Reviewed · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

SouthEast Lagoon Discovery on shared basis on a Power Catamaran

★ 5.0 · 3 reviews From $82 Operated by Catamaran Cruises Mauritius · Bookable on Viator
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Salt air, clear water, and a full day afloat. This shared Power Catamaran trip gives you a comfortable way to see Mauritius from its southeast lagoon, with snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and time to swim or sunbathe. I especially like the calm, non-party atmosphere and the chance to see several island sights without arranging separate boat trips.

I also like the small maximum group of 20 people, which should make the Nautitech 40 Open Catamaran feel more personal than a large cruise boat. The main consideration is the route description: some details refer to the west coast and Le Morne Brabant, while the meeting point and main program focus on the southeast coast. Confirm the exact route before booking if a particular stop matters to you.

Key Things to Know Before You Book

  • The boat leaves around 09:30 and returns around 16:00, so plan for roughly seven hours on the water.
  • Lunch, soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks are included, giving this trip strong value for a full-day outing.
  • Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins.
  • The southeast route includes Île aux Cerfs, a lighthouse, coral reef views, and shipwreck sights, with time for swimming and snorkeling.
  • The group is capped at 20 passengers, a useful middle ground between a private charter and a crowded party boat.
  • Hotel transfers and towels are not included, so you need to reach Pointe d’Esny and bring your own towel.

Setting Out From Pointe d’Esny at 09:30

SouthEast Lagoon Discovery on shared basis on a Power Catamaran - Setting Out From Pointe d’Esny at 09:30

Your day begins at HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny. This is not a hotel pickup, so allow time to arrange your own transport to the meeting point. The activity also ends there, which makes the return simple but means you should plan your onward journey in advance.

The boat is a Nautitech 40 Open Catamaran, a power catamaran designed for space and stability. That matters on a seven-hour trip. You have room to sit, stretch out, and find a sunny or shaded place rather than being confined to one small bench.

The shared format is worth noting. This is not a private boat reserved just for your party, but the maximum of 20 passengers keeps it from becoming an anonymous mass outing. You can expect a social setting, though the atmosphere appears to lean toward relaxed sightseeing rather than loud entertainment.

The crew’s care is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Skipper Pascal has been specifically praised for paying close attention to passenger comfort, while the wider crew has earned positive comments for friendly service. That does not guarantee the same crew on every departure, but it gives you a useful sense of the service standard to expect.

The Southeast Lagoon by Power Catamaran

SouthEast Lagoon Discovery on shared basis on a Power Catamaran - The Southeast Lagoon by Power Catamaran

Once underway, the appeal is simple: Mauritius looks different from the water. The southeast lagoon offers broad views, reef color, small islands, and open stretches of sea that are hard to appreciate from shore.

A power catamaran also changes the rhythm of the day. You are not rushing between a long list of land attractions. Instead, the boat carries you from one water stop to the next, leaving time to sit quietly, look for marine life, or enjoy the views.

The route includes sights around the lighthouse and colorful coral reef areas. You may also see shipwrecks in the reef zone. These details give the cruise more character than a simple transfer to a beach, though conditions at sea and the exact path can affect what you see.

You should keep wildlife expectations sensible. Marine sightings are never guaranteed. Past experiences on this trip have included dolphins, a sea turtle, flying fish, and even a humpback whale, but these are fortunate sightings rather than promised stops. Bring patience and keep your eyes on the water.

Snorkeling in Clear Lagoon Water

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to choose this trip. Equipment is included, so you can get into the water without renting a mask and fins separately. You should still bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and a towel, since towels are specifically excluded.

The lagoon setting gives you a chance to see tropical fish and coral formations in clear water. The program also refers to swimming near Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where tropical fish are found. However, Le Morne is on the west coast, while this trip meets in the southeast and focuses heavily on Île aux Cerfs and nearby waters.

That mismatch is important. If you are booking mainly to swim beneath Le Morne Brabant, ask the operator to confirm that stop before paying. If your priority is simply snorkeling in Mauritius, the included equipment and several water stops make the trip more appealing.

Snorkeling conditions can vary with weather and sea conditions. The operator requires good weather, and a departure may be moved or canceled if conditions are poor. That policy protects the safety and quality of the day, but it also means you should keep some flexibility in your Mauritius schedule.

Île aux Cerfs and the Lighthouse

SouthEast Lagoon Discovery on shared basis on a Power Catamaran - Île aux Cerfs and the Lighthouse

Île aux Cerfs is a major highlight of the southeast route. The island is known for its beaches and lagoon setting, and it gives the day a change of pace from the open catamaran deck.

You may have time to look around, swim, or simply enjoy the shore. The program does not promise a detailed island tour or a set amount of free time, so do not expect a long guided walk through the island. The value is the chance to reach a famous island by boat while keeping the rest of the day focused on the sea.

The lighthouse adds another point of interest. It is the kind of sight that works best from the water, where you can frame it against the coast and reef. You will not be buying a ticket to a separate attraction or spending hours in a museum. This is a scenic stop, part of a wider day on the lagoon.

The route has enough variety to avoid feeling repetitive. You get open-water views, reef areas, island scenery, and places to swim. Still, anyone who prefers an action-packed schedule may find the slower stretches too quiet. This trip works best if you enjoy the movement of the boat itself.

Lunch, Drinks, and the Value of $82.22

At $82.22 per person, the price is reasonable for a seven-hour boat excursion with food, drinks, and snorkeling gear included. You are not paying only for transport. The package covers lunch, bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages, which can quickly add to the cost of a similar day out.

The onboard meal has been described as generous, with rice, pasta, salad, barbecue chicken, grilled fish, and sausage. That is more substantial than the light sandwich often served on a short cruise. You should think of it as a hearty group lunch rather than a restaurant meal.

Drinks include alcohol, wine, beer, and rum according to the available account of the meal service. The presence of unlimited drinks was especially appreciated, but you should pace yourself carefully in the tropical sun. Water is included, and it should be your first choice between swims.

The food and drinks also make the price easier to justify for families and couples who want a full day with fewer extra costs. On the other hand, if you do not drink alcohol or prefer to bring your own meal, part of the package may have less value for you.

The relaxed mood is another plus. This is not promoted as a party boat, and the available feedback specifically praises the quiet, easygoing feel. If you want music, dancing, and a late afternoon drinking scene, this may not be the right pick. If you want conversation, scenery, and a comfortable lunch between water stops, it fits better.

Wildlife Sightings Without False Promises

SouthEast Lagoon Discovery on shared basis on a Power Catamaran - Wildlife Sightings Without False Promises

Dolphin watching is part of the appeal, but the trip should not be treated as a guaranteed wildlife tour. The crew can look for marine life while moving through the lagoon, yet animals follow their own schedule.

The possible sightings are impressive. Dolphins and a sea turtle have been seen, and one outing included a humpback whale and flying fish. These moments can turn a pleasant boat day into a memorable one, but the core value remains the lagoon cruise, snorkeling, food, and island scenery.

I would advise you to bring a phone or camera in a waterproof pouch. A mobile ticket is provided for the booking, but your personal electronics still need protection around salt water. The supplied details do not mention onboard photography, so plan to take your own pictures rather than expect a dedicated photo service.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most

This outing suits couples, families, and small groups who want a full day at sea without paying for a private charter. The boat accepts up to 20 passengers, and the shared format lets you enjoy the route at a lower price than exclusive hire.

It is also a practical option if you want several features in one booking: snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, lunch, and drinks. You do not need to arrange equipment rental or find a separate lunch stop.

Families should note the useful accessibility details. The experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, car seats are available, and most people can participate. You should still confirm any specific mobility needs before booking, since the supplied information does not explain the exact boarding arrangement or bathroom setup.

This is less suitable for someone who dislikes long periods on a boat, wants a private crew, or expects a tightly timed sightseeing tour. The day has a relaxed pace, and some time is naturally spent cruising between stops.

Practical Details That Matter

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the trip is often booked about 29 days ahead, reserving early is sensible if your dates are fixed.

You receive a mobile ticket, but hotel transport is not included. That makes Pointe d’Esny the most important location to plan around. Save the meeting point, HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, and allow enough time to arrive before the 09:30 departure.

The cancellation terms are flexible if you act early. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and a no-refund rule applies. Poor weather is handled differently: the operator offers another date or a full refund if conditions force cancellation.

Pack light, but bring the basics:

  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Reef-safe sun protection
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Waterproof phone protection
  • A light cover-up for the boat
  • Any personal medication

The tour supplies snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, soda, and bottled water. Towels and hotel transfers are the main practical omissions.

Should You Book the Southeast Lagoon Catamaran?

I would book this trip if you want a comfortable, good-value day on the water with snorkeling, food, drinks, and several southeast Mauritius sights in one package. The small group limit, friendly service, generous lunch, and calm mood give it a stronger appeal than a basic boat transfer.

I would pause if your main goal is specifically Le Morne Brabant, dolphin watching, or a private cruise. Confirm the exact route first, since the supplied descriptions include both west coast and southeast references. For everyone else, $82.22 is a fair price for seven hours of scenery, swimming, reef views, and a well-fed afternoon on a stable catamaran.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

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

Where does the trip begin?

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

Where does the experience end?

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

Is hotel transportation included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. The package includes lunch, bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 20 passengers.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

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