North East of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

The best part of this day is the easy mix of open-water sailing, swimming, and beach time. You leave Grand Gaube at 10:00 a.m., stop in the turquoise lagoon near Île d’Ambre, eat grilled food on deck, and finish at Bernaches Island. It feels more like a relaxed day at sea than a packed sightseeing trip.

I like the friendly crew and generous drinks, especially since the menu includes water, soft drinks, fruit juice, beer, wine, and local rum. I also like the simple rhythm of the outing: snorkel, eat, stroll, swim, sail home. The drawback is that you do not cover much distance, and the snorkeling area may feel underwhelming if you expect a major reef excursion.

Key points at a glance

• Grand Gaube departure: Meet at the Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort jetty at 9:30 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. departure.
• Île d’Ambre mangroves: Swim and snorkel in the lagoon, then pause among the mangroves with a drink.
• BBQ on deck: Lunch includes grilled fish, chicken, sausage, seafood, salads, vegetables, bread, and fruit.
• Bernaches Island stop: Enjoy sandy beaches, a clear lagoon, swimming, snorkeling, or a short walk until about 2:30 p.m.
• Drinks included: Local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, juices, soft drinks, and mineral water are served.
• Weather matters: Rough seas can send the captain toward Gunners Coin or Casita Beach instead.

A relaxed day on Mauritius’s Northeast Coast

This is a good choice if you want a full day on the water without a strict sightseeing schedule. The catamaran glides along the Northeast Coast, giving you time to sit back, watch the shore, and enjoy the sea without spending the day racing between stops.

The route is built around three simple pleasures: a lagoon stop, lunch on board, and time on a sandy island. You will not be visiting a long list of attractions, and that is part of the appeal. I would choose this outing for an unhurried day in the sun, not for a close look at Mauritius’s most dramatic marine life.

The cruise lasts about 6.5 hours, from the 9:30 a.m. meeting time to the planned 4:00 p.m. return. That makes the timing useful for a full morning and afternoon activity, but you should plan your day around it. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to Grand Gaube.

Meeting at Grand Gaube’s hotel jetty

You meet the crew at the jetty of the Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort in Grand Gaube at 9:30 a.m. The catamaran is scheduled to leave at 10:00 a.m., so arrive ready for the water rather than treating the meeting time as a loose suggestion.

Grand Gaube is on the island’s Northeast Coast, and this location keeps the cruise focused on the nearby lagoon, Île d’Ambre, and Bernaches Island. Since transportation is not included, check your route to the resort before booking. The meeting point is specific, but no hotel transfer is part of the $80 price.

I suggest arriving in swimwear under a cover-up, with sunscreen already applied. Bring a towel, sunglasses, a hat or cap, a change of clothes, and a waterproof bag or backpack. A light waterproof jacket is also on the recommended list, which is sensible for a boat ride even on a warm day.

The catamaran is not a good fit for everyone. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is also not recommended for people prone to seasickness. If that is you, the six-hour-plus schedule may feel long.

Sailing toward Île d’Ambre

Once the boat leaves Grand Gaube, the day settles into its main rhythm. You sail toward La Mangrove at Île d’Ambre, where the focus shifts from cruising to swimming and snorkeling.

The sailing itself is part of the experience, but keep your expectations realistic. One comment described the boat as sailing for only five minutes, while another noted that the cruise does not travel far. Those observations point to the main limitation: this is a local coastal outing, not a long voyage across Mauritius or a high-speed trip to distant reefs.

That can be a benefit if you prefer less time in transit. You spend more of the day near the planned swimming areas and less time simply getting from one end of the coast to another. I would see the boat ride as a pleasant setting for the day rather than the main attraction.

The crew helps with the water activities, and the captain is described as having a good mood. The tour is offered in French and English. No individual guide names are provided, but the captain and crew are present throughout the cruise.

Snorkeling in the Grand Gaube lagoon

The first main stop is in the Grand Gaube turquoise lagoon. The schedule allows roughly two hours from 10:00 a.m. to noon for swimming and snorkeling, followed by time in the mangroves.

That is generous time for a casual swim. You can get in, cool off, look around, and return to the boat without feeling rushed. The crew assists with the water activity, though you should bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer to use familiar gear.

Here is where I would keep your expectations measured. One direct assessment found the snorkeling in this area not especially worthwhile. The lagoon may still be enjoyable for a swim in clear water, but this outing should not be booked mainly as a serious snorkeling expedition.

The distinction matters. If your priority is warm water, a quick look below the surface, and a refreshing break from the deck, the stop makes sense. If you want exceptional coral, a wide range of marine life, or a dedicated reef guide, this may not satisfy you.

You are asked not to touch marine life or plants. That is good practice in any lagoon, and it is especially important around mangroves and shallow water. Keep your hands to yourself, avoid standing on anything underwater, and follow the crew’s instructions.

Mangroves, cocktails, and a slower pace

After the swim and snorkeling, the boat spends time in the mangrove area of Île d’Ambre. This is one of the more unusual parts of the route because the setting feels quieter and more enclosed than the open lagoon.

The mangroves give the middle of the morning a change of pace. Instead of staying in the water, you can sit with a drink and take in the calm surroundings. The included beverage selection covers nonalcoholic choices as well as cocktails, local rum, wine, and Phoenix beer.

I would treat the drinks as a pleasant extra, not the reason to book. Still, unlimited drinks were specifically appreciated in one account, and they add value to a long day in the sun. Mineral water, fruit juice, and soft drinks are available, so you do not need to drink alcohol to enjoy this part of the trip.

Stay sensible with alcohol, especially before swimming and while the boat is moving. The sun, sea air, and several hours outdoors can catch up with you quickly. Keep drinking water even if you are enjoying the cocktails.

BBQ lunch on the catamaran

At noon, lunch is served on the deck. The meal 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.

That is a broad menu for a boat lunch, and it gives you more than one simple grilled item. The food is served while you remain on the catamaran, so you can eat with views of the Indian Ocean around you rather than breaking the day with a stop at a restaurant.

The 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. If you have an allergy or a special dietary need beyond the stated vegetarian option, the available information does not specify how it is handled, so ask before booking.

Food quality can make or break a full-day boat trip. The BBQ has received strong praise, and the fresh grilled style suits the setting. Do not expect a formal restaurant meal. Expect a practical, hearty lunch designed for a day outdoors.

The boat’s deck is also the dining room, lounge, and viewing platform. That makes the meal feel informal and social. It also means the experience is exposed to the weather, wind, and movement of the sea.

Bernaches Island from 1:00 to 2:30

After lunch, the catamaran sails to Bernaches Island. The planned stop runs from about 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., giving you time to leave the boat and enjoy the sandy shoreline.

This is the day’s best stop for people who like choices. You can swim in the clear lagoon, snorkel again, walk along the beach, or simply sit under the Mauritian sun. You are not locked into one activity, which helps the outing work for couples, families, and mixed groups.

Bernaches Island is not presented as a major cultural or historical visit. Its value is simple: sand, shallow water, and room to slow down. After lunch and a morning in the water, that pause can be exactly what you want.

Bring your cover-up and towel in an easy-to-reach bag. You may also want dry clothes for the ride home. Keep personal items secure and avoid bringing anything you would worry about getting wet or sandy.

The amount of time here is useful but not huge. You get roughly 90 minutes, so you can enjoy the beach and water without turning the stop into a full island day. If you want hours of wandering, this cruise will feel brief. If you want a clean break between lunch and the return sailing, the timing works well.

Returning to Grand Gaube by 4:00 p.m.

The planned return to the Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort jetty is 4:00 p.m. This gives you a clear endpoint and leaves the evening free for dinner or another activity.

Sea conditions can change the route. If the water is rough or a planned area becomes impassable, the captain may redirect the boat to Gunners Coin or Casita Beach for safety. That means the exact stops are not guaranteed, but the captain retains control of the route.

This is worth accepting before you book. A boat trip depends on wind and sea conditions, and a safer alternate beach is better than forcing a bad crossing. If your heart is set on Bernaches Island specifically, understand that weather may change the plan.

What $80 gets you

At $80 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the full package. You receive about 6.5 hours aboard the catamaran, lunch, a wide choice of drinks, crew assistance during the water stops, and time at both the mangroves and Bernaches Island.

The value is strongest for someone who would otherwise pay separately for a boat outing, lunch, and drinks. The included food and beverages reduce the need to spend more once you are on board. The price is less compelling if you care mainly about long-distance sailing or high-quality snorkeling, since the route stays fairly close to Grand Gaube.

Remember the costs and tasks outside the package. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Personal expenses are also yours, and you should bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer it.

The booking terms allow cancellation up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies help if your schedule is still shifting, though they do not change the need to watch the weather forecast.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a social, easygoing day on the water with food and drinks included. It suits people who like swimming, a little snorkeling, beach walks, and long periods of sitting in the sun.

It can also work well for families because the day has several modes: water time, lunch, a beach stop, and a return sail. The stated children’s menu is the same as the adult menu, so families should not expect a separate child-focused meal.

Couples may appreciate the quieter mangrove stop and the informal lunch on deck. A small group of friends could make good use of the drinks and relaxed schedule.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you dislike boats, get seasick, need accessible facilities, or want an ambitious marine tour. The snorkeling is not the strongest reason to choose this cruise, and the boat does not cover a great distance.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Pack light, but bring the items that make a day at sea easier:

• Swimsuit and a change of clothes
• Towel and sunscreen
• Hat or cap and sunglasses
• Waterproof bag or backpack
• Comfortable beachwear and a cover-up
• Light waterproof jacket
• Motion sickness pills if you need them
• Your own snorkeling equipment if preferred

Do not bring pets, except assistance dogs. Do not litter, touch marine life, or handle plants around the mangroves and island.

I would keep your phone in a waterproof pouch and bring only essentials onto the beach. The tour information does not promise lockers or dry storage, so it is wise to plan for spray, splashes, and sand.

Should you book the Northeast catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a well-paced day with BBQ food, plentiful drinks, and flexible beach time. The crew’s friendly approach, good captain, and simple schedule are the strongest parts of the experience.

Skip it if your main goal is exceptional snorkeling or a long cruise along the entire coast. The boat stays near Grand Gaube, and the underwater stop may feel ordinary. At $80, the outing offers fair value as a complete day at sea, but its appeal comes from relaxation and variety rather than rare marine sights.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

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

What time should I arrive?

The meeting time is 9:30 a.m., with departure scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

What time does the cruise return?

The planned return to the same jetty is 4:00 p.m.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. You must make your own way to and from the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served on the catamaran, with grilled fish, chicken, sausage, seafood, salads, vegetables, 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 are local rum, red, rosé and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water.

Should I bring snorkeling equipment?

You may bring your own snorkeling gear if preferred. The tour includes snorkeling at the Grand Gaube lagoon and crew assistance in the water.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. If sea conditions are rough or impassable, the captain may change direction for safety and take you to Gunners Coin or Casita Beach instead.