REVIEW · GRAND BAIE & THE NORTH
North of Mauritius: Sunset Catamaran Cruise, Drinks & Snacks
Sunset tastes better on a catamaran. This north of Mauritius 2-hour sunset cruise runs along the coastline from Grand Baie, with green flash sightings possible as the sky darkens.
I love two things here: the drink selection, with local rum, wine, Phoenix Beer, plus fruit juice and soft drinks; and the fact that you also snack throughout, with items like nacho chips and dips, banana chips, and chatini-style tomato bites.
One big consideration, though, is that it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and the boat time is long enough that you will feel it if you are sensitive.
In This Review
- Key Things to Know Before You Go
- North Coast Sunset Cruise From Grand Baie: The Simple Reason It Feels Special
- Timing and Where to Meet on Sunset Boulevard, Grand Baie
- The Catamaran Experience: A Large Boat With an Easy Pace
- Drinks on Board: Local Rum, Wine, Beer, and the Nonalcoholic Options
- Snacks and Canapés: What You Get While You Watch the Horizon
- The Sunset Moment and Green Flash: How to Improve Your Chances
- What Happens if the Sea Gets Rough
- What to Bring: Sun, Water, and Comfort for a Late-Afternoon Sail
- Rules on Board: Small Things That Keep the Trip Comfortable
- Price and Value: Is $55 Worth It?
- Who This Sunset Catamaran Cruise Fits Best
- Should You Book This North of Mauritius Sunset Catamaran?
- FAQ
- How long is the sunset catamaran cruise?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What time does the tour start and end?
- What drinks are included on board?
- What snacks and canapés are included?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Is this suitable if I get seasick?
- What should I bring for the cruise?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key Things to Know Before You Go

- A true 2-hour sunset window along the north coast, with a fixed return time
- Drinks for different moods, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic options
- Snack timing is built in, so you are not stuck hungry while you wait for sunset
- Green flash is the big moment, and your best shot is watching the horizon right after sunset
- Meet at Sunset Boulevard Jetty, not a hotel pickup
- Captain may change course if sea conditions get rough, for safety
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North Coast Sunset Cruise From Grand Baie: The Simple Reason It Feels Special

This is one of those trips that is built for the clock. You sail out in late afternoon, settle in while the lagoon and coastline soften, and then you spend your main focus on one thing, the sunset. Even if green flash is just a maybe, the lead-up is still the point.
The route runs along Mauritius’ north side, starting from Grand Baie. That matters because you are on the water where the light hits differently than it does from shore, and the horizon becomes your main stage. With a 2-hour schedule, you get the vibe without turning the evening into a long commitment.
Timing and Where to Meet on Sunset Boulevard, Grand Baie

You meet at Sunset Boulevard, Grand Baie, at the Blue Safari Mauritius office area (near the jetty), facing the sea. There is no hotel pickup, so plan on getting yourself there by your own transport.
The departure timing depends on the season:
- Summer time (October to March): meet at 4:45 pm, sail at 5:00 pm, back by 7:00 pm
- Winter time (April to September): meet at 4:15 pm, sail at 4:30 pm, back by 6:30 pm
It is held Tuesday and Thursday. If you are trying to fit it around dinner, I suggest treating it as your early-evening anchor, then grabbing food after you are back on land.
The Catamaran Experience: A Large Boat With an Easy Pace

The cruise is on a catamaran, and it is a larger vessel, which helps the mood. Bigger boats often feel steadier, and in practice that means less mental energy worrying about the ride. The sailing style also keeps things relaxed, with time to sit back, watch the sky change, and grab a drink or snack without sprinting around.
That said, this is still time on open water. If you get motion sickness easily, do not play tough. The operator explicitly says it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, so take that seriously, not casually.
Drinks on Board: Local Rum, Wine, Beer, and the Nonalcoholic Options

What makes this cruise feel like value is that the refreshments are part of the experience, not an afterthought. You get a variety of beverages, including:
- Local rum
- Wine (red, rosé, white)
- Phoenix Beer
- Fruit juice
- Soft drinks and mineral water
You can also expect cocktails in the mix. And if you are not drinking alcohol, you are not stuck with only juice and water. Having choices matters on a sunset trip, because you want something that matches your comfort level while you watch the sky do its thing.
A practical tip: pace yourself early. The best lighting is often around sunset itself, and if you end up feeling sluggish, you will miss the best views.
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Snacks and Canapés: What You Get While You Watch the Horizon
You also get a selection of snacks and canapés served during the cruise. The menu includes:
- Tomato chatini style with croutons
- Nachos chips and dips
- Moolko selection
- Banana chips
I like this kind of snack mix because it hits different cravings at once. You get salty and crunchy options, plus something more local flavored. It also means you are not forced to choose between eating and sightseeing.
One caution: one of the feedback points is that the snack quality could be improved. If you are a big eater, you may want a proper meal before you go, then use the canapés as an on-boat bonus rather than your main dinner plan.
The Sunset Moment and Green Flash: How to Improve Your Chances

Around sunset, the cruise heads toward the horizon, aiming for that moment when the sun drops below. This is also when you are encouraged to watch for a rare optical event called the green flash phenomenon.
Is it guaranteed? No, and that is part of the fun. Green flash is dependent on atmospheric conditions and timing, and even when it happens, it can be quick. The best advice is simple:
- Keep your eyes on the horizon during the seconds after the sun dips.
- Don’t look away just because it feels like the show is over.
- When the sky starts changing fast, stay focused on the line where sea meets sky.
Even if green flash is elusive, you still get something you cannot replicate later indoors, the moment the light makes everything feel temporary and dramatic.
What Happens if the Sea Gets Rough
The operator is clear about safety. If the sea conditions are rough or impassable, the captain may change direction at his discretion. That is exactly what you want to hear on a water activity.
Also, remember that the cruise is not marketed as wheelchair-friendly, and it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. Those are not minor notes, they are the difference between an enjoyable sunset and an evening you rush through.
What to Bring: Sun, Water, and Comfort for a Late-Afternoon Sail
This is the kind of trip where packing smart makes your evening smoother. Bring what the essentials list calls for, especially since you could get wet and you will likely be outside for a while:
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen, hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Cover-up and change of clothes
- Non-slip shoes
- Insect repellent
- Waterproof bag or backpack
- Motion sickness pills if you need them
- A waterproof jacket
I also suggest keeping your layers practical. Even in the north, evenings can cool off once you are on the water.
Rules on Board: Small Things That Keep the Trip Comfortable
This cruise is also run with basic behavior and safety rules in mind. You cannot bring pets, though assistance dogs are allowed. You should not litter, and you should not touch marine life.
It sounds obvious, but it helps you know what the vibe will be like. The goal here is relaxed, respectful sailing, with everyone watching the sunset instead of treating the boat like a playground.
Price and Value: Is $55 Worth It?
At $55 per person, you are paying for three things bundled together:
- A real boat outing on the north coast for about 2 hours
- Drinks that include alcohol (rum, wine, beer) plus nonalcoholic choices
- Snacks and canapés served during the sail
That combination is where the value comes from. If you tried to do the same day on your own, you would still be paying for boat time and then separately paying for drinks and food. Here, the refreshments reduce the chance you feel stuck with limited options or that you need to plan your own snack run mid-trip.
One more value factor: multiple people highlight the atmosphere and the crew. When staff are attentive, it tends to make the time feel smoother, especially on a short sunset window.
Who This Sunset Catamaran Cruise Fits Best
You will probably love this if you want:
- A short, timed sunset outing without a full evening commitment
- A group-friendly activity with drinks and snacks included
- A scenic north-coast sail that works well as a first or second night in Mauritius
It is not a great match if:
- You get seasick easily
- You need mobility support, since it is marked as not suitable for people with mobility impairments
If you are traveling with friends, this is also a good pick because the drinks include options for both drinkers and non-drinkers, and the snack set keeps things casual.
Should You Book This North of Mauritius Sunset Catamaran?
If you want an easy, atmospheric evening on the water, this is a strong bet. The schedule is tight, the drink selection is clear, and the snack-and-sunset setup is exactly the kind of plan that works in real life, not just on paper.
I would book it if you are comfortable on boats and you can enjoy a sunset without needing the day to revolve around it being perfect. Green flash is a bonus, not a requirement, and even without it you still get a properly timed cruise out of Grand Baie with refreshments on board.
On the other hand, if seasickness is your weak spot, skip it or plan a different kind of evening. Comfort beats heroics, especially when the ride time is long enough to matter.
FAQ
How long is the sunset catamaran cruise?
The cruise lasts about 2 hours, including time sailing out to catch the sunset and time returning afterward.
Where is the meeting point?
You meet at Sunset Boulevard, Grand Baie, at the Blue Safari Mauritius office area near the jetty, facing the sea.
What time does the tour start and end?
It runs Tuesday and Thursday. In summer (October to March), you meet at 4:45 pm and return by 7:00 pm. In winter (April to September), you meet at 4:15 pm and return by 6:30 pm.
What drinks are included on board?
Included drinks include local rum, wine (red, rosé, and white), Phoenix Beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. Cocktails and nonalcoholic options are part of the selection.
What snacks and canapés are included?
Snacks and canapés include tomato chatini style with croutons, nachos chips with dips, a moolko selection, and banana chips.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Is this suitable if I get seasick?
No. The experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.
What should I bring for the cruise?
Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, hat or cap, sunglasses, towel, cover-up and change of clothes, non-slip shoes, insect repellent, and a waterproof bag or backpack. A waterproof jacket is also recommended, and motion sickness pills if you need them.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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