Southeast of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

Sea, history, lunch, and island time. This catamaran trip packs several sides of southeastern Mauritius into one long day, from the fishing town of Mahébourg to Trou Moutou, Ile au Phare, Grand River South East, and Ile aux Cerfs. I especially like the chance to snorkel in a natural aquarium and the easygoing BBQ served on board with drinks included. The main drawback is practical: rough seas can change the route, and the trip is not a good match for anyone prone to seasickness or anyone with limited mobility.

I also like that the cruise mixes activity with quiet time. You can swim, snorkel, walk the beach, or simply sit with a drink while the boat moves along the coast. At $85 per person, it offers solid value if you want several southeastern sights in one outing, though hotel transfers and personal spending are not included.

Key Details at a Glance

• Trou Moutou snorkeling stop: Swim in a sheltered marine area described as a natural aquarium, with crew assistance in the water.
• Historic offshore islets: Sail past Ile de La Passe and Ile au Phare, then receive an overview of their past and coral makeup.
• BBQ lunch at sea: Eat grilled fish, chicken, sausage, seafood, salads, rice, bread, and fruit on board.
• Grand River South East scenery: Travel up the estuary to see the waterfall, large bats, and monkeys along the riverbank.
• Ile aux Cerfs free time: Spend about an hour swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or walking on the beach.
• Mahébourg departure: Meet at Pointe des Régates jetty at 9:15 a.m., with the return planned for around 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Starting at Mahébourg’s Pointe des Régates

Your morning begins at the Jetty of Pointe des Régates in Mahébourg, a fishermen’s town on Mauritius’s southeast coast. The meeting time is 9:15 a.m., with departure scheduled for 9:30. Arrive ready to board rather than expecting hotel pickup, since transportation to and from the jetty is not part of the price.

The cruise is operated by Blue Safari Mauritius aboard the Silver Swordfish catamaran. The boat provides a steady platform for eating, resting, and enjoying the views, though no group size is given. Since you will be on the water for most of the day, bring the essentials close at hand: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a cover-up, a change of clothes, and a light jacket.

I would also pack a waterproof bag for your phone, wallet, and spare clothes. Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer using familiar gear. The trip includes crew assistance at the snorkeling stop, but the details do not confirm that equipment is supplied, so it is wise to ask before departure if you do not plan to bring your own.

The cruise is offered every day from Monday through Sunday. French and English are available, which makes the historical explanations and safety instructions easier to follow for many visitors.

Trou Moutou: Your First Swim in a Natural Aquarium

The first stop is Trou Moutou, reached after sailing away from Mahébourg. The schedule places arrival at about 10:15 a.m., giving you an early chance to get into the water before the heat of the afternoon.

Trou Moutou is presented as one of the area’s most picturesque snorkeling spots. Its appeal is the marine life: the water is described as a natural aquarium with many fish, and the crew assists you during the swim. That help matters if you are less confident in open water or want a little guidance before setting off.

You should expect a shared water experience rather than a private snorkeling lesson. The instructions specifically ask you not to touch marine life, so keep your hands to yourself and watch the fish from a respectful distance. The same rule applies to plants. This is both good practice and a way to protect the very setting you came to see.

Sea conditions can affect this part of the day. If the water becomes rough or unsafe, the captain may change direction. That means the published route is a plan, not a promise. I would choose this trip for the overall day on the coast, not only for one snorkeling stop.

Ile de La Passe and Ile au Phare from the Water

After Trou Moutou, the catamaran sails in front of Ile de La Passe and Ile au Phare. This section adds a historical layer to what might otherwise be a simple beach-and-boat excursion.

Ile au Phare is known for its coral composition and cultural heritage, and the skippers provide information during the visit. The schedule calls this a guided tour of the historic islet, while the main route also describes sailing in front of the islets for an overview. You should therefore confirm how much time you will spend ashore if a close-up visit is especially important to you.

The value here is the change of pace. After snorkeling, you are not rushed straight toward lunch or another beach. You get a chance to look at the islands as part of Mauritius’s coastal past. The islets also give the cruise a clear sense of place, linking the sea around Mahébourg with the old channels and reefs nearby.

Do not expect a long museum-style history talk. The information provided points to a guided introduction from the skippers, not a formal tour with extensive exhibits. Think of it as useful context while sailing, with the sea and the small islands doing much of the visual work.

BBQ Lunch Served on the Catamaran

Lunch is scheduled around noon, before the boat continues toward Ile aux Cerfs. Eating on board keeps the day simple. You do not have to leave the water, find a restaurant, or spend extra time arranging food during the cruise.

The adult BBQ 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. A vegetarian menu includes rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and seasonal fruit. The children’s menu is listed as the same as the adult menu.

This is a broad menu for a boat trip, with enough choice for meat eaters, fish eaters, and vegetarians. If you have a serious allergy or a strict dietary need, the information does not explain how the kitchen handles special requests. Contact the provider before booking rather than assuming substitutions are available.

Drinks are part of the all-included setup. You can expect local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, mineral water, cocktails, and other nonalcoholic refreshments. The included drinks improve the value, especially because the cruise lasts most of the day. Still, pace yourself with alcohol. You have more swimming and boat time ahead, and the tropical sun is not shy.

Grand River South East and the Waterfall

At about 1:30 p.m., the catamaran heads toward Grand River South East. The route travels up the estuary toward its waterfall, with views of the riverbanks along the way.

This part of the excursion gives you a look at a different side of Mauritius. The coast is open and salty, while the river route feels more sheltered and enclosed. You may see a large bat colony and monkeys along the bank, as well as the waterfall that serves as the main scenic point.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so keep your expectations sensible. The animals are part of the setting, not a staged show. The boat’s movement, the weather, and the animals themselves will determine what you see. Bring binoculars only if you have room, since the supplied information does not promise close viewing.

The waterfall is admired from the boat, according to the schedule. That makes this a viewing stop rather than a swimming or walking excursion. It is also one reason the trip feels varied: snorkeling, offshore history, lunch, a river estuary, and a popular island all appear in a single day.

Ile aux Cerfs: One Hour to Use Your Own Way

The catamaran reaches Ile aux Cerfs at about 2 p.m., with free time until roughly 3 p.m. The island is known for its sandy beaches and easy water activities. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take a beach walk, or simply sit down and recharge.

I like this unstructured hour because it gives you control over the final major stop. If you have already had enough activity, stretch out on the sand. If the first snorkeling stop was brief because of sea conditions, you have another chance to get into the water. If you prefer walking, use the time to explore the beach rather than staying aboard.

The limitation is the short window. One hour passes quickly, especially if you need time to change, dry off, or gather your belongings. I would decide before arrival whether swimming, snorkeling, or walking matters most to you. Trying to do everything may leave you feeling hurried.

The information does not include beach equipment, changing facilities, or optional activities on Ile aux Cerfs. Do not budget this hour around extras unless you have confirmed what is available and what costs more. The included experience is free time on the island, not a package of additional paid attractions.

How Much Value Do You Get for $85?

At $85 per person, this is a good-value choice if you want a full southeastern Mauritius itinerary without arranging separate boat trips, meals, and stops. The price includes the catamaran ride, snorkeling stop, historical commentary, river and waterfall visit, Ile aux Cerfs time, BBQ lunch, and a wide selection of drinks.

The length also helps justify the cost. The published duration is described as 6.5 to 7 hours, with a 9:15 a.m. meeting time and a return planned for 4:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. That is most of a day on the water. A shorter cruise might cost less, but it would not cover as many locations.

You should add the cost of reaching Mahébourg and any personal purchases. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Personal expenses are also separate, so bring only what you need and keep it protected from spray.

This trip is strongest for people who value variety. If you want a private sailing experience, a quiet small-group outing, or a focused snorkeling session, the package may feel too broad. If you want a convenient day that combines food, scenery, history, wildlife, and beach time, the price is easier to defend.

Who Will Enjoy This Catamaran Trip Most?

I would recommend it to active couples, families, and first-time visitors who want to see several southeastern highlights in one day. The menu and included soft drinks make it family-friendly, while the rum, wine, beer, and cocktails suit adults looking for a relaxed cruise.

It also works well for people who enjoy choosing their own level of activity. You can swim and snorkel, or stay on board and take in the scenery. That flexibility is useful because the weather and sea conditions may shape the day.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone prone to seasickness. You will spend many hours on the catamaran, and the captain may alter the route when conditions are rough. It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The boat, water access, beach time, and disembarkation at Ile aux Cerfs require a level of physical ease that is not suitable for everyone.

A perfect 5 out of 5 rating from two published ratings, including a short recommendation to make this a must-do, fits the experience’s main strength: it brings a lot into one outing. The small number of ratings means I would treat that score as encouraging, not as proof that every departure will be flawless.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Day

• Wear your swimsuit under your clothes: This saves time at Trou Moutou and Ile aux Cerfs.
• Carry sun protection all day: Use sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a cover-up. You will be exposed on the boat and beach.
• Pack a jacket: Even a warm day can feel cooler on the water, especially during the return ride.
• Bring a waterproof bag: Protect your phone, cash, and dry clothing from sea spray.
• Bring snorkeling gear if preferred: The instructions specifically allow you to bring your own equipment.
• Keep the Ile aux Cerfs stop focused: With about an hour, choose your main activity before leaving the boat.
• Respect the water and wildlife: Do not touch fish, other marine life, or plants, and do not litter.
• Plan for the return time: The scheduled return is around 4:30 p.m., with some information allowing for 5 p.m. Sea conditions can affect timing.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans change: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. The trip runs daily, but the captain has final say over the route when the sea is rough or impassable.

Should You Book the Silver Swordfish Cruise?

Book it if you want one full day covering the southeast coast, with snorkeling, food, drinks, a river visit, island time, and a little local history. The included BBQ and beverages make the $85 price reasonable, and the mix of active and restful stops keeps the day from becoming one long swim.

Skip it if your priority is a private boat, guaranteed calm water, extensive historical touring, or a long, quiet stay on Ile aux Cerfs. You also need to reach Mahébourg yourself and be comfortable with a full day at sea.

For most able-bodied visitors who want a broad introduction to southeastern Mauritius, I would put this catamaran trip on the shortlist. Bring sun protection, protect your belongings from spray, and treat the route as weather-dependent. That is the sensible way to enjoy the day.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

The cruise begins at the Jetty of Pointe des Régates in Mahébourg, Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should meet the team at 9:15 a.m. The scheduled departure is 9:30 a.m.

When does the cruise return?

The return is planned for about 4:30 p.m., with some details allowing for arrival around 5 p.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transportation to Mahébourg.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the catamaran cruise, snorkeling at Trou Moutou, historical information about Ile de La Passe and Ile au Phare, a BBQ lunch, beverages, the Grand River South East visit, and free time at Ile aux Cerfs.

What food is served?

The BBQ includes salads, rice, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, chicken sausage, seafood, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit. A vegetarian menu is also available.

Are drinks included?

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

Can I bring my own snorkeling equipment?

Yes. You may bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The captain may change the direction or route for safety if sea conditions are rough or impassable.

Is the trip suitable for people with mobility impairments or seasickness?

No. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or people prone to seasickness.