Catamaran Mauritius: South East 5 Islands Catamaran Cruises

The best part of this 6.5-hour catamaran cruise is the mix of open-water scenery, island stops, swimming, and lunch without having to arrange each piece separately. From Pointe D’Esny, you head toward Mauritius’s southeast islands, with time for snorkeling, a BBQ, drinks, and the chance to spot dolphins and tortoises.

I like the generous onboard food and drink service, and I like that the trip reaches several very different sights, from the sandy shores of Ile aux Cerfs to the old Ile aux Fouquets lighthouse. The main consideration is pace: the waterfall stop lasts only about 30 minutes, so you should not expect a long visit at every location.

Key points to know

• A full half-day on the water: The 390-minute schedule gives you time for cruising, lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main island stop: Expect beach time, water activities, scenic views, and the onboard BBQ.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, spirits, coffee, welcome refreshments, and other drinks are part of the experience.
• Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed: Dolphins and tortoises may appear, but nature sets the timetable.
• The Grand River South East waterfall is a quick stop: You get about 30 minutes for sightseeing.
• Bring proper footwear: Water shoes are especially useful, since flip-flops are not ideal for every island surface.

What this southeast Mauritius cruise is really like

This is a long, easygoing boat day built around the southeast coast of Mauritius. You are not signing up for a strenuous excursion. The rhythm is simple: meet the crew, board the catamaran, cruise between islands, stop for food and water time, and return to Pointe D’Esny.

The advertised route is a five-island cruise, though the named stops include Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouquets, Ile aux Aigrettes, and the Grand River South East waterfall area. The waterfall is not an island stop, but it adds a useful change of scene between the open lagoon and the smaller historic islands.

I like this format for couples, families, and small groups that want a full day at sea but do not want to spend the entire time on one beach. You get plenty of relaxed cruising, yet there is enough movement in the schedule to keep the day from feeling repetitive.

The boat leaves from the Pointe Jerome embarkation wharf at Pointe D’Esny and returns there. Check in at least 20 minutes before departure, then look for Jonathan or Nathalie on the left side of the wharf when you are facing the sea. That small detail matters, since a busy waterfront is not the place to arrive unsure of where to go.

Starting at Pointe D’Esny and Pointe Jerome

The meeting point is the Pointe Jerome embarkation wharf. The day begins with coffee and a safety briefing, which gives you time to settle in before the boat moves away from shore.

You can arrange pickup for an extra charge, but you must request it no later than 48 hours before the excursion. If you are making your own way to Pointe D’Esny, build in a little extra time for check-in. Arriving 20 minutes early is required, not just a polite suggestion.

The safety briefing is especially useful on a day that includes swimming and snorkeling. Listen for the crew’s instructions about moving around the boat, boarding the water, and returning to the catamaran. The professional skippers are part of the value here, since a relaxed boat day still depends on competent handling and clear directions.

English and French are available. The named crew connected with the cruise includes Jonathan, Nathalie, Pascal, and Alex. Jonathan may also handle arranged transportation, so keep his name in mind if you have booked a pickup.

Cruising toward Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the central stop and the part of the trip with the most activities. You can expect a combination of scenic cruising, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and time to look around on your own.

The island is known for its striking beach setting, and the clear water gives the stop its main appeal. A recent booking included praise for the beach and a useful footwear warning: bring beach shoes or water shoes rather than relying only on flip-flops. That is practical advice for anyone planning to move between sand, boat, and shallow water.

The snorkeling is another strong point. The water is described as clear, and the available time allows you to look for fish rather than simply take a quick dip. Still, the exact marine life you see will depend on sea conditions and luck. The crew can point you in the right direction, but no operator can promise a particular fish, dolphin, or tortoise.

I would treat the snorkeling as a pleasant part of a broader day, not as a specialist reef expedition. If your main goal is extended time underwater, check the schedule carefully before booking. If you want a swim, a little snorkeling, and a scenic island setting, the arrangement makes much more sense.

BBQ lunch, wine, beer, and a relaxed boat atmosphere

Lunch is served as a barbecue onboard, with drinks included. The package lists beer, wine, spirits, coffee, dessert, and welcome refreshments, giving the meal a more complete feel than a basic packed lunch.

This is one of the tour’s practical strengths. You do not need to stop your day to search for food, and you can eat while staying close to the water and the views. A good boat meal also helps justify the $82 price, since the cost covers more than transport between islands.

The atmosphere is intended to be social and relaxed. You can sit with a drink, watch the water, and let the crew handle the movement between stops. The trip is not designed as a silent nature outing, so expect a friendly boat setting rather than a private yacht experience unless you book the private-group option.

You must provide information about meal restrictions when booking. Do not wait until boarding to mention a dietary need. The available information confirms that restrictions should be specified, but it does not promise a particular menu or substitution, so ask clearly in advance.

Grand River South East waterfall: scenic but brief

The Grand River South East waterfall receives about 30 minutes of sightseeing time. This is enough for a quick look and photographs, but it is not a long exploration stop.

The waterfall gives the cruise a useful break from beach and sea views. You get to see one of the southeast coast’s best-known natural sights, then return to the boat and continue the island route. I like that contrast, even if the stop feels short.

Plan your expectations correctly. One recent comment specifically found the waterfall visit too brief. If you want time to linger, take photographs from several angles, or explore beyond the main viewing area, this schedule may feel rushed. The cruise places more weight on the full combination of sights than on a detailed visit to the waterfall alone.

Ile aux Fouquets and its old lighthouse

Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile au Phare, is the most distinctive historic stop on the route. The island is associated with its lighthouse, and the visit includes time for a self-guided look and scenic views from the water.

The lighthouse gives the day a sense of place that a beach-only cruise would miss. It connects the calm lagoon with the working and navigational past of the coast. You are not simply moving from one pretty beach to another. You are seeing a small island shaped by its position along an important sea route.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes. That should be enough to take in the setting and photograph the lighthouse, but the self-guided format means you should pay attention to the time and return instructions. There is no indication of a long guided historical talk, so treat this as a short visit with visual interest rather than a formal museum tour.

Passing Ile aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Aigrettes is viewed from the boat rather than visited on foot. The route allows about 15 minutes for passing the island and taking in the scenery.

This is a small detail, but it helps you understand the schedule. Not every named island is a landing stop. Some are part of the coastal view, giving you a better sense of the area without adding another disembarkation and boarding cycle.

You may also hear the crew speak about local wildlife and the island setting. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long walk or independent exploration here. It is a scenic passage, not a full island visit.

Dolphins and tortoises: enjoy the possibility

The cruise includes dolphin watching, tortoise watching, and general marine-life viewing. These are appealing additions, especially for families and anyone who wants more than scenery from the boat.

The right mindset is important. You may see dolphins or tortoises, and several recent bookings had memorable sightings, including close views of both. But these are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed, and the length of an encounter can vary.

I would bring a camera and keep it ready, but I would not judge the entire day by wildlife. The island stops, food, swimming, and scenery provide the main structure. If dolphins appear, the day gets an extra lift. If they do not, you still have a complete catamaran outing.

Tortoise sightings are especially appealing because they add a land-animal element to a trip otherwise centered on water. Ask the crew what is possible on the day, and follow their directions around any animals. The aim is to watch without disturbing them.

How the $82 price compares

At $82 per person, this is not simply a boat transfer. The price includes the five-island cruise, the catamaran ride, drinks, BBQ lunch, swimming, snorkeling, island visits, the waterfall stop, and the chance to see dolphins and tortoises.

That package gives you solid value if you planned to pay separately for lunch, drinks, water activities, and transport between several southeast sights. It is also useful for visitors who prefer a single organized day instead of piecing together several short trips.

The value is less clear if you mainly want a quiet beach day or a short boat ride. In that case, you may spend much of the day on activities you do not care about. The 6.5-hour length is a strength for people who want a full outing, but it is a commitment for anyone with limited energy or several other plans.

A private group is available, which may change the price and the feel of the day. For a birthday, family outing, or small group celebration, that option could make the schedule more personal. For solo visitors and couples watching their budget, the standard arrangement is likely the more sensible choice.

What to bring for the water and islands

Pack lightly, but bring the items that make a wet day easier:

• Hat and sunscreen
• Swimwear and towel
• Camera
• Flip-flops for general use
• Water shoes for the island and water entry

Water shoes deserve special attention. Advice from the trip specifically points away from ordinary flip-flops for Ile aux Cerfs. They are easy to slip off and not ideal if you are moving across uneven or wet ground.

You should also bring any personal medication and make sure your phone or camera is protected from spray. The supplied information does not specify storage arrangements onboard, so use a small waterproof pouch if you have one.

Pets are not allowed. Meal restrictions should be stated when you book, and check-in is required no later than 20 minutes before departure.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a well-filled day on the southeast coast with a good balance of rest and activity. It works particularly well for:

• Couples who want sea views, drinks, lunch, and a few attractive stops
• Families who need swimming and wildlife possibilities to break up the cruise
• First-time visitors who want several southeast highlights in one booking
• Small groups that value conversation, food, and an easygoing boat setting
• Visitors who like scenic history but do not need a long museum-style tour

I would be more cautious if you want extensive snorkeling, a long waterfall visit, or a quiet private boat with no set group rhythm. The route covers a lot, but several stops are short. Its strength is variety, not depth at every location.

The cruise also suits people who prefer English or French guiding. If you want to organize your own food, boat route, and beach time, the inclusive package may feel more structured than necessary.

Booking details worth getting right

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps you from paying at the time of booking. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before arranging other plans.

At booking, give clear information about meal restrictions and request any paid pickup at least 48 hours before the excursion. On the day, reach Pointe Jerome early and find Jonathan or Nathalie on the left side of the wharf while facing the sea.

The trip is six and a half hours, so avoid placing a tight appointment immediately afterward. Weather and sea conditions can affect the feel of any boat outing, even when the planned route remains the same. Bring sun protection, expect to get wet, and keep some flexibility around the exact timing of wildlife sightings.

Should you book the South East 5 Islands cruise?

I would book this tour if you want the southeast coast packaged into one sociable, food-included day. The combination of Ile aux Cerfs, snorkeling, BBQ lunch, drinks, the lighthouse, waterfall, and possible dolphin and tortoise sightings gives you a lot for $82.

I would skip it only if your priority is one long beach stay, serious snorkeling, or extended time at the waterfall. The short stops may feel hurried, and wildlife is never certain. For most visitors who want a relaxed but active introduction to the islands around Pointe D’Esny, Philao Boat Cruise offers a sensible mix of scenery, food, swimming, and local sights.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart and return?

The cruise departs from and returns to the Philao Boat Cruise meeting point at Pointe Jerome embarkation wharf, Pointe D’Esny.

How long does the excursion last?

The excursion lasts 390 minutes, or 6.5 hours. Check availability for the exact starting times.

What is included in the price?

The $82 price includes the five-island cruise, drinks, BBQ lunch, swimming, snorkeling, island visits, the Ile aux Fouquets and Ile aux Cerfs stops, views of Ile aux Aigrettes, the waterfall visit, and wildlife watching for dolphins and tortoises.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The included drinks listed for the cruise include beer, coffee, spirits, wine, dessert, and welcome refreshments.

Which languages are available?

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

How early should I arrive, and who should I find?

Check in no later than 20 minutes before departure. At Pointe Jerome wharf, report to Jonathan or Nathalie on the left side of the wharf when facing the sea.