Catamaran Mauritius: South East 5 Islands Catamaran Cruises

The lagoon is the main attraction. This 6.5-hour catamaran trip combines swimming and snorkeling with a barbecue lunch, open-bar drinks, island visits, and coastal scenery along southeast Mauritius. I like the easy mix of activity and downtime, and I like that the crew keeps the day social without making it feel rushed. The main caution is the short waterfall stop, which may feel too brief if you want time for photographs or a closer look.

The cruise leaves from Pointe Jerome, at Pointe D’Esny, and returns there after visiting Ile aux Cerfs, the Grand River South East waterfall, Ile aux Fouquets lighthouse, and Ile aux Aigrettes. Sightings of dolphins and tortoises are possible, but they depend on nature rather than the schedule.

Key points to know before booking

• A full 390-minute outing: You get a substantial day on the water, not a quick harbor trip.
• Lunch and drinks are included: The barbecue, wine, beer, spirits, coffee, and soft refreshments add real value to the $82 price.
• Snorkeling is built into the day: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes for the clearest experience.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: You have time to swim, snorkel, eat, relax, and enjoy the island.
• Wildlife sightings are a bonus: Dolphins and tortoises may appear, but no responsible operator can promise them.
• The crew receives strong praise: Pascal, Alex, Jonathan, and Nathalie are named in connection with warm service, good organization, and transport help.

A six-and-a-half-hour day along Mauritius’ southeast coast

This is a powered catamaran cruise rather than a short point-to-point boat ride. That distinction matters. You spend much of the day enjoying the water, moving between islands, swimming, eating onboard, and taking in views from the deck.

The route begins at Pointe Jerome, close to Pointe D’Esny. You should arrive at least 20 minutes before departure and report to Jonathan or Nathalie on the left side of the wharf when facing the sea. Coffee and a safety briefing are provided before the boat gets properly underway.

At $82 per person, the price is fair for a half-day-plus outing because several costs are bundled together. You get the catamaran ride, lunch, drinks, swimming, snorkeling, island visits, a waterfall stop, and the services of professional skippers. A pickup can be arranged for an extra charge if requested at least 48 hours before the excursion.

I would not judge the value by the number of islands alone. The real value is the combination of a long water outing, a meal, an onboard bar, and time to swim. If you only want to see the islands from a boat, you may find a shorter cruise enough. If you want a relaxed day with several activities already arranged, this package makes more sense.

Pointe Jerome: a simple start with useful orientation

The meeting point is Pointe Jerome embarkation wharf at Pointe D’Esny. This is where you check in, meet the crew, and settle into the boat before departure.

The early coffee is a small but welcome touch, especially if your excursion begins in the morning. The safety briefing gives you the basic information you need before the boat moves into the lagoon.

The check-in instruction is specific, so use it. Report to Jonathan or Nathalie on the left-hand side of the wharf when you face the sea. Arriving 20 minutes early also gives you room for the practical business of finding the pier and getting ready without a last-minute scramble.

The boat has live guiding in English and French. A private group option is also available, which may suit families or groups who want a more personal arrangement. The standard experience is designed around a friendly atmosphere, with drinks, food, and time to chat as well as time to look out across the water.

Ile aux Cerfs: the day’s main event

Ile aux Cerfs receives the longest part of the schedule, and that is sensible. This is where the cruise combines its main pleasures: beach time, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and scenic views.

You can expect a barbecue meal onboard, with dessert and a selection of drinks that includes beer, wine, spirits, coffee, and other refreshments. That makes this more than a boat transfer to a beach. You can eat without searching for a restaurant, then return to the water or relax with a drink.

The snorkeling is another strong reason to choose this cruise. The water is described as clear, and one recent outing included especially good fish sightings. Bring water shoes, not only flip-flops. A practical tip from the trip feedback is to choose beach shoes or water shoes for Ile aux Cerfs, since they are more useful around the shore than ordinary thong-style sandals.

You should bring your own towel, swimwear, hat, camera, and sunscreen. The operator also recommends flip-flops and water shoes, but the latter are the more useful choice if you plan to move between the boat, beach, and shallow water.

I like the way Ile aux Cerfs gives you a choice. You can swim and snorkel, enjoy the scenery, take a self-guided look around, or simply sit down with a drink. You are not forced into one kind of holiday fun. The tradeoff is that a popular island stop can feel less secluded than a remote sandbar, but this cruise is selling an easy, full-service day rather than solitude.

Dolphins and tortoises: enjoy the possibility, not a promise

Dolphin watching and tortoise watching are part of the experience. Several recent outings had close encounters with both dolphins and giant tortoises, which can turn a good boat day into a memorable one.

Still, wildlife follows its own timetable. The activity includes the chance to look for dolphins and see marine life, but no sighting should be treated as guaranteed. I would book this for the water, scenery, food, and islands first. If dolphins appear, consider that a superb extra.

This approach also makes the experience better for the animals. You get to watch wildlife in its natural setting rather than expecting a staged display. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire cruise staring through a screen.

Grand River South East waterfall: scenic, but fast

The cruise includes a sightseeing stop at the Grand River South East waterfall for about 30 minutes. This gives you a chance to see one of the area’s best-known natural sights from the water and take photographs.

Thirty minutes is enough for a quick look, but it is not a long exploration. Plan for a short scenic pause rather than a separate waterfall visit. One clear criticism of the outing was that this stop felt too brief, and I can see why. If waterfalls are your main reason for booking, the schedule may leave you wanting more.

For most people, though, the stop works as a change of pace between the beach and the island sights. You get a different view of Mauritius without sacrificing the longer swim and lunch period at Ile aux Cerfs.

Ile aux Fouquets lighthouse and Ile aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile au Phare, receives about 30 minutes. The lighthouse gives the cruise a strong historical and visual marker. You can visit the island, look around on your own, and enjoy the views from the boat as you approach and leave.

The stop is not presented as a long guided walking tour. Think of it as a compact island visit with time to see the lighthouse area and take photographs. The island’s appeal comes from its setting and its old maritime character, so it adds some depth to a day that could otherwise be only about beaches and swimming.

Ile aux Aigrettes is viewed while passing by, for around 15 minutes. This is an observation stop rather than a landing. You can contemplate the island from the boat, but you should not expect to walk ashore or explore it at close range.

Together, these two stops give the cruise a useful balance. Ile aux Cerfs supplies the swimming and beach time. Ile aux Fouquets adds a recognizable historic structure. Ile aux Aigrettes provides another piece of the southeast coast without stretching the schedule too far.

Food, drinks, and the onboard mood

The barbecue lunch is one of the most praised parts of the outing. The meal is served onboard, which keeps the day moving and means you do not need to organize a separate lunch stop.

Drinks are included as well. The listed choices include beer, coffee, spirits, wine, dessert, and welcome refreshments. That is important when comparing this cruise with a cheaper boat trip where you pay separately for every drink and meal.

The crew’s attitude also helps shape the day. Pascal and Alex are named among the crew members who helped create a warm, well-run outing. Jonathan is specifically praised for transportation help, while Jonathan and Nathalie are the people to look for at the wharf. These details suggest a hands-on operation where staff remain visible before and during the cruise.

The atmosphere is described as cheerful and attentive, with good organization and plenty of care onboard. That will appeal to you if you enjoy a sociable boat day with music, drinks, food, and conversation. It may be less suitable if you want a silent, private sailing experience with little group interaction, unless you book the private group option.

What $82 gets you, and who should book

At $82, you are paying for a long outing with several included features rather than a basic scenic transfer. The barbecue and drinks alone make the price easier to justify, while the snorkeling, island stops, waterfall visit, and wildlife watching fill out the day.

I see this as a good fit for couples, families, and friends who want one organized day on the southeast coast. You will get the most from it if you enjoy mixing swimming with sightseeing and do not mind spending several hours on a boat.

It also suits people who want flexibility within a group setting. You can be active in the water, walk around Ile aux Cerfs, watch for dolphins, or simply sit with a drink and enjoy the lagoon.

You may want to reconsider if you dislike long boat outings, need a quiet luxury setting, or want extended time at every stop. The waterfall visit is short, Ile aux Aigrettes is only seen from the boat, and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. The experience offers variety, but variety means no single stop receives unlimited time.

Tell the operator about meal restrictions in advance. The activity specifically asks you to provide this information, so do not wait until lunch is being served.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Pack light, but bring the items that matter:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Camera
• Flip-flops and water shoes
• Any personal items you need for several hours on the water

Water shoes deserve special attention. They are recommended for Ile aux Cerfs and are a better choice than ordinary sandals if you plan to snorkel or walk near the shore.

Arrive no later than 20 minutes before departure. If you need pickup, request it at least 48 hours before the excursion and expect an additional charge.

The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Mauritius plans are still moving around.

Pets are not allowed. The tour is available in English and French, and private groups can be arranged.

Final verdict: an easy yes for a full water day

I would book this cruise if I wanted a well-organized introduction to Mauritius’ southeast coast, especially one that combines excellent onboard food and drinks with time in the water. The strongest parts are the long Ile aux Cerfs stop, snorkeling, friendly service, and the chance to see dolphins and tortoises in the wild.

Go in with realistic expectations. The waterfall stop is quick, Ile aux Aigrettes is a pass-by sight, and wildlife is never certain. But at $82, the package gives you a lot: 390 minutes on the coast, a barbecue, drinks, several island views, swimming, snorkeling, and professional skippers.

For a relaxed, social catamaran day, this is a strong choice. For a quiet private escape or a detailed island-by-island exploration, choose the private option or a more focused excursion instead.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Pointe Jerome embarkation wharf at Pointe D’Esny. The cruise also returns to Pointe D’Esny.

How long does the excursion last?

The total duration is 390 minutes, or about 6.5 hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your chosen date.

What food and drinks are included?

A barbecue lunch, dessert, coffee, beer, wine, spirits, and welcome refreshments are included. You should tell the operator about any meal restrictions in advance.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are part of the cruise, with time provided at Ile aux Cerfs. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes.

Can I see dolphins and tortoises?

Dolphin and tortoise watching are included as possible wildlife activities. Sightings depend on conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

What languages are available?

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

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the excursion for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available, and pickup can be arranged at an additional cost if requested at least 48 hours before the excursion.