Catamaran Cruises in Mauritius: North, South-East & West Compared (2026)

Mauritius is ringed by one of the calmest, clearest lagoons in the Indian Ocean — and the most relaxed way to experience it is from the deck of a catamaran. A full-day cruise gets you to snorkelling reefs and islets you simply can’t reach from the beach, with lunch, shade and a crew who know every channel. But the island’s coast changes character completely from one region to the next, so the right cruise depends on where you are and what you want to see.

This guide compares the main catamaran cruises in Mauritius by region, so you can match the trip to your trip.

Why take a catamaran cruise?

Catamarans are wide, stable and shaded — far gentler than a speedboat if anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, and roomy enough for families. A typical full-day sailing cruise includes snorkelling stops over coral, time at a sheltered swimming spot, a freshly grilled lunch on board and unlimited soft drinks. You bring a towel and sunscreen; the boat brings the rest.

North-East: mangroves, Grand-Gaube & the northern islets

The north-east cruise sails out of Grand-Gaube past sheltered mangrove channels toward l’île d’Ambre and Îlot Bernache, with snorkelling in calm, fish-rich water. It’s the quietest, most nature-led of the full-day options — good for travellers staying in the north who want scenery over party-boat energy.

→ North-East Full Day — Mangroves Cruise

South-East: Mahébourg, Île aux Cerfs & Blue Bay

Departing from Pointe des Régates in Mahébourg, the south-east cruise takes in the Trou Moutou reef and the famous white sand of Île aux Cerfs. This is the classic postcard lagoon — turquoise shallows, a long beach stop, great snorkelling. Ideal if you’re based in the south-east around Blue Bay.

→ South-East Full Day — Mahébourg Cruise

South-West: Le Morne, Crystal Rock & Île aux Bénitiers

The south-west cruise leaves from the Le Morne Anglers Club beneath the UNESCO-listed mountain and sails the Rivière Noire coast — past La Harmonie, the photogenic Crystal Rock rising out of the lagoon, and on to Île aux Bénitiers. The west coast is also dolphin country (more on that below), so morning departures often pass spinner pods.

→ South-West Full Day — Black River Cruise

Sunset cruises

If a full day is more than you want, a sunset catamaran cruise is a beautiful two-hour alternative — canapés, a drink in hand and the sky going pink over the lagoon. Our South-West Sunset Cruise runs on selected evenings, so check availability when you book.

→ South-West Sunset Cruise

What’s included & what to bring

• Included: crew, snorkelling gear, on-board lunch (full-day) or canapés (sunset), soft drinks, and stops at swimming and snorkelling spots.
• Bring: swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a light cover-up. Hotel transfers to the jetty aren’t included, so allow travel time.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for a cruise? Year-round, but morning departures generally have the calmest water and the best light for snorkelling.

Is it suitable for children? Yes — catamarans are stable and shaded, which makes them one of the most family-friendly ways to get on the water.

What if I get seasick? A catamaran is about as steady as a boat gets in the lagoon. If you’re sensitive, take a tablet beforehand and stay on deck in the fresh air.

Ready to get on the water? Browse every catamaran cruise and boat tour and book directly with a local operator.