Catamaran Mauritius: South East 5 Islands Catamaran Cruises

The lagoon sets the mood fast. This six-and-a-half-hour catamaran cruise combines island scenery, swimming, snorkeling, a barbecue lunch, drinks, and chances to spot dolphins and tortoises along Mauritius’s southeast coast. I like the generous mix of activities, and I like that the price includes food, drinks, and qualified skippers rather than adding costs throughout the day.

The main consideration is time. You cover several places, but the stop at Grand River South East Waterfall lasts only about 30 minutes, and the pass by Ile aux Aigrettes is brief. Sea conditions and wildlife sightings can also vary, so you should treat dolphins and tortoises as welcome possibilities, not promises.

Key points at a glance

• Pointe D’Esny departure: You meet at the Pointe Jerome embarkation wharf, with coffee and a safety briefing before setting out.
• A full lagoon day for $82: The price includes the five-island cruise, barbecue lunch, drinks, swimming, snorkeling, and island visits.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main pleasure stop: Expect time for food, beach scenery, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxed views.
• Wildlife sightings are possible: The crew looks for dolphins, tortoises, and other marine life, but nature keeps its own schedule.
• The lighthouse gives the cruise character: Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile au Phare, adds a striking historic sight beyond the beach stops.
• Bring proper footwear: Flip-flops are listed, but water shoes are a better choice for rocky or wet surfaces and for moving around Ile aux Cerfs.

Why this southeast Mauritius cruise works so well

Mauritius is easy to picture as a beach destination, but the southeast coast gives you a broader view of the island. From the water, you see small offshore islands, open lagoon, pale beaches, a lighthouse, and a waterfall reached by boat. That variety is the real reason to book this trip.

I like the way the experience mixes active and quiet moments. You can snorkel when you want movement, then settle in with a drink while the catamaran moves between stops. The barbecue lunch keeps the day simple, since you do not need to arrange a separate meal or return to shore halfway through.

The $82 price is strong if you plan to use most of what is included. A separate boat outing, meal, and drinks could quickly cost more, while this package puts them together. You are also paying for the boat crew, the route, and the convenience of seeing several coastal sights in one outing.

Still, this is not a private sightseeing charter by default. The details confirm that a private group can be arranged, but you should select that option if you want a more personal pace or more control over stops. The standard experience is better suited to people who enjoy a social day on the water.

Starting at Pointe Jerome in Pointe D’Esny

The meeting point is the Pointe Jerome embarkation wharf in Pointe D’Esny. The boat returns to the same general starting point, so you are not left arranging a second transfer from another part of the coast.

Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. At the wharf, report to Jonathan or Nathalie on the left side when facing the sea. That simple instruction matters because a waterfront meeting point can be less obvious than a hotel lobby.

The cruise begins with coffee and a safety briefing. I appreciate that order. You get a moment to settle in, learn the basic boat procedures, and start the morning with something warm before the main cruise gets under way.

Hotel pickup is not included in the listed price, but it can be arranged for an additional fee if requested at least 48 hours before the excursion. If you are staying away from Pointe D’Esny, ask about this early rather than assuming transport will be available at the last minute.

Cruising toward Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the centerpiece of the day. The catamaran cruise gives you scenic views on the way, then opens up time for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and a self-guided look around the island.

This is where the schedule feels most relaxed. You are not simply stepping ashore for a quick photograph. The program allows time to enjoy the water and beach setting, which makes Ile aux Cerfs a good fit for families, couples, and anyone who wants a proper break from sightseeing.

The island is also the stop most likely to shape your opinion of the day. A French-language review specifically praised the beach, calling it incredible, and another visitor highlighted the fish seen while snorkeling. The practical lesson is to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a camera, then keep your schedule open enough to enjoy the water rather than rushing from one activity to the next.

The sea is described as clear, but snorkeling conditions are still weather dependent. You may see attractive fish and other marine life, yet visibility and comfort can change. The tour includes snorkeling, but it does not promise a particular reef, species, or water condition.

Water shoes are worth bringing even though flip-flops are also recommended. One useful tip from the feedback was to choose beach shoes rather than ordinary flip-flops for Ile aux Cerfs. Water shoes are easier for wet surfaces and give you more confidence around the shore.

Barbecue lunch and the drinks onboard

Lunch is served as a barbecue onboard, with dessert included. Drinks are also part of the package, including beer, coffee, spirits, and wine. Welcome refreshments are provided as well.

That inclusion makes the $82 fare easier to judge. You are not paying only for transport between islands. You receive a meal, beverages, and a full half-day on the water, which is good value if you would otherwise spend money on lunch and drinks during a separate beach day.

The food and onboard service received especially warm praise. One German review described the provision onboard as excellent, while another highlighted the complete lunch and attentive staff. I would still advise you to state any meal restrictions when booking, since the operator specifically asks for that information.

The setting adds much of the pleasure. Eating while surrounded by lagoon views feels less formal than a restaurant meal, and the boat creates an easy social atmosphere. If you prefer a quiet, structured lunch with lots of personal space, a private group may suit you better.

Searching for dolphins and tortoises

Dolphin watching and tortoise watching are included aims of the cruise. The crew also looks for marine life along the route. Several recent bookings resulted in close views of dolphins and giant tortoises, which clearly became highlights of the day.

These sightings are a bonus, not a guarantee. The operator uses the language of hoping to encounter wildlife, and that is the honest way to view it. A boat can search, but it cannot schedule a dolphin to appear beside the catamaran.

I like that the wildlife element is woven into a wider cruise rather than sold as the sole purpose. If you see dolphins, the moment may be memorable. If you do not, you still have the islands, snorkeling, lunch, waterfall, and lighthouse.

Bring a camera, but protect it from spray. The supplied information specifically recommends one, and the combination of open water, small islands, and wildlife creates plenty of photo opportunities. Just keep the camera secure when you move around the boat or get ready to swim.

Grand River South East Waterfall in 30 minutes

The waterfall visit adds a change of scenery after the open lagoon. Grand River South East Waterfall is reached as part of the boat route, and the listed sightseeing stop lasts about 30 minutes.

That is enough for a focused look, but not a long visit. One French review found this stop a little too short. I would set your expectations accordingly: this is a compact sightseeing pause, not a relaxed half-day waterfall outing.

The short timing may actually suit you if your priority is the catamaran, swimming, and Ile aux Cerfs. It keeps the boat moving and prevents one stop from taking over the entire day. But if waterfalls are your main interest, you may wish the schedule offered more time ashore or closer viewing.

Ile aux Fouquets and the old lighthouse

Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile au Phare, provides one of the cruise’s most distinctive sights. The stop lasts about 30 minutes and includes a visit, scenic views, and time for a self-guided look.

The lighthouse gives the route a sense of place. Beaches and snorkeling are easy to find on an island holiday, but a lighthouse on a small offshore island adds a more memorable visual marker. It also makes the cruise about more than swimming and lunch.

You should not expect a long guided historical tour here. The experience is described as self-guided, so you will have time to look around and take photographs rather than follow a detailed lecture. The tour offers English and French live guidance, but the individual island stop itself remains fairly independent.

Passing Ile aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Aigrettes is a brief pass-by, listed at about 15 minutes. You will contemplate the island from the boat rather than spend a substantial amount of time ashore.

This is a good example of the route’s broad scope. The cruise lets you see five islands and several coastal sights, but not every place receives a long landing. If you want to explore each island on foot, the schedule will feel quick.

I would treat Ile aux Aigrettes as a scenic viewpoint and a chance to understand the shape of the southeast coast. Keep your camera ready, listen for any explanation from the crew, and do not expect the same hands-on visit offered at Ile aux Cerfs or Ile aux Fouquets.

Crew, mood, and the pace of the boat

The experience is operated by Philao Boat Cruise, with professional and qualified skippers. The mood is described as friendly and lively, and the strongest praise focuses on organization, food, drinks, and attentive service.

Several names appear in the feedback, including Pascal, Alex, Jonathan, and Nathalie. Pascal and Alex were credited with helping create a wonderful day, while Jonathan was thanked for transportation. At the wharf, Jonathan or Nathalie are the people to look for when checking in.

This matters because a boat day depends heavily on crew attitude. Good timing, clear instructions, and a relaxed bar service can make six and a half hours feel easy. Poor coordination would make the same schedule feel crowded, so the repeated praise for organization is encouraging.

The boat is powered, which helps cover the southeast route and its several stops. You should still expect some movement from the sea. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever personal remedy you normally use, although no specific medical guidance is provided for this activity.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend this cruise if you want a single outing that covers many sides of Mauritius:

• You want swimming and snorkeling, but also islands and sightseeing.
• You value lunch and drinks included in the price.
• You enjoy a social boat atmosphere with a good onboard mood.
• You want a chance to see dolphins or tortoises without booking a separate wildlife trip.
• You are happy with short stops at some sights.
• You are staying near Pointe D’Esny or are willing to pay extra for arranged pickup.

I would think twice if you want a quiet, highly private boat day, long time at every island, or a dedicated waterfall tour. The schedule is broad rather than slow, and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

The activity is available in English and French. A private group option is available, which could be useful for families or friends who want more control over the day. Pets are not allowed.

Practical packing advice for the southeast coast

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, camera, flip-flops, and water shoes. I would prioritize the water shoes, especially after the specific advice about Ile aux Cerfs.

Tell the operator about meal restrictions when you reserve. Arrive at least 20 minutes early, and remember that the exact start time depends on availability when you book.

The tour allows free cancellation 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 your Mauritius schedule.

Is the $82 price worth it?

For $82 per person, this is good value when you want a packed marine excursion rather than a bare boat transfer. The fare covers the five-island route, drinks, barbecue lunch, snorkeling, swimming, island visits, waterfall sightseeing, and the lighthouse stop.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and drinks. It is less compelling if you plan to spend most of the day on one beach or if you dislike group-style outings.

My main caution is not the price. It is the pace. The cruise covers a lot, so some stops are brief. If you accept that tradeoff, the combination of food, water time, scenery, and possible wildlife sightings makes the cost fair.

Should you book the five-island cruise?

Yes, if you want a full southeast Mauritius day with plenty to do and very little planning once you reach Pointe D’Esny. The best parts are the included barbecue and drinks, the relaxed Ile aux Cerfs stop, the friendly crew, and the chance to see dolphins, tortoises, and fish.

Book it with realistic expectations about nature and timing. You may get wonderful wildlife sightings, but you may not. The waterfall and Ile aux Aigrettes are short stops, while Ile aux Cerfs receives the most leisure time. Bring water shoes, arrive early, and tell the operator about meal restrictions. For $82, I would choose this cruise when variety matters more to you than a slow, private itinerary.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart and return?

The cruise meets and returns at the Pointe Jerome embarkation wharf in Pointe D’Esny, Mauritius.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts 390 minutes, or about six and a half hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the five-island cruise, drinks, barbecue lunch, swimming, snorkeling, island visits, waterfall sightseeing, and stops or views of Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouquets, Ile au Phare, and Ile aux Aigrettes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch and dessert are included onboard.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drink options list beer, coffee, spirits, and wine, along with welcome refreshments.

Can I swim and snorkel?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are included, with time provided during the cruise.

Will I definitely see dolphins or tortoises?

No. Dolphin and tortoise watching is included as a possibility, but sightings depend on conditions and wildlife activity.

What languages are available?

Live tour guidance is available in English and French.

Can I arrange hotel pickup?

Pickup can be arranged for an additional cost if you request it at least 48 hours before the excursion date.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, flip-flops, and water shoes. Pets are not allowed.