is not wheelchair friendly: Large bags, strollers, and non-folding mobility equipment are not allowed.

Why this five-island cruise works well

Mauritius has many boat trips, but this one gives you a broad look at the southeast coast in a single day. Instead of spending the whole time at one beach, you move through several coastal points and islands, with swimming, snorkeling, food, and historic sights woven into the route.

I like this mix because it keeps the day from becoming a simple boat transfer. You get moving water, quiet lagoon views, a meal on board, and several short stops. If you prefer one long, unhurried beach session, the schedule may feel rushed. If you want variety, it makes good use of seven hours.

The powered catamaran matters, too. One Danish guest described the newer boat as comfortable and noted that you are not simply dependent on a slow pace across the water. This is still a sea excursion, so conditions can affect the ride, but the powerboat design helps cover more ground than a basic sailing trip.

The atmosphere is intended to be relaxed and friendly rather than formal. Professional skippers handle the route, and the guide service is available in English and French. Jonathan is the named contact at the meeting point, so look for him wearing a Catamaran Cruises T-shirt.

Leaving Pointe Jerome for the southeast coast

The meeting point is Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point. You should arrive ready for the water, since the trip begins with a ride rather than a land tour. There is no transfer included, so you need to arrange your own way to Pointe Jerome.

Once aboard, the catamaran heads through the southeast waters toward the islands and coastal points. Drinks are available during the day, and the crew provides a safety briefing. That briefing is useful because the trip includes movement around the boat, swimming, and snorkeling.

The setting is one of the best reasons to choose this outing. The southeast coast has broad lagoon views, small islands, and clear water that changes with the light. You will spend much of the day outside, so sunscreen, a hat, and a dry change of clothes are sensible additions even though only beachwear, a camera, and extra clothing are specifically listed.

Île aux Cerfs brings the classic Mauritius scenery

Île aux Cerfs is one of the headline stops, and it gives the day its postcard appeal. The island is known for its bright water and sandy setting, and the cruise includes time for drinks, lunch, and a barbecue here.

Do not expect a long, independent island expedition. The stop is listed at about 30 minutes, so the practical value is the setting and the shared meal rather than hours of wandering. You can step ashore or enjoy the surrounding views, depending on how the crew organizes the stop that day.

This is also where the cruise feels most social. Beer, wine, and barbecue food are part of the experience, so Île aux Cerfs becomes a natural pause after the earlier ride and water activities. If you are traveling with friends or family, this is likely to be one of the easiest parts of the day to enjoy together.

The short timing is worth noting. Île aux Cerfs is famous enough that you might wish for more time there. The benefit is that the cruise does not use the whole day on one island, leaving room for snorkeling, dolphin watching, and the lighthouse.

Snorkeling at Eau Bleue and Grand Port

The snorkeling stop takes place at Eau Bleue in the Grand Port District. The scheduled water break is about 20 minutes, which is enough for a quick swim and a look below the surface, but not a long reef session.

The water is described as clear, and the cruise is designed to let you see the underwater world around the lagoon. You should bring your own comfort level and expectations: this is a short group stop, not a specialist snorkeling trip with a long guided reef lesson.

I would treat the stop as a refreshing part of the day rather than the sole reason to book. You can swim, use the provided water setting to cool off, and look for coral and marine life. The exact visibility and wildlife depend on conditions, so a camera may be useful, but protecting it from water is your responsibility.

The crew’s safety briefing is especially relevant here. Listen carefully before entering the water, follow the skipper’s directions, and allow time to dry off before lunch. Motion sickness prevention is also worth considering if you are unsure how you handle a powered boat.

Mahébourg adds local flavor and coastal views

The route includes a stop connected with Mahébourg, lasting around 30 minutes. This section combines sightseeing, scenic views along the way, local snacks, and drinks such as beer, cocktails, and wine.

Mahébourg is important to the southeast’s sense of place, and this stop helps prevent the cruise from feeling like a generic beach outing. You get a look at the coastal setting and a taste of local snacks, although the supplied details do not promise a long walking tour or a full town visit.

The timing suggests that you should think of Mahébourg as a compact stop, not a separate cultural excursion. I like having this change of pace in the route, but anyone hoping for extensive time on land should choose a dedicated Mahébourg tour instead.

Île au Phare gives the route a historic landmark

Île au Phare, also called Lighthouse Island, is included as a visit rather than just a distant view. The lighthouse gives the cruise a strong historic point of interest and breaks up the beach-and-water pattern.

The information provided does not specify how long you stay or how much of the island you explore. For that reason, keep expectations sensible. The island is a scenic and historic stop within a larger boat route, not necessarily a full lighthouse tour with extensive interpretation.

Still, it is one of the details that gives this trip more character. You are not only moving between swimming spots. You are also seeing small islands tied to the coast’s maritime past, with the lighthouse set against open lagoon views.

Île aux Fouquet and Île aux Aigrettes from the water

The cruise includes views of Île aux Fouquet and Île aux Aigrettes. Île aux Aigrettes is listed as a pass-by rather than a landing, so you should expect to see it from the boat.

These short passages are valuable because they help you understand the shape of the southeast coast. You will not get a separate visit to every island, but you do get a wider coastal sweep than a single-island trip offers.

This is also where a camera earns its place. The best photographs may come between formal stops, when the boat opens onto views of the islands and lagoon. Keep your camera ready, but do not let it replace the simple pleasure of watching the coast pass by.

Dolphins, turtles, and the luck factor

Dolphin watching is part of the route, and tortoise or turtle watching is also listed among the included activities. The wording matters: you get the chance to see these animals, not a guarantee.

Wildlife is never a fixed appointment, and the crew cannot control where dolphins or turtles appear. I would consider any sighting a bonus rather than a promised centerpiece. If you are booking mainly to see dolphins, choose with that uncertainty in mind.

The possibility adds excitement to the ride, especially during the open-water sections. Keep your eyes on the sea and your camera close, but avoid judging the whole day by whether an animal appears. The snorkeling, islands, food, and lighthouse still give you a full outing.

Barbecue lunch and drinks included in the $82 price

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in Mauritius, but the package includes several costs that can add up on their own. You receive the catamaran cruise, barbecue lunch, drinks on board, snorkeling, swimming, island views, and wildlife watching.

Beer, wine, cocktails, and other drinks are included, along with local snacks. That makes the price easier to justify for anyone who wants a social day where meals and refreshments are already covered.

The meal is served on board or as part of the Île aux Cerfs stop, depending on how the crew arranges the day. You should not expect a restaurant-style dining experience. The appeal is simple food, sea views, and no need to search for lunch while moving between islands.

Value depends on your priorities. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling, this bundled format is practical. If you do not drink, do not swim, or prefer to explore one island slowly, you may find less value in the package.

Timing, comfort, and what to bring

Seven hours is a substantial portion of your day, but the schedule gives you variety. Departure is at 9:30 a.m. and the return is around 4 p.m., so you should keep the surrounding day fairly open.

The itinerary includes several short stops, including roughly 30 minutes for some island and coastal sections and about 20 minutes for the snorkeling break. This keeps the route moving, but it also means you may need to get in and out of the water or boat without much lingering time.

Wear beachwear and bring a change of clothes. A camera is useful, especially for Île au Phare, the passing islands, and possible wildlife sightings. Motion sickness prevention is a smart choice if you are sensitive to boat movement.

Large luggage, large bags, oversize items, high-heeled shoes, baby strollers, and non-folding strollers are not allowed. The outing is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, so check this carefully before paying.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your plans are still shifting, but they do not change the need to arrange your own transport to Pointe Jerome.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a full day on the water without having to plan each stop yourself. It suits couples, families with older children, and friends who like a mix of swimming, food, scenery, and easy sightseeing.

It is also a good fit if you want a social boat atmosphere. The included drinks and barbecue encourage a casual, shared experience rather than a quiet private charter.

You may want another option if you need wheelchair access, dislike open-water movement, or want a long snorkeling session. The same applies if you prefer slow travel and extensive time ashore. This route covers many points, so its strength is variety rather than deep exploration of one place.

Should you book the five-island cruise?

Book it if you want to see several southeast Mauritius sights in one organized day, with lunch, drinks, snorkeling, and a powered catamaran included for $82. I especially like the combination of Île aux Cerfs, Eau Bleue, Île au Phare, and the chance to spot dolphins or turtles.

Before booking, be honest about your comfort on boats and your mobility needs. The schedule is active, wildlife sightings are uncertain, and the stops are fairly short. For a balanced day of lagoon scenery, food, swimming, and island views, it offers solid value and a friendly bilingual crew.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The meeting point is Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point. Meet Jonathan there, and look for someone wearing a Catamaran Cruises T-shirt.

What time does the cruise leave and return?

The cruise departs at 9:30 a.m. and returns at about 4 p.m. The total duration is seven hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the cruise to five islands, drinks on board, a barbecue lunch, swimming, snorkeling, a waterfall visit, island views, tortoise and dolphin watching opportunities, and professional skippers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is included, along with drinks such as beer, wine, cocktails, and other refreshments.

Will I definitely see dolphins or turtles?

No. The cruise gives you the chance to see dolphins and turtles, but sightings depend on luck and conditions.

Which islands can I see?

The route includes Île aux Cerfs, Île au Fouquet, Île au Phare, and views of Île aux Aigrettes. The cruise also visits coastal areas connected with Mahébourg and Grand Port.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and French.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Large luggage, large bags, strollers, and non-folding mobility items are also not allowed.