North of Mauritius: Sunset Catamaran Cruise, Drinks & Snacks

Sunset here starts right on the water. I love the 2-hour northern coastline sail and the drinks that fit the mood (cocktails plus nonalcoholic options) while the sky changes fast. It’s one of those Mauritius plans that feels simple, but the timing and setting do the heavy lifting.

The main watch-out is that the snacks can be hit-or-miss, depending on what you expect from a light canapés spread. Also note the cruise isn’t built for rough water or motion sensitivity, so plan around that if you’re prone to seasickness.

Key things to know before you go

• Two timing options, Tuesday and Thursday: Summer meets at 4:45 pm; winter meets at 4:15 pm
• Drinks included: Local rum, wine (red/rosé/white), Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water
• Light canapés on board: Think snacky bites rather than a full meal
• Green flash is a possibility: You can keep an eye out around sunset for the rare optical effect
• Bring the right gear: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a jacket when it cools down

Why Grand Baie’s north coast is the perfect sunset setting

Grand Baie sits on Mauritius’s north side, and the cruise route focuses on the lagoon and the coastline as evening approaches. That matters because sunsets behave better when you’re looking toward open water rather than blocked views.

On this trip, you’re not rushing from one photo stop to another. You get time. Two hours is long enough to enjoy the cooling air, settle in, and watch the light shift without feeling stuck at the dock.

The schedule: summer vs winter timing (and why arriving early helps)

This cruise runs Tuesday and Thursday. The meeting time changes by season, and it’s worth showing up a little early so you can get situated before you push off.

Summer (October to March)

• 4:45 pm: Meet at Sunset Boulevard, Grand Baie for embarkation
• 5:00 pm: Sail off, with snacks, canapés, and drinks onboard
• 7:00 pm: Back at Sunset Boulevard jetty

Winter (April to September)

• 4:15 pm: Meet at Sunset Boulevard for embarkation
• 4:30 pm: Sail off, with snacks, canapés, and drinks onboard
• 6:30 pm: Back at Sunset Boulevard

That extra hour in the winter schedule helps you catch the sunset without shortening the sailing time too much. It also means you’ll be on the water during the most photogenic stretch, not just after sunset when the colors fade.

Where you meet and how to find the boat area fast

Your start point is at the Blue Safari Mauritius office area on Sunset Boulevard, Grand Baie, near the jetty and facing the sea. The listing notes the office area as the key landmark, including where you line up for the embarkation process.

If you’re coming by taxi, ask to be dropped at Sunset Boulevard by the jetty side so you’re not walking against traffic late in the day. If you’re walking in, give yourself a few minutes buffer so you’re not dealing with sun and crowds right at the meeting time.

The drinks are the real reason this works so well

This is a sunset cruise with included drinks, and that changes the whole feel. Around the world, sunset trips tend to fall into one of two modes: either you buy drinks one by one, or you commit to a more relaxed evening with fewer decisions.

Here, you get a straight list of included drinks:

• Local rum
• Wine (red, rosé, white)
• Phoenix Beer
• Fruit juice
• Soft drinks and mineral water

Even better: you have nonalcoholic options too, so you can keep the experience easy. You don’t need to switch to a soda-and-photos plan just because you want to pace yourself.

For the value, $55 per person can make sense if you drink a little, because it’s a 2-hour sailing window. If you’ll be mostly on juice or water, it may feel more like a paid snack-and-view cruise. Either way, the setting is why you book.

Snacks and canapés: what to expect (and what to plan around)

The cruise includes a selection of snacks and canapés. Based on the stated items, you can expect a mix like:

• Tomato chatini style & croutons
• Nachos chips & dips
• Moolkooselection (as listed)
• Banana chips

That’s a fun mix for pairing with drinks, and it keeps things casual while you watch the light change. The only caution is that the snacks are not positioned as a full meal, and you could leave hungry if you expect something substantial.

If you’re the type who needs food to feel comfortable, eat a real dinner before you go. This way, the canapés feel like a bonus, not your main course.

The green flash: how to actually try for it

The cruise explicitly invites you to look for the green flash phenomenon, described as an optical event that can appear just after sunset. You can’t force it, and you shouldn’t stress if you don’t see it. But you can stack the odds in a practical way.

Here’s what helps:

• Stand or sit where you have a clear view toward the horizon
• Look when the sun dips below the horizon, then keep watching for a few seconds after
• Avoid covering your eyes with dark sunglasses too early; basic shades are fine, but don’t bury the horizon completely

This is the kind of thing that feels special even when it doesn’t happen, because you’re part of the crew watching the same line of light.

Sea conditions and motion reality check

One strong practical note: the experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. And the captain has discretion to change direction if conditions get rough or the sea is impassable.

That means you should take the comfort part seriously. If you tend to get motion sick, consider the essentials the trip recommends: motion sickness pills if necessary, plus a jacket and change of clothes so you’re not stuck cold or uncomfortable.

If you’re sensitive to movement, you’ll likely feel a lot better on the more stable seating area of the catamaran. The data doesn’t list specific seating, but your best move is to choose where the motion feels least.

What to pack: the sunset chill is real

Even in warm weather, being on water changes how fast you cool down. The essentials list is solid, and I’d treat it as minimum gear:

• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen and hat/cap
• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Cover-up and a change of clothes
• Non-slip shoes
• Insect repellent
• Waterproof bag or backpack
• Waterproof jacket

If you bring a waterproof bag, you’ll keep your phone and camera happier. The cruise ends back at the jetty, but you don’t want to spend the sail time worrying about splashes.

Also, the trip notes a key rule: don’t touch marine life. That’s about protecting the ecosystem and keeping things safe onboard.

Pet rules, littering, and basic on-board etiquette

The experience is straightforward about what’s not allowed:

• Pets are not allowed (assistance dogs are allowed)
• No littering
• No touching marine life

These rules aren’t just about compliance. Catamarans are shared space, and a clean deck means everyone can move around and enjoy the sunset without feeling annoyed or boxed in.

Who this cruise is best for

This fits best if you want:

• A relaxed sunset plan with included drinks
• A north-coast view from open water
• Light food and easy pacing instead of a structured, rushed day

It may not fit if you:

• Have mobility impairments (not suitable for people with mobility impairments)
• Easily get motion sick
• Want a full meal and lots of variety beyond canapés

For couples, friends, and anyone who likes a calm evening with real sky time, this is a strong pick. It’s also great when you want a pre-dinner or early-evening activity that doesn’t eat your whole day.

Price and value: $55 for a 2-hour sailing moment

Let’s talk about value in a practical way. You’re paying $55 per person for:

• A 2-hour sunset catamaran cruise along the north coastline and lagoon area
• Included drinks: rum, wine, beer, plus nonalcoholic options
• Included snacks and canapés
• A chance at the green flash around sunset

If you’d otherwise pay for cocktails and then buy a snack separately, this package can make the money feel less painful. If you don’t drink much, it can still be worth it because the main product is time on the water at sunset, not just the food.

Either way, the math works best when you treat it as your sunset event, not an extra add-on to a full-day plan.

Should you book this sunset catamaran in Mauritius?

I’d book it if you want a classic Grand Baie evening that stays simple: meet by the jetty, sail out for about two hours, drink at a casual pace, and watch the coastline darken.

Skip it if you’re motion-sensitive or if you need a full meal. Also, go in knowing the canapés are meant to complement drinks and the view, not replace dinner.

If you’re deciding between “party sunset” and “quiet sunset,” this lands in the easy middle: lively enough to feel fun, calm enough to actually watch the horizon.

FAQ

How long is the sunset catamaran cruise?

It lasts about 2 hours on the water, with return to the jetty at 7:00 pm in summer and 6:30 pm in winter.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at the Blue Safari Mauritius meeting point at Sunset Boulevard, Grand Baie, facing the sea near the jetty, and it ends back at the same point.

What time do I need to meet in summer and winter?

In summer (October to March) you meet at 4:45 pm and sail off at 5:00 pm. In winter (April to September) you meet at 4:15 pm and sail off at 4:30 pm.

On which days does it run?

The cruise operates on Tuesday and Thursday.

What drinks are included?

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

Are snacks and canapés included?

Yes. You get a selection of snacks and canapés, including items such as tomato chatini style & croutons, nachos chips & dips, moolkooselection, and banana chips.

Can I see the green flash phenomenon?

The cruise includes time to look for it. The event is rare and not guaranteed, but you are encouraged to watch around sunset for the green flash phenomenon.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a swimsuit, change of clothes, sun protection (sunscreen and hat/cap), a towel, and a jacket. A waterproof bag is also recommended.

Is it suitable for people who get seasick or have mobility issues?

No. It’s marked as not suitable for people prone to seasickness and not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If sea conditions turn rough, the captain may change direction for safety.