Catamaran Mauritius: South East 5 Islands Catamaran Cruises

The best part of this 5-island catamaran cruise is the mix of time on the water and short island visits. You get clear lagoon swimming, snorkeling, a barbecue lunch, drinks, and views of several very different corners of Mauritius’ southeast coast in one long outing.

I like the generous food-and-drink setup, and I like that the cruise is more than a straight boat ride: you stop at Ile aux Cerfs, pass Ile aux Aigrettes, see the Grand River South East waterfall, and visit the old lighthouse on Ile aux Fouquets. The main drawback is the pace at some stops, especially the waterfall, where 30 minutes can feel short.

Key points at a glance

• A full 390-minute outing: You spend most of the day on the water rather than rushing through a quick boat trip.
• Swimming and snorkeling included: Bring water shoes, since beach and rocky landing areas may be uncomfortable in bare feet.
• Barbecue lunch and drinks onboard: Beer, wine, spirits, coffee, refreshments, and dessert are included.
• Wildlife sightings are possible: Dolphins and tortoises may appear, but neither can be promised.
• Several different island views: Ile aux Cerfs gives you beach time, while Ile aux Fouquets adds a historic lighthouse setting.
• Named crew contacts: Jonathan and Nathalie handle arrival at the wharf, while Pascal and Alex are among the crew names associated with the cruise.

A long day across the southeast lagoon

This is a powered catamaran cruise, not a sailboat trip, and that matters if you want a steady sightseeing schedule. The boat leaves from Pointe Jerome, at Pointe D’Esny, and the planned outing lasts 390 minutes, or six and a half hours.

I see this as a good way to sample the southeast coast without arranging several separate trips. You get an island beach, a waterfall, a lighthouse, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and a look toward Ile aux Aigrettes. It is a busy day, but the boat time gives the schedule room to breathe.

The experience begins with coffee and a safety briefing at the Pointe Jerome departure wharf. Check in at least 20 minutes before departure, then report to Jonathan or Nathalie on the left side of the wharf when facing the sea.

A hotel pickup can be arranged for an extra charge if requested at least 48 hours before the excursion. If you are making your own way there, allow time to find the wharf and check in without a last-minute rush.

Ile aux Cerfs brings the main swimming stop

Ile aux Cerfs is the central part of the cruise. The stop combines scenic views, time on the beach, snorkeling, swimming, lunch, and the main chance to relax away from the boat.

The water is described as clear, and snorkeling gives you a chance to see fish in the lagoon. The quality of the experience will depend on sea conditions and how much time the group spends at the swimming area, so bring realistic expectations. This is an easygoing lagoon outing, not a specialist snorkeling expedition.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes. One useful tip from the cruise feedback is to avoid relying only on flip-flops at Ile aux Cerfs. Beach shoes or sturdy water shoes are a better choice, especially if you walk over rough ground or enter the water near a rocky edge.

The beach is a major reason to choose this cruise. If your ideal Mauritius day includes warm water, a casual barbecue, and time with your feet in the sand, this stop gives you the strongest part of that experience.

Lunch, drinks, and the social side of the boat

The barbecue lunch is served onboard, with dessert and a selection of drinks. Included beverages cover coffee, beer, wine, spirits, and welcome refreshments, so you do not need to budget separately for the basic drinks package.

That adds real value to the $82 per person price. A six-and-a-half-hour boat day with lunch, drinks, snorkeling, island visits, and a professional crew can be easier to justify than a lower-cost trip that charges extra for each meal or beverage.

The atmosphere is intended to be relaxed and sociable. You can sit back with a drink, watch the coast pass, and let the boat connect the stops. The crew names most often associated with the outing include Pascal, Alex, Jonathan, and Nathalie. Jonathan is also identified with transportation arrangements, while Jonathan and Nathalie are the arrival contacts at the wharf.

Food restrictions should be stated when booking. Do not wait until the morning of the cruise if you need a special meal, because the operator specifically asks for that information in advance.

The Grand River South East waterfall stop

The Grand River South East waterfall is scheduled as a 30-minute sightseeing stop. It adds a change of scenery after the open lagoon and gives you a look at one of the southeast’s most recognizable natural sights.

The short timing is the main limitation. You should treat this as a compact viewing stop rather than a long walk or a full waterfall excursion. One guest specifically felt the stop was too brief, and that is a fair concern if this is the sight you most want to study or photograph.

Still, the stop works well within a cruise built around variety. You are not spending the entire day at one beach. The waterfall breaks up the swimming and lunch period, and the boat ride to and from it provides more coastal views.

Ile aux Fouquets and its old lighthouse

Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile aux Phare, is visited for its lighthouse and scenic setting. The planned visit lasts about 30 minutes and is self-guided, so do not expect a long formal history talk at the island.

This stop has a different feel from Ile aux Cerfs. The beach stop is about water and relaxation, while Ile aux Fouquets gives the day a sense of place and maritime history. The lighthouse is also one of the more distinctive subjects for your camera.

Because the visit is short, wear practical footwear and keep your belongings easy to carry. Flip-flops may be fine on the catamaran, but water shoes offer better grip when moving around shore areas.

A glimpse of Ile aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Aigrettes is viewed while passing rather than visited on foot. The planned viewing time is about 15 minutes, so think of it as a scenic look from the water, not a guided island tour.

That distinction matters when you compare this cruise with land-based nature programs. You will not have a long exploration of the island here. Instead, it becomes one small part of a broader coastal route that takes in beaches, a waterfall, a lighthouse, and lagoon wildlife.

The passing view is still useful for anyone who wants to see more than one postcard location in a single day. Just keep your camera ready, since the boat will not be stopping for an extended visit.

Dolphins and tortoises, with realistic expectations

Dolphin watching and tortoise watching are included aims of the cruise, and the conditions can produce memorable sightings. The strongest feedback describes close views of dolphins and giant tortoises in their natural setting, which can become the highlight of the day.

But wildlife is never a fixed part of a timetable. The cruise gives you a chance to look for dolphins and tortoises, not a guarantee that you will see either one. I would book this for the islands, swimming, food, and scenery first, then treat wildlife as an excellent bonus.

The same practical rule applies to snorkeling. You may see colorful fish in the clear water, but marine life and visibility change with the day. Bring your camera if it is waterproof, and keep sunscreen close for the time spent on deck.

How the $82 price works for you

At $82 per person, this cruise sits in the reasonable range for a full-day Mauritius water outing with food and drinks included. You are paying for 390 minutes, a powered catamaran, several sightseeing areas, barbecue lunch, snorkeling, swimming, and an open selection of basic drinks.

The value is strongest if you plan to eat and drink onboard and want several sights in one booking. It is less compelling if you only want a short beach transfer or a quiet half-day sail. The schedule is designed as a complete day out, not a simple ride from one island to another.

Private groups are available, which may suit families or friends who want more control over the atmosphere. The standard description does not give a fixed group size, so ask about the group arrangement if that detail affects your decision.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are arranging several Mauritius activities before your final plans are fixed.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend this outing to you if you want variety and a relaxed social day on the southeast coast. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who want swimming, lunch, drinks, and sightseeing without changing vehicles several times.

It is also a good match if you want a first look at Ile aux Cerfs and the nearby islands. The cruise lets you compare a beach setting, a waterfall, a lighthouse, and a passing island view in one route.

You may want another type of trip if your main goal is a long, quiet beach stay. Ile aux Cerfs is a major stop, but the day keeps moving. Likewise, serious snorkelers may prefer an outing built around one reef rather than a sightseeing route with several stops.

The short waterfall visit is another point to weigh. If you want plenty of time at every location, the schedule may feel tight. If you prefer a broad taste of the coast, that same pace is useful.

What to bring for a comfortable day

Pack light, but bring the items that make a water day easier:

• Hat and sunscreen for time on deck
• Swimwear and a towel
• Water shoes, especially for Ile aux Cerfs
• Flip-flops for easy movement on the boat
• Camera or waterproof phone case
• Any personal medication
• Notice of meal restrictions when booking

Pets are not allowed. The tour is offered in English and French, and a live guide is available in those languages.

My verdict on the 5-island catamaran cruise

Book this cruise if you want a well-filled day on the southeast coast with the major extras already bundled into the price. The strongest reasons are the attentive crew, the barbecue and drinks, the chance to snorkel, and the possibility of seeing dolphins and tortoises.

Go in knowing that some stops are quick. The waterfall gets only 30 minutes, Ile aux Fouquets also gets about 30 minutes, and Ile aux Aigrettes is viewed from the boat. That is a fair trade for seeing several places in one outing, but it will not satisfy someone who wants a slow, detailed visit at each stop.

For most people, the combination works. You get a proper boat day, not just a transfer, and the price covers the parts that can quietly add up elsewhere. Bring water shoes, check in early at Pointe Jerome, tell the operator about meal needs, and let the wildlife sightings remain a bonus rather than the sole reason to book.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The meeting point is the Pointe Jerome embarkation wharf at Pointe D’Esny, Mauritius. On arrival, report to Jonathan or Nathalie on the left side of the wharf when facing the sea.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts 390 minutes, or six and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What is included in the price?

The cruise includes the five-island route, drinks, barbecue lunch, swimming, snorkeling, island visits, the Grand River South East waterfall stop, views of Ile aux Aigrettes, and visits to Ile aux Fouquets and Ile aux Cerfs.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch and dessert are included onboard. You should provide details of any meal restrictions when booking.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks cover coffee, beer, wine, spirits, and welcome refreshments.

Will I definitely see dolphins or tortoises?

No. The cruise includes dolphin and tortoise watching, but wildlife sightings depend on conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and French.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the excursion for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.