Catamaran Mauritius: South East 5 Islands Catamaran Cruises

The best part of this seven-hour power-catamaran cruise is its mix of open-water speed, quiet island stops, and easy time in the lagoon. You visit Île aux Cerfs, snorkel at Eau Bleue, pass several offshore islands, and eat lunch on board without having to plan each move yourself.

I like the small-group setting and the newer boat, which should make the ride more comfortable than a crowded, slow excursion. I also like that drinks, a BBQ lunch, snorkeling, swimming, and island views are included in the $82 price.

The main thing to consider is the sea. The boat can move at a brisk pace, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Bring motion-sickness protection if you need it.

Key points to know before you book

• Pointe Jerome departure: Meet Jonathan at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point at 9:30 a.m. Look for the Catamaran Cruises T-shirt.
• Five-island route: You will see Île au Fouquet, Île au Phare, Île aux Cerfs, and Île aux Aigrettes, with the wider southeast coast filling out the route.
• Eau Bleue snorkeling stop: Expect about 20 minutes for swimming and snorkeling in clear water.
• Lunch on the boat: A BBQ meal, beer, wine, cocktails, and other drinks are part of the day.
• Wildlife is possible, not promised: Keep watch for dolphins and sea turtles, but sightings depend on luck and conditions.
• Seven hours on the water: The cruise runs from about 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with no land transfer included.

Why this southeast Mauritius cruise works well

Southeast Mauritius gives you a different day out than a simple beach visit. The water route links small islands, reefs, a lighthouse, historic coastal scenery, and the popular Île aux Cerfs. You get movement and variety, but also plenty of time to sit with a drink and watch the lagoon.

This is a powered catamaran, not a sailing trip. That matters. You are not waiting for wind, and the boat can cover more ground during a seven-hour outing. One useful detail from the on-board experience is that the boat is a newer model, and the crew offers guidance in both English and French.

The cruise is planned as a small-group outing, though no exact passenger limit is given. That should make boarding, lunch, and snorkeling simpler than on a large party boat. Still, this is a shared cruise, so do not expect a private charter or a silent escape.

At $82 per person, the price is fair if you use the inclusions. A separate boat trip, snorkeling stop, lunch, drinks, and island sightseeing could add up quickly. The value is weaker if you mainly want a few hours on a beach, since Île aux Cerfs is only one part of a full day on the water.

Starting at Pointe Jerome at 9:30 a.m.

You meet Jonathan at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point. He will be wearing a Catamaran Cruises T-shirt, which makes the meeting point easier to identify. Transfers are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to Pointe Jerome.

The morning starts with a safety briefing, drinks, and views along the coast. Depending on the exact order used that day, the route takes in the Mahébourg area and the Grand Port District before reaching the main swimming and island stops.

Bring beachwear under your clothes and pack a change of clothing. You will be in and out of the water, and a dry shirt becomes useful once the boat gets moving again. A camera is worth bringing, but protect it from spray and wet hands.

High heels, large bags, oversize luggage, and non-folding strollers are not allowed. The boat is not suitable for electric wheelchairs, baby carriages, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments. Keep your belongings light and easy to manage.

Île aux Cerfs, the popular beach stop

Île aux Cerfs is the best-known name on this route, and for good reason. It gives you a clear break from the boat, with time for drinks, lunch, and the familiar appeal of a tropical island stop.

The itinerary allows about 30 minutes at Île aux Cerfs. That is enough for a quick look, a swim, or a relaxed drink, but it is not a full beach day. If your priority is lying on the sand for hours, this cruise may feel too busy. If you want to sample the island as part of a wider coastal tour, the short stop fits well.

Lunch is served as a BBQ, with drinks included. Beer, wine, and cocktails are listed among the options, along with other drinks on board. I like this arrangement because you do not lose more sightseeing time searching for a restaurant. You can eat with lagoon views and stay close to the boat route.

The meal is also a practical part of the price. Many water excursions advertise a low starting cost and then add food and drinks. Here, the main meal and beverages are already covered, although you should not assume every extra purchase or personal expense is included.

Eau Bleue and the clear-water swim

The snorkeling stop at Eau Bleue is one of the most useful parts of the day for anyone who wants more than scenery. You get roughly 20 minutes in the water for swimming and snorkeling over the underwater world.

That is a short stop, so think of it as a taste of the reef rather than a long snorkeling session. You can get your mask on, look around, and enjoy the clear water, but you will not have unlimited time to search every corner.

Swimming and snorkeling are weather-dependent activities. Water clarity, wind, and sea conditions can affect what you see. The cruise promises the stop, but it cannot promise perfect visibility or a particular fish sighting.

Bring motion-sickness prevention if boat rides trouble you. The powered catamaran moves faster than a sailboat, which helps the route cover more distance but may feel lively on the water. Sit where you are most comfortable, keep a drink nearby, and avoid arriving hungry.

Île au Phare and the old lighthouse

Île au Phare, also called Lighthouse Island, adds a touch of history to a day that could otherwise be all swimming and lunch. You visit the island rather than simply passing it, giving the route a stronger sense of place.

The lighthouse is one of the memorable markers of the southeast coast. The supplied schedule does not give a long stop time or promise entry into the lighthouse, so treat this as a scenic visit and island viewpoint rather than a formal museum tour.

The route also includes views of Île au Fouquet and a pass by Île aux Aigrettes. These smaller islands help you see how much is packed into the waters around Grand Port. You may not step ashore at every island, but passing them from the catamaran gives you a broader picture of the coast.

This is where the cruise earns its name. It is not just a transfer to one beach. You are connecting several pieces of the southeast, with the boat itself serving as your moving viewpoint.

Dolphin watching and sea turtles

Dolphin watching is included, but the wording matters: you get the chance to see dolphins if you are lucky. No responsible boat trip can guarantee wildlife, and you should book this for the route, snorkeling, and island stops first.

The same advice applies to sea turtles. They are listed among the wildlife you may spot, but sightings depend on nature rather than the crew’s schedule. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole day staring at the horizon.

Wildlife watching works best when you treat it as an extra reward. The main day still offers a full lagoon cruise, swimming, food, and scenery even if dolphins and turtles stay out of sight.

A short waterfall visit is also included in the overall experience. The available details do not specify the waterfall’s name or the exact length of the stop, so expect it as one element of the route rather than a long inland walk.

Food, drinks, and the rhythm of the day

The cruise has a relaxed pace because the practical details are handled on board. You can swim, return to the catamaran, take a drink, and settle into the next stretch of water without packing up for a new vehicle.

The BBQ lunch is served around the Île aux Cerfs portion of the route. Beer, wine, cocktails, and other drinks are included, which makes the cruise feel more like a full day out than a basic boat transfer.

I would still bring water-resistant storage for your phone, money, and camera. The supplied information does not promise dry storage, so avoid bringing anything you do not need. Large bags are not allowed in any case.

This is also a social outing. A small group and a friendly crew suit couples, families with older children, and friends who want a shared day. It may be less appealing if you want total privacy, long solo swims, or a carefully timed photography trip.

The crew, language, and boat

Jonathan is the named meeting contact at Pointe Jerome, and the professional skippers provide the on-board guidance. The tour operates in English and French, so you can choose the language that makes safety instructions and stop information easiest to follow.

A safety briefing is included during the Mahébourg portion of the route. Pay attention to it, especially if you are not used to getting on and off a catamaran or swimming from a boat.

The newer power catamaran is a plus. One direct account describes a fast ride and a boat that feels especially comfortable, with guides who communicate well in both French and English. That combination should appeal to you if you want to see more of the coast in one day.

The tradeoff is speed. A fast boat can mean more spray and more motion. If you are sensitive to movement, motion-sickness tablets or another prevention method can make the day much easier.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend this cruise if you want a full southeast Mauritius sampler rather than one fixed beach. It suits people who like a mix of swimming, snorkeling, wildlife watching, island scenery, a lighthouse, lunch, and time on deck.

It is also a good fit if you want a straightforward package. The $82 covers the boat, food, drinks, and water activities, and you do not have to arrange separate snorkeling equipment or a restaurant stop.

Families should check the mobility limits and think about the children’s comfort on a fast boat. The information does not give a minimum age, child pricing, or details about flotation equipment, so ask the operator if those points matter to your group.

I would be more cautious if you dislike boats, need guaranteed wildlife sightings, or want a long, quiet beach stay. The route has several parts, and some stops are brief. You are choosing variety over depth.

Booking details worth noting

The cruise lasts about seven hours, departing at 9:30 a.m. and returning around 4 p.m. Check availability for the precise operating time, since the schedule can vary.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Those terms help if your southeast Mauritius schedule is still changing.

Wear beachwear and sensible shoes. High heels are not allowed, and you should avoid bulky luggage. Pack a change of clothes, a camera, and motion-sickness prevention if needed.

The overall rating is 4.7 from three verified bookings, including especially strong praise for the professional, helpful crew. That is a small sample, so I would treat it as a useful signal rather than final proof. The consistent points worth noting are the crew’s service, the newer boat, its brisk pace, and the bilingual guidance.

Should you book the five-island cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient, active day that covers many sides of southeast Mauritius. The combination of Île aux Cerfs, Eau Bleue snorkeling, Île au Phare, lunch, drinks, and possible dolphin sightings gives you good value at $82.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a guaranteed wildlife encounter, or several uninterrupted hours on one beach. For most people who want to see the coast without juggling separate bookings, this is a well-rounded choice. Just arrive at Pointe Jerome ready for sun, spray, swimming, and a fast ride.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

You meet Jonathan at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point. He will be wearing a Catamaran Cruises T-shirt.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts seven hours. It departs at about 9:30 a.m. and returns around 4 p.m.

What islands will I see?

The route includes views of Île au Fouquet, Île au Phare, Île aux Cerfs, and Île aux Aigrettes, along with the southeast coast around Mahébourg and Grand Port.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling in clear water are included, with a snorkeling stop at Eau Bleue lasting about 20 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, along with drinks such as beer, wine, cocktails, and other beverages on board.

Can I see dolphins and sea turtles?

You may see dolphins and sea turtles, but sightings depend on luck and are not guaranteed.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Large luggage, oversize bags, baby strollers, non-folding strollers, baby carriages, electric wheelchairs, and high-heeled shoes are also not allowed.