What are the best boat trips in Mauritius?
With its turquoise blue lagoon and perpetual sunshine, Mauritius is a dream destination for sea excursions!
Do you want to go on one or several boat trips during your stay in Mauritius?
I’ve got you covered!
In this article, I’ve compiled the best cruises and boat trips in Mauritius.
Thanks to this guide, you’ll be able to organize your excursions super easily and save time.
Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Bénitiers, whale watching, swimming with dolphins, excursions in the stunning Blue Bay lagoon… There are so many wonders to discover by boat on this island.
At the end of the article, I’ll also explain how to rent a boat in Mauritius if you want to explore the lagoon in a more intimate and independent way.
So, what are the must-do boat excursions in Mauritius?
Here is my selection of the top 8!
Sommaire
- What are the best boat trips in Mauritius?
- 1. Catamaran Excursion in Mauritius: The Northern Islets
- 2. The Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs
- 3. The Sea Excursion to Île aux Bénitiers
- 4. Boat Trip to See Dolphins and Whales
- 5. Glass Bottom Boat Ride in Blue Bay Marine Park
- Boat Rental in Mauritius
- Other Activities to Do in Mauritius
- Travel Insurance for Mauritius: My Advice
- You’re traveling to Mauritius? These articles will help you!
1. Catamaran Excursion in Mauritius: The Northern Islets
During your stay in Mauritius, don’t miss out on this superb sea excursion to the northern islets.
There are three islets off the northern coast. They are named:
- Coin de Mire
- Ilot Gabriel
- and Ile Plate
Each islet is a small nature reserve that harbors a rich terrestrial and marine flora and fauna.
Coin de Mire is renowned for its natural aquarium attracting many divers year-round. The other two islets boast exceptional beaches.
This catamaran trip in Mauritius departs from Grand Baie, at the public beach.
You will embark on a comfortable and beautiful sailing boat around 8 a.m. and set off for 8 hours of adventures.
The excursion includes:
- a breakfast
- a stopover on Ile Plate
- a stopover on Ilot Gabriel
- a barbecue lunch served on board
- a snorkeling session in the natural aquarium of Coin de Mire
- unlimited drinks.
You’ll return around 4 p.m.
The great thing about the company that organizes this excursion is that it limits access to about fifteen people per boat.
This way, you won’t end up on an overcrowded catamaran, which would make the experience much less enjoyable.
However, since availability is limited, I suggest you book as far in advance as possible because it’s a very popular excursion and spaces fill up quickly!
Reserve your spot now by clicking the button below:
During your time in the north of Mauritius, don’t miss out on all the other activities and places to visit. To make sure you catch all the must-sees, I invite you to read my dedicated article: What to do and see in the North of Mauritius?
2. The Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs
Ile aux Cerfs, off the East coast, is another must-visit destination in Mauritius.
It’s even the island’s most visited spot!
This little paradisiacal islet indeed attracts many visitors with its translucent turquoise lagoon and pristine beaches.
And the only way to get there is, of course, by boat!
If you’re wondering how to get to Ile aux Cerfs from Mauritius, I recommend the full-day cruise.
Some depart from Mahébourg / Blue Bay in the Southeast, and others from Trou d’Eau Douce in the East.
Ile aux Cerfs Excursion from Mahébourg
Setting sail from Mahébourg in the morning, you’ll embark on a 13-meter catamaran. The crew will offer you a swimming and snorkeling session in the lagoon before anchoring at Ile aux Cerfs.
You can then enjoy the beach and water sports before partaking in the lunch served on board. Afterwards, you’ll have a few more hours to freely explore Ile aux Cerfs, before returning in the late afternoon.
The price for this boat excursion to Ile aux Cerfs in Mauritius is €70 per person, all-inclusive.
You can even request a round-trip transfer from your hotel, wherever it is on the island.
- Book your catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs in Mauritius now by clicking this button:
This boat trip is in high demand, so remember to book in advance to ensure your spot! Simply click here.
Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs from Trou d’Eau Douce
If it’s more convenient for you, there are also departures to Ile aux Cerfs from Trou d’Eau Douce (a few minutes from Belle Mare on the East Coast).
You have the option of either shuttle or taxi-boat for a simple direct round-trip, or the full-day catamaran cruise.
It’s pretty much the same program as from Mahébourg, but with an additional visit to the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall.
- Click below to book your full-day catamaran excursion to Ile aux Cerfs from the East Coast:
Powerboat Outing to Ile aux Cerfs
There’s yet another option for visiting Ile aux Cerfs: a full-day speedboat excursion!
If you’re in the mood for speed and more thrills than a catamaran can offer, this is the ideal choice. Plus, this speedboat excursion takes you to explore even more sites.
This boat trip in Mauritius starts from Blue Bay and includes several stops:
- a first snorkeling break in the lagoon
- a stop near a shipwreck that ran aground in 1902
- a visit to Ile au Phare
- a pause at the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall
- a stop at Ile aux Cerfs, with lunch served on the beach
- on the return trip, a last stop at Ile aux Aigrettes
The return to Blue Bay is scheduled for around 4 PM.
This comprehensive full-day cruise in the Blue Bay lagoon and to Ile aux Cerfs can be booked right now by clicking this button:
To learn everything about Ile aux Cerfs and prepare for your visit, I invite you to read my complete guide, right here: Visiting Ile aux Cerfs – Complete Guide
3. The Sea Excursion to Île aux Bénitiers
Among the best boat cruises to do in Mauritius, you should also consider the excursion to Île aux Bénitiers.
Yet another paradisiacal island to visit! This time, it is located off the South-West coast. You’ll have to cross the beautiful turquoise lagoon to get there.
This full-day excursion includes:
- a stop at Crystal Rock, one of Mauritius’ must-see natural wonders
- a session of dolphin watching in their natural environment
- a barbecue lunch prepared by the crew
- free time on Île aux Bénitiers to enjoy the beach, go snorkeling, or take a stroll
- unlimited drinks
For this catamaran outing in Mauritius, the price is 60€ per person.
This sea excursion is one of the most popular in Mauritius, so make sure to book your spots as early as possible! It’s very simple, just click below:
There is also a speed-boat cruise option to Île aux Bénitiers, which includes a swimming stop with dolphins in the lagoon.
- Book your cruise to Île aux Bénitiers by speed-boat, including a stop to swim with dolphins:
4. Boat Trip to See Dolphins and Whales
Your stay in Mauritius can also be an opportunity to watch dolphins and whales in their natural habitat!
Dolphins can be seen in Mauritius throughout the year, especially along the West coast.
As for humpback whales, they pass near the Mauritian coast once a year between May and October.
Numerous providers offer sea outings to meet these marine mammals.
Beware: not all providers respect the animals. Some don’t hesitate to get very close to them and encircle them. It’s important to choose a conscious and responsible team.
This is the case with the company Dolswim, which respects the distances and follows the correct guidelines to observe the animals without causing them stress.
You should definitely try this speedboat outing they organize to watch the dolphins and even swim close to them!
The excursion lasts 3 hours. You’ll depart early in the morning from Black River and sail along the West coast hoping to encounter bottlenose dolphins and spinner dolphins. (You might also get a chance to see sperm whales and whales!).
You will then be invited to dive with them in groups of two for an unforgettable experience! Fins, masks, and snorkels are provided.
This very popular excursion fills up quickly. It’s recommended to book your place as soon as possible to ensure availability for your dates.
Book this speedboat outing to swim with the dolphins by clicking below:
This sea excursion in Mauritius comes with a Get Your Guide certification. This means that when you book via the link provided above, you are guaranteed satisfaction or a refund!
Planning to be in Mauritius between May and October? If so, set aside a day to watch the migratory whales!
The Dolswim team organizes a 5-hour excursion to observe them in small groups of 8 people.
Book your place for the whale boating outing in Mauritius by clicking this button:
5. Glass Bottom Boat Ride in Blue Bay Marine Park
Here’s another sea excursion idea in Mauritius: a glass bottom boat ride!
Also known as “glass bottom” boats, these small vessels have transparent floors, allowing you to clearly see the marine life passing below your feet during the ride!
From the public beach of Blue Bay, you can set off on a glass bottom boat for a half-day with the crew of Totof Tours.
This excursion includes:
- a snorkeling session near Île aux Aigrettes
- a stopover on Île des Deux Cocos for a Creole picnic
- a boat ride in Blue Bay Marine Park to observe the colorful fish and corals.
If you’re looking for a family excursion idea in Mauritius, this is really great!
Book your half-day glass bottom boat ride in the lagoon of Blue Bay by clicking on the button below:
In addition to this boat outing, there are plenty of beautiful sights to see around Blue Bay and Mahébourg. I’ve detailed everything in this complete article: What to do and see in Mahébourg and the surroundings?
Boat Rental in Mauritius
Fancy a VIP boat tour during your trip to Mauritius?
Instead of an organized cruise, you can also rent a private boat for a tailor-made sea excursion!
Without the constraint of time, you’ll be able to explore the most beautiful corners of the lagoon, the offshore islets, and the finest beaches according to your chosen itinerary.
This option allows you to avoid tourist boats and share a day at sea in complete privacy with your loved ones.
If you’re fortunate enough to have your boat license, you can rent a boat for the day and be the master of your vessel. Otherwise, it’s possible to rent a boat with a skipper.
The latter will propose a custom itinerary tailored to your wishes.
For example, Johnny offers his motorboat (with skipper) for a private and personalized sea outing. Starting from just 410€ per day for up to 5 people!
This excellent deal can be booked by clicking on the button below:
Want to go all out during your trip to Mauritius?
Well, you should know that it’s even possible to rent a catamaran weekly for an even more memorable stay in Mauritius!
Measuring 11 meters long, the Sea Spirit is a comfortable catamaran that can accommodate up to 8 people for a minimum duration of 5 days and 4 nights.
A golden opportunity for ocean lovers wanting to have an extraordinary experience and spend 5 days at sea exploring the Indian Ocean.
Click below to book your private catamaran in Mauritius:
Other Activities to Do in Mauritius
Of course, boat tours are not the only activities to enjoy in Mauritius.
Before or after your sea excursion, you have plenty of things to discover among the natural sites, picturesque villages, and paradise beaches.
To give you some ideas, I have compiled a list of the most beautiful places to visit in Mauritius, which you can read in my article right here: Top 21 Things to Do and See in Mauritius
I’ve also listed all the best outdoor and sports activities to do on the island (hiking, canyoning, water sports…) in this article: The Best Activities to Do in Mauritius
To discover the attractions in each region of the island, you just need to click on these links:
- Belle Mare (East): Top 11 Places and Activities
- Chamarel (Southwest): Visits and Activities Not to Miss
- Flic-en-Flac (West): Top 10 Visits and Activities
- Grand Baie (North): The Ultimate Guide
- Mahébourg (Southeast): What to Do and See?
- Le Morne Brabant (Southwest): 11 Things to Do and See
Let’s not forget the natural curiosities and must-see sites which I discuss in these articles:
- 9 Natural Curiosities to See in Mauritius
- The 11 Most Beautiful Beaches of Mauritius
- Underwater Waterfall in Mauritius – Where and How to See It?
- The Sacred Lake of Grand Bassin: What to Do and See?
- Île aux Cerfs: The Complete Guide to Plan Your Visit
- Black River Gorges National Park: How to Visit?
And if you’re looking for itinerary ideas based on the length of your stay, I’ve also thought about everything by preparing these detailed visit itineraries:
- Itinerary: 5 Days in Mauritius – Itinerary for a short stay in Mauritius
- Itinerary: One Week in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit the island in 7 days
- Itinerary: 10 Days in Mauritius – The ideal circuit to visit Mauritius in 10 days
- Itinerary: 2 Weeks in Mauritius – The ultimate guide to visit Mauritius in 15 days
- Itinerary: 3 Weeks in Mauritius – Easily plan your 20-21 day stay in Mauritius!
- Road Trip in Mauritius – The 6 Best Routes
And let’s not forget my best road trip itineraries in Mauritius, which you’ll find in this article: The 6 Best Road Trip Routes in Mauritius
Travel Insurance for Mauritius: My Advice
Many travelers mistakenly think that healthcare in Mauritius is affordable and they don’t need travel insurance. But in reality, the public health system is fragile and even a simple consultation in a private clinic is very expensive!
That’s why it is essential to take out travel insurance with good medical coverage before you leave.
To travel safely, I recommend the following two insurances (both include epidemic coverage—like for Covid-19—which is very important!)
To subscribe, it’s very simple, you just need to click on the orange links below:
- ACS AMI Globe Partner: Medical insurance and repatriation
- Assur Travel Summum: Premium insurance (medical, repatriation, baggage theft, flight delay, cancellation, and more!)
And you, which boat excursion in Mauritius are you planning on doing?
🚗 Rent a car
🗽 Book your tickets and guided tours
🏄 Book your sports activities
🚤 Rent a boat
🌍 Get your travel insurance
✈️ Book your flight
You’re traveling to Mauritius? These articles will help you!
Discover all my articles about Mauritius: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mauritius are listed there.
- Best Time to go to Mauritius? – Seasons, weather, activities, prices
The best itineraries for your trip
- Itinerary: 5 days in Mauritius – An amazing itinerary for a short stay in Mauritius
- Itinerary: One week in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit the island in 7 days
- Itinerary: 10 days in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit Mauritius in 10 days
- Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mauritius – The ultimate guide to Mauritius in 15 days
- Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mauritius – Plan your 20-21 day stay in Mauritius easily!
- Road-trip in Mauritius – The 6 best itineraries for your trip!
Places to Visit
- Bellemare: Top 11 places and activities
- Underwater waterfall in Mauritius – How to get there + Tips
- Chamarel: 11 Epic Things to Do
- Flic-en-Flac: Top 10 places to visit and things to do
- Grand Baie: The Ultimate Guide
- Grand Bassin: All the Best Things to Do
- Île aux Bénitiers: How to Visit Benitiers Island?
- Île aux Cerfs: The Definitive Guide to Plan Your Visit
- Mahébourg: Best Places to Visit + Tips
- Morne Brabant: How to Visit Morne Brabant?
- Black River Gorges National Park: What to See and Do?
Activities
- The Best Activities in Mauritius – Water sports, cruises, day trips, guided tours…
- The Best Boat Trips in Mauritius – Top 5 + Rates and booking
- Scuba diving in Mauritius: The Definitve Guide
Organize your stay
- Where to Stay in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide – All types of accommodation for all budgets
- 4-Star Hotels in Mauritius: My selection of the best!
- 5-Star Hotels in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide
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