MAURITIUS, DAY 6
Sailing around Mauritius. What is a week in Mauritius if you don’t get out to explore the amazing turquoise water? The parents have specifically requested that the catamaran was arranged for the final day so it could be spent relaxing. Something tells me it isn’t the beach holiday they were expecting!
4 FRESH LOBSTER
But that was all to change today on board the Catamaran. Fortunately, the weather had decided to play ball, and we set off in the morning after breakfast.
Sailing around Mauritius
SAND BAR
The Mauritius sand bar island—known locally as Île aux Deux Cocos or sometimes referred to near the southern lagoon area—is one of the most unusual natural phenomena on any sailing Mauritius itinerary. Its position, where currents converge from multiple directions, makes it unlike anything else in the Indian Ocean.
The island is surrounded by 150km of coral so there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the ocean. The skipper and staff were giving me all sorts of nuggets of information so let me try and get this right; Mauritius is home to the only sand bar island which has waves coming in from 3 different sides.
Which doesn’t sound all that impressive but when you see that the island is only 10 metres across it makes you wonder how!
MAURITIUS….
- It has previously been under Dutch, French and British rule.
- Shock stat – At 1,700p/m2 Mauritius has the highest density of any African nation.
- Every year locals out number tourists.
Sailing around Mauritius
FRESH
I’ve been on a boat trip in the tropics before, and another highlight of such has to be the food! Everything is caught fresh and literally thrown directly onto the BBQ. We had ourselves a few lobsters and so much more that we couldn’t eat.
The coral here in Mauritius is also impressive, maybe not Fiji level, but it’s all well looked after. You don’t have the crowds as you do in South East Asia, so anytime we stopped, we had the entire area to ourselves.
The snorkelling stops on a Mauritius sailing day trip often include visits to the outer reef edge, where visibility can exceed 20 metres on a calm day. The Mauritius beaches you anchor near, particularly along the west and southwest coast, are among the most pristine on the island.
If you’re booking one of the best Mauritius sailing holidays, look for operators that include reef snorkelling, a freshly cooked seafood lunch, and stops at the sand bar.
Sailing around Mauritius
FINAL THOUGHTS
The others are well used to travelling with me and they know there is never much sitting around so a day on a boat was exactly what we needed after 3 weeks of go go go. For the Southern Africa Reflection post, click here
If you’re planning a trip and wondering whether to add a catamaran day to your itinerary, do it.
Sailing around Mauritius is one of those experiences that goes from a box-ticking exercise to the highlight of your entire trip. Between the Mauritius beaches you glide past, the coral reefs you snorkel, the freshly grilled lobster, and the golden sunset on the way back in—it simply doesn’t get better.
The best Mauritius sailing holidays offer something for everyone, and Crystal Cruises Mauritius is one of the operators worth looking at.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a catamaran sailing trip around Mauritius cost?
Prices for a full-day Mauritius sailing catamaran trip typically range from around €60–€120 per person depending on the operator, route, and what’s included. Most of the best Mauritius sailing holidays include a freshly cooked seafood lunch (often lobster and fish), snorkelling stops, non-alcoholic drinks, and snorkelling equipment.
What are the best Mauritius beaches to visit by catamaran?
Some of the most stunning Mauritius beaches and snorkelling spots accessed by sailing Mauritius include the lagoon off Île aux Cerfs on the east coast, the sheltered bays of Le Morne on the southwest coast, and the clear waters around Blue Bay Marine Park.
Is sailing around Mauritius suitable for families?
Absolutely. Sailing around Mauritius on a catamaran is one of the most family-friendly activities on the island. The lagoon is calm and protected by the reef, making seasickness rare. Children can snorkel in shallow, clear water, and the onboard BBQ lunch makes it feel like a floating family party.
What is the best time of year for sailing in Mauritius?
The best conditions for sailing Mauritius are during the dry season, from May to December, when winds are consistent and rainfall is low. The summer months (November to April) bring warmer water and more wind, which can make sailing more exhilarating but occasionally choppier.
Can you go snorkelling while sailing around Mauritius?
Yes, snorkelling is one of the highlights of any sailing Mauritius day trip. The island’s 150km coral reef system supports a huge variety of marine life including colourful reef fish, sea turtles, and rays. Most catamaran operators on a Mauritius sailing holiday include dedicated snorkelling stops at the reef, and equipment is provided onboard.
NEXT UP
Home for a bit then it’s off for The Central Asia Series. Click to read episode 1
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
126/229
This post is part of the Southern Africa Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.
Question Time
- Have you been to Mauritius
- Did you explore to corals
- What was your favourite part of Mauritius
Let me know in the comments below . . .
