These are the two classic catamaran days in Mauritius. Many people only have time for one. Here is a clear comparison to help you choose.

The short answer

• Staying in the north or west? Book the Northern Islands. It leaves from Grand Baie, close by.
• Staying in the east or south-east? Book Île aux Cerfs. It leaves from the east coast or Mahébourg.
• Want more open sea and snorkelling? Northern Islands.
• Want a big beach, a waterfall and calm lagoon water? Île aux Cerfs.

Now the details.

The Northern Islands catamaran

Route

Our Northern Islands Catamaran Cruise on Le Pacha leaves Grand Baie. It runs from 09:00 to 16:15.

You stop to swim and snorkel near Coin de Mire (Gunner's Quoin), the tall rock island off the north coast. Then you go to Îlot Gabriel for beach time and a walk on the island. A BBQ lunch is served on board, followed by an easy cruise back.

On board

Le Pacha is a Blue Safari catamaran for up to 29 guests. Lunch is a mixed grill with a vegetarian option. Drinks include rum, wine, Phoenix beer, juice, soft drinks and water.

Price

From €75 per person. Hotel transfers are not included. Bring your own snorkel gear if you want to snorkel.

Good to know

The northern islands are outside the reef. The crossing is in open water, so it can feel bumpy on a windy day. If you get seasick, take a tablet before you go.

The Île aux Cerfs catamaran

From Mahébourg: Harris Wilson

Our South-East Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs on Harris Wilson leaves the Pointe des Régates jetty in Mahébourg. You snorkel at Trou Moutou, cruise past Île de la Passe, Île aux Phares and Île aux Aigrettes, visit the Grand River South East waterfall, then have lunch on board and an afternoon on Île aux Cerfs. Harris Wilson takes up to 37 guests, with a BBQ mixed grill and drinks. From €75 per person.

From Trou d'Eau Douce: the classic east-coast day

Staying on the east coast? The Île aux Cerfs catamaran from Trou d'Eau Douce is shorter and closer: out at 09:00, back around 15:00, with the GRSE waterfall, beach time on Île aux Cerfs and a grilled lunch with drinks on board.

Good to know

Île aux Cerfs is famous for its long white beaches and bright lagoon. It is a popular island, so expect other visitors, especially on weekends and holidays. Much of the route is inside the lagoon, so the water is often calmer.

Side by side

• Departs from: Northern Islands from Grand Baie; Île aux Cerfs from Mahébourg or Trou d'Eau Douce.
• Main stops: Coin de Mire and Îlot Gabriel vs the GRSE waterfall and Île aux Cerfs.
• Feel: more open sea and wilder islands vs a calm lagoon and a big beach.
• Lunch: BBQ on board with drinks on both.
• Best if you stay: north, north-west or west vs east or south-east.

Travel time matters more than you think

Mauritius is small, but the roads are slow. A drive from the north-west to Mahébourg takes a big part of the morning. If you stay in Trou aux Biches or Grand Baie, the Northern Islands trip is much easier. If you stay on the east coast, Île aux Cerfs is the natural choice.

We can book a private transfer to either jetty. Ask on WhatsApp.

Want the boat to yourselves?

For families, groups and celebrations, you can charter a whole catamaran. The private full-day charter runs from 09:00 to 15:30 from Grand Baie, Grand Gaube, Mahébourg or Black River. Food and drinks are added per person. Message us for a quote for your group.

What to bring on either trip

• Swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes.
• Mask and fins if you want to snorkel.
• Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. There is little shade on the islands.
• A waterproof bag for your phone.
• Cash for small purchases on the islands.

Weather and sea conditions

Both trips depend on the weather. Strong wind can make the crossing to the northern islands rough. In that case, the crew may change the route or the trip may move to another day. We tell you on WhatsApp.

Can I do both?

Yes, if you have a week or more. Many guests do one in the first half of their stay and one in the second half. It gives you two very different sides of the island.

FAQ

Which is better, Île aux Cerfs or the Northern Islands? Neither is better. Choose by where you stay and what you like. Open sea and wild islands: north. Big beach and calm lagoon: Île aux Cerfs.

Is lunch included? Yes. Both trips include a BBQ lunch with a vegetarian option, plus drinks.

Do I need my own snorkel gear? Yes, bring a mask and fins if you want to snorkel.

Can children come? Yes. Both trips have child prices.

Not sure which catamaran fits your trip?

Tell us where you are staying and your dates. We will tell you which one makes sense. Book on WhatsApp +230 5944 1336 Or compare all catamaran and boat trips.