North East of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

Planning a trip to Mauritius and looking for a balance of comfort, fun, and authentic marine beauty? This catamaran cruise along the northeast coast offers a relaxed way to experience some of the island’s best coastal sights. While it might not be a high-octane adventure, it’s a well-rounded day out for those who enjoy calm waters, good food, and a splash of island life.

What we love about this experience is the friendly crew that makes everyone feel at home and the chance to indulge in a delicious BBQ lunch while sailing. The second highlight is the opportunity to snorkel in Grand Gaube’s turquoise lagoon and explore Bernaches Island’s sandy beaches. The main drawback? Some might find the snorkelling not as spectacular as they hoped, especially if they’re expecting a marine wonderland.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a laid-back day on the water, those interested in a taste of Mauritian coastal scenery, or families looking for an all-in-one excursion. It’s especially suitable if you appreciate good value and don’t mind a fixed schedule.

If you’re after a full-day adventure packed with action, you might want to consider other options. But for a gentle, scenic cruise with plenty of comfort and delicious food, this tour hits the mark.

This experience made our article of What Are The Best Tours & Things To Do In Grand Gaube? Our Top 3 Picks.

Key Points

• Relaxed sailing experience along Mauritius’s northeast coast
• Includes a flavorful BBQ lunch and drinks, with vegetarian and kids’ options
• Snorkelling at Grand Gaube lagoon offers a glimpse into local marine life
• Time for beach walks and swimming on Bernaches Island and in the mangroves
• Great for families and small groups seeking a calm, scenic day at sea
• Price point offers good value considering the full day’s activities and meals

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Catamaran Cruise Experience

The adventure begins at the jetty of Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort in Grand-Gaube, where a friendly crew awaits to welcome you aboard. The departure time of 10:00 am is quite accommodating, allowing you to relax and soak in the Mauritian morning before setting sail on this approximately 6.5-hour trip. Meeting at 9:30 am ensures you’re ready for the cruise to start on time, which is important because the day is structured yet laid-back.

The Voyage and Its Stops

The first segment of the cruise heads toward L’île d’Ambre, a lush island known for its mangroves and wildlife. As the catamaran glides along the coast, you’ll enjoy the gentle rhythms of the boat and the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The crew’s friendliness and occasional drinks service, including cocktails and refreshing nonalcoholic options, help set a convivial tone.

Once in the lagoon around L’île d’Ambre, you’ll have time to swim and snorkel. The waters here are touted as turquoise and inviting, perfect for a cooling dip or exploring underwater life with your snorkel gear. The crew is there to assist, ensuring safety while you enjoy the experience. The reviews show mixed feelings about snorkeling, with some finding it less impressive than expected, but most appreciate the calm waters and the chance to relax.

The highlight of this part of the day is the BBQ lunch onboard. The menu is varied, featuring grilled fish, chicken, seafood, or vegetarian options, along with salads, garlic bread, and seasonal fruit. The quality of the food earns praise from many travelers—“fresh BBQ, cocktails, everything the heart desires,” as one reviewer said. The setting, with the Indian Ocean as a backdrop, makes the meal feel special.

Bernaches Island and the Beaches

After lunch, the boat heads toward Bernaches Island, a small paradise with sandy beaches and a crystalline lagoon. Here, you’re free to stroll along the shore, snorkel in the calm waters, or simply soak up the sun. The island’s relaxed atmosphere offers a break from busy tourist spots and provides opportunities for leisurely walks and wildlife spotting. Some reviews mention that the island’s beaches provide a peaceful escape, making it a favorite part of the trip.

Return Journey and Final Thoughts

The return sail takes you back to the Veranda Paul et Virginie jetty around 4:00 pm, rounding out a full day of scenic cruising, swimming, and tasting authentic Mauritian flavors. Throughout the trip, the crew’s cheerful attitude and good service help ensure a pleasant experience. The drinks menu, which includes local rum, wine, beer, and soft drinks, adds to the relaxed vibe.

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The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Cost and Value: At $80 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience—sailing, snorkeling, a hearty BBQ lunch, and some beach time. Considering the duration and the inclusion of food and drinks, many travelers find it reasonable, especially as an easy way to see the coast without worrying about logistics.

What to Bring: Pack your snorkelling gear (or rent on-site), swimsuit, towel, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), and a waterproof bag. A light jacket might help if the wind picks up. Remember to wear comfortable beachwear and bring a change of clothes for after swimming.

Inclusions and Exclusions: The trip includes the boat journey, beverages, BBQ lunch, and free time for swimming and walks. Personal expenses and transfers are not included, so plan accordingly if you want hotel pickup.

Timing and Flexibility: The departure is fixed at 10:00 am, with a meeting at 9:30 am, and the group returns by 4:00 pm. The captain reserves the right to change routes in rough sea conditions for safety, possibly visiting alternative beaches like Gunners Coin or Casita beach.

Language: The tour is offered in both French and English, accommodating most travelers.

Accessibility: Not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments, and those prone to seasickness might want to take precautions.

Authentic Experiences and Real Traveler Insights

From actual reviews, we see that the crew’s friendliness and the quality of the BBQ are consistently appreciated. One traveler called the staff “really good mood,” making the day more enjoyable, and the food was described as “very good.” The scenic boat ride, although not extremely long, delivers a relaxing way to see the coast while enjoying local drinks.

Some travelers noted the snorkeling’s limited appeal—“not worth it” in one review—but most agreed that the overall relaxed vibe and good service compensated for any underwater disappointment. The chance to unwind on Bernaches Island is often praised as a peaceful, simple pleasure, away from bustling crowds.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for families, couples, or small groups looking for a relaxed day on the water. It’s ideal if you enjoy beach walks, snorkeling in calm waters, and good food without the need for high-adrenaline activities. It also suits travelers who value authentic local service and a scenic setting over extreme adventure.

If you’re seeking a quick, fun trip with a friendly crew, delicious food, and lovely waters, you’ll find plenty to love here. However, if you’re after spectacular marine life or intense snorkeling, you might find this tour a bit tame.

Final Remarks

This North East Mauritius catamaran cruise offers a peaceful, scenic way to enjoy the island’s coast with an emphasis on good food and relaxed sightseeing. It’s a good choice for those who want a comfortable and enjoyable day at sea without the rush. The combination of friendly service, tasty BBQ, and the chance to swim and stroll on tropical beaches makes it a worthwhile addition to a Mauritius itinerary—especially if you value authentic, laid-back experiences.

Perfect for travelers who love sailing, snorkeling in calm waters, and sampling authentic Mauritian cuisine, this tour promises a day of gentle exploration and genuine relaxation.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the activity begins and ends at the jetty of Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort in Grand-Gaube. You’ll need to arrange your own transport.

What should I bring?
Bring your snorkelling gear if you prefer, as well as your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, change of clothes, and a waterproof bag.

Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, vegetarian travelers can enjoy grilled vegetarian sausages, salads, and seasonal fruits as part of the BBQ lunch.

How long is the trip?
The cruise lasts around 6.5 hours, with the boat departing at 10:00 am and returning by 4:00 pm.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the full boat trip, beverages (including alcohol), BBQ lunch, and free time for swimming and beach walks.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, kids can enjoy the calm waters and relaxed pace, but be aware that the same menu options and activities are offered for children and adults.

This cruise blends scenic sailing, great food, and relaxed beach time into a memorable Mauritian experience. Whether you’re after a peaceful day in stunning surroundings or just looking to unwind with a cocktail in hand, it’s a solid choice—especially if you appreciate authentic, friendly service and simple pleasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby