Catamaran Mauritius: South East 5 Islands Catamaran Cruises

Southeast Mauritius is at its best from the water, and this seven-hour power-catamaran cruise gives you a full day of lagoon views, swimming, snorkeling, and island stops without having to arrange each piece yourself. The route includes Ile aux Cerfs, Lighthouse Island, Ile aux Aigrettes, and views of Ile au Fouquet.

I like the easy mix of active stops and unhurried deck time, plus the barbecue lunch and drinks included in the price. I also like the small-group setting and the bilingual guidance in English and French. The main consideration is the weather and sea conditions: the boat is built for speed, but snorkeling and island visits can still feel different on a windy day.

Key points at a glance

• Pointe Jerome start: Meet Jonathan at the embarkation point at 9:30 a.m., wearing a Catamaran Cruises T-shirt.
• Five-island route: Cruise past or stop near Ile aux Cerfs, Ile au Phare, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ile au Fouquet, with southeast coast scenery throughout.
• Eau Bleue snorkeling: Swim in clear water and look for coral and marine life during the dedicated snorkeling stop.
• Barbecue on board: Lunch, beer, wine, cocktails, and other drinks are included, making the $82 price easier to assess.
• Wildlife watching: Keep watch for dolphins and sea turtles, though sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• Useful limits: Transfers are not included, and the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Why this southeast Mauritius cruise works well

This is a good choice if you want a complete sea day rather than a short boat ride. The schedule runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., giving you time for swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, lunch, and a look at several islands around Grand Port.

The powered catamaran matters. A sailing catamaran can be wonderfully quiet, but it depends more on wind and may take longer to cover ground. Here, the motor lets the crew make a broad circuit along the southeast coast. One piece of feedback specifically praised the newer boat and its speed, describing it as comfortable and quick on the water.

I would not book this only for the wildlife. Dolphins and turtles may appear, but the operator presents them as possible sightings, not a promise. The reliable part of the day is the combination of scenery, water time, lunch, and island views.

The crew is another strong point. Jonathan is the named contact at Pointe Jerome, and the guides work in English and French. The available feedback also highlights a professional, helpful crew that gives good advice. That is useful on a day when the quality of the experience depends on clear instructions around swimming, snorkeling, and boarding.

Meeting Jonathan at Pointe Jerome

Your day begins at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point. Look for Jonathan, who will be wearing a Catamaran Cruises T-shirt. The stated departure time is 9:30 a.m., with a return around 4 p.m.

Transfers are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to Pointe Jerome. That is an important cost and planning detail, especially if you are staying outside the southeast of Mauritius. The meeting information is simple, but I would still allow extra time to find the correct waterfront point.

Wear beachwear and bring a change of clothes. A camera is useful, although you should protect it from spray and water during the swimming portions. Motion sickness prevention is also worth considering if you are sensitive to fast boat movement.

Large bags, oversize luggage, baby strollers, non-folding strollers, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. High-heeled shoes are also unsuitable. Pack lightly in a small day bag rather than arriving with holiday luggage.

The first run across the southeast lagoon

Once aboard, the catamaran begins its route around the southeast coast. You can expect scenic views on the way, a safety briefing, and drinks available on board. The group is described as small, which usually makes boarding, finding a place to sit, and asking the crew questions easier than on a large excursion boat.

The powered catamaran is designed for more than sitting still. The route covers several named islands and coastal points, so you should expect regular movement between stops. If you prefer a slow, silent sail, this may feel energetic. If you want to see more of the coast in one day, the speed is useful.

There is also a social side to the trip. Beer, wine, cocktails, local snacks, and other drinks are part of the experience. You can spend some stretches on deck with a drink, then move into the water when the boat reaches a swimming or snorkeling area.

Mahebourg and Grand Port views

The route includes Mahebourg and the Grand Port District, with scenic views and local snacks along the way. Mahebourg gives the cruise a sense of place beyond the standard beach circuit. This is the southeast coast, a part of Mauritius tied closely to the island’s maritime past and sheltered lagoon waters.

The stop connected with Mahebourg is listed at about 30 minutes and includes the safety briefing, drinks, local snacks, and views. Do not expect a long town visit from this schedule. The value is in seeing the coast from the water and understanding where the cruise sits geographically.

Grand Port brings the first major water activity, with about 20 minutes set aside for swimming and snorkeling. That is not a long session, so have your mask, swimwear, and other essentials ready. The boat will not be the place to search through a large suitcase.

Snorkeling at Eau Bleue

The snorkeling stop at Eau Bleue is one of the main reasons to choose this trip. The water is described as clear, with coral reefs and underwater life to explore. You can swim from the catamaran and see the lagoon from a new angle rather than only watching it from the deck.

The stop is fairly short in the stated schedule, so think of it as a focused look at the reef, not a full marine expedition. Conditions can affect visibility and comfort. Bring motion sickness protection if needed, and remember that the operator cannot control wind, current, or the exact quality of the water on a given day.

I like that the cruise gives you both snorkeling and a separate swimming opportunity. That helps the day work for mixed groups. One person can spend more time in the water while another relaxes on board with a drink.

You should be comfortable getting into open water from a boat. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and the provided information does not describe special boarding equipment.

Ile aux Cerfs and the barbecue lunch

Ile aux Cerfs is the best-known island stop on the route. It is included as a major highlight, and the schedule allows about 30 minutes there, with beer, wine, and a barbecue lunch.

The short timing is worth noting. You will have time to appreciate the island and eat, but this is not a full afternoon to explore every beach or trail. The island functions as one part of a wider sea day, not the entire purpose of the outing.

Lunch is served on board, which keeps the group together and saves you from arranging food separately. A barbecue, drinks, and island scenery make the $82 price more reasonable than a basic transfer or short cruise. You are paying for a packaged day with food and several activities, not simply a seat on a boat.

The relaxed atmosphere is part of the appeal. After the active snorkeling stop, lunch provides a natural pause. You can eat, talk, and watch the water before the route continues. If you want a quiet meal alone, the friendly small-group format may feel more communal than private.

Lighthouse Island and the historic coast

The route continues to Lighthouse Island, also called Ile au Phare. You visit the island and take in its historic lighthouse, an important change of pace after the swimming stops.

The lighthouse adds a human layer to the day. Instead of seeing only beaches and reef water, you get a reminder that the southeast coast has long been shaped by ships, navigation, and the sea. The provided schedule does not give a precise visit length, so you should expect the stop to fit around the rest of the cruise rather than become a long historical tour.

The trip also passes by Ile aux Aigrettes. A pass-by is different from a landing, so do not plan on walking ashore there. You will see it as part of the coastal route, along with views of Ile au Fouquet and the other islands named for the cruise.

Dolphins, turtles, and the waterfall visit

Dolphin watching is included during the route, and sea turtles are also mentioned as possible wildlife sightings. This can be one of the most exciting parts of the day, but keep your expectations sensible. Animals move freely, and no sighting is guaranteed.

Bring a camera, but keep it ready rather than expecting a scheduled wildlife presentation. The crew can point out what they see, yet the timing depends on nature. If dolphins do appear, the moment may be brief.

A waterfall visit is also included among the day’s features. The supplied details do not specify the waterfall’s name, walking distance, or how long you stay there. Treat it as an additional scenic stop rather than the main reason to book. The key attraction remains the complete mix of islands, water activities, food, and coastal views.

What the $82 price really covers

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but it includes a fair amount:

• A seven-hour catamaran cruise
• The five-island route
• Swimming and snorkeling
• Barbecue lunch
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and other drinks
• Island and lighthouse views
• Wildlife watching opportunities
• Professional skippers and bilingual guidance

You still need to pay for your own transfer to Pointe Jerome. You may also need to bring or arrange any personal snorkeling or beach equipment not specifically stated as included. The information confirms the snorkeling activity, but it does not state that equipment rental is included, so ask before booking if you do not have your own gear.

The price makes the most sense for someone who wants one organized day with meals and drinks included. If you only want to see Ile aux Cerfs, a shorter or simpler boat trip might cost less. If you want to combine several stops without planning boats, food, and timing yourself, this package offers better value.

Who should book this boat trip

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and friends who want both action and downtime. It suits people who like a sociable day, do not mind moving between several stops, and want their lunch and drinks handled as part of the plan.

It also works well for visitors staying in or near southeast Mauritius, since the meeting point is at Pointe Jerome. The lack of included transfers makes it less convenient if you are based far away and do not have simple transport to the departure point.

You should think twice if you dislike speed, open-water swimming, or changing weather. This is not a private luxury cruise, and the wildlife element is uncertain. It is a practical, active group outing with a friendly tone.

The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. High heels, large luggage, and strollers are not allowed, so the trip requires light packing and reasonable comfort with boat access.

Booking flexibility and language options

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging the rest of your Mauritius plans.

The live guide service is available in English and French. That bilingual setup is helpful for international groups and gives you a way to ask about the route, safety, and water stops in either language.

One practical tip: bring a dry change of clothes even if you plan to stay mostly on deck. Swimming, spray, and fast boat movement can leave you wetter than expected. A small waterproof pouch for your phone and camera is sensible, although that item is not included in the tour.

Should you book the five-island cruise?

Book it if you want a full southeast Mauritius day with a newer, fast catamaran, several island views, snorkeling, a barbecue lunch, drinks, and a chance to see dolphins. The strongest reasons to choose it are the professional crew, bilingual guidance, broad route, and the balance between water activities and time on deck.

Skip it if you want a slow private sail, guaranteed wildlife, or a long stay on Ile aux Cerfs. Also skip it if reaching Pointe Jerome is difficult or if you need accessible boarding.

For most able-bodied visitors who want a well-filled day on the lagoon, $82 is a reasonable price, especially with lunch and drinks included. Just arrive lightly packed, prepare for changing sea conditions, and treat the dolphins as a bonus rather than the promise that makes the day worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point. You should meet Jonathan there, identified by a Catamaran Cruises T-shirt.

What time does the cruise leave and return?

The stated departure time is 9:30 a.m., and the cruise returns around 4 p.m. The total duration is seven hours.

Which islands can I see?

The route includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile au Phare, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ile au Fouquet. The cruise is described as a five-island route, with some islands visited and others viewed while passing by.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is included, along with drinks such as beer, wine, cocktails, and other beverages.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The cruise includes swimming and snorkeling in clear water, with a snorkeling stop at Eau Bleue.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Large bags, strollers, baby carriages, electric wheelchairs, and high-heeled shoes are also not allowed.