Catamaran Mauritius: South East 5 Islands Catamaran Cruises

The best part of this five-island catamaran cruise is the mix of easygoing sea time and real stops along Mauritius’s southeast coast. You get open lagoon views, swimming and snorkeling, an onboard BBQ, a waterfall visit, and time around islands with very different characters. I like that the day is not just a boat ride with a quick photo stop. It gives you water time, food, island scenery, and a bit of local history in one outing.

I also like the practical setup: drinks are included, and the crew handles the sailing, meals, and route while you relax. The professional skippers, including Jonathan, Nathalie, Pascal, and Alex, receive especially warm praise for their care and organization. The main caution is time. The waterfall stop can feel brief, and dolphin or tortoise sightings are never guaranteed.

Key points at a glance

• Five southeast-coast sights in one outing: Visit Ile aux Cerfs and Ile aux Fouquets, view Ile aux Aigrettes, stop at the Grand River South East waterfall, and cruise the lagoon between them.
• A full 6.5-hour day on the water: This is a substantial excursion, not a short scenic cruise.
• BBQ lunch and drinks included: Beer, wine, spirits, coffee, welcome refreshments, dessert, and lunch are part of the experience.
• Swimming and snorkeling built in: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes for the clearest and safest footing.
• Wildlife is a bonus, not a promise: The route includes dolphin and tortoise watching, with marine life sightings depending on conditions and luck.
• Pointe D’Esny is the base: Meet at the Pointe Jerome embarkation wharf, with paid pickup available if arranged at least 48 hours ahead.

Why this southeast Mauritius cruise works so well

Mauritius has no shortage of boat trips, but this one makes a strong case for itself by combining several classic southeast-coast sights. You spend the day on a powered catamaran, moving through calm lagoon water, then pause for swimming, snorkeling, food, island visits, and sightseeing.

That variety matters. A boat trip can drag if it is only about sitting in the sun. Here, you have several changes of pace. One moment you are watching the water for dolphins, the next you are eating lunch, then you are looking toward a lighthouse or standing near a waterfall. You do not need to organize separate transport to each place.

I especially like the relaxed rhythm. The description promises a peaceful atmosphere, and the setup supports that: open sea views, drinks in hand, and no need to steer, navigate, or plan lunch. If you want a busy sightseeing day with museums and long walks, this is not it. If you want to see a lot of the southeast coast without rushing from road to road, it is a good fit.

Meeting at Pointe Jerome in Pointe D’Esny

The day begins at the Pointe Jerome embarkation wharf in Pointe D’Esny. Check in no later than 20 minutes before departure. When you arrive, look for Jonathan or Nathalie on the left side of the wharf when facing the sea.

That last instruction is worth saving on your phone. It is more useful than simply knowing the name of the wharf, especially if several boats are operating nearby. A pickup service can be arranged for an added cost, but you need to request it at least 48 hours before the excursion date.

The opening moments include coffee and a safety briefing. That is a sensible start for a long outing on the water. You can get your bearings, listen to the boat instructions, and settle in before the cruise properly gets going.

English and French are available. A private group option is also offered, which may suit families or friends who want a more personal setup, though the supplied details do not specify the private-group size or added price.

Ile aux Cerfs, swimming, and the main lagoon day

Ile aux Cerfs is the major stop and the heart of the outing. The program allows time for swimming, snorkeling, scenic views, a self-guided island visit, lunch, and general time on or around the boat.

The island is known for its striking beach setting, and that is where you get some of the most obvious postcard scenery of the day. One particularly useful tip from the excursion details is to bring beach shoes or water shoes rather than relying only on flip-flops. You should pack both if you have room. Flip-flops are handy on the boat, while water shoes are better for wet surfaces and rougher footing.

The swimming stop gives the day a welcome break from sightseeing. The water is described as clear, and snorkeling is included, so bring your own comfort level rather than expecting a formal guided lesson. The experience is designed for casual exploration. You can look for fish, cool off, and return to the boat when you have had enough.

Dolphin and tortoise watching also feature during this part of the day. Sightings can be memorable, but keep your expectations sensible. Wildlife moves on its own schedule. The right attitude is to treat dolphins, tortoises, and other marine life as a possible bonus rather than the sole reason to book.

BBQ lunch with drinks on board

Lunch is one of the strongest value points. A barbecue meal is served during the cruise, with dessert and drinks included. The beverage selection lists beer, coffee, spirits, wine, and welcome refreshments, giving you choices beyond plain water.

This is important on a 6.5-hour excursion. Buying every drink and meal separately on a long boat day can add up quickly, while an included lunch keeps the price easier to judge. At $82 per person, the cost covers the cruise, several sightseeing stops, snorkeling and swimming, the BBQ, and the drinks. For a full day with food included, that is a reasonable package if you plan to spend the day at sea anyway.

The mood is intended to be social and relaxed. You can sit with your group, watch the scenery, and enjoy a drink without needing to find a restaurant between stops. The food and onboard service receive some of the most enthusiastic praise, with the crew described as attentive and well organized.

There is one practical point to handle before you go: tell the operator about meal restrictions. The information does not specify the available alternatives, so do not wait until lunch to raise the issue.

Grand River South East waterfall, a quick scenic stop

The Grand River South East waterfall is scheduled as a 30-minute sightseeing stop. It gives you a change from the lagoon and a chance to see one of the area’s best-known natural sights from the water.

Thirty minutes is enough for a look and photographs, but it is not a long visit. One piece of direct feedback about the trip specifically finds this stop a little too short. I would treat the waterfall as a scenic interlude, not a full exploration.

That short timing also helps explain the overall structure. The cruise is trying to cover five island-related sights, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and wildlife watching in one day. The reward is variety. The tradeoff is that some stops, especially the waterfall, receive only a quick visit.

Ile aux Fouquets and the old lighthouse view

Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile au Phare, is another highlight. The stop includes a visit, a self-guided element, and scenic views from the water.

The lighthouse gives this part of the cruise a sense of place beyond beaches and swimming. It connects the scenery with the working and maritime past of the southeast coast. You are not simply looking at another tropical island. You are seeing a recognizable coastal landmark that helps explain why this route matters.

The visit is self-guided, so you should not expect a long formal lecture or a tightly scripted walking tour. That is useful if you prefer to move at your own pace, take photos, and enjoy the view without a large amount of commentary. It is less ideal if you want detailed interpretation at every stop.

Ile aux Aigrettes from the water

Ile aux Aigrettes is listed as a pass-by sight, with around 15 minutes of scenic viewing. This is not a landing or extended island visit.

That distinction matters when you compare boat excursions. You will see the island from the water rather than spend time ashore. The stop adds another point of interest to the route, but it should not be treated as a wildlife reserve visit or a walking tour.

The short pass also keeps the cruise moving. Along with the lighthouse and waterfall, it creates a sequence of changing views without turning the day into a long series of formal stops.

What the crew adds to the day

A catamaran outing depends heavily on its crew. A good route can feel awkward if the check-in is confusing, the meal is poorly timed, or the boat staff are inattentive. Here, the named team members include Jonathan, Nathalie, Pascal, and Alex.

Jonathan is also associated with transportation help in the excursion feedback, while Pascal and Alex are praised for helping create a memorable day. The strongest comments focus on organization, attentive service, food, drinks, and the friendly atmosphere.

That does not mean every moment will be perfect. Sea conditions, weather, group energy, and wildlife sightings can change the feel of the day. Still, the crew’s role is a major reason this experience appears well suited to people who want a handled, low-stress excursion rather than a self-rented boat.

What to pack for a comfortable six-and-a-half hours

Pack for both sun and water. You will be more comfortable with:

• A hat and sunscreen
• Swimwear and a towel
• A camera
• Flip-flops
• Water shoes or sturdy beach shoes
• Any personal items you need during a long outing

Water shoes deserve special attention. They are recommended in the practical information and specifically encouraged for Ile aux Cerfs. They can be more useful than flip-flops around wet or uneven surfaces.

You should also plan your clothing around getting wet. Swimming and snorkeling are part of the day, and spray is possible on a catamaran. The supplied information does not mention lockers or dry storage, so keep valuables limited and protect anything that should not get wet.

Pets are not allowed. Meal restrictions should be provided in advance.

Is $82 a fair price?

At $82 per person, the value depends on how much of the included program you would otherwise book separately. This is not just a transfer to Ile aux Cerfs. The price includes the five-island cruise, drinks, BBQ lunch, swimming, snorkeling, the lighthouse area, a view of Ile aux Aigrettes, the waterfall stop, and the possibility of dolphin and tortoise watching.

The 390-minute duration also matters. You are getting about 6.5 hours of activity, which makes the price easier to justify than a short half-day cruise with one swim stop. Food and drinks are already covered, so you have fewer extra costs during the day.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a long, quiet beach stay at one island. This tour keeps moving and divides time among several places. It is stronger if you want a broad taste of the southeast coast and prefer one organized booking.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and groups of friends who want a full day on the water without managing the details themselves. It suits people who like a little of everything: scenery, swimming, snorkeling, island views, a casual meal, and wildlife watching.

It is also a good choice if you want your lunch and drinks included. That makes budgeting simple and keeps the day flowing.

You may want a different experience if you dislike group boat outings, want an extended beach afternoon, or need a long waterfall visit. The 30-minute waterfall stop is intentionally brief, and Ile aux Aigrettes is viewed only from the boat.

Should you book the five-island cruise?

Book this tour if you want a well-rounded southeast Mauritius day with food, drinks, swimming, island scenery, and a capable crew. The strongest reasons are the broad route, included BBQ and beverages, and the chance to see dolphins or tortoises while cruising.

Go in with realistic expectations. Wildlife sightings are uncertain, the waterfall stop is short, and some island visits are scenic rather than lengthy guided tours. Bring water shoes, arrive 20 minutes early at Pointe Jerome, and tell the operator about food restrictions ahead of time.

For $82, this is a sensible choice for a full, easygoing day that packs several southeast-coast highlights into one boat trip.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart and return?

The cruise departs from and returns to the Philao Boat Cruise meeting point at Pointe Jerome embarkation wharf in Pointe D’Esny.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts 390 minutes, or about 6.5 hours.

What languages are available?

Live tour guidance is available in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch, dessert, and onboard drinks are included. Drinks listed include beer, coffee, spirits, wine, and welcome refreshments.

Can I swim and snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are included, and the cruise visits clear lagoon waters.

Are dolphins and tortoises guaranteed?

No. Dolphin and tortoise watching is included as part of the experience, but sightings depend on conditions and luck.

Can I arrange hotel pickup?

Pickup may be arranged for an additional cost if you request it at least 48 hours before the excursion date.