SouthEast Lagoon Discovery on shared basis on a Power Catamaran

The best part of this seven-hour catamaran trip is the mix of open-water scenery and time in the sea. You can watch for dolphins, swim over coral, snorkel with tropical fish, and still have plenty of room in the day to sit back with a drink.

I like the included lunch and drinks, which make the $82.22 price easier to justify. I also like the calm tone: the crew aims for a relaxed boat day rather than a loud party cruise. The main point to check before booking is the route, since the description refers to both the southeast coast and Le Morne on the west coast.

Key points to know

• Shared boat with a maximum of 20 people: You get company without the feel of a packed excursion boat.
• Pointe d’Esny departure: The tour starts and ends at HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.
• Snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks included: Towels and hotel transfers are not included.
• A full day on the water: Plan for 09:30 to 16:00, with time for swimming, sightseeing, and meals.
• Wildlife sightings are possible, not promised: Dolphins, sea turtles, humpback whales, and flying fish have all been seen, but nature sets the schedule.
• Accessible setup: The activity is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and car seats are available.

A relaxed day aboard a Nautitech 40 Open

This is a shared outing aboard a Nautitech 40 Open Power Catamaran, not a private charter despite one part of the description using the word private. The stated maximum is 20 people, which gives the trip a more personal feel than a large cruise boat while still keeping the cost down.

Your day runs from 09:30 to 16:00. That is long enough to make the boat more than a quick sightseeing ride. You have time to look for wildlife, stop for water activities, eat lunch, and enjoy the changing coastal views without rushing from one stop to the next.

I especially like this format for people who want a full marine day but do not need a polished luxury cruise. You get the important pieces included: snorkeling equipment, lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks. The atmosphere is described as calm rather than focused on loud music or heavy partying.

That mood matters. You can spend part of the day in the water and part of it simply watching Mauritius pass by. If you want an all-out party boat, this probably will not be your best match. If you prefer a sociable but easygoing outing, it should suit you well.

Leaving from Pointe d’Esny at 09:30

The meeting point is HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point at Pointe d’Esny. You must make your own way there because hotel transfer is not included. The activity ends at the same point, so plan your transport carefully for both ends of the day.

Pointe d’Esny gives the outing a southeast-coast setting. The area is linked with clear lagoon water, small islands, coral areas, and broad views across the sea. The exact order of stops can change, so think of the route as a day on the lagoon rather than a tightly fixed sightseeing circuit.

Arrive ready for a wet day. Bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and a towel, since towels are specifically excluded. A small dry bag would also be useful for phones and other items, although one is not supplied as part of the tour.

The boat is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and car seats are available. That is helpful for families and people who need easier boarding arrangements. Accessibility on a boat can still depend on conditions at the embarkation point, so anyone with specific mobility needs should confirm the practical details before paying.

Lighthouse views and the southeast lagoon

One planned feature is a lighthouse, which gives the day a strong visual marker as the boat moves through the southeast area. You will also see coral reef areas and shipwrecks, adding more variety than a simple beach cruise.

The lagoon is the main setting here. Its calmer water allows the boat to combine sightseeing with swimming and snorkeling. You are not just looking at the coast from a seat. You can get into the water and see the reef from close range.

Water clarity can change with weather and sea conditions. On a good day, the snorkeling should give you views of tropical fish and underwater coral features. It is best to think of the equipment as a useful inclusion, not a guarantee of perfect visibility or a guided marine biology lesson.

The crew provides the snorkeling equipment, which saves you from renting a mask and fins separately. If you already own gear that fits you well, you may still prefer to bring it, but the supplied equipment covers the basic need.

Île aux Cerfs and time in the water

Île aux Cerfs is one of the day’s main attractions. The island is known for its beach setting and lagoon views, and it gives you a chance to experience Mauritius away from the mainland.

The boat trip gives you a different view of the island than a land-based visit. You approach by water, see the reef and nearby islands, and have time to swim or snorkel in the surrounding sea. The supplied details do not promise a long independent stay ashore, so do not book this expecting a full island tour with extensive free time.

The strongest part of the stop is likely the combination of scenery and water access. You can take photographs, cool off in the lagoon, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the view if you would rather not swim.

The sea is a central part of the experience, so this trip suits confident swimmers and people who enjoy being around water. Most participants can take part, but anyone who dislikes boat motion or does not want to enter the sea may find that much of the day passes without much to do.

Coral reefs, shipwrecks, and snorkeling

Snorkeling is included, and the trip is designed around clear water and coral areas. At one point, you can see shipwrecks on the reef, adding a little underwater history to the outing. The focus is on seeing the marine setting rather than visiting a formal museum or a protected site with a long explanation.

At Le Morne Brabant, the description says you may enter the water near a UNESCO World Heritage Site with plenty of tropical fish. Le Morne is on the west coast, while the main itinerary description centers on the southeast coast and Île aux Cerfs. That is an important detail to settle before booking.

These may describe different route versions, or the wording may combine information from more than one cruise. Ask Catamaran Cruises Mauritius which coast and stops apply to your departure date. This is not a reason to dismiss the trip, but it is too significant to ignore when you are choosing between a southeast lagoon cruise and a west-coast Le Morne outing.

If Le Morne is included, the mountain and coastal setting add a memorable land-and-sea backdrop. If the trip stays in the southeast, the lighthouse, Île aux Cerfs, lagoon, coral reef, and shipwrecks remain the main attractions.

Wildlife sightings depend on luck

Keep your eyes open during the crossings. Dolphins have been seen, and a sea turtle has also appeared on a recent outing. Humpback whales and flying fish have been spotted too, which shows the range of wildlife possible in these waters.

Still, none of this is guaranteed. The crew can help you watch the sea, but they cannot schedule a dolphin, whale, or turtle appearance. The best attitude is to treat wildlife as a bonus rather than the main reason to pay for the trip.

The boat’s open design should give you good chances to scan the water from different positions. You may want to alternate between sitting in the shade, watching the horizon, and keeping your camera ready. Wildlife sightings can happen quickly, so avoid spending the entire crossing looking down at your phone.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of $82.22

At $82.22 per person, this is a solid value if you use the full package. The fare includes a seven-hour boat trip, snorkeling equipment, lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks. Buying those items separately during a day on the coast could quickly narrow the price gap.

The lunch is substantial rather than merely a snack. The onboard spread has included rice, pasta, salad, barbecue chicken, grilled fish, and sausage. That gives you several choices and makes the outing practical for a long day away from restaurants.

Drinks include rum, wine, beer, bottled water, and soda according to the supplied details. Alcohol is included, but the relaxed tone means this is not presented as a drinking contest. You can enjoy a drink with lunch without making the entire trip revolve around it.

Food service at sea is naturally less formal than a restaurant meal. You should expect a casual onboard lunch, not a polished dining experience. For most people, the benefit is simple: you do not have to leave the water or arrange a separate meal during a seven-hour excursion.

Crew service and the pace of the day

The crew receives strong praise for attentive service. Skipper Pascal is named in one account, with the crew described as careful about passenger well-being and generous with personal attention. Staff can vary by departure, so do not assume Pascal will be operating every trip.

The service style appears to be one of the outing’s strongest points. A good catamaran day depends on more than the boat itself. Clear instructions, help with equipment, and attention to comfort can make the difference between a smooth day and a tiring one.

The pace also sounds deliberately unhurried. You can look for dolphins, swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and enjoy the views without feeling pushed through a long list of stops. That is useful in Mauritius, where the setting often rewards slowing down.

The tradeoff is that a relaxed program may feel less exciting if you expect constant activity. There is no promise of a full schedule of guided talks, demanding water sports, or nonstop entertainment. You are buying access to the sea and a well-serviced day, not an amusement ride.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a complete day on the water with costs kept fairly simple. Families may appreciate the stroller access, available car seats, included meal, and maximum group size of 20. Couples and solo passengers should also find the calm shared setting easy to enjoy.

It is a good fit for people who want to combine sightseeing with snorkeling. You do not have to be an expert swimmer, but you should be comfortable around the sea if you plan to get the most from the day.

I would be more cautious if you need a guaranteed west-coast route, a private boat, or a strict list of confirmed wildlife sightings. The route wording needs clarification, and the trip is shared rather than exclusive.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the trip averages booking 29 days ahead, reserve early if your Mauritius schedule is tight.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a relaxed, well-catered day with snorkeling, island scenery, and a reasonable number of people aboard. The included lunch, drinks, and equipment add real value, while the chance of seeing dolphins, turtles, whales, or flying fish gives the crossings extra interest.

Before you pay, confirm the exact route. The southeast lagoon and Île aux Cerfs itinerary is different from a west-coast trip near Le Morne Brabant. Once that point is clear, this is an appealing choice for a full day at sea, especially if you prefer attentive service and calm surroundings over a loud party boat.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The activity lasts approximately seven hours, from 09:30 to 16:00.

Where does the excursion start?

It starts at HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to the original meeting point at Pointe d’Esny.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel transfer is not included, so you must arrange your own way to and from Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the activity price.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch, bottled water, soda, and alcoholic drinks are included.

Is the catamaran wheelchair and stroller accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair and stroller accessible. Car seats are also available.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.