Catamaran Mauritius: South East 5 Islands Catamaran Cruises

The best part of this six-and-a-half-hour catamaran cruise is its variety. You move from the calm lagoon to island scenery, a waterfall, a lighthouse, snorkeling water, and a full barbecue lunch without having to arrange several separate outings. The boat leaves from Pointe D’Esny, on Mauritius’s southeast coast, and returns there.

I like the easy rhythm of the day: coffee and a safety briefing first, then swimming, snorkeling, island stops, food, and drinks. I also like that the crew includes named contacts such as Jonathan and Nathalie, with Pascal and Alex also praised for their care. The main drawback is time. The waterfall stop lasts only about 30 minutes, and the day is long enough that you should bring sun protection and be comfortable around water.

Key points at a glance

• Six-and-a-half hours from Pointe D’Esny: The tour gives you a full day on the southeast coast without requiring a separate return transfer between stops.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main leisure stop: Expect time for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and views of one of Mauritius’s best-known islands.
• A barbecue lunch and drinks are included: Beer, wine, spirits, coffee, dessert, and welcome refreshments are part of the onboard service.
• Dolphin and tortoise sightings are possible: These are wildlife encounters, not guaranteed performances, so keep your expectations sensible.
• The Grand River South East waterfall is a short visit: You get about 30 minutes for sightseeing, which some people may find too brief.
• Bring beach shoes, not only flip-flops: Water shoes are specifically recommended, and one useful tip is to avoid relying on ordinary beach sandals at Ile aux Cerfs.

Why this southeast coast cruise works so well

Mauritius is easy to admire from land, but the southeast is best understood from the water. The lagoon opens the day with bright water, low islands, and changing views along the coast. From a catamaran, you get more than a beach stop. You get a moving view of the island world, with time to eat and swim along the way.

I like this tour because it combines the things most people hope to fit into a Mauritius holiday: a boat ride, clear water, an island visit, wildlife watching, a waterfall, and a relaxed meal. You are not spending the whole day racing between attractions, though the schedule does stay active.

The boat is a powered catamaran, rather than a sailing-only trip. That matters if you want a steady sightseeing cruise with a set route. You can relax with a drink while the crew handles the boat, then join the water activities when the conditions and schedule allow.

The tour costs about $82 per person. That is not a bare-bones boat transfer. The price includes the five-island cruise, drinks, barbecue lunch, swimming, snorkeling, island visits, waterfall sightseeing, and the services of professional skippers. For a full 390-minute outing, I consider the price reasonable, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, a boat trip, and water activities.

Starting at Pointe D’Esny and Pointe Jerome

You meet at the Pointe Jerome boarding wharf at Pointe D’Esny. Check in at least 20 minutes before departure. When you face the sea, report to Jonathan or Nathalie on the left side of the wharf. That small detail is worth saving on your phone because it makes the meeting point easier to find.

The day begins with coffee and a safety briefing. This is a practical start, not wasted time. You can get settled, learn the basic boat procedures, and ask about the plan before the catamaran moves away from shore.

Pickup can be arranged for an extra charge if requested at least 48 hours before the excursion date. If you are arranging your own way to Pointe D’Esny, allow enough time to arrive early. A late arrival could be especially awkward at a wharf, where the boat schedule may not wait.

English and French are available during the tour. A private group can also be arranged, which may suit families or friends who prefer a more personal setting. The supplied information does not specify the standard group size, so ask before booking if the number of people on board is important to you.

The lagoon ride and the five-island idea

The phrase five-island cruise can sound like five long island visits. That is not quite how the day works. Ile aux Cerfs receives the main activity time, while Ile aux Fouquets gets a proper visit, Ile aux Aigrettes is viewed as you pass, and the other sights fit into a wider coastal route.

That is still useful. You see several different sides of the southeast instead of spending the whole day in one place. Some stops are for photographs and scenery, while others give you time to swim, snorkel, eat, or walk.

The route also gives you a chance to enjoy the sea without constant instructions. The tour includes a peaceful onboard setting, drinks, and scenic views along the way. If you like a day that mixes planned stops with unhurried time on the water, this format should suit you.

Ile aux Cerfs, swimming, snorkeling, and lunch

Ile aux Cerfs is the main event. The schedule allows about 6.5 hours for the overall cruise and its activities, with time here for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, marine-life watching, a self-guided visit, and a drink at the bar.

The beach is a strong reason to choose this tour. Clear water and pale sand make Ile aux Cerfs a natural place to get in the sea. The snorkeling is another highlight, with fish visible in the water when conditions cooperate. You should bring a mask and snorkel if you have preferred equipment, though the tour does not state exactly what gear is supplied, so confirm that detail before departure.

One practical tip is to bring water shoes. A note from the tour advises beach shoes rather than ordinary flip-flops at Ile aux Cerfs. That is sensible for getting in and out of the water and walking near the shore. Pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera in a small bag that can handle spray.

Lunch is served as a barbecue onboard. Drinks include beer, coffee, spirits, wine, dessert, and welcome refreshments. The food and drinks are a meaningful part of the price, since you do not need to plan a separate lunch stop or carry a full meal for the day.

You must mention meal restrictions when booking. Do not wait until the boat is leaving. The supplied information does not list a specific menu, so ask about ingredients and alternatives if you have allergies or follow a vegetarian, vegan, halal, or other special diet.

The mood here appears designed for easy sociability. You can sit with a drink, swim, snorkel, eat, and take in the water. If you want a quiet boat ride with no social energy at all, the onboard good ambiance may feel more lively than expected. If you enjoy a friendly day out, that is likely part of the appeal.

Watching for dolphins and tortoises

Dolphin watching and tortoise watching are included, but they should be treated as possibilities rather than promises. Wildlife moves on its own schedule. The tour can give you a chance to see dolphins in the sea and tortoises near the islands, but no responsible operator can guarantee close encounters.

That said, the chance adds something special to the cruise. You are not looking at animals in a controlled show. You are watching the water and shoreline for movement, which makes the sightings feel connected to the setting.

Several people on the excursion saw both dolphins and large tortoises, sometimes at close range. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire day looking through a screen. A quick sighting can happen while you are moving between stops.

Grand River South East waterfall in 30 minutes

The Grand River South East waterfall is scheduled as a 30-minute sightseeing stop. The view is reached as part of the boat route, so you do not need to organize a separate land excursion to see it.

Thirty minutes is enough for a look, photographs, and a short pause. It is not enough for a long exploration. If the waterfall is one of your main reasons for booking, adjust your expectations. One useful criticism of the day is that this stop can feel too quick.

The short visit makes sense in the context of the full route. The cruise also includes swimming, snorkeling, food, island scenery, a lighthouse, and possible wildlife sightings. The schedule has to keep moving. Still, you may wish the waterfall stop had more time once you arrive.

Ile aux Fouquets lighthouse and Ile aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile au Phare, receives about 30 minutes. You can visit, look around on a self-guided basis, and take in the views from the water and island. The lighthouse gives this section a different character from Ile aux Cerfs. Instead of beach time, you get a glimpse of the coast’s maritime past and a more weathered island setting.

The stop is short, so think of it as a compact island visit rather than a long walk. Wear shoes that can handle uneven ground, and keep your camera nearby. The tour specifically recommends flip-flops and water shoes, but water shoes are the safer all-purpose choice if you expect to move between boat, beach, and island areas.

Ile aux Aigrettes is a pass-by stop lasting about 15 minutes. You contemplate the island from the boat rather than making a full landing. This is an important distinction if you want to walk on every island named in the tour. You will see it as part of the coastal scenery, but you should not expect an extended visit.

The crew, food, and onboard service

The crew is a major part of a long boat day. A professional skipper keeps the route organized, manages the boat, and helps the day run smoothly. The information names Jonathan and Nathalie at the meeting point, while Pascal and Alex are also associated with the crew.

Specific praise centers on attentive service, good organization, food, and drinks. Jonathan is also available for paid transportation when arranged in advance. These details matter because a six-and-a-half-hour cruise can feel very different depending on how well the staff handles boarding, meals, water activities, and timing.

You can expect English and French support. The tour is not described as a formal lecture-heavy excursion, so the emphasis is on the boat ride, scenery, activities, and practical guidance. If you want an intensive historical talk at every island, ask about the guiding style before you book.

The food service helps the day feel complete. A barbecue lunch, dessert, coffee, wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks are included. Drink responsibly in the sun, and alternate with water if it is available. The supplied details list many beverages but do not clearly state whether plain drinking water is provided, so it is sensible to ask or bring a bottle if allowed.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Pack lightly, but do not forget the basics. The most useful items are:

• Hat and high-factor sunscreen
• Swimwear and a towel
• Water shoes, with flip-flops as a backup
• Camera or phone in a water-resistant case
• A small bag for dry clothing
• Any required medication
• Details of dietary restrictions for the lunch

Pets are not allowed. The tour does not provide information about accessibility, luggage storage, or specific snorkeling equipment, so ask the operator directly if any of those points affect your plans.

The sun can feel strong on open water even when the boat is moving. Reapply sunscreen after swimming. A hat with a secure fit is better than a loose one that can blow into the lagoon.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this outing if you want one organized day that covers several southeast coast highlights. Families, couples, and friends can all find something here, provided everyone is comfortable with swimming, boat travel, and a fairly full schedule.

It is especially suitable if you value included food and drinks. The barbecue removes the need to search for lunch, while the snorkeling and swimming provide active breaks between sightseeing stops.

You may want a different experience if you prefer a small, quiet sail with very little structure. You may also be disappointed if your top priority is a long stay at the waterfall or a detailed visit to every island. The tour offers variety, not long periods at each attraction.

The private group option may help if you are celebrating, traveling with children, or simply want more control over the pace. Ask what private arrangements include, since the basic information confirms availability but does not give the private-group price or exact format.

Booking details worth knowing

The excursion lasts 390 minutes, or 6.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mauritius schedule is still shifting.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. That gives you some protection if weather or plans change, though the supplied information does not explain how the operator handles poor sea conditions.

Arrive at least 20 minutes early at Pointe Jerome wharf. For paid pickup, make the request no later than 48 hours before the excursion. Confirm meal restrictions at the time of booking, and save the names Jonathan and Nathalie so you know who to find at the left side of the wharf when facing the sea.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran cruise if you want a well-filled southeast Mauritius day with lunch, drinks, swimming, snorkeling, island scenery, a waterfall, and a chance to see dolphins and tortoises. At $82 per person, the package offers solid value because so much is included.

Choose another outing if you want long, quiet visits at each stop or if the Grand River South East waterfall is your main goal. For most people who want variety and simple planning, this is a strong way to spend six and a half hours on the water. Just bring water shoes, arrive early, and remember that wildlife sightings are a lucky extra, not a guarantee.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts 390 minutes, or about 6.5 hours. Check availability for the exact starting time on your chosen date.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch, dessert, coffee, beer, wine, spirits, and welcome refreshments are included. Tell the operator about meal restrictions when booking.

Does the tour include snorkeling and swimming?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are included, with time scheduled around Ile aux Cerfs. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes.

Which islands and sights are included?

The cruise includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouquets or Ile au Phare, a pass-by view of Ile aux Aigrettes, and the Grand River South East waterfall. The route also includes dolphin and tortoise watching.

Can I arrange pickup or cancel the booking?

Paid pickup can be arranged if requested at least 48 hours before the excursion. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later.