Catamaran in Mauritius: which cruise should you choose?

Photo: catamarans off Le Morne Brabant, on the west coast of Mauritius

Book a catamaran cruise in Mauritius: dolphins, Île aux Bénitiers or Île aux Cerfs, lunch on board and sunset over the lagoon.

◆ Key takeaways

  • West coast day cruise: Île aux Bénitiers, dolphins and Crystal Rock, 6 to 8 hours.
  • East coast day cruise: Île aux Cerfs and Trou d’Eau Douce, full day.
  • Northern cruise: Coin de Mire, Gabriel Island and Île Plate, full day.
  • Sunset cruise: west coast lagoon, 2 to 3 hours.
  • Private cruise: custom itinerary, duration depending on the package.

A catamaran cruise in Mauritius is one of the experiences worth enjoying at least once while exploring the island’s lagoon. Whether you choose a full-day trip or a sunset cruise, a shared excursion or a private charter, these boats take you to some of the island’s most beautiful spots: Île aux Bénitiers on the west coast, Île aux Cerfs on the east coast, and the northern islets such as Coin de Mire. Lunch on board, drinks and swimming breaks set the pace for the day. Here are the different types of cruises, destinations and prices to help you make the right choice during your stay at Legend Hill, a luxury hotel in Mauritius.

Types of catamaran cruises

A catamaran cruise in Mauritius comes in several formats, depending on how much time you have and the atmosphere you are looking for. A full-day cruise is the most comprehensive option, combining sailing, swimming, snorkelling and lunch on board, often with drinks included. These water activities punctuate the day, from the first snorkelling stop to relaxing on the deck. It is the ideal way to explore the lagoon and its islets at a leisurely pace.

For a shorter experience, a sunset cruise is particularly appealing, with drinks and an aperitif served on deck as you look out towards the horizon. Couples and groups often favour private cruises, which allow them to create their own itinerary and choose their stops. Each type of cruise offers a different way to experience the lagoon, from pure relaxation to snorkelling. Traveller reviews also highlight the variety of these excursions, combining sailing, swimming and exploration of the islets.

◆ Our tips

For your first catamaran trip, choose a full-day cruise rather than a half-day excursion. This gives you time to enjoy several snorkelling stops and a proper lunch on board. Aim for an early departure, when the sea is calm and dolphins are more likely to be spotted. Our concierge team selects smaller, more intimate boats rather than large, overcrowded vessels, for a more exclusive experience on the lagoon.

— Dinesh Doorbeejan, Head Concierge, Legend Hill

Catamaran sailing areas in Mauritius

A catamaran in Mauritius gives you access to three main sailing areas, each offering its own landscapes and atmosphere. On the west coast, around Rivière Noire and Tamarin, cruises head towards Île aux Bénitiers and Crystal Rock, with opportunities for early-morning dolphin watching. This area, the closest to our property, offers a calm and sheltered lagoon throughout the year.

Catamaran toutes voiles dehors dans le lagon turquoise de l’île Maurice, le long d’un îlot boisé

Depending on the region you choose, cruises head to different destinations:

  • On the west coast, Île aux Bénitiers and Crystal Rock, with opportunities to swim with dolphins in Tamarin Bay.
  • On the east coast, Île aux Cerfs from Trou d’Eau Douce, renowned for its white-sand beaches.
  • In the north, islets such as Coin de Mire, Gabriel Island and Île Plate, which offer a wilder setting.
  • Across the lagoon, sunset cruises offer beautiful views of Le Morne Brabant.

Each catamaran itinerary reveals a different side of Mauritius, from the turquoise lagoon of the west coast to the pristine waters of the north.

Catamaran cruise prices and what to expect

The price of a catamaran cruise in Mauritius depends on the type of package, its duration and whether the trip is shared or private. Our concierge team will be delighted to assist you and provide further information. Children often benefit from reduced rates depending on their age. These boat excursions can easily be incorporated into a Mauritius holiday, and booking early in your stay is recommended to secure your preferred date.

A typical day on the lagoon follows a well-established schedule:

  • Departure in the late morning from the west, east or north coast, depending on the excursion.
  • Several swimming and snorkelling stops along the way.
  • A barbecue lunch served on board, with food and drinks available.
  • Return in the mid-afternoon, sailing at the pace of the wind.

From Legend Hill, our concierge team can book the cruise that best suits your preferences and arrange your transfer to the departure point.

Dreaming of a day on the water, surrounded by dolphins, snorkelling spots and lunch overlooking the lagoon? At Legend Hill, our concierge team will arrange your catamaran cruise in Mauritius and coordinate every detail, from your transfer to the choice of boat. Book your sea excursion and experience the lagoon from our elevated retreat on the west coast!

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Questions fréquentes

What is the best catamaran cruise in Mauritius? +
The best catamaran cruise in Mauritius depends on where you are staying. On the west coast, head for Île aux Bénitiers and dolphin-watching excursions; on the east coast, choose Île aux Cerfs; and in the north, explore Coin de Mire and Gabriel Island. For a more relaxed atmosphere, opt for a sunset cruise.
What does a catamaran trip in Mauritius usually include? +
A catamaran trip in Mauritius generally includes sailing, several swimming and snorkelling stops, a barbecue lunch on board and drinks. Dolphin watching is often part of west-coast cruises, particularly on early-morning departures.
When is the best time to take a catamaran cruise in Mauritius? +
It is best to set off in the morning, when the lagoon is calm and dolphins are more likely to be spotted along the west coast. The period from April to December, which is generally drier, offers favourable conditions. A sunset cruise, naturally, is best enjoyed towards the end of the day.
What activities can you enjoy during a catamaran cruise in Mauritius? +
A catamaran cruise in Mauritius typically combines snorkelling, swimming and dolphin encounters, along with lunch on board. Excursions to Île aux Cerfs or Île aux Bénitiers are particularly popular, as reflected in traveller reviews. Booking early is recommended if you want to secure your preferred option and a good rate.

Sources & méthode

  1. UNESCO, World Heritage Centre — Le Morne Cultural Landscape. whc.unesco.org
  2. Mauritius Now, the Mauritian tourism board (MTPA) — cruises and sea excursions. mauritiusnow.com

Method: destinations, durations and the typical running order of the excursions were cross-checked with the Mauritian tourism board's destination guide and with the UNESCO World Heritage listing of Le Morne, and supplemented by the Legend Hill team's field observations and guest feedback, verified in August 2026. Packages, timings and prices vary between operators and seasons; please ask our concierge team before booking.

DD

Dinesh Doorbeejan

Head Concierge

Twenty-three years in luxury hospitality and international cruising, from Heritage Golf & Spa Resort to SO/ Mauritius, by way of Club Med 2 and Cunard: Dinesh Doorbeejan joined Legend Hill as Head Concierge. Butler, Head Butler then Duty Manager, he took part in several hotel opening teams before building the resort’s concierge department and training its staff. He is the one who designs guests’ tailor-made itineraries across the island.

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