Catamaran Cruises in Mauritius: 5 trips to choose from, 2026 prices

This is the best-rated catamaran cruise in the line-up at this stage: 5 out of 5 from 10 verified Manawa reviews, tied with the Pointe Jérôme package (9 reviews). Departure is from Trou d'Eau Douce on the east coast, towards the Île aux Cerfs lagoon, one of the most photographed in Mauritius with its turquoise water and white sandy seabed.

The format runs a full day on the water, usually with 2 to 3 stops: anchoring off Île aux Cerfs for swimming and the beach, snorkelling at a nearby coral reef spot, and passing by the GRSE waterfall (a coastal waterfall visible from the sea). An on-board barbecue lunch is usually included (grilled chicken or fish on the rear deck, salad, fruit).

Who it's for: families who want a full day on the water with no logistics, couples who enjoy shared cruises (not just the private sunset option), travellers based on the east coast or in the centre, photographers after the turquoise seabed of Île aux Cerfs. Who it's not for: travellers who want an intimate private format (book the €282 sunset cruise at Black River instead), people very prone to seasickness (the cruise lasts 7-8 hours).

Manawa rate €69.21 per person for the full day. Flexible weather cancellation. Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen (chemical filters are banned in some marine zones), a hat, sunglasses. Check drinks with the provider (water and soft drinks are often included, alcohol is usually extra).

This catamaran cruise departs from Pointe Jérôme in Mahébourg, in south-east Mauritius, and combines 2 separate lagoons in a single day: Mahébourg's (wide, sheltered, Île aux Aigrettes in view) and Île aux Cerfs's to the north-east. Manawa rating 5 out of 5 from 9 verified reviews, on par in quality with the Trou d'Eau Douce package but with a more extensive route.

The appeal over the Trou d'Eau Douce package (€69) lies in geographic coverage: you visit 2 lagoons in a single day rather than one, making it the most complete option for travellers based in the south-east (Mahébourg, Blue Bay, Pointe d'Esny). Departing from Pointe Jérôme avoids the trip to the east coast (around 1 hour's drive between Blue Bay and Trou d'Eau Douce).

Who it's for: travellers based in the south-east or in transit through the airport (SSR is 15 minutes from Pointe Jérôme), groups who want to maximise the number of spots covered in a day, photographers who want to compare the 2 lagoons. Who it's not for: travellers based in the north (a long drive to Mahébourg), people in a hurry who just want Île aux Cerfs (book the direct €70 package from Blue Bay on Manawa instead).

Manawa rate €74 per person for the full day. Flexible weather cancellation. Check meals and drinks with the provider; an on-board barbecue lunch is usually included at this price.

This cruise focuses on south-west Mauritius, departing from Black River (west coast). The classic programme combines 3 spots: spinner dolphin watching in Tamarin Bay in the morning, anchoring at Île aux Bénitiers for a swim, and a pass by Crystal Rock (a basalt rock rising from the lagoon, one of the most photographed Instagram spots in Mauritius). Manawa rating 4 out of 5 from 10 verified reviews.

The slightly lower rating than the east coast packages (5/5) comes down to 2 factors: dependence on the dolphins (not always present depending on the season and weather) and choppier sea conditions on the west coast than the east. The south-west remains, however, the only route that combines cetaceans, Le Morne and Île aux Bénitiers in a single outing.

Who it's for: travellers based on the west coast (Tamarin, Flic en Flac, Le Morne), cetacean enthusiasts who want watching and swimming on the same boat (see also my swimming with dolphins page), groups after the Crystal Rock shot. Who it's not for: travellers based in the east (book the €69 Trou d'Eau Douce package instead), people prone to seasickness (rougher seas in the west).

Manawa rate €65.96 per person for the full day. Flexible weather cancellation. Dolphin sightings aren't guaranteed but are likely from October to April in the early morning. The outing isn't recommended in January-February (west coast cyclone season).

This is a budget variant of the Pointe Jérôme to Île aux Cerfs cruise (€74 on the 5/5-from-9-reviews version). The route is similar, but the provider and service quality may differ slightly (boat size, equipment, meals included). No reviews published to date, a recent listing.

The €12-per-person price gap (around 16% cheaper) can add up for a full family group (roughly €50 saved for 4 people). But without a review volume to confirm service quality, I'd currently recommend the €74 package if you want the reassurance of a verified 5/5.

Who it's for: budget-conscious travellers willing to book a listing without verified reviews, family groups splitting the €50 saving. Who it's not for: travellers who prioritise the highest Manawa rating as a guarantee (book the €74 package on the same route instead).

Manawa rate €62 per person for the full day. Flexible weather cancellation. Check lunch and extras directly with the operator when booking, as the current listing doesn't specify them.

This is the only private package in the Mauritius catamaran line-up (the other 4 are shared cruises). The boat is chartered exclusively for your group, skipper included, for the sunset slot on the west coast. The classic route heads up from Black River towards Tamarin Bay and passes off Le Morne Brabant at sunset. Manawa rating 5 out of 5 from 1 verified review.

The €282.33 rate is a flat fee for the whole group (not per person), which makes it very competitive if you're a party of 6 to 10 (roughly €28-50 per head). It's also the only option for a romantic couple who'd rather not share the boat with other guests.

Who it's for: couples wanting a romantic private evening, marriage proposals, birthdays, small groups of friends or family up to 8-10 people, travellers based on the west coast (Tamarin, Flic en Flac, Le Morne). Who it's not for: large groups (book the €74 shared Pointe Jérôme cruise instead), travellers based on the east coast or in the north (a long drive to Black River).

Manawa rate €282.33 as a private flat rate. Flexible weather cancellation. Check drinks and an aperitif with the provider; most offer them as an extra. This package is also listed on my boat rental page (see my Mauritius boat rental guide).