North East of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

The best part of this northeast Mauritius catamaran cruise is its easygoing mix of sea time, food, and short shore breaks. You sail from Grand-Gaube toward L’ile d’Ambre, swim in the lagoon, pause in the mangroves with a drink, then eat lunch on deck before heading to Bernaches Island.

I like the friendly crew and captain, whose good humor helps set the tone, and I like the simple onboard setup: fresh grilled food, unlimited drinks, and no need to rush from one attraction to the next. The BBQ, especially the fish and chicken, earns strong marks. The main drawback is that this is not a long-distance sailing trip. One guest felt the boat sailed for only five minutes, and another found the snorkeling underwhelming, so expectations matter.

What Makes This Cruise Worth Considering

• L’ile d’Ambre’s mangroves: A calm stop where you can swim, walk, and enjoy a cocktail among the coastal greenery.
• A proper BBQ on the catamaran: Fish, chicken, sausage, salads, vegetables, seafood, garlic bread, and fruit are served on deck.
• Bernaches Island beach time: You get a chance to leave the boat, stroll on sandy beaches, swim, or sit in the sun.
• Drinks included: Wine, local rum, Phoenix beer, juice, soft drinks, and mineral water are available.
• A full six-and-a-half-hour outing: The schedule gives you time for several stops rather than one quick boat ride.
• A flexible route: If the sea turns rough, the captain may replace the planned stops with Gunners Coin or Casita Beach.

Starting at Grand-Gaube at 9:30 am

You meet the crew at the jetty of Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort in Grand-Gaube. The meeting time is 9:30 am, with departure planned for 10:00 am, so do not arrive at the last minute. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and you are responsible for reaching the jetty yourself.

The setting on Mauritius’s northeast coast gives the trip a relaxed start. Grand-Gaube is a practical launch point for the nearby lagoon, islands, and mangrove areas. This is not a tour built around a long transfer. Much of the day takes place close to the coast, which helps keep the schedule manageable but also explains why the cruise can feel less like an ocean voyage.

The crew speaks French and English. The captain has been praised for keeping a good mood onboard, an important detail on a boat trip where the atmosphere depends as much on the people as the scenery. There is no named guide listed, so you should not expect a formal naturalist presentation or a long narrated tour.

The Short Sail Toward L’ile d’Ambre

The catamaran leaves Grand-Gaube and heads toward La Mangrove at L’ile d’Ambre. The route is designed for views of the northeast coast and time on the water, but it is worth setting your expectations correctly: this is mainly a lagoon cruise with stops, not a day of continuous sailing.

One piece of feedback described the sailing portion as lasting only five minutes. That may reflect the boat moving under engine power or the short distance to the first stop. Either way, book this for the complete day of swimming, lunch, drinks, mangroves, and beach time, not for a long stretch of silent sailing with the sails fully working.

The catamaran itself gives you room to sit, move around, and eat on deck. Bring a cover-up because the sun can be strong, and keep a jacket or waterproof layer handy. Even in warm weather, wind and spray can make the ride feel cooler than expected.

Swimming and Snorkeling in Grand-Gaube Lagoon

The first major water stop runs from about 10:00 am until noon. You can swim and snorkel in the turquoise lagoon, with help from the crew if needed. Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer, although the tour information specifically tells you to bring snorkeling gear, so do not assume a full set will be supplied.

The lagoon offers clear water and a chance to see the coast from below the surface. Still, this is where the trip may divide opinion. One assessment found the snorkeling in this area not worth the effort. That does not mean the water is unpleasant, but it does mean you should not book this as a specialist reef or marine-life excursion.

You are also asked not to touch marine life or plants. That is sensible in a shallow lagoon, where careless hands can damage fragile areas or disturb animals. Use the stop for a swim, a look below the surface, and a cool break from the sun.

If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, bring modest expectations. If you see it as one part of a broader day at sea, it fits the trip better. The crew’s assistance is useful, but the available information does not promise guided marine-life spotting or a named snorkeling guide.

A Cocktail Stop Among the Mangroves

After the water time, the catamaran heads into the serene mangrove area of L’ile d’Ambre. This is one of the more unusual parts of the day. Instead of spending every minute in open water, you get a quieter coastal setting with mangroves, shallow water, and a slower pace.

You can relax with a cocktail while taking in the surroundings. Local rum is included, along with wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. Nonalcoholic choices make the stop workable for children and for anyone who simply wants to stay hydrated.

I like this pause because it breaks up the standard boat-trip pattern of sail, swim, eat, repeat. The mangroves give you a different view of Mauritius, one shaped by tidal water and coastal plants rather than open beach. You may find the stop more peaceful than dramatic. It is about mood and setting, not a major sightseeing attraction with a long list of things to do.

Please respect the rules here. Do not touch the plants, and do not leave rubbish behind. A waterproof bag is useful for phones, wallets, and other items that should not sit beside wet swimwear.

BBQ Lunch on the Catamaran Around Noon

Lunch is served on the deck at about noon. The menu is generous for a boat excursion: rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, a seafood dish, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit.

The food is one of the strongest reasons to consider the $80 price. You are not simply handed a snack between swims. The meal is substantial, varied, and served with the ocean around you. Fresh grilled food also works well after a morning in the water.

Vegetarians receive rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and seasonal fruit. The vegetarian selection is simpler than the main menu but is clearly planned rather than treated as an afterthought. The children’s menu is listed as the same as the adult menu, so families should be aware that no separate child-specific dishes are promised.

Drinks are part of the package, including alcoholic choices and plenty of soft drinks. The phrase unlimited drinks should be understood as drinks provided during the outing, not a reason to overdo the rum in the sun. Alternate alcohol with water, use sunscreen, and remember that the boat still has a return ride.

Lunch takes place onboard, not at a beach restaurant. That matters if you enjoy the feeling of eating at sea, but it also means the dining area is exposed to sun, wind, and boat movement. A waterproof jacket or cover-up can make the meal more comfortable if conditions change.

Bernaches Island From 1:00 pm

After lunch, the boat sails toward Bernaches Island. The plan is to arrive from about 1:00 pm and spend time there until roughly 2:30 pm. This is your main chance to get off the catamaran and enjoy sandy beaches, clear lagoon water, and a walk along the shore.

The island stop is less structured than the snorkeling session. You can swim, stroll, sit on the sand, or simply take a break from the boat. That freedom suits people who prefer not to follow a guide from one fixed point to another.

Bernaches Island also gives you the best chance to dry off and stretch your legs. Wear comfortable beach clothing and pack a change of clothes. If you want to walk, bring sandals or shoes that handle wet ground, though the tour only specifically requires beachwear and basic sun protection.

The beach stop is not a full afternoon visit. About 90 minutes passes quickly, especially if you want both a swim and a walk. Think of it as a pleasant final pause rather than a major island exploration. The value lies in the change of setting: after several hours on the catamaran, a sandy shoreline feels welcome.

The Return to Grand-Gaube at 4:00 pm

The catamaran returns to the Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort jetty at about 4:00 pm. From the 9:30 am meeting time to the return, you spend about six and a half hours with the crew, including the scheduled stops and lunch.

That timing makes this a full-day activity without taking up the evening. You will still need to arrange your own transport to and from Grand-Gaube. Since there is no hotel pickup, check your route before booking and allow enough time to reach the jetty by 9:30 am.

Sea conditions can change the plan. If the water becomes rough or unsafe, the captain can redirect the boat to Gunners Coin or Casita Beach. This is a practical safety measure, but it means the exact route and stops are not guaranteed. If you need a fixed itinerary, this may frustrate you. If you are comfortable with a captain making weather-based decisions, it is the right approach.

What the $80 Price Really Buys You

At $80 per person, this cruise is priced as a full outing rather than a basic boat transfer. You receive the catamaran ride, a BBQ lunch, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snorkeling time, a mangrove stop, and beach time at Bernaches Island.

The value is strongest if you plan to use all of those parts. A person who eats lunch, enjoys several drinks, swims, and spends time on the island may find the package convenient and fairly priced. You do not need to budget separately for a meal onboard or for every drink.

The value is weaker if you mainly want serious snorkeling or a long sailing experience. The snorkeling can be ordinary, and the short sailing distance may disappoint anyone expecting a wide-ranging cruise along the coast. In that case, you may be paying for a full social day on the water when your priority is a specialist activity.

The trip has an average rating of 3.8 from six assessments, which fits the mixed picture. The most consistent positives are the food, friendly crew, captain’s mood, mangrove stop, and included drinks. The weaker points are the limited sailing and snorkeling that may not impress experienced swimmers.

Who Will Enjoy This Mauritius Cruise?

I would suggest this outing to couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed day with several easy activities. It suits you if you like swimming but do not need a packed schedule, and if a BBQ with drinks sounds as appealing as the scenery.

It can also work well for people who want to see a few northeast coastal settings in one day without arranging separate boat rides. The mix of lagoon, mangrove, catamaran, and beach keeps the day from feeling repetitive.

I would be more cautious if you are prone to seasickness. The tour information specifically says it is not suitable for people who suffer easily from motion sickness. Bring motion sickness pills if necessary, though the decision to join should be based on your own comfort at sea.

The trip is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You need to reach the jetty, board the catamaran, move around a boat, and use beach or shallow-water areas. Assistance dogs are allowed, but pets are not.

Pack sunglasses, a hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a change of clothes, a waterproof bag, and a jacket. A cover-up is useful at lunch, and your own snorkeling gear may be preferable.

Should You Book the Bernaches Island Catamaran?

Book it if you want a social, food-centered day on the northeast coast, with swimming, a quiet mangrove pause, drinks, and a sandy island stop. The friendly crew and captain, solid BBQ, and included beverages give the trip much of its appeal.

Skip it if you want a long sail, excellent snorkeling, or a tightly fixed route. For the best experience, treat the cruise as a relaxed coastal day with water activities, not as a high-end sailing or reef expedition. If that sounds right and you can reach Grand-Gaube independently, $80 is a reasonable price for the combination.

Cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some flexibility, but sea conditions can still change the route on the day.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

You meet the crew at the jetty of 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 return?

The activity ends back at the same jetty at about 4:00 pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What food is served for lunch?

The BBQ includes salads, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, chicken sausage, a seafood dish, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit. A vegetarian menu is also available.

Are drinks included?

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

What happens if the sea is rough?

The captain may change the route for safety. The alternative destinations listed are Gunners Coin or Casita Beach.