A BBQ on a catamaran feels like freedom. This northeast Mauritius cruise pairs friendly crew energy with a proper on-board BBQ lunch with drinks. One thing to keep in mind: the snorkel and sailing time can feel limited if conditions force route changes for safety.

You meet at the jetty of Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort in Grand-Gaube, then the boat pulls out at 10:00 am. By late afternoon, you are back at the same jetty, with a day that mixes water time, mangroves, and sandy island lounging.

If you get motion sickness, plan carefully. This trip is not a good match for people prone to seasickness, and you will want the right gear, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag before you step aboard.

Key things to know before you go

• Catamaran day with a full BBQ on deck, plus a set meal for vegetarian diners
• Snorkel and swimming breaks around the northeast side, including time in the Grand Gaube lagoon area
• L’ile d’Ambre mangroves for calmer cruising and a cocktail in hand (on schedule)
• Bernaches Island free time for beach walking, lagoon exploring, and relaxing on sand
• Safety-driven route changes if seas are rough, with possible stops like Gunners Coin or Casita beach

Veranda Paul et Virginie jetty timing and what the day actually looks like

This is a half-day plus kind of outing, built for a full experience without making you chase transfers all day. You meet at 9:30 am at the jetty of Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort in Grand-Gaube, and the catamaran sails at 10:00 am. You come back to that same jetty at 4:00 pm, with about 6.5 hours on the water for the main activities.

No hotel pickup is included, so you should factor in getting yourself to the meeting point. If you are staying near Grand-Gaube, it is straightforward. If you are not, plan your local transport so you are not rushing at 9:30 am.

The trip runs every day of the week, Monday through Sunday. Languages on board are French and English, which matters if you want clear help with snorkeling or questions about the stops.

One practical note: the boat can change direction at the captain’s discretion for safety if conditions are rough. That is worth respecting, even if you are hoping for a certain amount of sailing time or a specific stop.

Morning plan to L’ile d’Ambre mangroves, plus swim and snorkel time

The morning is structured like this: after departure at 10:00 am, you head toward L’ile d’Ambre, where you get a break for swimming and snorkelling with crew assistance. Then you relax in the mangroves later, with a cocktail as you take in the stillness.

Why I like this timing: you get water time early, when everyone is fresh, before the heat and hunger of late morning set in. The mangrove stretch also gives the day variety. Not every catamaran itinerary gives you a change of scenery from open-water swimming to quieter natural channels.

You will also see the wildlife focus in the way the trip is described. Even if you are not an expert birder, mangroves tend to feel special because the whole mood slows down. You are not just passing sea view after sea view, you are in a calmer pocket that feels more protected.

What to watch for: the activity is not marketed as advanced snorkeling. If you are looking for deep, long underwater sessions, your time will likely feel more like a series of breaks than a training-style excursion. That can be perfect if you want easy fun and a BBQ lunch soon after.

Grand Gaube turquoise lagoon snorkeling and how to get the most out of it

You should expect snorkelling to be a highlight, and the itinerary calls out snorkelling in the Grand Gaube turquoise lagoon area. You also have a separate beach and lagoon block later at Bernaches Island, so your day is not a one-shot snorkel situation.

Here is how to make it work in your favor:

• Bring your own snorkelling gear if you have it, but you do not have to if you are comfortable renting or using what is provided.
• Use a waterproof bag for your phone and valuables. You will likely go from boat to water to beach a few times.
• Wear sunscreen before you get wet. It sounds obvious, but boat days can fool you, especially when the morning starts breezy.

Visibility and comfort are always conditions-dependent. That is not a criticism, it is just how open-water snorkeling works. If you are going on this trip primarily for snorkeling, you may want to set your expectations to “fun and refreshing,” not “hunt for the best reef of my life.”

Also, there is a clear rule on board: touching marine life and plants is not allowed. That is the right kind of conservation mindset, and it also keeps things simple for you. Just point, watch, float, and enjoy.

BBQ lunch on deck, the actual menu, and drink value

This is where the tour earns its money. You get a BBQ lunch served on board, and it is not just a token snack. The meal includes rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled items like fish and chicken, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit.

If you prefer vegetarian, the vegetarian menu includes rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and seasonal fruit. Kids eat the same as adults, based on the menu structure provided.

Drinks are an even bigger part of the value equation. The list includes local rum, wine (red, rosé, and white), Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. Nonalcoholic options are included, which is important if you want the “boat day vibe” without alcohol.

One reason people get happy on days like this is the pacing. Lunch happens at noon, after your morning swim and snorkel break. That means you are fed while the day still has energy left, not at the point where everyone is cranky and tired.

If you want the best comfort, plan to eat earlier rather than later during the lunch window. You will also want to keep your shade strategy in mind. A catamaran deck can sun you up fast, even if you spent the morning in water.

Bernaches Island afternoon, beach walking, and lagoon exploring

After lunch, the catamaran sails to Bernaches Island. You get free time starting at 1:00 pm, with activities like lounging on sandy beaches, exploring the lagoon, or taking leisurely walks along the shoreline until about 2:30 pm. Then the boat returns toward the Grand-Gaube jetty by 4:00 pm.

This part is ideal if your group has mixed interests. Some people want another swim. Some want to get out of the water and stretch. Bernaches Island gives you enough space to do both without feeling like you are being herded.

I also like that there is time for simple sightseeing. Mangrove cruising in the morning gives you nature atmosphere, then the island brings you pure beach relaxation. It feels balanced, not repetitive.

Practical tip: pack a change of clothes and something to cover up for the return trip. Even if you stay near the island shoreline, a wind shift on the way back can make you feel chilly if you are still damp.

Comfort, safety, and what to bring for a smooth day at sea

This tour is not listed as suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is also not a good pick for people prone to seasickness. The reason is simple: you are out on open water, you change environments a few times, and you cannot control how the boat moves.

If you are even slightly unsure about seasickness, consider taking motion sickness pills as suggested in the essentials list. It is better to prevent misery than to negotiate with it.

Bring the essentials that are actually useful:

• Snorkelling equipment if you prefer
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen, plus a hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Waterproof bag or backpack
• Cover-up and change of clothes
• A waterproof jacket (listed as important)
• Waterproof handling for your phone and camera

Also remember the rules: no littering, and do not touch marine life or plants. Keep your hands to yourself and you will help preserve the environment you came to enjoy.

Languages are French and English, so if you want instructions clearly explained, asking early is best. The crew assistance during swimming and snorkelling is part of the plan, so lean on it.

Price and value: is $80 per person a fair deal

At $80 per person, you are paying for a full catamaran day with three core ingredients: time on the water, a cooked meal, and drinks. The included items are what make the price feel reasonable.

You get:

• About 6.5 hours aboard a catamaran along the northeast coast
• BBQ lunch on board
• A drinks setup that includes cocktails and nonalcoholic options
• Snorkel and swimming breaks
• Free time at Bernaches Island and mangrove relaxation

The only big gap for value seekers is what is not included: hotel pickup and drop-off. If you are far from Grand-Gaube, transportation costs can quietly add up. If you are already near the Veranda Paul et Virginie jetty, the $80 feels much more straightforward.

As for what you get for your water time, opinions will vary. Some people want more snorkeling and more sailing. The itinerary is designed around breaks and free time, not a long uninterrupted ocean cruise. If you find yourself wanting one long highlight, you might wish the schedule had extra margin. But if you like variety, this is a solid plan.

Who should book this cruise, and who should pass

This is a strong match if you want:

• A catamaran day with a real BBQ lunch
• A mix of water time and beach time, not just one or the other
• People-watching plus easy relaxation, especially in the mangroves and on Bernaches Island
• Drinks on board, with nonalcoholic options available

It is also a decent fit for groups and families, since the kids’ menu follows the same structure as adults. If you have a mixed crew where some people snorkel and some do not, the itinerary still gives both groups something to do.

Skip this cruise if:

• You have mobility limitations that make getting in and out of a boat difficult
• You are very prone to seasickness
• You want guaranteed, long snorkel sessions with maximum underwater time, regardless of conditions

If you are the type who likes a structured day but still wants free time, this hits the sweet spot.

Should you book Blue Safari Mauritius North East of Mauritius?

My advice: book it if you want an easy day built around sea breezes, a satisfying lunch, and a couple of chances to get in the water. The price becomes much more attractive when you treat the drinks and BBQ as part of the deal, not an added bonus.

Choose carefully if snorkeling is your one obsession. This trip gives snorkel time and lagoon scenery, but it is also designed as a relaxed day with free time, mangroves, and beach wandering.

Before you go, do two simple things that make a big difference: pack sun protection plus a waterproof bag, and if you are worried about motion sickness, take prevention early. Then show up at 9:30 am, get settled, and let the schedule carry you through mangroves, BBQ, and island sand.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You meet at the jetty of Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel Resort in Grand-Gaube, Mauritius. The meeting time is 9:30 am, and the catamaran sails at 10:00 am.

What time does the trip end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at 4:00 pm.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

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

What is included for lunch, and is there a vegetarian option?

Lunch is a BBQ served onboard. The BBQ menu includes items like rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, seafood delicacy, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit. A vegetarian menu is also available, including rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and seasonal fruit.

What drinks are provided on the catamaran?

Drinks provided include local rum, wine (red, rosé, and white), Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. Nonalcoholic options are available.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Snorkelling gear is listed as something to bring, and you are also told you can bring your own if you prefer.

Where do we snorkel and swim?

The schedule includes a swim and snorkel break during the morning and a snorkelling stop in the Grand Gaube turquoise lagoon area. Later, you also get free time on Bernaches Island with opportunities to swim and explore the lagoon.

What happens if the sea conditions are rough?

If conditions are rough or impassable, the captain may change direction for safety and take you to Gunners Coin or Casita beach instead.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is also not suitable for people prone to seasickness.