North of Mauritius: Sunset Catamaran Cruise, Drinks & Snacks

The best part of this two-hour catamaran cruise is the changing view. You leave Grand Baie, glide across the lagoon, and watch the northern coastline turn gold, pink, and orange as the sun drops. I like the open-air pace and the fact that drinks and snacks are included, so you can settle in without watching the clock.

I also like the simple timing: a 5:00 pm departure in summer or 4:30 pm in winter, with a return to the same jetty. The main drawback is that the food is light rather than a full meal, and rough water can make the ride uncomfortable for anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points

• Sunset from the water: The catamaran sails out of Grand Baie so you can watch the sun set over the lagoon and northern coast.
• Included drinks: Local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water are provided.
• Light Mauritian-style snacks: Expect tomato chatini with croutons, nachos with dips, moolko snacks, and banana chips.
• A rare green flash chance: Keep watching just after sunset, though this optical effect is never guaranteed.
• Two-hour evening outing: The cruise returns to Sunset Boulevard at 7:00 pm in summer and 6:30 pm in winter.
• Friendly, relaxed service: The crew has earned praise for creating a comfortable atmosphere and taking good care of people onboard.

Leaving Grand Baie for the evening light

Your meeting point is the Blue Safari, Sportfisher, Croisieres Australes office at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie. It is by the sea, near the jetty, and the cruise finishes at this same spot. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to arrange your own way to Grand Baie.

In the October to March summer season, meet at 4:45 pm for the 5:00 pm departure. From April to September, the meeting time shifts to 4:15 pm, with sailing at 4:30 pm. These times matter because sunset changes with the season, and arriving late could mean missing the boarding process.

The catamaran heads out of the bay toward the open horizon. The route follows the calm lagoon and northern coastline, giving you a broad view rather than a quick stop at one attraction. This is a scenic cruise first, not a sightseeing tour packed with commentary or shore visits.

The vessel is described as large, which helps create a more relaxed feel than a small, tightly packed boat. Still, exact group size and seating arrangements are not provided, so you should not assume a private or small-group outing.

What two hours on the catamaran feels like

Once the boat is underway, the point is to slow down. You have time to look at the water, take photographs, and watch the colour of the sky change without rushing from one stop to the next.

The cruise stays on the water for roughly two hours. You are not getting off at an island or beach, and there is no swim stop listed. That makes this a good match if you want an easy evening activity after a day of touring, but less suitable if you want swimming, snorkeling, or a full-day boat adventure.

The northern coast is especially pleasant at this hour because the view changes by the minute. Early in the outing, you may see the lagoon in daylight. Later, the sun begins to soften the scene, and the return ride takes place as evening sets in.

Bring a camera, but do not spend the whole cruise looking through it. The strongest part of the experience is watching the sky directly, especially during the short period just before and after sunset.

Drinks from rum to mineral water

The drinks are one of the better reasons to consider this cruise. The included selection covers local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. The experience also describes cocktails and nonalcoholic refreshments, so you are not limited to one basic drink option.

This range suits mixed groups. One person can have rum or wine, another can choose beer, and someone else can stick with juice, soda, or water. That is useful on a sunset outing, where the social side matters almost as much as the view.

You should pace yourself. The cruise is short, and the boat may be moving over open water, so heavy drinking is not a smart match for the setting. If you are prone to seasickness, alcohol can make the problem worse.

The drinks add real value to the $55 price. A similar sunset outing with paid drinks can become expensive quickly, especially for two people. Here, the beverage selection is part of the planned experience rather than an extra charge onboard.

Snacks, canapés, and realistic expectations

The food is designed for nibbling, not dinner. The selection includes tomato chatini with croutons, nachos with dips, moolko snacks, and banana chips. These give you a mix of savoury, crunchy, and local flavours while you watch the sunset.

Tomato chatini is a useful local touch. It brings a Mauritian flavour to what could otherwise be a standard boat snack service. Banana chips also fit the island setting and are easy to eat while standing or sitting with a drink.

I would not book this cruise as a replacement for an evening meal. The food is light, and one piece of feedback specifically suggests that the snack selection could be improved. If you tend to get hungry early, eat beforehand or plan dinner for after the 7:00 pm summer return or 6:30 pm winter return.

That said, the snacks do what they need to do. They give you something to share and nibble while the boat is moving, without turning the outing into a formal dining event.

Catching the green flash

The cruise gives you a chance to look for the green flash, a brief optical effect that can appear just after the sun disappears below the horizon. It is an appealing detail because the whole boat is already focused on the sunset, and the final seconds add a small sense of anticipation.

Keep your eyes on the horizon as the sun goes down. Do not count on seeing green, though. The phenomenon is rare and depends on conditions, visibility, and timing. It should be treated as a bonus, not a promised part of the cruise.

Even without it, the sunset remains the main attraction. The boat provides an open view across the water, and the changing light gives you a better sense of the coast than you would get from a restaurant or roadside viewpoint.

Timing the sunset by season

The schedule changes by season to match the earlier or later sunset.

October through March:

• Meet at 4:45 pm at Sunset Boulevard
• Sail at 5:00 pm
• Return at 7:00 pm

April through September:

• Meet at 4:15 pm at Sunset Boulevard
• Sail at 4:30 pm
• Return at 6:30 pm

You should arrive before the stated meeting time, not at the departure time. The boat leaves from the jetty, and the listed schedule includes an embarkation process before sailing.

The fixed Tuesday and Thursday schedule is another practical point. This is not a daily activity, so check your wider Mauritius plans before booking. If your stay in the north is short, the limited operating days may matter more than the two-hour duration.

Safety, weather, and comfort on the water

The captain can change direction if sea conditions become rough or impassable. That is sensible, but it also means the exact route is not guaranteed. You may not sail in the precise direction described if conditions call for a safer plan.

A waterproof bag is useful for your phone, camera, wallet, and other small items. You should also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap, a towel, a cover-up, a change of clothes, and a waterproof jacket. The jacket is worth packing even in warm weather because the ride back can feel cooler after sunset.

Non-slip shoes are recommended. Avoid bringing anything you would hate to get wet or lose. Insect repellent is also listed among the suggested items, which is sensible as daylight fades.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is not recommended for people prone to seasickness. If motion sickness is a concern, bring suitable pills if you normally use them. Do not wait until the boat is already moving.

Pets are not allowed, apart from assistance dogs. Littering and touching marine life are also prohibited. These rules are simple, but they matter on a boat where waste and careless contact can quickly affect the water around you.

The crew and the mood onboard

The crew has been praised for being friendly and attentive, with particular approval for the way they look after people during the cruise. The mood is intended to be relaxed rather than formal. You can enjoy a drink, take pictures, and watch the sunset without needing to follow a demanding program.

The atmosphere seems to be one of the strongest parts of the outing. Several comments point to a well-managed, enjoyable setting, and the high overall rating of 4.9 from 14 reviews supports that impression. That is a small review sample, so I would not treat it as a guarantee, but it does point to consistent satisfaction with the basic service.

The experience is offered in English and French. No individual guide names are provided, and the focus is not on a long narrated presentation. If you want detailed information about Mauritius, its coastline, or marine life, you may prefer a dedicated guided tour.

If you want a pleasant boat ride with drinks, snacks, and a good sunset position, the format makes sense. The crew’s role is mainly to keep the cruise comfortable and well supplied.

Is $55 a fair price?

At $55 per person, the value depends on what you want from an evening on the water. You are paying for a two-hour catamaran ride, sunset views, a selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, light snacks, and the ease of returning to the same Grand Baie jetty.

I consider that a fair price for a simple sunset outing, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for drinks at a waterfront bar. The included rum, wine, beer, juices, soft drinks, and water make the cost easier to justify.

The value is weaker if you expect a full meal, hotel transportation, swimming, snorkeling, or a long coastal tour. None of those are included. You also need to reach Sunset Boulevard yourself, and personal expenses are not covered.

This is best viewed as an evening experience rather than a major day excursion. It gives you a scenic two-hour window and takes care of the drinks and small bites. If you want a full dinner cruise, look for something with a clearly stated meal instead.

The option to reserve and pay later gives you some planning flexibility. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, according to the stated booking terms. Keep those conditions in mind when fitting the cruise into your schedule.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and solo visitors who want a calm evening with a strong view and little planning. It also suits anyone who enjoys a social boat setting but does not want a full-day commitment.

The cruise is a good choice if you are staying in or near Grand Baie. Since there is no hotel pickup, it works best when you already have plans in the area or can arrange your own transport to Sunset Boulevard.

It may also suit families with older children, provided everyone is comfortable on a moving boat and the group follows the onboard rules. The drinks menu includes nonalcoholic choices, but the attraction is mainly the scenery and atmosphere rather than a children’s program.

I would skip it if you regularly get seasick, have mobility limitations, or need a substantial meal included. I would also choose another activity if you want active water time. This cruise is about sitting back, watching the sky, and enjoying the ride.

What to bring from Grand Baie

Pack light, but bring the right items:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen for the daylight portion
• A hat or cap
• A waterproof bag or backpack
• A towel and change of clothes
• A cover-up and waterproof jacket
• Non-slip shoes
• Insect repellent
• Motion sickness pills if needed

A phone or camera is useful for the sunset, but protect it from spray and accidental spills. Wear clothing that can handle a cooler breeze after the sun drops.

You should also eat enough before boarding if you know light snacks will not carry you through the evening. The tomato chatini, nachos, moolko snacks, and banana chips are welcome additions, but they are not a full dinner.

Should you book the sunset catamaran cruise?

Book this cruise if you want an easy, scenic evening from Grand Baie with drinks included and no long commitment. The large catamaran, friendly service, generous drink range, and chance of seeing the green flash give the outing more character than a simple boat transfer.

Skip it if you want a meal, swimming, snorkeling, hotel transportation, or guaranteed calm water. Also check the Tuesday and Thursday operating days before you build it into your plans.

For $55, I see this as a good-value sunset social cruise, provided you understand its limits. Bring a jacket, protect your valuables, arrive early at the jetty, and treat the green flash as a lucky extra rather than the main reason to go.

FAQ

Where does the sunset catamaran cruise leave from?

It leaves from the Blue Safari, Sportfisher, Croisieres Australes office at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie, Mauritius. The office is facing the sea near the jetty.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts about two hours. It returns to the same meeting point after sailing along the northern coastline and lagoon.

What time does the cruise depart?

From October through March, meet at 4:45 pm for a 5:00 pm departure and a 7:00 pm return. From April through September, meet at 4:15 pm for a 4:30 pm departure and a 6:30 pm return.

Which days does the cruise operate?

The cruise operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks include local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. Cocktails and nonalcoholic refreshments are also described as part of the experience.

What food is served onboard?

The snack selection includes tomato chatini with croutons, nachos and dips, moolko snacks, and banana chips. These are light snacks and canapés, not a full meal.

Is the cruise suitable for people with seasickness or mobility impairments?

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or people prone to seasickness. The captain may change direction if sea conditions are rough or impassable.