North East of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

The best part may be the lunch stop. This full-day catamaran trip gives you a relaxed look at Mauritius from the water, with snorkeling in the Grand Gaube lagoon, mangroves at Île d’Ambre, a BBQ lunch, and beach time on Bernaches Island. I like the easy mix of swimming, food, drinks, and quiet island time. I also like that the crew keeps the mood cheerful, with one captain praised for his good humor and friendly approach.

The main point to consider is the amount of sailing. This is not a long-distance coastal voyage. You spend much of the day around nearby lagoons, mangroves, and islands, and one account described the actual sailing as very brief. Snorkeling can also be underwhelming if you are hoping for a major reef experience. At $80 per person, the value rests more on the full package than on dramatic sailing time.

Key points before you book

• Grand Gaube is the starting point: Meet at the jetty of Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort by 9:30 am for the 10:00 am departure.
• Île d’Ambre adds a calm change of scene: You can swim and snorkel in the lagoon, then slow down among the mangroves with a cocktail.
• Lunch is served on board: The BBQ includes grilled fish, chicken, sausage, salads, vegetables, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit.
• Bernaches Island is the main beach break: From about 1:00 pm, you have time to swim, walk the sandy shoreline, or relax beside the lagoon.
• Drinks are part of the package: Wine, Phoenix beer, local rum, fruit juice, soft drinks, mineral water, and cocktails are included.
• The trip is best for active beach days: It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or those prone to seasickness.

Meeting at Grand Gaube at 9:30 am

Your day begins at the jetty of Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort in Grand Gaube, on the northeast coast of Mauritius. You need to arrange your own way there because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

The meeting time is 9:30 am, with the catamaran scheduled to leave at 10:00 am. That half-hour gap gives the crew time to check everyone in and get the boat ready. I would arrive early, especially if you are unfamiliar with the resort or need time to find the jetty.

The activity runs every day from Monday through Sunday. It ends back at the same jetty around 4:00 pm, making it fairly easy to fit into a wider Mauritius itinerary if you are staying near Grand Gaube.

The two working languages are English and French. Group size is not provided, so you should not assume a small, private sailing. This is a shared catamaran outing, and the feel of the day may depend on how full the boat is.

Sailing the Northeast Coast toward Île d’Ambre

The first part of the trip heads from Grand Gaube toward the mangroves of Île d’Ambre. The northeast coast is known here for shallow turquoise water, small islands, and sheltered lagoon areas rather than big open-sea drama.

That distinction matters. If you picture hours of sailing with the catamaran cutting across the Indian Ocean, this outing may feel too short. One account found that the actual sailing lasted only about five minutes, while another noted that the route does not go very far. The schedule itself supports that general impression: most of the day is given to water activities, lunch, and island time.

I see this as a floating beach day rather than a serious sailing expedition. You move between appealing coastal spots, but the reward is the change of setting. You get the breeze and views from the catamaran, then spend time in the water or on shore.

The captain’s attitude can make a big difference on a shared boat. A positive account specifically praised the captain’s good mood, while another highlighted the friendly crew. That fits the nature of the trip: the atmosphere matters almost as much as the route, since you are spending several hours together on deck.

Swimming and snorkeling in the Grand Gaube lagoon

From 10:00 am until noon, the focus is swimming and snorkeling in the Grand Gaube lagoon. The crew assists with the water break, so you are not simply dropped at a spot with no direction.

The lagoon’s clear, warm water is well suited to a refreshing swim. You can bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer, and the tour information specifically recommends bringing snorkeling gear. That is useful advice if you care about fit, comfort, or cleanliness.

Still, keep your expectations measured. One account said snorkeling in this area was not worth the trip. That does not mean the water will be unattractive, but it does suggest that the marine viewing may be modest compared with a dedicated reef excursion. Conditions, visibility, and your own expectations will shape the experience.

I would book this for the chance to cool off in a turquoise lagoon, not for guaranteed spectacular marine life. The rules also ask you not to touch marine life or plants. That is simple, sensible practice, and it helps protect the shallow coastal areas that make the stop enjoyable.

If you are not keen on snorkeling, you are not left without options. The schedule allows for swimming, and you can also remain on the boat and enjoy the drinks and views. Bring a towel and a change of clothes because you will have time to dry off before lunch.

A quiet cocktail stop among the mangroves

After the water break, the boat moves to the mangrove area at Île d’Ambre. This is one of the more distinctive parts of the outing. Instead of another open-water stop, you get a slower setting with mangrove plants and a sheltered feel.

The experience is presented as a chance to relax with a cocktail among the mangroves. That small detail helps explain the character of the day. You are not rushing from one attraction to the next. The plan leaves room to sit, talk, sip a drink, and enjoy the calm.

One especially enthusiastic account described the mangrove area as feeling like a deserted island. That is a useful clue, though you should not read it as a promise of total isolation. The boat may share the area with other visitors, and no group-size information is provided.

The mangrove stop also breaks up the day well. After snorkeling, you can shift from activity to rest without needing to leave the boat. I like that balance. Many water excursions pile on several quick stops and leave you tired. Here, the slower pause appears to be part of the appeal.

Drinks included during the day range from nonalcoholic choices to wine, Phoenix beer, local rum, cocktails, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. One account specifically praised the unlimited drinks. The supplied details do not state a precise serving limit, but beverages are clearly included, which adds value to the $80 price.

BBQ lunch on the catamaran at noon

Lunch is served around noon on the catamaran deck. You eat while surrounded by views of the Indian Ocean, which gives an ordinary BBQ a pleasant setting.

The adult menu 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 spread for a boat lunch, with enough variety to suit different appetites.

The vegetarian menu includes rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and seasonal fruit. A separate kids’ menu is not listed, so children receive the same menu as adults.

Freshness is a key part of the meal’s appeal. One account praised the food as very good, while another specifically enjoyed the fresh BBQ. I would not expect restaurant-level presentation on a moving boat, but grilled food served outside can be satisfying, especially after swimming.

If you have dietary restrictions beyond the stated vegetarian option, the available information does not explain how the crew handles them. It is sensible to ask before booking rather than assume the menu can be changed.

The meal is also where the package begins to make financial sense. You are paying for 6.5 hours on the water, a substantial lunch, and a range of drinks. If you would buy lunch and several beverages separately during a beach day, the included food and drinks reduce the extra spending. If you do not drink alcohol and care mainly about snorkeling, the value is less convincing.

Bernaches Island from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

After lunch, the catamaran sails toward Bernaches Island. From about 1:00 pm, you have time to step ashore, swim, explore the lagoon, or walk along the sandy beaches.

This is the most flexible part of the day. You can make it active by snorkeling and swimming, or simply find a quiet patch of sand and rest. After a morning in the water and lunch on deck, that freedom is welcome.

Bernaches Island is not presented as a major sightseeing site with buildings or formal attractions. Its appeal is simple: sand, clear water, and time to enjoy them at your own pace. I would bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cover-up because there is little reason to expect much shade or shelter.

The scheduled island pause lasts until about 2:30 pm. The boat does not return to Grand Gaube until around 4:00 pm, so there is additional sailing or cruising time after the beach stop. The exact route may depend on weather and sea conditions.

A practical point: do not leave your waterproof bag unattended with valuables while you swim. The tour recommends a waterproof bag or backpack, which is useful for keeping phones, wallets, and dry clothes protected from spray.

Weather changes can alter the route

The captain can change direction if sea conditions become rough or impassable. In that case, the route may go toward Gunners Coin or Casita Beach instead of the planned stops.

That flexibility is a good safety measure, but it means you should not treat every named location as guaranteed. A catamaran day depends on wind, waves, and local conditions. The alternative beaches may still provide time by the water, but they may not match the planned mangrove and Bernaches Island sequence.

You should also take the seasickness warning seriously. This experience is not suitable for people prone to motion sickness. If you know you are sensitive, bring motion sickness pills if necessary, sit where the boat feels most stable, and avoid arriving without a plan.

A waterproof jacket is listed among the essentials, even though Mauritius may be hot and sunny. It can protect you from spray, wind, or a sudden change in weather. Beachwear is fine for the day, but a dry change of clothes will make the return trip more comfortable.

What the $80 price really buys

At $80 per person, this is priced as an all-day package rather than a quick boat ride. The cost includes a 6.5-hour catamaran trip, snorkeling time, access to the mangrove area, beach time at Bernaches Island, BBQ lunch, and a wide drink selection.

That is fair value if you plan to use the full package. The strongest parts are the social atmosphere, fresh grilled food, included drinks, and easy combination of several coastal stops. One account described the food as very good, and another praised the unlimited drinks. Those details matter because meals and drinks can quickly add to the cost of a day on the water.

The value drops if you are booking mainly for sailing or high-quality snorkeling. The catamaran does not travel far, and the snorkeling area received a lukewarm assessment. You are paying for a pleasant day at sea, not a specialist marine expedition.

Hotel transfers are not included, so add the cost and effort of reaching Grand Gaube. That is less of an issue if you are already staying nearby, but it matters if your accommodation is elsewhere on Mauritius.

The booking terms are flexible: you can reserve and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Those terms are useful when weather may affect your plans.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a relaxed, social day with several simple pleasures:

• You enjoy swimming and beach time more than formal sightseeing.
• You like having lunch and drinks included.
• You want a gentle introduction to Mauritius’ northeast lagoons.
• You prefer a flexible day with time to sit and rest.
• You are staying near Grand Gaube or can easily reach the jetty.

Families may appreciate the straightforward food choices and the mix of swimming, island walking, and time on the boat. The kids’ menu is the same as the adult menu, so it is not a specially designed children’s meal, but the listed food is varied.

I would hesitate if you have limited mobility. The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the day involves a jetty, catamaran, swimming areas, and beach access.

I would also choose another outing if your priority is serious snorkeling, long sailing, or a remote-island adventure. This is a comfortable coastal outing, not an expedition.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Pack lightly, but bring the things that matter around salt water and strong sun:

• Swimsuit and a full change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Waterproof bag or backpack
• Cover-up
• Waterproof jacket
• Motion sickness medication if you need it
• Personal snorkeling equipment if you prefer your own gear

Comfortable beachwear is the right choice. Keep valuables to a minimum, and do not bring anything you would worry about getting wet.

Pets are not allowed, except for assistance dogs. Littering, touching marine life, and touching plants are also prohibited. These rules are easy to follow and help keep the lagoon, mangroves, and beaches in good condition.

Should you book this Mauritius catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want an easygoing full day built around food, drinks, swimming, and beach time. The friendly crew, good mood on board, fresh BBQ, and generous beverage selection are the most appealing features. The mangrove pause at Île d’Ambre also gives the day a quieter character than a simple beach transfer.

Skip it if you want a long sailing route or exceptional snorkeling. The boat stays close to the northeast coast, and the marine stop may not satisfy experienced snorkelers. At $80, the trip is best judged as an all-inclusive day on the water, not as a pure sailing or reef tour.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

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

What time should I arrive?

The meeting time is 9:30 am, and the catamaran departs at 10:00 am.

What time does the experience finish?

The catamaran returns to the same jetty at about 4:00 pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the jetty.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

You may bring your own snorkeling gear if preferred. The available information does not specify that equipment is supplied by the operator.

What food is served?

The BBQ includes grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, a seafood dish, salads, seasonal vegetables, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit. A vegetarian menu and the same menu for children are also listed.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks include local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, mineral water, cocktails, and other nonalcoholic options.

Can the route change because of weather?

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