North East of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Mauritius catamaran trip is its easy mix of water time and lazy island time. You cruise from Grand-Gaube toward L’ile d’Ambre, stop for swimming and snorkelling, eat grilled food on deck, then spend the afternoon on the sandy shores of Bernaches Island. The mangroves and open-air lunch give the day more character than a simple boat ride.

I like two things here. First, the food and drinks are included, with grilled fish, chicken, seafood, salads, bread, fruit, beer, wine, rum, juice, and soft drinks. Second, the route offers several ways to spend your time: snorkel, swim, walk, or simply sit in the sun. The tradeoff is that this is a local coastal cruise, not a long sailing voyage, and snorkelling conditions may be modest.

Key points to know before you book

• Meet at 9:30 am in Grand-Gaube: You must make your own way to the jetty at Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort.
• A full 6.5-hour outing: The catamaran leaves at 10:00 am and returns around 4:00 pm.
• Snorkelling comes early: The main swimming and snorkelling stop runs from about 10:00 am to noon.
• Lunch is served onboard: Expect BBQ chicken, fish, sausage, seafood, salads, vegetables, bread, and seasonal fruit.
• L’ile d’Ambre adds a change of pace: You can relax among mangroves with a cocktail before continuing to Bernaches Island.
• Sea conditions can change the route: The captain may head to Gunners Coin or Casita Beach if the usual route is unsafe.

A gentle start from Grand-Gaube at 10:00 am

Your day begins at the jetty of Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort in Grand-Gaube. Plan to arrive by 9:30 am, giving yourself time to find the meeting point and get settled before the scheduled 10:00 am departure.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so this matters when you compare the total cost. The advertised price is $80 per person, but you will need to arrange your own transport to and from Grand-Gaube. If you are staying nearby, this is simple. If you are based elsewhere in Mauritius, allow extra time and transport money.

The catamaran then heads along the Northeast Coast toward L’ile d’Ambre. The route is designed around short stops rather than a long offshore crossing. That makes the trip approachable for people who want a day on the water without committing to a demanding sailing trip.

You should also set your expectations correctly. One account described only a very short period of actual sailing, while another noted that the boat does not travel far. The full outing still includes several hours on the water, but much of the value comes from the stops, lunch, swimming, and time on shore.

Grand Gaube lagoon is the main water stop

The first major part of the day is a swimming and snorkelling break in the turquoise lagoon near Grand Gaube. This is the time to use your mask and look below the surface, or simply cool off in the water while the catamaran remains nearby.

The crew assists with the water activities, which is useful if you are not a confident swimmer. You may bring your own snorkelling equipment if you prefer, but the practical information for the trip specifically tells you to bring snorkelling gear, so do not assume equipment will be provided unless you confirm it before booking.

This stop is best for a relaxed look at the lagoon rather than a serious marine wildlife excursion. The water is a major visual attraction, but the quality of snorkelling can depend on sea conditions, visibility, and the exact anchorage used that day. One assessment found the snorkelling in this area underwhelming. I would book this for easy water time, not for a specialist reef outing.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. A waterproof bag is also sensible for phones, wallets, and cameras. You will be moving between the catamaran, water, beach, and possibly wet gear, so having dry clothes for the return trip makes the afternoon more comfortable.

Mangroves at L’ile d’Ambre offer the quietest moment

After swimming and snorkelling, the catamaran moves toward the mangroves of L’ile d’Ambre. The setting gives the trip a quieter feel and breaks up the time spent in the open sun.

You can relax in the mangrove area with a drink, including cocktails and nonalcoholic options. This is a good pause if you have had enough swimming or want shade and stillness rather than another active stop. The mangroves also give you something different to look at than beaches and blue water.

Do not expect a long guided nature walk. The schedule describes free time in the mangroves, not a formal wildlife tour. You can enjoy the surroundings from the water and nearby areas, but you should not touch marine life or plants. That rule is worth taking seriously in a delicate coastal setting.

The beverage selection is one of the practical strengths of the trip. Local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water are included. The drinks help make the $80 price easier to justify, especially if you would otherwise buy lunch and several drinks separately.

Use good judgment with alcohol in the heat. Water, a hat, and sunscreen are just as important as the cocktails. The crew can create a pleasant atmosphere, but the sun remains the most predictable challenge on this cruise.

BBQ lunch on the catamaran

Around noon, lunch is served on the deck. Eating outdoors while the catamaran sits among the coastal views is a central part of the day, not a quick snack between stops.

The standard menu includes rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, a seafood dish, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit. The menu gives you a broad choice of familiar food, with enough variety for a long day on the water.

A vegetarian menu is available with 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, so families should not expect a separate simplified meal.

The meal has received strong praise for its quality and freshness, and the friendly service adds to the relaxed mood. Still, this is a BBQ prepared on a boat, not a restaurant lunch. If you have allergies or strict dietary requirements, confirm what can be accommodated before setting out. The supplied details identify vegetarian food but do not list other special-diet options.

The deck is also the place where the social side of the trip becomes most noticeable. One especially positive account highlighted the crew’s good mood, fresh BBQ, cocktails, and the feeling of having the mangroves to itself. Another singled out the captain’s friendly attitude. You should expect a casual, upbeat boat day rather than a quiet luxury cruise.

Bernaches Island gives you beach time after lunch

From about 1:00 pm, the catamaran continues to Bernaches Island. You have until roughly 2:30 pm to enjoy the sandy beach and clear lagoon.

This is your best chance to leave the boat and stretch your legs. You can walk along the shoreline, swim, snorkel, or sit on the sand. After lunch, that freedom is welcome. You are not locked into a guide-led schedule at every minute, and you can choose a slower afternoon if the morning water stop has used up your energy.

Bernaches Island is also a useful reason to choose this trip over a purely scenic cruise. You get a change of setting, from catamaran deck to beach and lagoon. The beach stop is not presented as a major cultural or historic visit, so come for the simple pleasures: sand, water, sun, and a walk.

Remember that sun protection matters even more here. There may be limited shade, and your towel, hat, cover-up, and water should stay easy to reach. A waterproof backpack is better than a loose tote if you plan to swim and move between the beach and boat.

The schedule has a gap between leaving Bernaches Island around 2:30 pm and arriving back at the jetty at 4:00 pm. That time is part of the return cruise and the day’s general pace. If you prefer constant sightseeing, the slower return may feel long. If you enjoy sitting back with a drink and watching the coast, it is part of the appeal.

How much value do you get for $80?

At $80 per person, this cruise offers reasonable value if you plan to use the inclusions. Your price covers about 6.5 hours aboard the catamaran, lunch, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, a lagoon snorkelling stop, mangrove time, and Bernaches Island.

The value is strongest for anyone who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and drinks. The food is substantial, and the all-day drink service reduces the need to carry cash for refreshments. Families and couples who want a simple day arranged around the coast may find the price fair.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a long sailing route or excellent snorkelling. The boat stays in the Northeast Coast area, and the trip does not cover a large stretch of Mauritius. The low score based on only five minutes of sailing also shows the danger of booking this with the wrong expectation.

I would compare it with the cost of arranging your own boat, meals, and beach access. For a self-directed visitor, the cruise may feel less flexible. For someone who wants the day organized, with food and drinks handled onboard, the package is easier.

Sea conditions can change the plan

The captain may alter the route if the sea is rough or impassable. In that case, the group may head toward Gunners Coin or Casita Beach instead of following the planned route.

This is not a minor detail. Mauritius boat trips depend on wind, waves, and visibility, and the captain’s first job is safety. You should judge the day by the overall outing rather than by one exact beach or anchorage.

The cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, according to the tour information. There is boarding, movement around the boat, swimming, beach access, and possibly uneven shore surfaces. It is also not recommended for people prone to seasickness.

If you are sensitive to motion, bring seasickness pills if you normally use them. A waterproof jacket is also listed among the essentials, even though the day may be sunny. Weather can change, spray can reach the deck, and a light layer is useful on the return ride.

The activity is offered Monday through Sunday, with French and English spoken. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Those details make it easier to fit the cruise into a changing Mauritius schedule.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day?

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed day at sea with the practical details handled. It suits you if you like swimming, casual snorkelling, beach walks, and long meals more than intense sightseeing.

It is also a good match if you enjoy a friendly boat atmosphere. The crew’s mood and the captain’s good humor are part of the appeal, and the included drinks help keep the day informal.

You may want a different outing if you need excellent snorkelling, a long open-water sail, a highly structured nature program, or hotel transport. The boat does not go far, and the snorkeling stop may not satisfy experienced snorkelers.

Should you book the Northeast Coast catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, all-day coastal outing with a BBQ lunch, plenty of drinks, two water-based stops, and time on a sandy island. The strongest reasons are the generous food, friendly crew, relaxed pace, and the variety of ways to spend your day.

Skip it if your priority is covering a large part of the coast or finding the best underwater scenery in Mauritius. Arrive at Grand-Gaube ready for a local day on the water, not a long sailing expedition. Bring your own snorkel gear, protect yourself from the sun, and treat the route as flexible. With those expectations, the $80 price is sensible for a well-fed, easygoing day by the lagoon.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

Meet the crew at the jetty of Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort in Grand-Gaube, Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should meet the team at 9:30 am. The catamaran is scheduled to leave at 10:00 am.

What time does the cruise return?

The catamaran is scheduled to return to the same jetty at about 4:00 pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to Grand-Gaube.

What food is served?

The BBQ includes salads, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, chicken sausage, a seafood dish, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit. A vegetarian menu is available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks include local rum, red, rosé and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap, a change of clothes, a waterproof bag, and a jacket. Bring your own snorkelling equipment if you prefer, and consider seasickness pills if needed.