A catamaran day in Mauritius moves fast. You get a BBQ lunch plus time for snorkelling and island wandering, starting from Grand Gaube. The main drawback: it’s not a long, far-away ocean cruise, so expectations for big distances may not match.

I like that the schedule is simple and built around comfort: a morning water break, a deck lunch, then a beach-and-lagoon pause. You’ll meet the team at the Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort jetty, sail off at 10:00 am, and be back at 4:00 pm.

If you’re prone to seasickness or you need mobility-friendly access, this may not be your best match. The day is designed for swimming, walking on sand, and moving around the catamaran.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Grand Gaube check-in at 9:30 am and a prompt 10:00 am sailing
• Crew-assisted snorkel and swim time after departure
• BBQ lunch served onboard, with a vegetarian option
• L’ile d’Ambre mangroves break with free time and cocktails
• Bernaches Island beach and lagoon time until 2:30 pm
• Sea-condition backup routes to places like Gunners Coin or Casita beach

Catamaran cruise from Grand Gaube: easy start, clear timing

This outing runs as a full day without the usual “hours of transfers” pain. You’ll meet at the jetty of Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort in Grand-Gaube at 9:30 am, then the catamaran leaves at 10:00 am. The whole thing runs about 6.5 hours, with return back to that same jetty by 4:00 pm.

Why that matters: you can plan your other Mauritius activities without losing your whole day. If you’re staying near Grand Gaube, it also feels low-stress because you’re not waiting for an early pickup window that might slide around.

One more practical note: there’s no hotel pickup/drop-off included, so you’ll want to get yourself to the jetty on time. If you’re even a little late, you’ll feel it fast, since the boat sails promptly.

Morning water time at L’ile d’Ambre: snorkel help and mangrove calm

The morning is built around water time and getting you settled into the day. After departure, you head toward l’ile d’Ambre, described as home to lush mangroves and wildlife. From 10:00 am to noon, you’ll have a guided swimming and snorkelling break with crew assistance, plus time later to relax in the mangroves with a cocktail.

This is the part I’d call the “great for most people” section. You don’t need to be an advanced swimmer, but you do need to be comfortable getting in the water and following crew guidance for safe snorkelling.

You also get a nice change of pace: snorkel time, then a slower rhythm among the mangroves. Even if you don’t spot anything dramatic, the mangrove setting typically gives you a calmer, more sheltered feel than open sea.

The BBQ lunch onboard: what’s on the menu and what to expect

Lunch is served around noon on the catamaran deck, so you’re not hunting for food on land or racing between stops. The BBQ menu is clearly a mix of salads, sides, and grilled mains.

Here’s what the adult BBQ menu includes:

• Rice salad, potato & egg salad, and mixed salad
• Seasonal vegetables
• Grilled fish
• BBQ chicken
• Grilled chicken sausage
• Seafood delicacy
• Garlic bread and bread
• Seasonal fruit

Vegetarians get their own version, which matters because it’s not just a token swap. The vegetarian menu includes rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and seasonal fruit.

A quick reality check: this is BBQ on a moving boat, not a formal restaurant. The food is part of the experience, and it’s meant to be eaten while you enjoy the views and the sea breeze. If you’re the type who needs perfectly stable, utensil-only meals, you might find yourself adapting.

Bernaches Island free time: beaches, lagoon wandering, and simple walking

After lunch, you shift into the best “do what you want” portion of the day. From 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, you sail to Bernaches Island for free time.

This stop is all about shoreline time:

• Sandy beaches
• Crystal-clear lagoon time for snorkel/swim
• Leisure walks along the shoreline
• A chance to just sit and cool off under the Mauritian sun

What makes Bernaches Island valuable is the mix of easy pleasures. You’re not forced to stay in the water all day, but you also don’t have to choose between beach or ocean time. You can do a little of both.

One small consideration: the itinerary doesn’t present this as a serious long hiking or sightseeing program. If you want an island that feels like a full-day exploration, this is shorter and more relaxing than that. Think reset and soak up the coast, not check off a big list of sights.

Drinks and onboard vibe: cocktails, nonalcoholic options, and crew energy

The day is built for comfort and social time. Drinks are included and include local rum, wine (red, rosé, white), Phoenix Beer, plus fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. There are also cocktails mentioned with the mangrove relaxation.

This is where the experience often wins people over. The overall tone is relaxed—people tend to talk, snack, and drift with the day. The catamaran format helps too: you’re not stuck in a cramped coach, and you get open-air views during sailing and lunch.

From a value angle, having drinks included can matter more than you expect in Mauritius. It’s one less decision and one less expense once you’re already on the water.

If you’re a picky drinker, good news: you’re not limited to one thing. There are nonalcoholic options, and the mix of water, juice, and soft drinks keeps things practical when you’re out in the sun.

Price and value: does $80 make sense for this NE Mauritius route?

At $80 per person, you’re paying for a package that includes:

• A 6.5-hour catamaran trip along the northeast coast
• BBQ lunch onboard
• Snorkelling time with crew help and beach/snorkel time at the next stop
• A drink lineup that includes rum/wine/beer plus nonalcoholic beverages

So does it feel like value? For most people, yes—because you’re getting a full half-day outing without needing to organize gear, food, or transport. The price also lines up with the “you pay for convenience” part of island travel: you show up, and the day runs.

But here’s the balanced note: if you’re expecting big distances or a long open-ocean feel, you may find the travel time shorter than the fantasy. The route is more about coastal stops, water breaks, and island relaxation than about logging tons of miles.

For snorkelling expectations, I’d treat it as pleasant, not guaranteed to blow your mind. The water is described as turquoise and there’s snorkel time, but if you’re chasing the kind of snorkelling you’d plan a trip around, you might want to compare with other marine-focused tours on the island.

When weather changes the plan: backup stops and safety first

Sea conditions can alter the route. If the captain finds rough or impassable seas, you may change direction for safety and go to Gunners Coin or Casita beach instead.

This is worth factoring into your mental plan. Even though you’re booking a specific experience, you’re really booking a catamaran day with water time, and the exact beach spot can shift. Safety is the priority, and that’s exactly how it should be.

What to bring (so the day stays fun, not annoying)

This tour is simple, but the sun and water are not. Bring the essentials listed, and you’ll have an easier time from the moment you meet the team.

Pack:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• A jacket (you’ll be on the water, and weather can shift)
• Cover-up and change of clothes
• Snorkelling equipment if you prefer to use your own
• A waterproof bag or backpack for phones and valuables

Also bring a waterproof layer plan. If you don’t want wet surprises, a waterproof bag is the difference between relaxing and worrying.

If you’re prone to seasickness, the tour recommends motion sickness pills. Even if you think you’re fine, it’s worth having something as a backup because the water movement can change through the day.

Who this catamaran cruise is best for

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A relaxed northeast Mauritius day with minimal logistics
• BBQ lunch and included drinks
• A mix of snorkel time and beach downtime
• A crew-led experience that still leaves you with freedom at Bernaches Island

It’s not the best match if:

• You have mobility issues that make boarding and moving around a catamaran difficult
• You get seasick easily and can’t manage it with prevention
• You’re looking for a long-distance journey or a full-on sightseeing itinerary

Final verdict: should you book Blue Safari Mauritius’s NE Coast catamaran?

If you’re staying in or near Grand Gaube, this is one of the easier ways to get a full day of Mauritian coast time without juggling transport or food. The biggest strengths are the onboard BBQ lunch, the included drinks, and the fact that the day is paced with snorkel breaks and then real beach time on Bernaches Island.

Book it when you want a classic “water + food + chill” day. Skip it if your number-one goal is elite snorkelling or you need a long cruising distance instead of short, scenic coastal stops.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

It’s a 6.5-hour trip. You meet at 9:30 am and the activity ends back at the jetty by 4:00 pm.

Where do I meet the tour?

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

What time does the boat leave?

The boat departs at 10:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Is snorkelling included?

Yes. There is snorkelling time in the turquoise lagoon area, with crew assistance during the morning break, plus time to swim or snorkel again around Bernaches Island.

Do I need to bring my own snorkelling gear?

You can bring your own if you prefer, but snorkelling equipment may be available. The tour data encourages you to bring your own gear if you want it.

What food is included?

BBQ lunch is included. The menu includes rice and potato-based salads, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish and chicken, and seafood items, plus seasonal fruit. There is also a vegetarian menu.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The captain may change direction for safety and take you to Gunners Coin or Casita beach instead.