Sunset on a catamaran changes your whole pace. On the Wind Dancer 2 in Grand Baie, I like the fact you head out with purpose—past Fort Malarctic and Cap Malheureux—while aiming for the big views around Coin de Mire. I also like the full send on the food and drinks: appetizers, a barbeque dinner, and complimentary beverages served as the light fades. The main consideration is simple: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to make your way to the bay yourself.

This is a private setup for up to five people, so the cruise feels more like a shared evening with your crew than a cattle-car excursion. You get a real pre-departure briefing at 4:45 PM, then set sail at 5:00 PM, with time to lounge, talk, take photos, and even dance when the music kicks in. Expect a chill evening on the water—plan for that with warm clothing.

One more small thing I’d keep in mind: the schedule is timed around sunset and dinner, so if you’re the type who wants to fill every minute with shore stops, this cruise keeps you mostly on the water.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Private group on Wind Dancer 2 (up to 5 people): less waiting, more control over the vibe.
• 4:45 PM briefing, 5:00 PM departure: you’re moving before the best light disappears.
• Coin de Mire sea-cliff views plus Northern Isles coastline: the scenery is the main event.
• Possible dolphins and tropic birds: wildlife adds real surprise to the cruise.
• Complimentary drinks, snacks, and onboard music: the “hangout” part is built into the schedule.
• Dinner anchor time in a quiet cove around 7:00 PM: food follows the sunset, not the other way around.

Grand Baie Start: Meeting at Wind Dancer 2

Grand Baie has a “vacation first” feel, and this cruise leans into that from the moment you arrive at the bay. You meet at the catamaran named Wind Dancer 2, so plan to be on time and ready to board for the 4:45 PM briefing.

That briefing matters more than it sounds. You’re getting oriented with the captain and crew before departure, which helps when you’re trying to relax, find your spot on deck, and get settled without fuss. If you like smooth starts, this one sets the tone quickly.

Also, since there’s no hotel pickup, your first job is logistics. If you’re staying farther from the meeting bay, build in extra travel time. I’d rather arrive early, grab a drink on land, and watch the boat get ready than hustle at the last second.

Finally, bring something warm. Even if Mauritius feels perfect in the daytime, time on open water near sunset can cool you down. Warm clothing is explicitly recommended, and it’s one of those “small detail, big difference” items.

Sailing Past Fort Malarctic and Cap Malheureux on the Way to Coin de Mire

Once you set sail at 5:00 PM, the cruise turns into a moving viewpoint. You pass Fort Malarctic and Cap Malheureux, plus other historical sites along the coast, as you head toward Coin de Mire. This is a nice mix: history going by outside your window, with the ocean doing the real talking.

Coin de Mire is where the scenery gets serious. You’re aiming for sea-cliff views, and you also get a look at the Northern Isles coastline. If you’re the type who likes to take photos, this leg is practical—there’s something happening on the horizon, and the boat gives you a stable platform to watch for wildlife and landmarks.

Speaking of wildlife, keep your eyes open for dolphins. The cruise includes a chance to see large pods of dolphins while cruising, which is exactly the kind of bonus that turns a “nice sunset dinner” into a story you’ll still repeat later. Even if dolphins don’t show, the coastline views and birds still keep the cruise interesting.

The highlights specifically mention tropic birds around Coin de Mire. That’s the kind of detail that feels “local” rather than generic. You’re not just on a boat—you’re in the right zone for island birds and coastal drama.

One small realism check: you’re sailing at a leisurely pace, not racing. That’s good for comfort and viewing, but it means you’re along for the full slow build toward sunset. If you’re in a hurry for action, you might find the pacing more relaxing than thrilling.

Sunset Hour Onboard: Drinks, Snacks, and a Music System You’ll Actually Feel

Sunset is when the cruise becomes the main character. As the light changes, you’re on deck with sea views, cruising calmly, and settling into the evening. The timing is also smart: you enjoy the sunset first, then dinner after.

What makes this part feel premium is how the basics are handled. You get complimentary beverages served throughout the duration, plus appetizers and snacks while you’re out on the water. That means you don’t have to decide between “snacking now” or “waiting for dinner.” You can graze, hydrate, and keep the mood smooth.

The cruise also includes a top-of-the-line stereo system, with music played throughout the experience. You even have the chance to dance—if you feel like it. I like this because it acknowledges an actual evening vibe. It’s not background noise; it’s something that helps the whole thing feel like a planned night out.

On this leg, you can also choose your own pace. You might spend time socializing with your group, take photographs, or just hang back and watch birds and coastline. A private group helps here, because you’re not trying to have a conversation over a loud crowd or compete for deck space.

If you’re sensitive to wind or cooler air, remember the warm clothing suggestion. You’ll likely be comfortable for long stretches, but you’ll notice the temperature drop once the sun is lower and the boat keeps moving.

Dinner in a Quiet Cove Around 7:00 PM: BBQ Set Up After Sunset

Soon after sunset, at about 7:00 PM, you head back toward Grand Baie. The plan is to anchor the catamaran in a quiet cove, and then the skipper begins dinner preparations while festivities get under way.

That anchoring detail is a big deal for comfort. You’re not just docking and rushing into a meal. You’re stopping in a calmer spot, which makes dinner feel like a natural continuation of the sunset experience. It also gives you a different ocean view than the cruising phase.

The main meal is a barbeque dinner, served after the boat settles. Since the tour includes a full BBQ dinner, you can treat this as the core dining plan of your evening, not a “small supplement” to dinner elsewhere.

What I like about the structure is simple: drinks and snacks keep the time enjoyable, and then the BBQ gives you a satisfying, warm payoff. If you’ve spent the day walking and sweating through sightseeing, it’s a relief to finish with something hearty and not complicated.

One extra note from the human side: the cruise is run by Passion Oceane Ltee, and the crew is a standout part of the experience. One crew member named Marcellino has been specifically praised for helping make the experience feel smooth and fun. That kind of positive attention matters on a private tour, where your evening depends on how the team handles timing and hospitality.

Price and Value: What $1,001 for Up to 5 Really Buys

The price is $1,001 per group up to 5, for a total duration of 4 hours. If you fill the full group size, the top-end cost works out to about $200 per person. If you book for fewer than five, the per-person rate climbs—so value depends on how you plan to share the boat.

Here’s how I’d judge the value fairly:

• You’re paying for privacy and timing, not just a ride. The experience is built around sunset, with a dedicated captain briefing at 4:45 PM and departure at 5:00 PM.
• Meals and drinks are included: appetizers, snacks, BBQ dinner, and complimentary beverages are part of the package.
• You’re getting the scenery “without organizing it”. You’re seeing Fort Malarctic, Cap Malheureux, Coin de Mire cliffs, and the Northern Isles coastline from the water in one coordinated outing.

If you were to plan this as separate pieces—boat rental, a guided route, a sunset anchor plan, and dinner—it would likely turn into a complicated and costly project. Even without comparing to other operators, this cruise feels like it bundles the key parts of a romantic or celebratory evening into one smooth block of time.

So for best value, I’d book this when:

• you’re traveling with a small group (family, friends, or a couple plus one or two),
• you want to keep the evening simple,
• and you’re okay skipping hotel pickup because you’re willing to get yourself to the bay.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a great fit if you want a calm, scenic evening with food included—and you like the idea of cruising rather than sprinting around shore towns. The private group format is especially good for couples, small families, and friend groups who want conversation-friendly space and a more relaxed schedule.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you care about:

• sunset views from the water,
• Coin de Mire sea cliffs and the Northern Isles coastline,
• a possible wildlife moment like dolphins, and
• an evening that mixes snacks, drinks, and a proper BBQ dinner.

It may not be the best match if you’re expecting lots of stops on land. This experience keeps you on the water, then anchors for dinner. It’s built as an atmospheric cruise, not a checklist tour.

Also, if your group relies on hotel pickup to avoid any logistics, note that this one requires you to get to the meeting point in the bay.

Practical Tips for a Better Evening at Sea

This cruise is only 4 hours, but you can make it smoother with a few smart moves.

What to bring

• Warm clothing (the recommendation is there for a reason)
• Your camera/phone ready for sea-cliff views and possible wildlife
• Anything you might want for comfort on deck (like a light layer you won’t mind wearing)

How to time your evening

• Aim to arrive early enough for the 4:45 PM briefing. Being rushed can kill the relaxed mood.
• Plan for the dinner to happen after you return around 7:00 PM. This is your meal, so don’t schedule a heavy dinner reservation right before boarding.

How to get the most from the cruise

• Give your eyes permission to scan for dolphins and birds while you’re relaxed. You’re more likely to spot them when you’re not staring at your screen the whole time.
• Don’t overpack your expectations. The scenery and sunset are the constant; the dolphins are a bonus.

Should You Book This Grand Baie Sunset and BBQ Cruise?

If you want a private, feel-good evening in Grand Baie built around sunset, sea cliffs at Coin de Mire, and an included BBQ dinner, this is a strong option. The value works best when you’re booking with enough people to use the full group capacity, and the no-hotel-pickup detail is easy to handle if you’re comfortable getting to the bay.

I’d book it if your idea of a great night is simple: get on board, relax, watch the coastline change color, snack along the way, and let the crew handle dinner. If you prefer lots of land stops or you need door-to-door pickup, you might want a different style of tour.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the cruise?

You meet at the catamaran named Wind Dancer 2 in the bay.

What time do I meet the captain, and when does the cruise depart?

You meet at 4:45 PM for a pre-departure briefing, and the cruise sets sail at 5:00 PM.

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is 4 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The cruise includes the 4-hour cruise, appetizers and snacks, a barbeque dinner, and drinks.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Will there be wildlife sightings?

You have a chance to see large pods of dolphins while cruising, and tropic birds are associated with Coin de Mire.

Where does the cruise go for the best views?

You cruise toward Coin de Mire for sea-cliff views, with sights of the Northern Isles coastline along the way.

What should I bring?

Warm clothing is recommended, since conditions on the water can get cooler in the evening.

What languages are available for the host or greeter?

The host or greeter speaks English and French.

Is it refundable if my plans change?

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