Southeast of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

Mauritius shows its best side from the water. This 6.5 to 7-hour catamaran trip brings together Trou Moutou snorkeling and a generous BBQ lunch, then adds historic islets, a river waterfall, and time on Ile aux Cerfs. I like that the day mixes active stops with easy sailing. I also like the included drinks, which cover local rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water. The main drawback is the early start and long time in the sun, with no hotel pickup included.

The route covers a lot of ground, from Mahébourg to the southeast coast and up Grande Rivière South Est. That makes the day feel full rather than slow, but it also means the schedule is fairly fixed. If you are prone to seasickness or have limited mobility, this is not the best fit.

Key points at a glance

• Trou Moutou snorkeling: Swim in a well-known snorkeling area with crew assistance and the chance to see a range of marine life.
• Historic island views: Sail past Ile de La Passe and Ile au Phare, then hear about Ile au Phare’s coral makeup and cultural past.
• BBQ lunch on board: Eat grilled fish, chicken, sausage, seafood, salads, bread, fruit, and garlic bread with a vegetarian menu available.
• Grande Rivière South Est: Look for the river waterfall, large bats, and monkeys along the riverbank.
• Ile aux Cerfs free time: Spend about an hour swimming, snorkeling, walking, or resting on the sandy beach.
• $85 value: The price includes the catamaran, food, and a broad drink selection, but transport to Mahébourg is extra.

Why this southeast coast trip works

I like this cruise because it does not rely on one big attraction. Instead, it strings together several different sides of Mauritius: open sea, marine life, island history, a river estuary, and a popular beach island.

That variety matters. You may enjoy snorkeling in the morning but want a quieter hour later. You may care about the old islets but not want a full museum-style history tour. This trip gives you a taste of each without asking you to plan separate outings.

The route begins at the Pointe des Régates jetty in Mahébourg, a fishermen’s town on the southeast coast. You meet the team at 9:15 a.m., with departure listed at 9:30. The trip returns to the same jetty around 4:30 p.m., though the timing can run to 5:00 p.m. depending on the day.

The catamaran setting is part of the appeal. You are not simply being carried from one stop to another. The sailing time gives you open views of the coast and a chance to settle into the pace of the day. Still, bring a jacket. The sea breeze can feel cool, especially after swimming.

Starting from Mahébourg at 9:15 a.m.

Your first practical task is getting to the jetty on your own. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so allow enough time to reach Pointe des Régates before the 9:15 meeting time.

This early start helps the crew fit the full route into one day. It also puts you on the water before the hottest part of the afternoon. I would arrive ready to go, with swimwear under comfortable beach clothes and sunscreen applied before boarding.

The meeting point is specific: Jetty of Pointe des Régates, Mahébourg, Mauritius. The activity ends back there, so it is simple to arrange your return transport if you are staying elsewhere on the island.

The operator lists French and English as the available languages. The day is designed as a shared catamaran outing rather than a private charter, although a group size is not provided. If you prefer quiet, independent sailing, keep that in mind.

Snorkeling at Trou Moutou

The first water stop is Trou Moutou, reached at about 10:15 a.m. It is described as a natural aquarium with varied marine life, and the crew assists with swimming and snorkeling.

This is likely the most active part of the morning. Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer, though the trip information specifically reminds you that you can do so. The essential packing advice also includes a towel, waterproof bag, swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

You should follow the rules closely here. Do not touch marine life, plants, or coral areas, and keep all litter with you until it can be properly disposed of. These are basic rules, but they matter in a shallow marine setting where careless hands and feet can cause lasting damage.

The snorkeling stop is a strong reason to choose this cruise, but sea conditions can affect it. If the sea is rough or unsafe, the captain may change direction. That flexibility protects the group, though it means the exact route is not guaranteed.

Ile de La Passe and Ile au Phare

After the morning swim, the catamaran sails in front of Ile de La Passe and Ile au Phare. This part of the trip is more about viewing and explanation than getting off the boat.

Ile au Phare receives particular attention. The islet is noted for its coral composition and cultural heritage, and the skippers provide historical information as you pass and visit the area. The schedule calls this a guided tour, but the supplied details do not promise a long walk or a particular amount of time ashore. Expect a compact introduction rather than a full historical excursion.

I like this pause in the program because it gives the day some context. The coast is not just pretty water and sand. These islets connect the sailing route to Mauritius’s past, and hearing about them makes the scenery more meaningful.

The trade-off is that anyone wanting a serious history lesson may find this portion brief. It works best if you enjoy a few useful stories and viewpoints between swimming and lunch.

BBQ lunch with sea views

Lunch is served on the catamaran around noon, before the route continues toward Ile aux Cerfs. The meal is substantial for a boat excursion: rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, a seafood dish, garlic bread, regular bread, and seasonal fruit.

A 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.

The food is included in the $85 price, which improves the value considerably. You are not left to find lunch at a beach stop, and the meal is served with sea views rather than taking time away from the route.

Drinks are also included. You can expect local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. Cocktails and nonalcoholic refreshments are also mentioned. If you plan to drink alcohol, remember that you still have an afternoon in the sun and on the water. Water and sensible pacing are good choices.

The menu may not suit every dietary need. A vegetarian option is clearly provided, but no other special dietary arrangements are stated. If you have allergies or strict requirements, confirm them before booking.

Sailing into Grande Rivière South Est

At about 1:30 p.m., the catamaran heads toward the waterfall at Grande Rivière South Est. The river section changes the mood of the trip. After open coastal water, you move into an estuary with vegetation along the banks and a more enclosed view.

The route is intended for sightseeing. You may see a large bat colony, monkeys playing along the riverbank, and the well-known waterfall. The timing is useful because it gives you a chance to look around after lunch without immediately rushing into another swim.

I would treat the wildlife sightings as possibilities, not guarantees. Animals move on their own schedule, and the information does not promise a particular number of bats or monkeys. The waterfall itself is the main fixed point of interest.

This section also shows why the cruise is more than a beach transfer. You get a look at inland scenery without giving up the coastal part of the day. If you prefer a trip focused only on swimming, the river detour may feel like a slower interlude. If you like variety, it earns its place.

One hour on Ile aux Cerfs

The catamaran reaches Ile aux Cerfs at about 2:00 p.m. You have free time until roughly 3:00 p.m., then return toward Mahébourg.

This is not a full afternoon at the island. One hour is enough for a swim, a short beach walk, snorkeling, sunbathing, or a quick rest on the sand. It is not enough for a leisurely exploration of every corner, so choose one or two priorities before you step ashore.

I like the freedom here. After a scheduled morning, you are not required to join another guided activity. You can simply sit near the beach, cool off in the water, or walk and take in the island’s natural setting.

The limitation is the short time. Ile aux Cerfs is a popular destination, and this stop gives you a sample rather than a complete visit. If your main goal is to spend half a day on the island, book a dedicated Ile aux Cerfs outing instead. If you want it as one piece of a wider southeast coast day, the hour is a useful bonus.

What $85 includes and what it does not

At $85 per person, the value depends on how much of the included package you will use. The price covers the catamaran trip, snorkeling stop, historical route, BBQ lunch, beverages, river visit, waterfall views, and time on Ile aux Cerfs.

That is a strong bundle for a full day on the water. Food and drinks can quickly add to the cost of a boat trip, so having both included makes budgeting easier. The cruise also avoids the need to arrange separate visits to the coast, river, and island.

You must pay for your own transport to Mahébourg and any personal expenses. Hotel pickup is not included. Bring cash or another payment method if you want anything beyond the provided meal and drinks, though no extra purchases are specified.

The booking terms allow cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your Mauritius schedule is still changing.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this day to you if you want a broad introduction to southeast Mauritius in one outing. It suits people who enjoy a mixture of snorkeling, gentle sightseeing, beach time, and a hosted lunch.

It is also a good choice for families if everyone can manage the boat and water activities. The children’s menu is the same as the adult menu, and the free time on Ile aux Cerfs lets each person choose between swimming, walking, and resting.

You should think twice if you are prone to seasickness. This is a long day on the water, and the trip information specifically says it is not suitable for people who often become seasick. Mobility is another concern, since the experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Pack lightly but carefully. Your most useful items are a swimsuit, towel, dry change of clothes, waterproof bag, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and jacket. Comfortable beachwear will make the transitions between boat, water, and beach easier.

Final decision: should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want one well-filled day that combines snorkeling, food, history, wildlife, and Ile aux Cerfs. The included BBQ and drinks make $85 a reasonable price, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch and refreshments.

Skip it if you want a private, slow sailing day, a long stay on Ile aux Cerfs, or a serious historical tour. Also skip it if rough water is a major concern or if reaching Mahébourg independently will be difficult.

For most active visitors who can handle a full day at sea, this is a practical way to see several southeast highlights without juggling multiple bookings. The simple verdict from the available feedback is clear: one guest rated it five stars and called it something truly worth doing. That praise fits the experience best when you value variety over long, unhurried stops.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at the Jetty of Pointe des Régates in Mahébourg, Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should meet the team at 9:15 a.m. The scheduled departure is 9:30 a.m.

What time does the cruise return?

The activity returns to Pointe des Régates around 4:30 p.m., with some information listing a return as late as 5:00 p.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included on board, with salads, vegetables, grilled items, seafood, bread, garlic 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 include local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, mineral water, cocktails, and nonalcoholic refreshments.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

You can bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer. The trip information specifically recommends bringing personal equipment if desired.

What happens if the sea is rough?

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

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments or seasickness?

No. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or those prone to seasickness.