North East of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

Mauritius saves one of its gentlest sea days for the northeast coast. This 6.5-hour catamaran cruise leaves Grand Gaube for a turquoise lagoon, the mangroves of L’ile d’Ambre, and the sandy shores of Bernaches Island. The mood is easygoing: swim, eat, sip a drink, and let the crew handle the day.

I like the fresh BBQ lunch and the generous drink selection, which includes wine, Phoenix beer, local rum, soft drinks, juice, and water. I also like the simple route: snorkeling, quiet mangroves, and beach time give you three different ways to enjoy the coast. The catch is that this is not a long-distance sailing trip, and the snorkeling can feel ordinary if you expect a major reef site.

Key points at a glance

• Grand Gaube departure: Meet at the Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort jetty at 9:30 am for a 10:00 am departure.
• A relaxed sea day: Much of the appeal comes from swimming, lunch, drinks, and time at anchor rather than covering a lot of coastline.
• Mangrove stop at L’ile d’Ambre: Enjoy a calm break in the mangroves, with time for a drink and a change of scenery.
• BBQ on deck: The meal includes grilled fish, BBQ chicken, sausage, salads, rice, vegetables, garlic bread, and seasonal fruit.
• Bernaches Island: Finish with beach time, lagoon swimming, and a short walk along the sand.
• Weather matters: Rough seas can send the boat toward Gunners Coin or Casita Beach instead.

What this Mauritius catamaran day is really like

This outing is best understood as a floating lunch party with swimming stops, not as a hard-charging sailing expedition. You cruise from Grand Gaube toward the northeast coast, but the most valuable moments happen when the catamaran slows down or anchors.

The boat route heads toward L’ile d’Ambre, where mangroves give the day a quiet, leafy pause. Later, you continue to Bernaches Island for sand, shallow water, and a chance to stretch your legs. The schedule gives you enough time at each stop without trying to cram in a dozen sights.

The captain and crew help with the swimming and snorkeling break, and the crew’s good humor matters here. One strong point of the trip is the friendly atmosphere. If you enjoy chatting, sharing food, and sitting with a drink while the boat rocks gently, you will probably settle in quickly.

If you want a long sail with constant movement, bring your expectations down a notch. A short comment about sailing for only five minutes points to the main limitation: the day is more about stops and onboard relaxation than the sensation of sailing under full sail.

Starting at Grand Gaube at 9:30 am

You meet the team at the jetty of the Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort in Grand Gaube at 9:30 am. The catamaran leaves at 10:00 am, so do not treat the meeting time as the departure time. You need those 30 minutes to find the jetty, check in, and get settled.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to the meeting point, which is important when you are staying elsewhere in Mauritius. The activity ends at the same jetty around 4:00 pm.

The language options are French and English. The experience is not suited to people with mobility impairments, and it is also a poor fit if you are prone to seasickness. Bring motion sickness tablets if you normally need them on boats.

Wear practical beach clothes from the start. A swimsuit, sun protection, hat, sunglasses, towel, and a change of clothes will make the day much easier. A waterproof bag protects your phone and other small items from spray. A light waterproof jacket is also listed as an essential, since conditions can change even on a warm island day.

The northeast coast and L’ile d’Ambre

After leaving Grand Gaube, the boat heads toward La Mangrove at L’ile d’Ambre. The route stays close to the northeast coast rather than racing out into open water, which helps keep the day calm when conditions cooperate.

The first main stop lasts from roughly 10:00 am until noon. You can swim and snorkel in the lagoon, with help from the crew. Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer, although the essential information allows you to bring personal gear rather than requiring it.

The turquoise water is the main attraction, but the quality of snorkeling can vary. One useful warning is that this area may not satisfy someone hunting for dramatic coral formations or a packed marine site. The snorkeling is best treated as a refreshing water stop with a chance to see what is below, not as the central reason to book the entire day.

Do not touch marine life or plants. That rule matters particularly around the mangroves, where the setting is delicate and easy to damage. The crew can guide you toward safe swimming and snorkeling behavior.

After the water stop, the catamaran pauses in the mangroves. This is one of the more unusual parts of the route. Rather than spending every minute in open lagoon, you get a sheltered, quiet setting where you can sit with a cocktail and watch the pace of the day slow down.

The mangrove section also gives non-swimmers a more pleasant way to participate. You can remain on board, enjoy a drink, and take in the surroundings without needing to get into the water. Pets are not allowed, apart from assistance dogs.

A BBQ lunch with a view

Lunch is served on the catamaran around noon, before the afternoon trip to Bernaches Island. The menu is broad enough to suit different appetites, and the meal is one of the strongest reasons this cruise offers fair value at $80 per person.

The standard menu includes:

• Rice salad
• Potato and egg salad
• Mixed salad
• Seasonal vegetables
• Grilled fish
• BBQ chicken
• Grilled chicken sausage
• A seafood delicacy
• Garlic bread and bread
• Seasonal fruit

The vegetarian menu includes rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and seasonal fruit. The children’s menu is the same as the adult menu, so families should not expect a separate child-sized selection.

I like the fact that lunch is served on deck rather than treated as a rushed snack between stops. You can eat with the Indian Ocean around you, then return to the shaded or sunny part of the catamaran as you please. The meal is described as fresh and tasty, and the friendly service helps turn it into a social part of the day.

Drinks are included: local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. Cocktails are also part of the offering. Nonalcoholic choices make the package workable for people who do not drink, while the alcohol selection adds to the relaxed holiday feel.

You should still drink water and pace yourself. A full day in the sun, combined with rum, wine, or beer, can catch up with you faster than expected. Keep sunscreen and water close, even when lunch and drinks are readily available.

Bernaches Island from 1:00 to 2:30 pm

After lunch, the catamaran sails toward Bernaches Island. The planned stop begins around 1:00 pm and lasts until about 2:30 pm, giving you a solid block of free time.

This is the most flexible part of the day. You can swim in the clear lagoon, walk along the sandy beach, snorkel again, or simply sit in the sun. I like having this unstructured time after lunch. You are not being pushed from one short photo stop to another.

Bernaches Island is also the best place to balance the snorkeling stop. If the first water session feels underwhelming, the island gives you another chance to enjoy the sea without making marine life the whole point. If you prefer land, the shoreline walk lets you move around after several hours on a boat.

The island is not presented as a large sightseeing destination. Think of it as a beach pause. Bring your cover-up and dry clothes if you do not want to remain in wet swimwear for the ride back.

The timing is sensible, but the sun can be strong. A hat, sunglasses, and high-quality sunscreen are not optional extras in practice. Apply sunscreen before boarding and refresh it after swimming.

The return to Grand Gaube

The boat returns to the Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort jetty at about 4:00 pm. This makes the cruise a full daytime commitment, but it leaves your evening free for dinner or a quieter night.

Sea conditions can change the route. If the captain considers the sea rough or impassable, the boat may head to Gunners Coin or Casita Beach instead. That is a safety decision, not a failed trip, but it means you should avoid booking this day if you need every named stop to happen exactly as planned.

The crew may also adjust the direction at its discretion. This flexibility is useful around Mauritius, where wind and sea conditions can affect the comfort of a catamaran quickly. You may not see every planned location, but the alternative is a safer and more comfortable day.

What the $80 price gets you

At $80 per person, the value rests on the combination of time, food, and drinks. You receive a 6.5-hour catamaran trip, swimming and snorkeling, mangrove time, Bernaches Island, a substantial BBQ lunch, cocktails, wine, beer, rum, soft drinks, juice, and water.

That is a reasonable package if you intend to use the whole day. The food and drinks are not minor extras here. They shape the experience, and the meal includes enough variety for meat eaters, seafood fans, vegetarians, and children.

The value is weaker if your only goal is exceptional snorkeling or serious sailing. The route does not travel far, and the snorkeling may not feel special enough to justify the price on its own. You are paying for a relaxed full-day outing with a social atmosphere, not for a specialist marine excursion.

Personal expenses, transport to and from Grand Gaube, and any preferred snorkeling gear are not included. Factor in the cost and time of reaching the jetty before you book.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip for a couple, family, or small group that wants a gentle day on the water without planning every detail. The included meal and drinks remove much of the usual hassle, and the mix of water and beach time keeps the day from feeling repetitive.

It also suits you if you like a cheerful crew, casual conversation, and a holiday atmosphere. The captain is described as friendly and good-humored, and that tone seems to be an important part of the outing.

Families should note that the children’s menu is the same as the adult menu. The boat setting also requires sensible supervision around the water. People with mobility impairments should choose another activity, since this trip is not considered suitable for them.

I would skip it if you are highly sensitive to motion, dislike group-oriented boat days, or want a demanding snorkeling program. If you need a quiet, private cruise, this may not be your best match. The strongest appeal is shared enjoyment, not solitude.

Small details that improve the day

Arrive at the jetty early enough to avoid a rushed start. The official meeting time is 9:30 am, with departure at 10:00 am.

Pack light, but protect the items you bring. A waterproof bag is more useful than a normal daypack, especially when wet swimmers, spray, and sunscreen are all in the mix.

Bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer a better fit or are particular about equipment. Otherwise, you can still enjoy the swim without treating the activity as a technical snorkeling session.

Avoid littering and never touch marine life or plants. The mangroves and lagoon are part of what makes the route appealing, so leaving them undisturbed is simple good manners.

If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual precautions before boarding. The trip is not recommended for people who regularly become ill at sea.

Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option can help if you want to keep your plans flexible.

My verdict: book it for the day, not the reef

Book this catamaran cruise if you want a relaxed northeast-coast day built around good food, plenty of drinks, swimming, mangrove scenery, and a sandy island stop. The BBQ lunch and friendly crew are major strengths, and the $80 price is sensible when you take advantage of the full package.

Skip it if you expect a long sail or outstanding snorkeling. The boat may spend only a short time actually sailing, and the lagoon snorkeling can be modest. For the right kind of day, though, that is not a serious flaw. This is a comfortable Mauritius outing where the pleasure comes from slowing down, sharing lunch, and enjoying several easy coastal stops.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

You meet the team at the jetty of the Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort in Grand Gaube, Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

The meeting time is 9:30 am, and the catamaran departs at 10:00 am.

What time does the cruise finish?

The catamaran returns to the same jetty at about 4:00 pm.

How long is the activity?

The cruise lasts about 6.5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to Grand Gaube.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served on board, with grilled fish, chicken, sausage, salads, vegetables, bread, and seasonal fruit.

Is there a vegetarian meal?

Yes. The vegetarian menu includes salads, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and seasonal fruit.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, mineral water, and cocktails.

Should I bring snorkeling equipment?

You can bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer. Snorkeling is available at the Grand Gaube lagoon.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The captain may change the route for safety. The boat may go to Gunners Coin or Casita Beach instead of the planned locations.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.