North of Mauritius: Sunset Catamaran Cruise, Drinks & Snacks

The best part of this two-hour sunset sail is the timing. You leave Grand Baie while there is still enough light to enjoy the lagoon and northern coast, then watch the sky change as the catamaran heads toward the horizon. If conditions are right, you may even catch the brief green flash just after sunset.

I like the large catamaran and the easy drinks service, which help keep the trip social without making it feel rushed. I also like that snacks and canapés are included, so you are not paying extra every time you want a drink or a bite. The main drawback is the sea itself: this is not a good choice if you are prone to seasickness, and the snack selection may feel modest if you expect a full meal.

Key points to know

• Sunset timing changes by season: Meet at 4:45 p.m. from October through March, or 4:15 p.m. from April through September.
• The cruise leaves from Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie: You meet near the jetty at the Blue Safari, Sportfisher, and Croisieres Australes office.
• Drinks are part of the experience: Expect local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water.
• The food is light: Tomato chatini with croutons, nachos with dips, moolkoo, and banana chips are served as snacks and canapés.
• The crew gets strong marks for friendliness: The atmosphere is relaxed, and the crew takes care of the drinks and general comfort onboard.
• You return to the same jetty: The cruise ends at 7 p.m. in summer and 6:30 p.m. in winter.

Sailing out of Grand Baie as the light changes

Grand Baie is one of the most useful starting points for a northern Mauritius boat trip because the cruise begins right in town. You do not need a long transfer to a distant marina. Meet at Sunset Boulevard, facing the sea near the jetty, then allow time for the boarding process before the catamaran pulls away.

In summer, from October through March, the meeting time is 4:45 p.m. and departure is scheduled for 5 p.m. You return at about 7 p.m. In winter, from April through September, you meet at 4:15 p.m., leave at 4:30 p.m., and return at 6:30 p.m.

That seasonal shift matters. Sunset is earlier in the cooler months, so the timetable changes to keep the main event at the right point in the cruise. Check the season when you book, and do not arrive at the summer time if you are visiting in winter.

The trip lasts about two hours, which is long enough to get away from the jetty and enjoy the changing sky without taking up an entire evening. I see this as a good fit for a first boat outing in Mauritius, especially if you want something scenic but do not want a full-day sailing program.

What the large catamaran adds

The boat is described as large, and that is useful for a sunset cruise. A larger catamaran generally gives you more room to move around and find a good place to sit or take photographs. One of the strongest practical points from the experience is that the trip feels comfortable and social rather than cramped.

You should still expect a boat setting, not a quiet private charter. Other people will be onboard, and the atmosphere is part of the appeal. The crew keeps drinks and snacks moving, and the mood is designed to be light and easy. This is less about formal sailing instruction and more about enjoying the sea, the view, and the sunset with a drink in hand.

The route takes you out of Grand Baie and along the northern coastline. You sail across the lagoon and toward the horizon, with the coast and open water providing the main scenery. The exact direction may change if the sea becomes rough or difficult to pass. The captain can alter the route for safety, so treat the planned course as flexible rather than fixed.

That flexibility is sensible, but it also means the view may not be identical every time. On a calm evening, you may get a smooth outward run toward the sunset. In rougher conditions, the captain may choose a more sheltered direction. Safety takes priority over a particular photograph.

The sunset is the main event

The cruise is built around a simple pleasure: being on the water as daylight fades. Early in the trip, you can take in the lagoon and northern coast while there is still plenty of light. As the boat moves farther from the bay, the focus shifts to the sky.

Sunset at sea gives you a wide view, with fewer buildings in your immediate line of sight than you would have from a street or restaurant terrace. The colours change quickly, so keep your camera ready before the sun reaches the horizon. A waterproof bag is wise, not only for spray but also for protecting phones and small cameras around the boat.

The green flash is a possible extra, not a promised feature. It is a rare optical effect that can appear just after the sun drops below the horizon. You need a clear horizon and favourable conditions, and even then it can be easy to miss. Enjoy it if it appears, but do not judge the cruise by that one brief moment.

The most useful approach is to watch the whole sky, not just the sun. Warm colours spread across the horizon before the last edge disappears, and the return journey takes place as darkness settles. The changing light gives the short cruise a natural shape: bright lagoon, sunset colours, then a darker ride back to Grand Baie.

Drinks that suit a relaxed evening

The included drinks make a difference to the price. You get local rum, red wine, rosé, white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. Cocktails are also part of the offering, although the available cocktail choices are not specified, so you should not book this expecting a detailed cocktail menu.

I like the range because it covers several kinds of evening. You can have a rum-based drink or wine, choose beer, or stick to juice, soda, or water. That makes the cruise more useful for mixed groups, since nobody has to join in with alcohol to enjoy the included refreshments.

One practical point: the description focuses on a selection of beverages, while a past passenger described the drinks as unlimited. I would treat the included drinks as plentiful during the two-hour outing, but not assume a particular premium brand or a full open bar. The named choices are local rum, standard wine, Phoenix beer, soft drinks, juice, and water.

The crew is one of the pleasant parts of the experience. The service is friendly, and the general tone is informal. You are not signing up for a polished dining cruise with table service. You are signing up for a casual boat ride where the staff helps maintain a good mood and keeps the basic refreshments available.

Snacks, canapés, and what they do not replace

The food is light and suited to a sunset drink rather than dinner. The selection includes tomato chatini with croutons, nachos and dips, moolkoo, and banana chips. These give you several savoury options, with familiar snack foods alongside a local flavour.

That is enough to take the edge off your appetite during two hours on the water. It is not enough to replace a full evening meal, especially if you arrive hungry. Plan to eat before or after the cruise if dinner matters to you.

The snack quality may be the least consistent part of the outing. One passenger felt that this area could be improved, while the overall food and drink setup works well for a short cruise. I would set your expectations at shared snacks and canapés, not a carefully plated menu.

The tomato chatini and moolkoo are useful touches because they give the food a Mauritian character. The nachos, dips, and banana chips are simple, familiar choices that work well with drinks. If you are particular about food, have dietary restrictions, or need a substantial meal, check before booking because no detailed allergy or dietary information is provided.

A two-hour itinerary without wasted time

The first stage is meeting at Sunset Boulevard and boarding near the jetty. You should arrive early enough to find the Blue Safari, Sportfisher, and Croisieres Australes office and complete the boarding process without a last-minute rush.

Once the catamaran leaves at 5 p.m. in summer or 4:30 p.m. in winter, the boat heads out toward the sunset. The early part of the route gives you the best chance to see the lagoon and coastline in daylight. Use this time for photographs, because the details of the shore become harder to see as the light fades.

During the cruise, drinks, snacks, and canapés are available while the catamaran continues along the northern coast. There are no listed stops for swimming, snorkelling, or going ashore. That is important if you are comparing this with a daytime catamaran trip. This outing is about sailing and sunset, not a series of water activities.

Around sunset, the boat becomes a viewing platform. Find a spot with a clear view toward the horizon, but remember that other people will also want photographs. After the sun disappears, the catamaran turns back toward Grand Baie and reaches the jetty at about 7 p.m. in summer or 6:30 p.m. in winter.

The short duration is a strength. You get a distinct evening activity without sacrificing the rest of your night. It also limits the time you spend on a moving boat, which can help if you are uncertain about your sea legs. If you are strongly prone to seasickness, though, two hours may still be too long.

Weather, comfort, and what to pack

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat or cap, a towel, a swimsuit, and a change of clothes. A cover-up and waterproof bag are sensible additions. The boat is exposed to sun and spray, and conditions can feel cooler once the sun goes down.

A light jacket or waterproof jacket is specifically worth packing. Even a warm afternoon can feel cooler on the water, especially on the return ride after sunset. Non-slip shoes are also recommended, since a boat deck can become wet.

Motion-sickness pills may help if you know you need them. The activity is not considered suitable for people prone to seasickness, so take that warning seriously rather than hoping the calm lagoon will solve everything. Sea conditions can change, and the captain may adjust the route if the water is rough.

Insect repellent is another useful item, particularly as daylight fades. Keep your belongings compact and secure. Pets are not allowed, except for assistance dogs, and you are expected not to touch marine life or leave litter behind.

The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The meeting point is by a jetty, and boarding a catamaran requires movement around a marine setting. If you need accessible boarding or special assistance, confirm that before paying.

Is $55 a fair price?

At $55 per person, this sits in the reasonable middle ground for a short evening boat outing, provided you value the setting and included refreshments. You are paying for two hours on a catamaran, the sunset route, a range of drinks, and light food. You are not paying for hotel transfers, a full dinner, snorkelling, or a private boat.

The value improves if you plan to have drinks during the cruise. Buying several drinks separately at a waterfront venue could narrow the price difference, while the boat gives you the view and the movement of the sea. It is also convenient if you are already staying in or near Grand Baie, since there is no extra pickup charge or long transfer.

The value is weaker if you want a meal, quiet private space, or a longer sailing day. The snacks are modest, and the trip has no listed water-sports stop. You may prefer a daytime catamaran outing if your main aim is swimming or marine activities.

For a couple or small group looking for a simple final evening in Mauritius, the price makes sense. For a family with young children, the decision depends on how they handle boats and sunset timing. There is no special children’s program listed, and the activity is best understood as a relaxed adult-style cruise, although families are not specifically excluded.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a scenic outing that is easy to fit into a holiday schedule. The meeting point is central to Grand Baie, the cruise lasts two hours, and you return to the same place. That keeps the evening simple.

It also suits people who enjoy a social atmosphere, casual drinks, and photography. The large catamaran gives you a better setting for watching the sky than a fixed shoreline viewpoint, and the crew helps keep the trip comfortable.

You should think twice if you get seasick, need accessible boarding, or want a quiet private experience. You should also choose another excursion if your priority is swimming, snorkelling, or a substantial meal. This cruise has a clear purpose and works best when you want exactly that purpose: sunset, sea views, drinks, and light snacks.

Booking is available in English and French, and the activity runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your schedule may change. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, giving you some useful flexibility around weather and plans.

My verdict: book it for the evening, not the meal

I would book this sunset catamaran cruise if I were staying near Grand Baie and wanted an easy, good-value evening on the water. The strongest points are the large catamaran, friendly crew, included drinks, and well-timed return. The chance of seeing a green flash is a pleasant bonus, not the reason to pay.

Go in expecting light snacks rather than dinner, a shared boat rather than a private charter, and a route that may change with sea conditions. Pack a jacket and protect your phone from spray. If those limits suit you, $55 buys a memorable two hours and a relaxed way to watch northern Mauritius turn from day to night.

FAQ

Where does the sunset catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie, at the Blue Safari, Sportfisher, and Croisieres Australes office near the jetty and facing the sea.

What time does the cruise leave?

From October through March, meet at 4:45 p.m. for a 5 p.m. departure. From April through September, meet at 4:15 p.m. for a 4:30 p.m. departure.

What time does the catamaran return?

The scheduled return is 7 p.m. during summer time, from October through March. During winter time, from April through September, the catamaran returns at about 6:30 p.m.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. Cocktails are also included in the beverage offering.

What food is served onboard?

The snack selection includes tomato chatini with croutons, nachos with dips, moolkoo, and banana chips. These are light snacks and canapés, not a full meal.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the meeting point at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie yourself.

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

The activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or people with mobility impairments. The captain may change direction if sea conditions become rough or impassable.