North of Mauritius: Sunset Catamaran Cruise, Drinks & Snacks

The best part of this cruise is its timing: you leave Grand Baie while there is still enough light to see the lagoon, then watch the northern coast fade into sunset colors from the water. I like the large catamaran, which gives the short two-hour ride a relaxed feel, and the open drinks service, with local rum, wine, Phoenix beer, juices, soft drinks, and water.

I also like that the trip includes snacks rather than charging you for every small extra. The main drawback is that the food is modest, with canapés, chips, dips, banana chips, and a moolko selection, so you should not treat this as a full dinner. Rough seas can also change the route, and this outing is not a good fit if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points at a glance

• Sunset from the water: Sail out from Grand Baie and watch the sun sink over the northern coast.
• Two seasonal departure times: Meet at 4:45 pm for a 5:00 pm departure from October through March, or at 4:15 pm for a 4:30 pm departure from April through September.
• Drinks included: Local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, juices, soft drinks, and mineral water are available.
• Simple snacks on board: Expect tomato chatini with croutons, nachos and dips, moolko, and banana chips.
• A chance at the green flash: Keep watching just after sunset for this rare optical effect, though it is never guaranteed.
• Easy return to Grand Baie: The cruise ends at Sunset Boulevard, the same place where you board.

A sunset cruise with the right amount of time

A two-hour catamaran ride is long enough to feel like a real outing without taking over your evening. You are not signing up for an all-day boat trip, and that matters if you have dinner plans or want to explore Grand Baie afterward.

The boat leaves from Sunset Boulevard, near the jetty, at the Blue Safari, Sportfisher, and Croisieres Australes office. You meet the crew there before boarding. The departure point is central to the experience because you avoid a long transfer to a distant marina, though hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Once the catamaran clears the bay, the mood changes. Grand Baie falls behind, and you have open views across the lagoon and along the northern coastline. The cruise is less about reaching a particular island or swimming stop and more about enjoying the changing light, the breeze, and the simple pleasure of being offshore at the end of the day.

The provider operates in French and English. The crew has been praised for keeping the atmosphere friendly and taking care of people on board. That personal attention is useful on a short cruise, where a good welcome and clear service can shape the whole evening.

Grand Baie to the northern coast

The route begins in the bay and heads out toward the horizon. In summer, from October through March, you meet at 4:45 pm, board for the 5:00 pm departure, and return at about 7:00 pm. In winter, from April through September, the meeting time is 4:15 pm, departure is 4:30 pm, and the catamaran gets back around 6:30 pm.

These times are set to match the earlier winter sunset and later summer sunset. Check the season carefully when planning dinner or a taxi. The activity takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so it is worth fitting it into your schedule before you build the rest of your northern Mauritius plans.

The first part of the trip gives you time to settle in. You can take photographs while there is still daylight, then find a comfortable spot as the sky changes. The catamaran provides a wider view than you would get from the shore, and the boat’s movement adds a little ceremony to what might otherwise be a standard sunset stop.

Do not expect a fixed sightseeing route with several stops. The boat is designed for a moving sunset view. If the sea is rough or a route becomes unsafe, the captain can change direction. That may mean the exact view differs from what you pictured, but it is the sensible call on a boat trip.

What is served on the catamaran

The included drinks are one of the better reasons to consider this outing. You can choose from local rum, red wine, rosé, white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. Cocktails and nonalcoholic refreshments are also described as part of the service.

That selection gives the cruise a casual social feel. You can have a rum-based drink or beer, while someone else in your group sticks with juice or water. I would still pace yourself. The boat ride is short, and alcohol combined with sun, wind, and motion can catch up with you quickly.

The food is best viewed as light accompaniment. The selection includes tomato chatini served with croutons, nachos with dips, moolko, and banana chips. It is enough to take the edge off hunger and give you something to nibble with a drink, but it is not a substantial meal.

One useful tip is to eat a proper late lunch before boarding, especially if you plan to stay out for dinner after returning to Grand Baie. The snacks are part of the pleasure of the trip, not a replacement for dinner. If food is a major reason you book a cruise, this menu may feel limited. One piece of feedback specifically suggested that the snack selection could be improved.

Chasing the last light

The main event arrives around sunset. From the deck, you can watch the sun lower toward the horizon while the sky takes on warm shades. The view is constantly changing, so keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire ride looking at a screen.

The northern coastline and lagoon look different from the water than they do from a road or beach. You get a clean, open view, with fewer visual distractions. The boat’s return after sunset gives the evening a second mood: once darkness arrives, the bright colors are gone and the ride becomes quieter and cooler.

The crew invites you to watch for the green flash, a rare optical effect that can appear just after the sun disappears. It is an appealing detail for anyone who enjoys the science and folklore of sunset, but you should keep expectations sensible. It is not guaranteed, and clouds, haze, and sea conditions can block it.

For the best chance, face the horizon and watch the final seconds rather than turning away as soon as the sun vanishes. You may see nothing more than the normal afterglow, which is still the main reward of the trip.

Comfort, clothing, and sea conditions

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat or cap, a towel, and a cover-up. A change of clothes is useful if spray reaches the deck, and a light jacket or waterproof jacket can make the return ride more comfortable after sunset.

The suggested packing list also includes non-slip shoes, insect repellent, and motion sickness pills if you need them. A waterproof bag or backpack is a smart place for phones, wallets, and cameras. The supplied information also recommends a swimsuit, though this cruise is primarily about sunset and does not promise a swimming stop.

The catamaran is large, which helps create a more stable and spacious setting than a small speedboat. Still, you are on open water. If you already know that boat motion bothers you, take the warning seriously. This experience is specifically not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Mobility is another consideration. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the meeting point is at the jetty. Ask the operator directly if you have a specific access need before paying.

Pets are not allowed, apart from assistance dogs. You are also expected not to litter or touch marine life. Those rules are simple, but important on a lagoon cruise where waste and careless contact can harm the water and animals.

What the $55 price means

At $55 per person, this is priced as an easy evening activity rather than a luxury yacht charter. The value comes from combining the boat ride, the sunset setting, drinks, and snacks in one package.

If you would otherwise pay for a waterfront drink and a separate sunset outing, the price can make sense. The included alcohol is particularly useful for people who want a relaxed social cruise without keeping track of a running bar bill. Nonalcoholic drinks are included too, so the experience does not depend on drinking.

The price is less appealing if you are mainly looking for a full meal, a long sailing trip, or several water activities. There is no hotel transfer, and personal expenses are not included. You will need to reach Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie yourself and arrange your own transport afterward.

I see this as good value for a first or last evening in northern Mauritius. It gives you a clear two-hour plan, requires little advance effort once you reach the meeting point, and finishes early enough for dinner. It is also a pleasant way to mark the end of a holiday without committing to a full evening at sea.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This trip suits couples, friends, and families who want a gentle boat outing with a pretty payoff. It is a good choice if you like taking photographs, watching the sky change, and sharing drinks in an informal setting.

It also works well for people staying in or near Grand Baie. Since the tour starts and ends at Sunset Boulevard, you do not need to spend much of the day traveling to reach it. The Tuesday and Thursday schedule is the main planning limit.

You should consider another activity if you want snorkeling, underwater wildlife, a swim stop, or a detailed coastal tour. Those are not the focus here. This is a short sailing experience built around the sunset.

It may also be less suitable for young children or anyone who needs a quiet, highly structured outing, though the available information does not give a specific minimum age. If that matters for your group, confirm it before booking.

Practical advice for a smoother evening

Arrive at Sunset Boulevard with time to find the office and jetty. The meeting time is 4:45 pm in summer and 4:15 pm in winter, while sailing begins 15 minutes later. Do not cut it close, since the boat is scheduled to leave rather than wait for late arrivals.

Bring a waterproof layer even if the afternoon is warm. The ride back takes place after sunset, and the breeze can feel cooler on the water. Wear shoes with a firm grip, and keep your camera and phone protected from spray.

If you want the best photographs, take a few early in the trip when there is more light. Then put the camera away for part of the sunset. The final moments are easy to miss when you are busy checking settings.

The crew may change direction if the sea is rough or impassable. Treat that as part of boating rather than a failure of the experience. Safety comes first, and the captain has discretion over the route.

The cruise has a 4.9 rating from 14 reviews, with especially strong praise for the crew, the friendly atmosphere, the large catamaran, and the supply of drinks and snacks. One person found the snacks less impressive, so keep the food expectations modest. The consistent picture is of a short, relaxed outing with good service and a pleasant mood.

Should you book the North of Mauritius sunset cruise?

Book it if you want an uncomplicated evening on the water, especially if you are staying in Grand Baie and value included drinks. The large catamaran, friendly crew, and two-hour schedule make it easy to fit into a holiday.

Skip it if you are seasick, have mobility concerns, or expect a full dinner and a packed sightseeing route. For everyone else, $55 buys a well-defined sunset experience, with enough refreshments to keep the evening comfortable and a small chance of seeing the green flash. I would choose it for a relaxed final evening, not as a substitute for a full-day marine excursion.

FAQ

Where does the sunset catamaran cruise depart from?

It departs from Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie, Mauritius, at the Blue Safari, Sportfisher, and Croisieres Australes office near the jetty, facing the sea.

Where does the cruise end?

The cruise returns to the same meeting point at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie.

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The sailing lasts two hours.

What time does the cruise depart in summer?

From October through March, you meet at 4:45 pm, sail at 5:00 pm, and return at about 7:00 pm.

What time does the cruise depart in winter?

From April through September, you meet at 4:15 pm, sail at 4:30 pm, and return at about 6:30 pm.

Which days does the cruise operate?

The activity operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

What drinks are included?

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

What food is served?

The snacks and canapés include tomato chatini with croutons, nachos with dips, moolko, and banana chips.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie.

Is the cruise suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people prone to seasickness. The captain may also change the route if sea conditions are rough or unsafe.