Catamaran Mauritius: South East 5 Islands Catamaran Cruises

The best part of this southeast Mauritius cruise is the variety. In one day, you get open-water cruising, island stops, snorkeling at Eau Bleue, a lighthouse visit, a barbecue lunch, and time to simply stretch out on a powered catamaran. Five islands give the day a clear sense of purpose without turning it into a rushed sightseeing checklist.

I like the small-group setting and the fact that drinks and lunch are included, so you can settle into the day instead of keeping track of extra costs. I also like the chance to see dolphins and turtles, though wildlife is never guaranteed. The main consideration is the meeting point: the information names Pointe Jerome for check-in, while the departure area is also described as Pointe D’Esny, so confirm the exact pickup pin before setting out.

Five things to know before you book

• Five-island route: The cruise includes views of Île au Fouquet, Île au Phare, Île aux Cerfs, and Île aux Aigrettes, with stops and pass-by views along the southeast coast.
• Eau Bleue snorkeling: You’ll have about 20 minutes for swimming and snorkeling in clear water over the coastal reef area.
• Barbecue on board: Lunch includes a barbecue, beer, wine, other drinks, and local snacks.
• Jonathan at Pointe Jerome: Look for Jonathan wearing a Catamaran Cruises T-shirt at the stated meeting point.
• Wildlife is a bonus: Dolphin and turtle sightings are possible, but the crew cannot promise them.
• Not suitable for everyone: The cruise is not designed for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

A full day on Mauritius’ southeast coast

This is a seven-hour outing, scheduled from about 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. That timing matters. You get a proper day on the water rather than a short ride squeezed between hotel breakfast and dinner, but you should still leave the rest of your afternoon open.

The boat is a powered catamaran, not a sailboat. That means the day is built around covering ground and reaching several points along the coast. One recent note about the newer boat praised its speed, and that is useful context: if you want a quiet, slow sailing trip, this may not be the right fit. If you want to see several places in one outing, the power catamaran makes more sense.

The atmosphere is intended to be relaxed and friendly, with professional skippers and guides speaking English and French. Jonathan is the named contact at the meeting point, and the crew’s ability to give the safety briefing and explain the route in both languages is helpful for mixed groups.

Meeting at Pointe Jerome

The stated meeting point is the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point. You are asked to look for Jonathan wearing a Catamaran Cruises T-shirt. The broader description also refers to departure from Pointe D’Esny, so check your booking confirmation and map pin carefully. Pointe Jerome and Pointe D’Esny are both named in the tour details, and you do not want to begin the morning by guessing which shoreline access point is correct.

Transfer service is not included. You need to arrange your own way to the meeting point, and that extra cost should be included when you compare the total price with other boat trips. The listed price is $82 per person, which covers the cruise, drinks, barbecue lunch, snorkeling, swimming, and the island route.

Bring beachwear, a change of clothes, and a camera. Motion sickness prevention is also sensible if you are prone to queasiness. The boat is moving at speed between stops, and even a polished catamaran is still on the sea. High heels, large bags, oversize luggage, baby strollers, and non-folding strollers are not allowed.

Mahébourg and the first views of Grand Port

The route includes a roughly 30-minute stop connected with Mahébourg and the Grand Port area. This part of the day combines scenic views, local snacks, drinks, and a safety briefing. It gives you a chance to settle into the boat and understand how the stops will work before the snorkeling and swimming begin.

Mahébourg is an important reference point on this coast, and the location helps place the cruise in the history and geography of southeast Mauritius. The tour does not promise a long walking visit through town, so think of this as a coastal introduction rather than a full Mahébourg sightseeing tour.

The views are a major part of the appeal. From the boat, you can watch the coast change as you move between open water, island edges, and shallow lagoon areas. Keep your camera handy, but protect it from spray. The crew may point out islands and wildlife as the boat moves along, though the exact commentary can depend on sea conditions and the day’s timing.

Snorkeling at Eau Bleue

The snorkeling stop lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough time for a refreshing swim and a look below the surface, but it is not a long guided reef session. You should arrive ready to get in the water rather than treating this as a leisurely beach stop.

Eau Bleue is included because the water is clear and the underwater setting offers a look at coral and marine life. The value here is simple: you do not need to arrange a separate snorkeling trip or spend the day at one beach. The boat brings you to a swimming area as part of a larger coastal route.

You should still keep expectations sensible. Water clarity, wind, visibility, and marine life can change. The description promises snorkeling and swimming in clear waters, but it does not promise a particular species or a long reef exploration. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, the short stop may feel brief. If snorkeling is one part of a broader day, it fits well.

Île aux Cerfs and lunch on the boat

Île aux Cerfs is the best-known island stop on the route. The visit lasts about 30 minutes in the stated schedule, with beer, wine, and a barbecue lunch included around this part of the day. The island gives you a recognizable Mauritius postcard moment: bright water, open views, and a break from the boat’s movement.

The stop is short, so you are unlikely to have time for a full island exploration. Treat it as a scenic pause and a chance to eat, swim, or take photographs rather than a detailed visit. The schedule may shift with conditions, and the crew has to balance the island stop with the other locations.

Lunch is one of the strongest practical features of the package. A barbecue meal served during the cruise means you do not need to search for a restaurant in the middle of the route. Drinks are included as well, with beer and wine specifically noted, along with other drinks and local snacks.

I like this arrangement because it keeps the day moving while still giving you a proper break. The tradeoff is that an onboard barbecue is a social, informal meal, not a quiet restaurant lunch. You are paying for the convenience, setting, and time saved, as well as the food itself.

Île au Phare and Île aux Aigrettes

Île au Phare, also called Lighthouse Island, is visited during the route. The lighthouse gives this part of the cruise a different character from the beach and snorkeling stops. It is a visual landmark and a reminder that these islands were useful working points along the coast, not only scenic backdrops.

The information promises a visit, but it does not specify how long you spend ashore or whether there is a detailed guided walk around the lighthouse. Plan on seeing the island as part of the boat route rather than booking this as a dedicated lighthouse tour.

Île aux Aigrettes is passed by rather than listed as a main stop. That distinction matters. You will get a view from the water, but you should not expect a landing or extended visit. Île au Fouquet is also included among the island views, adding another coastal landmark to the route.

The five-island idea works best as a broad survey of the southeast coast. You see more places than you would on a simple beach cruise, but time at each one is limited. That is a good trade for people who want variety and a less ideal one for anyone who prefers one island explored slowly.

Dolphins, turtles, and the waterfall visit

Dolphin watching is included as the boat moves through the Grand Port District. You might also see sea turtles, with tortoise and dolphin watching listed among the day’s features. These are opportunities, not scheduled performances. The crew can take you through areas where sightings may happen, but no responsible operator can guarantee that wildlife will appear on cue.

That uncertainty is part of the deal. If you book mainly to see dolphins, you may leave disappointed if the sea is quiet. If you see them, it can become the most memorable moment of the day. Keep your camera ready, but also watch the water instead of spending the whole time looking through a screen.

A waterfall visit is also included in the package description, though the schedule does not identify its exact location or length. Ask the crew when you meet how the waterfall fits into that day’s route. Weather and sea conditions may affect the order of stops, and the crew may adjust the plan to keep the day safe and workable.

How the $82 price holds up

At $82 per person, this is not just a boat transfer. The price covers a seven-hour powered catamaran cruise, views of five islands, swimming, snorkeling, a barbecue lunch, drinks, a waterfall visit, and the services of professional skippers. For a full day on the water, that is a fair package if you plan to use most of what is included.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for a snorkeling trip, lunch, and a coastal boat ride. You also avoid the hassle of arranging several short activities. The price is less attractive if you mainly want a brief swim or a single quiet beach stop.

Remember that transport to Pointe Jerome is not included. Add that cost before comparing this cruise with hotel-based excursions. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option gives you some planning flexibility, and cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund under the stated terms.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this outing if you want a full day that mixes activity and downtime. It suits couples, families with older children, and friends who like a social boat setting, casual food, and a changing route rather than one fixed beach.

It is also a good choice if you want to see several southeast Mauritius landmarks without organizing each one yourself. The bilingual English and French guiding is useful for international groups, and the included drinks make the day easy to manage once you are on board.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and the boat stops involve swimming, snorkeling, and island access. It may also disappoint you if you want a long, serious snorkeling session, a detailed historical tour, or guaranteed dolphins.

The boat’s speed is another personal preference. One comment praised the newer vessel and the fact that it moves quickly, which is good for covering the route. If you prefer a slow sail with long stretches of quiet, ask about the boat style before booking.

Should you book the five-island cruise?

Book it if you want variety, included food, and a full day at sea. The strongest reasons are the broad southeast route, the Eau Bleue snorkeling stop, Île aux Cerfs, onboard barbecue, and the possibility of dolphins and turtles. A 4.7 rating from the available feedback, along with praise for the professional and helpful crew, supports the practical case for choosing it.

Skip it if your priority is guaranteed wildlife, a long reef session, or extensive time on one island. Confirm the Pointe Jerome meeting details, arrange your own transfer, bring a change of clothes, and prepare for a fast-moving schedule. For the right kind of day, this is a good-value way to see several sides of southeast Mauritius in one outing.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts seven hours. The published schedule runs from about 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Where does the cruise meet?

The stated meeting point is Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point. Jonathan is the named contact, and you should look for someone wearing a Catamaran Cruises T-shirt.

Is transport to the meeting point included?

No. Transfer to the embarkation point is not included.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is included, along with drinks. Beer, wine, and local snacks are also listed.

Are drinks included throughout the cruise?

Yes. All drinks on board are included in the stated package.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling in clear water are included, with a snorkeling stop at Eau Bleue.

Will I definitely see dolphins or turtles?

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

Can wheelchair users join the cruise?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, a change of clothes, and a camera. Motion sickness prevention is also recommended if you are sensitive to movement on the water.