Catamaran Mauritius: South East 5 Islands Catamaran Cruises

Southeast Mauritius gives you a full day on the water without making you choose between snorkeling, island stops, and a good lunch. This powered catamaran links five island sights, including Île aux Cerfs, Lighthouse Island, and Île aux Aigrettes, with time to swim, watch for dolphins, and enjoy the lagoon.

I like the all-inclusive feel, with drinks and a BBQ lunch covered, and I like the mix of active and easygoing moments. You can snorkel at Eau Bleue, then sit back with a beer or wine while the crew handles the route. The main drawback is that this is a seven-hour boat day, and the open water can be uncomfortable if you are prone to motion sickness.

Key points to know before booking

• A full southeast coast route: You visit or pass several islands, including Île aux Cerfs, Île au Phare, Île aux Fouquet, and Île aux Aigrettes.
• Snorkeling at Eau Bleue: The stop is built around swimming and seeing the underwater world in clear water.
• Food and drinks included: Expect a BBQ lunch, beer, wine, cocktails, and other drinks during the day.
• A chance to see dolphins and turtles: Sightings are possible, but wildlife is never guaranteed.
• Meet Jonathan at Pointe Jerome: Look for the Catamaran Cruises T-shirt at the embarkation point.
• Best for able swimmers and walkers: The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

A seven-hour route through southeast Mauritius

This is a long, water-focused day rather than a quick boat trip. You meet at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point for a 09:30 departure and return around 16:00, giving you enough time for several stops without rushing from one sight to the next.

The powered catamaran is newer, according to the available trip details, and it is designed to cover the route at a brisk pace. That speed helps fit five island areas, snorkeling, lunch, and wildlife watching into one outing. It also means you should expect movement and engine noise rather than the quiet glide of a traditional sailing boat.

The crew speaks English and French. Jonathan is the named contact at the meeting point, wearing a Catamaran Cruises T-shirt. That small detail matters at a busy waterfront, where finding the right boat can otherwise turn into an unnecessary scavenger hunt.

The trip is described as a small-group cruise, though no exact passenger limit is given. If having plenty of personal space is important to you, confirm the group size before booking.

Pointe Jerome to Île aux Cerfs

The first major island stop is Île aux Cerfs, reached after roughly 30 minutes by catamaran. This is one of the best-known island stops in Mauritius, and it gives the day an easy beginning: open water, warm air, and time to settle into the boat.

You should not think of this as a private-island visit with unlimited free time. Île aux Cerfs is one part of a wider route, so the stop is tied to the schedule. Drinks and the BBQ lunch are included during this part of the day, making it a useful pause between the more active water stops.

I like that the route does not force you to spend the entire day swimming. You can eat, sit on deck, and take in the lagoon views. If your ideal excursion includes a little sun and a little food between activities, this balance works well.

Bring a cover-up and protect your camera from splashes. Beachwear is recommended, but a change of clothes is also specifically useful for the ride back.

Mahébourg and the Grand Port coast

The route also takes in the Mahébourg area and the wider Grand Port District. This portion combines sightseeing with scenic views from the water. You can expect local snacks and drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails, along with a safety briefing.

A boat view gives you a different sense of the southeast coast than a road tour. You see the shoreline from the lagoon and pass island sites that are difficult to combine in a single land-based outing. The value here is not a long historical walking tour. It is the chance to connect the coast, islands, and open water in one continuous route.

The safety briefing is worth listening to closely. The day includes swimming, snorkeling, and several hours on a moving boat. If you have not spent much time on a catamaran, the briefing will help you understand where to sit, how to move around, and what to expect at the water stops.

Snorkeling at Eau Bleue

The Eau Bleue stop is the day’s main underwater activity. You have time to swim and snorkel in clear water, with the chance to see coral and marine life below the surface.

This is a good reason to choose the trip over a sightseeing-only boat ride. You are not simply looking at the lagoon from a deck. You can get into the water and explore it at your own pace within the time allowed by the crew.

Pack motion-sickness protection even if you usually feel fine on boats. The powered catamaran can move quickly, and conditions on the water can change. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay close to the designated activity area and follow the crew’s instructions.

The snorkeling equipment itself is not listed among the included items, so check what is supplied before departure. At the very least, bring beachwear, a camera, and dry clothes. A waterproof phone case or a properly protected camera is a practical choice for a day built around water.

BBQ lunch, cold drinks, and time on deck

Food is one of the stronger practical features here. A BBQ lunch is included, and drinks are available on board. The route specifically mentions beer, wine, cocktails, and local snacks, so you are not expected to bring a full picnic for the day.

That makes the $82 price easier to assess. You are paying for seven hours on a powered catamaran, several island views, a snorkeling stop, a BBQ meal, and drinks. Transfers are not included, so you also need to account for getting to Pointe Jerome on your own.

I like this setup for couples, families with older children, and friends who want a social day without planning each meal and stop themselves. The friendly atmosphere and bilingual crew add comfort, but the food and drinks are not the main reason to book. The real value comes from combining many southeast Mauritius sights in one outing.

If you have dietary restrictions, ask the operator before booking. No special menu details are provided, so do not assume the BBQ will match your needs.

Lighthouse Island and the southeast’s old markers

Île au Phare, also called Lighthouse Island, is included as a visit rather than just a distant view. The historic lighthouse gives the route a sense of place and adds a touch of the coast’s maritime past to an otherwise recreational day.

You should keep expectations realistic. The experience information does not promise a guided interior visit or a long walk around the island. Treat this as a scenic and historic stop within a larger boat route.

Île aux Fouquet is also included among the island views. Depending on the exact conditions and timing, you may see some places from the boat rather than go ashore. That variety is part of the appeal, but it also means the day is not five separate island landings.

Île aux Aigrettes and wildlife watching

The catamaran passes Île aux Aigrettes, adding another island view to the southeast route. This is a passing sight rather than a listed landing, so keep your camera ready and pay attention when the crew points out the island.

Wildlife watching is another bonus. You may see dolphins, and sea turtles are also mentioned as possible sightings. The wording matters: the crew can take you through areas where these animals may appear, but nobody can promise a dolphin encounter.

I would book this for the chance to see wildlife, not as a guaranteed dolphin tour. That approach keeps the day enjoyable even if the animals stay out of sight. The islands, snorkeling, lunch, and lagoon views still make up the core experience.

What the catamaran ride feels like

The boat is a powered catamaran, not a slow sailing cruise. One detailed description of the ride points to a newer boat and a fast pace, with good guidance in both French and English. That suits you if you want to cover plenty of ground in one day.

The tradeoff is comfort. A fast boat can be fun, but it can also make motion sickness more noticeable. The operator specifically recommends bringing motion-sickness prevention, and I would take that advice seriously if you are sensitive to boat movement.

There is no need to bring large luggage. Oversize bags, large luggage, non-folding strollers, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. High-heeled shoes are also prohibited. Pack a small, practical day bag with swimwear, a towel if needed, sun protection, dry clothing, and your camera.

The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. You need to manage the meeting point, boat access, movement on board, and water activities without assistance designed for reduced mobility.

Who gets the most from this cruise

I would recommend this trip if you want several southeast Mauritius highlights in one day and prefer a planned route to arranging separate boat trips. It suits people who enjoy swimming but also want plenty of time to sit down, eat, and look out across the lagoon.

It is especially useful for couples and groups who want an easy social outing. The included lunch and drinks remove some of the usual planning, while the bilingual crew makes communication simpler for English and French speakers.

Families should consider the length and boat conditions. Seven hours is a long outing, and the experience includes swimming and snorkeling rather than a short, shore-based attraction. Baby strollers and large bags are not permitted, and the tour is not designed for people with mobility impairments.

I would choose another option if you want a quiet sailing experience, a private boat, a guaranteed dolphin sighting, or several long island walks. This is a lively, efficient route with many elements packed into one day.

Is $82 a fair price?

At $82 per person, the price is reasonable if you will use the full package. The day includes the catamaran ride, island views, snorkeling, swimming, a BBQ lunch, drinks, a waterfall visit, and chances to see dolphins and tortoises.

The value is strongest when you compare it with the cost and hassle of arranging transport, food, and separate water activities yourself. Transfers are not included, so the price is not all-in from your hotel door. You need to reach Pointe Jerome independently.

The route also gives you more than a single beach stop. You see Île aux Cerfs, Île au Phare, Île aux Fouquet, and Île aux Aigrettes, along with the Mahébourg and Grand Port areas. Some are visited and some are viewed from the boat, but the variety is still useful for a first look at the southeast coast.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms are helpful if your plans are still changing, though the more important decision is whether you are comfortable with a full day on the water.

Should you book the five-island cruise?

Book it if you want a busy but relaxed water day, with snorkeling, island scenery, lunch, drinks, and a chance of dolphins. The newer powered catamaran, bilingual guidance, and fast route make it a practical way to see several southeast sights without organizing each piece yourself.

Skip it if you dislike boat motion, need wheelchair access, or want guaranteed wildlife sightings and long visits on each island. For everyone else, $82 is a fair price for a seven-hour outing that mixes active stops with plenty of deck time.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

Meet Jonathan at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point. He will be wearing a Catamaran Cruises T-shirt.

What time does the cruise leave and return?

The cruise departs at 09:30 and returns around 16:00, for a total duration of about seven hours.

Which languages are available?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, along with drinks on board.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included, with beer, wine, cocktails, and other refreshments mentioned as part of the experience.

Is snorkeling part of the tour?

Yes. You can swim and snorkel in clear water at Eau Bleue and explore the underwater area.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, a camera, a change of clothes, and motion-sickness prevention. High-heeled shoes, large bags, oversize luggage, and non-folding strollers are not allowed.