Other than the sailing boats available at the hotel where you are limited as to how far you can go, it is possible to spend a day taking a cruise on a catamaran. Set up for a day out (chairs, tables, barbecue...), these large boats can take up to 45 people and usually tour the surrounding islands off the coast. The most popular trips are to Gabrielle Island and Flat Island in the North, Ile aux Cerfs in the East, Ile aux Benitiers and the dolphins in the Tamarin bay in the South West and to the small islands and the Blue Bay marine park in the South East. It is also possible to go on a romantic sun downer and take in the coastal views in the beautiful changing light of the evening... All excursions are organised to maximise on the beauty of the area and the surrounding islands. Boats tend to leave the bay around 9am or 9.30am, sail gently to their destination where the anchor is dropped. You will be able to swim, snorkel and sunbathe and enjoy a delicious barbecue (Creole style served with a variety of salads, a punch and local cakes and exotic fruits...).The boat will leave early afternoon to be back between 4 - 4.30pm.

DAY TRIPS CROISIERE AUSTRALES
 NORTH, EAST, WEST Croisiere Australes have a number of catamarans such as the famous ‘Harris Wilson’ (painted bright pink – impossible to miss!) which is a racing boat that was skippered by the famous Florence Arthaud and Jean Maurel in the well known ‘Route de Rhum’ Race. This boat has been a tremendous success in Mauritius and an identical boat was built in 2004 in La Rochelle. For cruises to Ilot Gabrielle, there is a choice between ‘Le Pacha’ a classic catamaran which takes approximately 25 people – or for a more up market trip on board the Harris Wilson 2 where you will benefit from more space and more comfort. In the West, excursions are on the Harris Wilson 1 and in the East trips to Ile aux Cerfs can be taken from the Shandrani Hotel or from Pointe Jerome in Blue Bay. In all areas, sunset cruises are available departing around 5 – 5.30pm and returning between 6.30 – 7pm depending on the season. It is possible to rent the whole catamaran exclusively for the family or with a group of friends for the day or in the evening.

EXOTIC CRUISES LTD
 NORTH This professional family run company offers day time and sunset cruises, Sega and punch included. The company offers varying cruises to Ilot Gabrielle on catamarans ‘Anahita’(capacity: 35 passengers) and ‘Mauricat’(capacity: 22 passengers). The atmosphere is simple and relaxed with musicians on board and the staff are very friendly. These catamarans are rarely packed allowing a more personalised service.

LA SORELLINA
 NORTH La Sorellina is a 13.50m mono hull sailing boat with an adjustable keel so that the boat can sail within the shallows of the lagoon as well as out of the lagoon. The boat was brought to Mauritius from Pornic (half way around the world) by Thierry the skipper. What’s great about a trip on the Sorellina is that you have the opportunity to learn to skipper the boat for the day although this is not obligatory. Maximum on board is 6 or 7 passengers for security reasons. For those who are interested, when you climb aboard you are briefed with a map and shown how to use a GPS. Next, you are briefed about the mast, how to reduce the tension in the sail and the basic principles of sailing. Once out of the lagoon, everyone learns how to steer the boat, understand the wind direction, the compass and the various navigational instruments. Having sailed for around 2 hours, you are taken to a superb lagoon far from the main tourist hotspots where you can snorkel outside the lagoon. The company established 8 years ago tend to go to the same snorkelling site as according to them it is the best spot. Afterwards, in the lagoon lunch is served (aperitif, grilled fish, barbecue served with fresh vegetables and salad, desert and drinks) After a relaxing 3 hours, you make your way home each with the chance to steer the boat again.
 Departure at 9am Trou aux Biches (North of the island)
 Return around 4pm – 4.30pm at the departure point.

CROISIERRE AQUARELLE AND OCEANNE
 EAST AND SOUTH EAST Seven catamarans cruise along the the East, Aquarelle catamarans cruise the South East and Oceanne from Trou d’Eau Douce to ile aux Cerfs or Blue Bay via the South Eastern islands. In both cases drinks are included as well as a barbecue on board served by an experienced and friendly crew. Exclusive crews are also possible.

DAILY CRUISES IN THE WEST Departure at 9.15am from the Morne Anglers club (next to the police station) in Black River. Having left the jetty, you make your way to Tamarin Bay in the search of Dolphins who usually swim in the area in the late morning. Next stop is near a coral reef for some snorkelling, then on to ‘Crystal Rock’ where lunch is served. After a visit of around an hour to Ile aux Benitiers you’ll head back to Black River to be back around 4pm.

DAILY CRUISES TO THE MARINE PARK IN BLUE BAY These cruises are available only for private hire or on Tuesdays depending on numbers (minimum 6 people). Departures are from Trou d’eau douce around 9- 9.15am. After a lovely journey in the longest lagoon down the East coast where you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel at a site called the ‘big blue’, the catamaran will anchor near one of the islands. You’ll have a delicious lunch (fish and lobster) prepared by the crew. You’ll return at Trou d’Eau Douce at around 4pm.

DAILY CRUISE INCLUDING ILE AUX CERFS Departure from Trou d’eau douce between 9.30 and 9.45am. The cruise includes a visit to the waterfalls of Grand Riviere Sud Est and a stop at the snorkelling sight ‘the big blue’. Lunch is served on the catamaran anchored behind Ile aux Cerfs. After lunch you’ll have time to visit the island before getting back on board around 3pm to be back at Trou d’Eau Douce around 4pm. The meal served on board:
 BBQ fish (marlin)
 Pasta salad, rice salad, green salad, garlic bread
 Locally bottled wine with the meal
 For desert: fresh fruit and cake followed by coffee
 During the cruise, beer, local rum, fizzy drinks and flat water are complementary.

JP HENRY CHARTERS
 SOUTH WEST These cruises take place in the south west of the island between Tamarin and Ile aux Benitiers on board the Madiana catamarans (the Madiana 2 is a magnificent brand new Nautitech 475). Wing permitting, you’ll be able to sail these smart high quality boats. These catamarans are available for exclusive rental for a day out with friends and family. Equally they are available for sunset cruises, daytime cruises and for the night (two full days and one night on board).

CRUISES OVER A FEW DAYS Unlike other tropical islands, cruises over a few days are not common in Mauritius. A few companies offer this type of cruise - Thierry from La Sorinella being one of the few. It is a fabulous way to discover the island and its very different coastlines and islands. Diving, visiting and sleeping on the lagoon separating Iles aux Gabrielles and Flat Island once the tourists have left is a rare treat. It is an exceptional experience and you get to see a different side to Mauritius. When it comes to Port Louis, it is fascinating to discover the port and the panoramic views of the mountains from the sea. Prices are more expensive but shared between a number of people, it’s reasonable given the quality and exclusivity of this kind of trip. Few boats anchor in the bays at night in Mauritius and you are often alone in superb locations.

TERRE OCEANES YACHT CLUB Set up for groups of friends or families wishing to be alone, Terre Oceanes is an up market company offering specialised cruises over a few days and for the day also. Vessels used: 5 magnificent Lagoon 380 sleeps 8 on each boat. 4 double cabins, two bathrooms, sitting and dining room interior and exterior. Service is professional and discreet. Exclusive in Mauritius. Many services available: cabin cruise, 2 -7 day cruise with skipper included, diving cruise, honeymoon night and romantic evenings (1 night and 2 days) in exclusivity etc.

JP HENRY CHARTERS As well as day cruises, this company offer 2 day cruises onboard the Nautitech 475 equipped with 4 double cabins, 4 bathrooms, interior and exterior sitting and dining area, kitchen. This is an up market cruise departing from Black River, travelling past Tamarin (for the dolphins) and Albion (for snorkelling) before heading on to Grand Bay. Once anchored in Grand Bay, there is an opportunity to go shopping, and dinner is served on board. Early the next morning departure for Coin de Mire (Gunners Coin) island where breakfast is served before the arrival of other boats. After a small pause at Ilot Gabrielle for some swimming you’ll make your way back to Black River. A great trip!

LA SORELLINA 24 hours or more on board in a superb lagoon for 4 people. Dinner by candlelight onboard the Sorellina For a honeymoon cruise you will leave the bay at 4.30pm and head along the coral reef in front of Trou aux Biches. At sunset you will have an aperitif (home made punch) accompanied with smoked marlin on toast. Then the anchor will be dropped in a calm spot inside the lagoon. On the menu for dinner: Carpaccio of yellow fin tuna Fresh marlin on a bed of lettuce Grilled langoustine with fresh vegetables Desert: Duo of caramelized fresh fruits flambéed with rum Coffee Rum

This menu is only an example and can be changed depending on your tastes. Beers, South African red wine, water, coke, fruit juice are all complementary. For this cruise you have the boat entirely to yourselves and will set you back 300E for 2 people. You will return around 10 – 10.30pm.