Catamaran Mauritius: South East 5 Islands Catamaran Cruises

Five islands, one lively lagoon day. This seven-hour power catamaran cruise combines swimming, snorkeling, island views, a BBQ lunch, and time on deck for $82 per person. I like the small-group setting and the fact that drinks and lunch are included, so the day feels simple once you reach Pointe Jerome.

I also like the mix of stops, from Île aux Cerfs and Eau Bleue to the old lighthouse on Île au Phare. The main drawback is practical: transfers are not included, and the trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Key points at a glance

• A full southeast coast route: Visit or pass Île aux Cerfs, Île au Fouquet, Île au Phare, Île aux Aigrettes, and the waters around Grand Port.
• Snorkeling at Eau Bleue: Swim in clear water and look for coral and marine life during the dedicated water stop.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect a BBQ meal onboard with beer, wine, cocktails, and other drinks listed as part of the cruise.
• A newer, fast-moving boat: The power catamaran is built for speed, making it possible to cover several locations in one day.
• Dolphin and tortoise watching: Sightings are possible but never guaranteed, so treat them as a bonus rather than the main reason to book.
• Bilingual local support: The tour operates in English and French, with Jonathan meeting you at Pointe Jerome in a Catamaran Cruises T-shirt.

A seven-hour cruise from Pointe Jerome

The day starts at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, with departure scheduled for 9:30 a.m. You return at about 4 p.m., giving you a solid day on the water without turning the outing into an overnight-style expedition.

You meet Jonathan at the departure point. Look for the Catamaran Cruises T-shirt, and arrive ready for a morning outdoors. The crew provides a safety briefing, and the tour is guided in English and French.

The boat is a powered catamaran rather than a slow sailing vessel. That matters here because the route covers several islands and stretches of the southeast coast. A speedier boat allows more time for swimming and island stops, though you should expect the ride to feel more active than a quiet sail.

One recent booking described the boat as newer and especially comfortable, with guides who handled both French and English well. Another gave the crew strong praise for being professional, helpful, and willing to offer good advice. That is exactly the kind of service that helps on a boat day, where clear instructions matter as much as friendly conversation.

Crossing toward Mahébourg and Grand Port

The opening part of the cruise gives you time to settle in. The route passes along the Mahébourg and Grand Port area, with scenic views from the water, local snacks, drinks, and the safety briefing included along the way.

This portion is less about a formal sightseeing stop and more about getting you into the rhythm of the day. You can sit on deck, take photographs, and watch the shore recede while the crew explains how the day will work.

The southeast coast has a different feel from a simple beach outing. You are seeing small islands, open lagoon water, reef areas, and historic coastal markers in one sequence. I would keep your camera ready, but also bring a dry change of clothes. Spray, swimming, and wet decks are all part of the deal.

The cruise is described as a small-group experience, which is useful when the boat reaches a snorkeling area. A smaller group generally makes it easier to hear instructions and get into the water without the crowded feel of a large excursion vessel.

Eau Bleue and the first swim

The snorkeling stop at Eau Bleue is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. The water is described as clear, and the stop is intended for swimming and looking at the underwater world around the reef.

Bring beachwear and anything you need to feel comfortable in the water. You should also pack a towel or change of clothes, since the supplied advice specifically calls for dry clothing after the swim.

The snorkeling time listed for the Grand Port area is about 20 minutes. That is enough for a refreshing look beneath the surface, but it is not a full marine biology session. If snorkeling is your main goal, keep your expectations sensible. You get a worthwhile water stop as part of a wider island cruise, not several hours dedicated only to reef viewing.

The same applies to coral and fish. The trip promises colorful coral reefs and clear water, but conditions can change. Water visibility, sea movement, and wildlife sightings are never entirely under the crew’s control.

Île aux Cerfs, with lunch on the water

The cruise includes a stop at Île aux Cerfs, one of the best-known island stops in Mauritius. Here, the emphasis is on leisure: drinks, scenic views, and time to enjoy the island setting rather than rush through a checklist of sights.

The timing information gives about 30 minutes for the Île aux Cerfs portion, while the wider day includes lunch and a BBQ meal. Treat the schedule as an outline rather than a promise of a long, independent island visit. The exact order and length of stops can depend on conditions and the day’s operation.

Lunch is served onboard and includes a barbecue. Drinks are also included, with beer, wine, cocktails, and other beverages listed for the cruise. This makes the $82 price easier to judge. You are not paying only for transport between islands. The cost covers a full day on a powered catamaran, a meal, drinks, snorkeling, swimming, and crew support.

I would still bring a small amount of money if you want personal purchases during the day, but do not bring a large bag. Oversize luggage, large bags, baby strollers, non-folding strollers, and baby carriages are not allowed. High-heeled shoes are also prohibited, which makes sense on a boat with wet and moving surfaces.

Lighthouse Island and Île aux Aigrettes

The route continues toward Île au Phare, also called Lighthouse Island. You visit the island and see its historic lighthouse, one of the more distinctive sights on this cruise.

This stop adds character to the day. Many boat trips are mainly about water and sunshine, but a lighthouse gives you a clear landmark and a link to the coast’s maritime past. The provided details do not promise a long guided historical tour or interior access, so think of this as a visit and viewpoint rather than a museum stop.

You also pass by Île aux Aigrettes. Passing an island is different from landing on it, but the view still helps you understand the shape of the southeast route. The cruise also lists Île au Fouquet among the islands seen from the boat.

These stops work best for people who enjoy seeing several places in one day. If you prefer to spend half a day on one beach, the itinerary may feel too busy. If you want variety, the changing views keep the cruise from becoming repetitive.

Dolphin watching and the wildlife question

The cruise includes a chance to watch dolphins, and sea turtles are also mentioned along the route. You may be lucky, but sightings are not guaranteed.

That distinction is important. I would not book this trip solely because of the dolphins. Wildlife moves on its own schedule, and a responsible expectation makes the day better. If dolphins appear, it can become the highlight of the cruise. If they do not, you still have the islands, reef stop, lunch, lighthouse, and lagoon views.

Tortoise watching is also included in the experience description, though the exact setting and duration are not specified. Ask the crew for details on the day if this is especially important to you.

The best attitude is to enjoy the full route and let wildlife add an unexpected moment. Keep your camera nearby, but do not spend the entire cruise staring through a lens.

What the power catamaran ride feels like

A powered catamaran gives you a stable platform with room to move between shaded and open areas, though the information provided does not specify the exact seating layout. The boat is described as newer, and one booking praised its speed and comfort.

The speed is a plus when you want to cover the five-island route in seven hours. It also means you should prepare for wind and spray, especially while the boat is moving. Secure your camera and keep clothing that can get wet separate from dry items.

Motion sickness prevention is specifically recommended. Even if you usually feel fine on boats, a full day on the water can be tiring. Bring whatever prevention method works for you, and eat sensibly before departure.

The atmosphere is intended to be relaxed and friendly. You can enjoy a drink, chat with the crew, and spend time with family or friends. The professional approach praised in the feedback is reassuring, particularly during snorkeling and boarding.

Is $82 good value?

At $82 per person, this is a reasonable package if you plan to use the included features. You receive seven hours on the water, a route involving five islands, snorkeling and swimming, a BBQ lunch, drinks, professional skippers, and the chance to see dolphins and tortoises.

The value is strongest when you want one organized day instead of arranging separate boat transport, food, and water activities. Lunch and drinks can otherwise add up, and the boat connects several southeast sights that would be difficult to combine independently by water.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike group excursions, or want long stays at each island. You are paying for movement and variety. This is not designed as a quiet private charter or a single-location beach day.

Transfers are not included, so add the cost and time of reaching Pointe Jerome to your budget. The meeting point is practical only if you can arrange your own way there. You should also confirm availability for your preferred date and start time before making plans around the cruise.

Who should book this Mauritius boat day?

I would recommend this outing to couples, families with mobile older children, and friends who want a social day with several activities. It suits you if you like a little movement, enjoy swimming, and would rather have lunch and drinks handled onboard.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in or near southeast Mauritius and want to see more than one island without booking several separate excursions. The bilingual operation is helpful for English and French speakers.

This is not the right choice for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also a poor fit if you need a stroller or want to bring substantial luggage, since those items are not allowed.

You should think twice if you are very sensitive to motion or need guaranteed wildlife sightings. The crew can provide a good route and a safe experience, but no operator can promise dolphins, turtles, or perfect snorkeling conditions.

Practical preparation for the morning

Wear beachwear and comfortable clothing that can handle spray. Bring a camera, dry clothes, and motion sickness prevention if you need it.

Leave high heels, large bags, oversize luggage, and strollers behind. Electric wheelchairs are not accepted, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your schedule depends on weather or other plans, though you should still check the current availability and departure details before booking.

My verdict on the five-island cruise

I would book this tour if I wanted a busy but relaxed day on the southeast lagoon. The strongest points are the newer fast catamaran, the friendly professional crew, bilingual guidance, included BBQ lunch and drinks, and the wide mix of water and island stops.

The main caution is the pace. You see many places, but some stops are short or viewed from the boat. Add the excluded transfer, prepare for motion, and treat dolphins and turtles as lucky extras.

For $82, the package offers solid value for an active day that covers far more than a simple boat ride. If you want swimming, snorkeling, food, island scenery, and a chance of wildlife in one outing, this is an appealing choice. If you want a private, slow, highly flexible cruise, choose something smaller and less structured instead.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point. Meet Jonathan there, wearing a Catamaran Cruises T-shirt.

What time does the tour depart and return?

The cruise departs at 9:30 a.m. and returns at approximately 4 p.m. The total duration is seven hours.

Which languages are available?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and served onboard.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included, with beer, wine, cocktails, and other beverages listed as part of the cruise.

Does the tour include snorkeling?

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

Will I definitely see dolphins or turtles?

No. The cruise gives you the chance to watch dolphins and sea turtles, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Are transfers included in the price?

No. Transportation to and from Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point is not included.

Is the cruise accessible for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Electric wheelchairs, strollers, and large bags are also not allowed.