Explore Mauritius by Sea: 8-Day Liveaboard Catamaran

Living Onboard a Catamaran in Mauritius: 8 Days Exploring the Island by Sea

Living onboard a catamaran in Mauritius is one of the most unique ways to experience the island. Instead of staying in one hotel and taking day trips, you wake up in a new bay, swim before breakfast, sail along the coast, explore islands, snorkel reefs, watch sunsets from the deck and fall asleep under the stars.

For travellers who want more than a standard beach holiday, a Mauritius liveaboard catamaran charter offers a deeper rhythm. It is slower than a speedboat tour, more intimate than a shared cruise, and more adventurous than a resort stay. You are not only visiting Mauritius; you are travelling around it by sea.

This guide follows an 8-day liveaboard itinerary around Mauritius, starting and ending in Black River, with stops at Bénitiers Island, Le Morne, Tamarin, Port Louis, Turtle Bay, Coin de Mire, Merville Bay, La Cuvette, Mont Choisy, Albion and Tamarin Bay.

According to Catamaran Cruises Mauritius, their liveaboard charters are designed as a journey of discovery, allowing guests to spend several nights aboard a spacious catamaran while sailing through Mauritius and nearby islands. Their 7 nights / 8 days trips include meals, a crew, onboard water activities and the chance to wake up in a new location each day.

Why Choose a Liveaboard Catamaran in Mauritius?

A liveaboard catamaran is very different from a normal day cruise. A day cruise gives you a few hours on the lagoon. A liveaboard gives you the island slowly.

You wake up at anchor, drink your morning coffee with the sea around you, swim before the beaches become busy and move from one coast to another without unpacking every night. The catamaran becomes your hotel, your transport, your restaurant, your viewpoint and your private base.

This style of travel is ideal for:

• Couples looking for a romantic sailing escape

• Families who want a private adventure

• Friends travelling together

• Ocean lovers and snorkellers

• Travellers who enjoy slow travel

• Repeat visitors who want to see Mauritius differently

• Guests who want to combine sea, land and island experiences

Catamaran Cruises Mauritius lists liveaboard options such as the Nautitech 46 Fly and Nautitech 40 Open, with a minimum duration of 45 hours and departures from the west coast. The published 7 nights / 8 days route starts from Black River and returns on the final day.

What Is Included in a Mauritius Liveaboard Charter?

A liveaboard is designed to make life onboard comfortable and practical. The charter package listed by Catamaran Cruises Mauritius includes comfortable double cabin accommodation, bedding and linens, consumables such as diesel, fuel and water, yacht and passenger insurance, and onboard water sports equipment such as snorkelling gear and stand-up paddleboards.

The experience also includes a friendly crew, meals during the trip and water activities. Food and non-alcoholic drinks are listed as a compulsory supplementary package, along with a cleaning fee. Alcohol packages, transfers and additional land or sea activities can be arranged on request.

Typical optional extras may include:

• Whale watching* Seasonal

• Dolphin watching & Helicopter tours

• Airport and hotel transfers

• Land-based excursions & Food tours

• Cultural visits & Chamarel and southwest tours

This flexibility is one of the best parts of a liveaboard. You can keep the trip relaxed and ocean-focused, or add more land experiences depending on your group.

Departure and Return Information

The liveaboard route begins on the west coast of Mauritius.

Departure: 13:00 from L’Estuaire, Black River / La Balise Marina
Return: 10:00 on the final day
Route duration: 7 nights / 8 days
Main sailing region: West, northwest and north coast of Mauritius

The trip begins with boarding at L’Estuaire, La Balise Marina, followed by a skipper safety briefing before setting sail toward Bénitiers Island.

Day 1: Black River to Bénitiers Island

The journey begins in Black River, one of the best boating areas on the west coast of Mauritius. After arriving at the marina, you board the catamaran, meet the crew and receive a safety briefing from the skipper.

The first passage is short and gentle, giving everyone time to settle in, explore the boat and get used to life onboard. The route takes you toward Bénitiers Island, a beautiful lagoon area near the southwest coast.

This first day is about adjusting to the rhythm of the sea. You can unpack, relax on deck, feel the wind moving across the lagoon and enjoy your first swim or snorkelling stop. The area around Bénitiers is known for clear water, shallow lagoon scenery and views toward Le Morne.

Catamaran Cruises Mauritius describes the first day as a short one-hour passage toward the crystal-clear fonds blanc at Bénitiers Island, with snorkelling behind the reef near La Preneuse and the first onboard meal prepared by the crew under the stars.

Best moments of Day 1:

• Boarding at Black River & meeting the skipper and crew

• Sailing toward Bénitiers Island

• Snorkelling near La Preneuse

• Sunset & First dinner onboard

• Sleeping at anchor under the stars

Day 2: Bénitiers Island to Le Morne and Tamarin

Day 2 is one of the most scenic days of the route. After breakfast onboard, the catamaran heads out along the southwest coast.

This part of Mauritius is famous for dolphins, mountain scenery and the iconic shape of Le Morne Brabant rising beside the lagoon. With luck, you may spot spinner dolphins or bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. Dolphin encounters should always be respectful, with no chasing or crowding.

From there, the route moves toward Le Morne, one of the most important and beautiful places in Mauritius. Le Morne Brabant is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rises around 556 metres above the southwest coast. Catamaran Cruises Mauritius also notes that this is the area where travellers can admire the famous underwater waterfall illusion, best seen from the air, with helicopter or seaplane tours available at extra cost.

After lunch, guests may choose an optional land activity such as Casela Nature Park, while the yacht relocates. Later, the day ends in Tamarin Bay, one of the most atmospheric west coast anchorages, known for sunsets, surf culture and mountain views.

Best moments of Day 2:

• Breakfast onboard near Bénitiers

• Dolphin spotting along the west coast

• Views of Le Morne Brabant

• Optional helicopter or seaplane experience

• Sunset anchorage in Tamarin Bay

Day 3: Tamarin to Port Louis and Turtle Bay

After waking up in Tamarin, the journey continues north toward Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. This day gives you a completely different perspective of the island, moving from wild coast and surf bay to city culture.

On the way, the catamaran passes the dramatic lava cliffs of Albion and the historic Albion Lighthouse, one of the most photogenic coastal landmarks on the west coast. The cliffs, lighthouse and open ocean create excellent scenery for photos.

Once in Port Louis, guests can explore the city’s cultural side. Popular stops include Caudan Waterfront, Central Market, Chinatown and local museums. For food lovers, a guided food tour can also be arranged at extra cost.

By afternoon, the route continues to Turtle Bay, a calm and historic area on the northwest coast. It is named for sea turtles that still swim in the area, and the bay offers sandy beach scenery, swimming, paddleboarding and snorkelling.

Best moments of Day 3:

• Sailing past Albion cliffs

• Seeing Albion Lighthouse from the sea

• Exploring Port Louis

• Visiting Central Market and Chinatown

• Optional food tour

• Swimming and paddleboarding at Turtle Bay

• Dinner onboard at anchor

Day 4: Turtle Bay to Coin de Mire and Merville Bay

Day 4 takes you toward the northern islands, one of the most beautiful sailing areas in Mauritius.

The main highlight is Coin de Mire, also known as Gunner’s Quoin. This uninhabited island is one of the most recognisable landmarks off the north coast. It is known for dramatic cliffs, seabirds and clear snorkelling areas.

Catamaran Cruises Mauritius highlights Confetti Bay at Coin de Mire as one of the best snorkelling locations on the island, with clear waters and vibrant marine life. Lunch is served onboard before the route continues toward Merville Bay in the afternoon.

Merville Bay is a relaxed north coast anchorage close to Grand Baie. Guests can swim, walk along the soft sandy beach or simply enjoy the calm evening atmosphere before returning to the yacht for dinner under the stars.

Best moments of Day 4:

• Sailing from Turtle Bay

• Snorkelling near Coin de Mire

• Lunch onboard

• Dinner under the stars

Day 5: Merville Bay to Palissade and La Cuvette

Day 5 continues the northern island experience with a route toward Flat Island and Palissade Bay. This is one of the most untouched parts of the itinerary, with clear water, island landscapes and a real sense of being away from the mainland.

At Palissade Bay, guests can snorkel in turquoise water, use the stand-up paddleboard or go ashore on the wild west beach of Flat Island. The area feels more remote and natural than the mainland beaches.

Lunch is served onboard, with the historic lighthouse as a scenic backdrop. Later in the afternoon, the catamaran returns toward the mainland and anchors at La Cuvette, a small beach area near Grand Baie and close to the iconic Royal Palm hotel.

For those who want to extend the evening, Grand Baie is nearby and offers restaurants, bars and nightlife. This day is perfect for travellers who want a balance of wild island exploration and north coast energy.

Best moments of Day 5:

• Sailing to Flat Island

• Anchoring at Palissade Bay

• Snorkelling and paddleboarding

• Wild beach walk

• Lunch with lighthouse views

• Evening near La Cuvette

• Optional Grand Baie nightlife

Day 6: La Cuvette to Land-Based Activities and Mont Choisy

Day 6 is designed to mix sea travel with land-based discovery.After breakfast, guests disembark in Grand Baie, one of the liveliest villages in north Mauritius. This is a good chance to enjoy cafés, shops, the market and the coastal atmosphere.

Optional excursions can include Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, the Sugar Museum and Château de Labourdonnais, a beautiful 19th-century estate with orchards, rum tasting and lunch. While guests are on land, the catamaran sails to Mont Choisy, where everyone re-embarks in the afternoon.

The evening is spent at anchor in Mont Choisy Bay, one of the longest and most family-friendly beaches in Mauritius. The water is usually calm, the sand is soft, and the bay is excellent for swimming, paddleboarding or an easy beach walk.

Best moments of Day 6:

• Breakfast onboard at La Cuvette

• Grand Baie shopping and cafés

• Optional Pamplemousses Garden visit

• Optional Sugar Museum and Château de Labourdonnais

• Rejoining the yacht at Mont Choisy

• Swimming and paddleboarding in Mont Choisy Bay

• Relaxed evening at anchor

Day 7: Mont Choisy to Albion and Tamarin Bay

Day 7 is one of the most dramatic ocean days of the route. After breakfast onboard, the catamaran heads out with the possibility of whale watching along the west coast.

Catamaran Cruises Mauritius notes that the skipper will do their best to help guests see whales, and mentions sperm whales near the west coast, along with humpback whales, pilot whales and occasional orcas.

This should always be treated as a responsible watching experience. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and whales should only be observed from a respectful distance.

After the whale watching attempt, the journey continues along the west coast. Guests can fish, sunbathe on the bow or simply enjoy the coastline. Lunch is served near Les Falaises d’Albion, the dramatic cliffs that give the west coast one of its most cinematic views.

By afternoon, the catamaran arrives again at Tamarin Bay, surrounded by mountains and known for beautiful sunsets. This is the final night onboard, making it a special moment to enjoy dinner under the stars.

Best moments of Day 7:

• Morning sailing from Mont Choisy

• Responsible whale watching opportunity

• West coast scenery

• Lunch near Albion cliffs

• Sunbathing and relaxing onboard

• Final sunset at Tamarin Bay

• Last dinner under the stars

Day 8: Tamarin Bay to Black River

The final morning begins gently in Tamarin Bay. After breakfast, guests can enjoy a refreshing swim and take in the mountain views one last time.

The route then gives one final chance to spot dolphins and capture photos before returning to La Balise Marina in Black River by 10:00. This marks the end of the cruise, but guests who want to continue exploring can add an optional scenic excursion to Seven Coloured Earth and lunch at La Rhumerie de Chamarel before heading to the airport or their accommodation.

This last day is short, but it closes the journey perfectly: calm water, west coast scenery and one final look at the Mauritius coastline from the sea.

Best moments of Day 8:

• Breakfast in Tamarin Bay

• Morning swim

• Mountain views

• Final dolphin spotting opportunity

• Return to Black River

• Optional Chamarel and rum estate excursion

What Life Onboard Feels Like

Living onboard a catamaran is simple, relaxed and connected to nature. Your days follow the ocean: breakfast with the morning light, sailing between bays, snorkelling when the water is clear, lunch onboard, afternoon swimming, sunset drinks and dinner under the stars.

You do not need to dress formally or rush from one attraction to another. The best moments are often the quiet ones:

• Sitting on the bow while the catamaran moves

• Swimming before breakfast

• Watching the coastline change from west to north

• Paddleboarding in a calm bay

• Hearing the water against the hull at night

• Eating dinner at anchor

• Seeing stars without city lights

• Waking up in a new lagoon

For families, it can feel like a floating adventure. For couples, it can feel romantic and private. For groups of friends, it becomes a shared memory that is very different from a hotel stay.

Best Time for a Liveaboard in Mauritius

Mauritius can be explored by catamaran for much of the year, but sea conditions, wind and weather will shape the experience.

The west and north coasts are often popular for sailing because they offer scenic anchorages, beaches, lagoons and access to islands. The cooler months can bring stronger winds, while warmer months may feel more tropical and humid.

As a local tip, always choose the period based on your travel style:

• For calmer family-style cruising: choose periods with more settled sea conditions.

• For ocean wildlife interest: ask the operator about the best season for dolphins and whales.

• For beach and snorkelling: aim for clear lagoon conditions and lighter wind.

• For comfort: pack light layers, swimwear, reef-safe sun protection and a soft overnight bag.

The skipper will always adjust the route based on safety, sea state and weather.

Who Is This Liveaboard Best For?

A Mauritius liveaboard catamaran is best for travellers who want to experience the island differently. It is not only about transport; it is about lifestyle.

Best for Couples

Couples will enjoy the private atmosphere, sunsets, quiet bays and romantic dinners onboard.

Internal link: Mauritius Honeymoon Guide

Best for Families

Families can enjoy snorkelling, paddleboarding, beaches, wildlife spotting and simple onboard routines.

Internal link: Mauritius for Families and Kids

Best for Friends

Groups of friends can share the cost, enjoy private sailing and explore different parts of the island together.

Best for Ocean Lovers

If you love swimming, snorkelling, dolphins, whales, reef scenery and island views, this is one of the best ways to experience Mauritius.

Final Local Tip

Living onboard a catamaran in Mauritius is not just about sailing. It is about seeing the island from its natural side. You move with the wind, wake up in quiet bays, swim in clear water, eat under the stars and discover how different each coast feels from the sea.

The west coast gives you mountains, dolphins, sunsets and Bénitiers. The north gives you islands, Grand Baie, Coin de Mire and Mont Choisy. The return along Albion and Tamarin brings cliffs, ocean wildlife and one final sunset over the water.

For travellers who want a Mauritius experience that feels private, adventurous and unforgettable, a liveaboard catamaran is one of the most beautiful ways to explore the island.

Booking and Contact Section

A liveaboard catamaran around Mauritius is a premium experience and should be planned in advance, especially for families, groups and peak travel periods.

Booking Link: 7 nights / 8 days Mauritius liveaboard