Reviewed · CATAMARAN CRUISES

SouthEast Lagoon Discovery on shared basis on a Power Catamaran

★ 5.0 · 3 reviews From $82 Operated by Catamaran Cruises Mauritius · Bookable on Viator
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Mauritius saves some of its best scenery for the water. This seven-hour shared catamaran trip takes you across the southeast lagoon for snorkeling, island views, a lighthouse, shipwrecks, and time near Île aux Cerfs. The boat is a Nautitech 40 Open Power Catamaran, so you get a steady platform with room to sit in the sun or shade.

I like the all-in lunch and drinks, which keeps the day simple, and I like the relaxed tone. This is not built as a loud party cruise. The crew has also earned praise for attentive service, with skipper Pascal singled out for looking after people well. The main drawback is the lack of hotel transport, and the meeting point at Pointe d’Esny requires you to arrange your own way there.

Key points to know before you book

  • A full day on the southeast lagoon: The boat runs from 09:30 to 16:00, giving you time for several scenic stops and water activities.
  • Snorkeling gear is included: You do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel, though towels are not supplied.
  • Lunch and drinks are part of the fare: Expect lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages on board.
  • A calm shared cruise: The maximum group size is 20, and the atmosphere is aimed more at relaxed sightseeing than loud entertainment.
  • Wildlife sightings are possible, not promised: Past outings have included dolphins, a sea turtle, flying fish, and even a humpback whale.
  • Pointe d’Esny is both start and finish: You must make your own way to HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

Setting out from Pointe d’Esny at 09:30

SouthEast Lagoon Discovery on shared basis on a Power Catamaran - Setting out from Pointe d’Esny at 09:30

Your day begins at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny. The tour starts at 09:30 and returns to the same meeting point at about 16:00, so plan this as a full morning-to-afternoon commitment rather than a quick boat ride.

The shared format matters. With a maximum of 20 people, the catamaran should feel more personal than a large excursion boat, while still giving you the social ease of joining a group. You can expect a mix of couples, families, and small groups, but the schedule and stops are shared by everyone on board.

The boat is a Nautitech 40 Open Catamaran. The open design suits a day built around views and fresh air. You can sit back and watch the coast, spend time in the sun, or move toward the water when it is time to snorkel. Bring sun protection, since a day on open water can feel stronger than a day on land.

There is no hotel transfer included. That is one of the practical points to settle before booking. You need to reach Pointe d’Esny independently and return from the same place after the cruise. The meeting point is supplied as a map code, HPGF+496, which is useful if you are arranging a taxi or using a navigation app.

Other catamarans sailing from Mauritius:

The southeast lagoon from the water

SouthEast Lagoon Discovery on shared basis on a Power Catamaran - The southeast lagoon from the water

The main pleasure of this trip is the change in viewpoint. From a catamaran, the southeast coast becomes a sequence of open water, small islands, reef areas, and coastal scenery. You are not simply being carried from one stop to another. Much of the day is about watching Mauritius unfold around you.

The route includes the enchanting lagoon along the southeast coast, with time to see a lighthouse and the colorful coral reef. These details give the outing more variety than a basic beach transfer. You get moving scenery between the swimming stops, and the boat gives you a comfortable base for the day.

You may also see flying fish or other marine life from the boat. Dolphin sightings, a sea turtle, and a humpback whale have all been reported on past trips, but these are lucky encounters rather than scheduled attractions. Keep your eyes open, especially during quieter stretches of the cruise, but do not book this as a guaranteed wildlife safari.

The description also refers to shipwrecks around the reef. That adds a little history and atmosphere to the snorkeling portion, even if the exact viewing conditions depend on weather and water clarity. The southeast coast is best enjoyed with a flexible attitude. Sea conditions can affect how long you stay at each location and what you can see below the surface.

Snorkeling in clear water and near Le Morne Brabant

SouthEast Lagoon Discovery on shared basis on a Power Catamaran - Snorkeling in clear water and near Le Morne Brabant

Snorkeling equipment is included, which is a real convenience. You can get in the water without renting a mask and snorkel separately or packing a full kit for the day. The trip is designed for swimming and viewing tropical fish, particularly around the reef areas.

One part of the supplied information refers to a swim near Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the main route description focuses on the southeast coast. Because those locations are on different parts of Mauritius, you should confirm the exact stops and route when your booking is confirmed. The useful point is that the day includes time in the water and reef scenery, not just a ride on the catamaran.

At the water stops, expect the usual limits of a sea excursion. Visibility can change with weather, and marine life does not appear on command. The chance to see tropical fish and underwater features is appealing, but you should not expect an aquarium-like display every time you put on the mask.

If you are not a strong swimmer, ask the crew what support is available before entering the water. The supplied details say most people can participate, but they do not describe flotation equipment or a dedicated swimming instructor. Children and less confident swimmers should be watched closely by their own adults.

Lighthouse views, Île aux Cerfs, and the reef

SouthEast Lagoon Discovery on shared basis on a Power Catamaran - Lighthouse views, Île aux Cerfs, and the reef

The itinerary includes a lighthouse and a stop near Île aux Cerfs Island. These are the sort of sights that make a boat day feel distinct from a normal beach visit. You see the coast and islands from the water, then have the chance to pause near places that are difficult to appreciate from a road.

Île aux Cerfs is one of the better-known island stops in Mauritius, but this excursion should not be confused with a private island day. You are sharing the catamaran, and the group follows a common schedule. The value is in combining several sights and water activities in one outing, rather than spending the entire day at a single beach.

The reef and shipwreck views add another layer. You may see colorful coral and fish while snorkeling, then return to the boat for food and a rest. That rhythm works well: scenic cruise, water time, lunch, and more views. It also means you should bring swimwear beneath your clothing and keep your belongings organized.

Towels are not included. Pack one, along with a dry change of clothes if you prefer not to sit in damp swimwear for the return journey. Bottled water is provided, but your own reusable bottle can still be handy.

Same stretch of island, a different sort of day:

Lunch, drinks, and the mood on board

Lunch is included in the price, along with bottled water, soda or pop, and alcoholic drinks. The food served on a past outing included rice, pasta, salad, barbecue chicken, grilled fish, and sausage. That gives you a useful idea of the meal: filling, varied, and suited to a long day outside rather than a formal restaurant lunch.

The inclusion of drinks adds real value at $82.22 per person. You are paying for roughly seven hours on the boat, equipment for snorkeling, lunch, and refreshments. A separate boat trip plus a meal and drinks could quickly cost more, especially if you also had to rent snorkeling gear.

Alcohol is included, with wine, beer, and rum mentioned in the feedback. Drink sensibly, particularly if you plan to swim or if the water is choppy. The trip’s relaxed character is a good reason to pace yourself rather than treat the boat as a floating bar.

The atmosphere is another strong point. The cruise is described as calm rather than a party boat. That suits you if you want scenery, conversation, swimming, and a little sun without loud entertainment taking over the day. If you are seeking music, dancing, and a high-energy crowd, this may feel too quiet.

The crew’s service also matters on a shared trip. Skipper Pascal was praised for being attentive to people’s well-being, and the crew’s friendly service helped create a comfortable day. That does not guarantee the same individual crew on every departure, but it suggests that personal care is part of the operating style.

How much value do you get for $82.22?

At $82.22 per person, this is a strong value if you want a full day on the water and expect to use the included food, drinks, and snorkeling gear. Seven hours is long enough to make the boat fare feel worthwhile, and the combination of sightseeing and swimming gives the day more substance than a short harbor cruise.

The price is less attractive if you plan to spend most of the day sitting on board and skip the water stops. You are paying for the complete outing, not just transport between islands. It also does not include hotel pickup, so factor in your own transport costs.

The shared format keeps the price below what you would normally expect from a private charter. In exchange, you give up control over the route and timing. That is a fair trade for many people, especially if you want a straightforward day without organizing a boat, crew, lunch, drinks, and equipment separately.

Booking about 29 days ahead is the average pattern for this experience. You do not need to assume it sells out every day, but planning ahead is sensible if your Mauritius dates are fixed. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day most?

SouthEast Lagoon Discovery on shared basis on a Power Catamaran - Who will enjoy this catamaran day most?

This outing suits you if you want several classic Mauritius experiences in one day: lagoon scenery, snorkeling, island views, lunch at sea, and a chance of spotting marine life. It is especially practical for couples, families, and small groups who prefer an easy package rather than separate arrangements.

Families may appreciate the stroller and wheelchair accessibility, as well as the availability of car seats. Still, boat access and swimming conditions can vary, so it is wise to confirm any specific mobility needs before departure. The fact that most people can participate does not mean every part of the day will suit every mobility level.

You should also enjoy being outside for several hours. The boat offers the comfort of a catamaran, but this remains a sun-and-sea excursion. If you dislike heat, open water, or getting wet, the day may feel long.

This is less suitable if you want a private itinerary or a guaranteed wildlife sighting. It is also not the best choice if you need hotel pickup or want a short, tightly scheduled activity close to your accommodation.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is helpful, since sea conditions affect both comfort and safety.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. Keep that deadline in mind when watching the forecast.

Wear swimwear, bring a towel, and pack sun protection. The supplied inclusions cover snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, and water, but not towels or hotel transfers. A light cover-up and dry clothing are also sensible for the boat ride back to Pointe d’Esny.

Should you book the southeast lagoon cruise?

I would book this if you want a well-priced full-day boat outing with snorkeling, food, drinks, and several points of interest built into one plan. The calm mood, maximum group size of 20, and attentive service make it a good match for people who want a pleasant day rather than a floating party.

Before paying, confirm the exact route, especially the reference to Le Morne Brabant alongside the southeast itinerary. Also check your transport to Pointe d’Esny and bring a towel. If those details work for you, $82.22 buys a substantial day on the water with a fair chance of memorable wildlife sightings, but no promise of dolphins or whales.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

The meeting point is HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius.

Where does the activity finish?

The tour ends back at the same meeting point in Pointe d’Esny.

What time does the cruise run?

The scheduled activity runs from 09:30 to 16:00, for about seven hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfer is not included, so you must arrange your own transport to and from Pointe d’Esny.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch, bottled water, soda or pop, and alcoholic beverages are included.

Are towels included?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The activity has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.

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