Project Description

Mauritius Catamaran Charter
From $3,245 pp
8 Days in total
Mauritius
All year
This is a private charter and the price above is based on 8 people. Contact us for a quote for your group size.
Getting to the beautiful island of Mauritius before or after a safari with us is really very straightforward. This makes it the ideal destination to enjoy the tropical blue waters and exceptional hospitality that this wonderful island is famous for. Welcome to our Mauritius Catamaran Charter Safari!
And, there is no better way to explore the island than from the comfort and exclusivity of our floating Indian Ocean lodge – The Pangolin Island Explorer. The boat is a 46ft Nautitech “Fly” with four ensuite cabins. The yacht is crewed and all you will have to do is board and start to unwind. If you feel like getting involved in the sailing you can do but otherwise consider this your “moving home” for the next few days.
With so much to do in Mauritius, we can organise any number of water or land-based activities for you. From snorkelling, diving and SUPing to foodie, craft market and bird watching tours on land. We are totally flexible and will build your itinerary to your wants and specifications. All meals and soft drinks are included in the charter as well as the use of equipment like snorkelling gear and a GoPro camera available for each cabin.
The suggested charter length is 6 to 7 days along the west coast of Mauritius. Should you wish to undertake a longer sailing expedition we can arrange a trip to St Brandon, a remote island chain, 400+ km to the North East.
The Catamaran
There are four double cabins onboard (two fore and two aft) each with its own ensuite shower and toilet. The living space is very large with an enclosed saloon, an outdoor cockpit as well as a flybridge. Each of these areas alone has enough seating for up to eight guests as well as the sun loungers and trampolines at the front of the boat.
The Nautitech 46 Fly is an exceptional performance catamaran that does not compromise on style or comfort. The finishes are impeccable and very well built.
There are two crew members who are responsible for not only sailing the boat but also coordinating all the activities that you would like to do onboard. Available as part of the charter is snorkelling gear for everyone as well as a GoPro (with underwater housing) for each cabin to record your adventures above and below the water. There are a couple of Standup Paddle Boards (SUPs) for you to use when we are at the mooring points and should you wish to get involved in the sailing of the boat then the crew will be only too happy to literally “show you the ropes”!
If diving is your passion then we will be passing by several great dive spots and we have relationships with several dive schools along the West Coast. These dive trips are bookable in advance and for an additional fee but the dive school will pick you up from the catamaran with all the gear you will need, take you diving and return you after without you ever having to go to shore.
As we are sailing along from mooring to mooring there are some fishing rods that we can trawl to see if we can catch something for dinner!
Food and beverages
The food onboard is delicious, fresh and plentiful. You will not be going hungry. Most dietary restrictions can be catered for such as vegetarians, vegans as well as any specific allergies that you might have. water and soft drinks are included in the charter rate and alcoholic beverages can be organised in advance. These will be purchased at retail prices and a copy of the receipt is available for you to settle on arrival. Should you require anything else during the charter the crew will do their best to get it for you as we sail past some of the small coastal towns.
As well as the walking tour of Port Louis you are free to venture onto land whenever you like. We can organise a car and a driver (two hours notice required) and provide you with a few sightseeing and shopping hotspots along the way for you to visit. Included in the charter are two five-hour excursions in a private vehicle with destinations of your choice. Should you wish to have lunch or dinner on land again we can suggest several fantastic restaurants (especially in the North) and will happily organise to get you there and back to the catamaran.
Charter itinerary
Please note that this is a sample itinerary. As this is a private Mauritius Catamaran Charter there is flexibility to adapt it to your specific requirements. The itinerary below will allow you to explore some of Mauritius and its culture while also enjoying the exclusivity of a luxury liveaboard catamaran.
Day 1: Overnight in Black River Gorges
The flights coming into Mauritius tend to land in the late afternoon or early evening so we like to start this itinerary with a night on land up in the Black River Gorges National Park at one of our preferred small lodges. This will allow you time to relax after your flight and enjoy a meal and a good nights sleep before starting your adventure at sea. When you arrive at the airport there will be a transfer waiting for you to take you to the lodge which will take about an hour.
Day 2: Birding walk and boarding the catamaran
On the first morning, there is the opportunity to go for a walk in Ebony Forest, nearby, with a birding guide who will help you to find and identify several of the endemic bird species of Mauritius such as the Mauritius Pink Pigeon, Mauritius Olive White Eye, Mascarene Paradise Flycatcher and Mauritian Fody. Ebony forest can be quite steep in parts but fortunately, they have some 4x4s to help you make it to the top. The views are stunning and you will look down upon Benetier island where you will be mooring tonight on the Catamaran.
For lunch, we always recommend the Restaurant Chamarel which has incredible views of the ocean below as well as delicious local cuisine after which we head do to Black River to Rendez-Vous with the Pangolin Island Explorer.
As soon as you are on board and settled in your cabin we will be heading to the first mooring point in the crystal clear waters below La Morne and close to Crystal Rock and Benetier Island. The last few hours of the day can be spent swimming and snorkelling around the catamaran as the crew prepare your sundowners and dinner. Before bed, you can relax on the flybridge or trampolines with a nightcap taking in the beautiful night sky in all its splendour.
Day 3: Port Louis walking tour and Balaclava
There will be time for a quick dip in the morning before we set sail, enjoying breakfast along the way, north toward Port Louis (approx 4 hours) to meet with your guides for a walking tour of the city with a chance to try some delicious local cuisine. Port Louis is a small but bustling city with strong cultural representations from the various cultures that have settled here – French, English, Dutch, Chinese and Indian. Food is an important part of each of these cultures and you will learn all about the history of Port Louis (and Mauritius) while sampling some delicious local delicacies. Mauritius is a very safe country and taking your camera gear is no problem at all. The tour passes by some incredible photogenic spots – especially the market.
The tour will last around 3-4 hours before heading back to The Pangolin Island Explorer to sail further North to Balaclava – tonight’s mooring spot.
Balaclava has some great snorkelling with a good chance of turtle encounters. It is also a chance to relax onboard perhaps with a good book as the sun starts to set.
Day 4: Heading to the Northern Islands
In the morning there is the chance for keen divers to plunge the depths. We will arrange for the dive team to join you on board for a briefing and to get you kitted out. You will disembark the catamaran and take the dive boat to the two locations for a double dive before rejoining The Explorer as it sails gently past on the way to Coin de Mire.
Coin de Mire, also called Gunners Quoin, rises out of the ocean in a dramatic cliff face and is visible from most of the north side of Mauritius which is 8 kilometres offshore. There is some great diving and snorkelling at the base of the cliff and for the more energetic it is possible to land on the flatter eastern end of the 65ha island and walk up to the top of the cliff for a spectacular view of Mauritius.
Our mooring spot for the night is by Gabriel Island which is close to the larger Flat Island. Flat island has one of only two working lighthouses in Mauritius.
Day 5: Flat Island and Round island
The whole of day 5 can be spent exploring Flat island as well as neighbouring Round Island and Snake Island (nothing venomous). There is lots of birdlife including the very elegant Tropic Birds with their distinctive tails.
Snorkelling is excellent around this area as well as diving which can be arranged in advance. This part of your Mauritius catamaran charter is all about relaxation and enjoying your time onboard as well as the tropical white sand beached islands that surround you.
Day 6: Grand Bay
After a delicious breakfast and perhaps another swim, snorkel or SUP we will make our way back towards the Mauritius mainland and Grand Bay. the bright blue waters of this iconic bay welcome you and you are free to wander into this small town and check out the shops and local eateries. A short drive away is the sugar plantation of La Bordonais which has an immaculately restored manor house that is open to visitors including a complimentary rum tasting!
That evening we will moor close to the 5* Royal Palm Hotel at the mouth of the bay and you will have the option to have dinner in one of the excellent local restaurants should you so wish. We have several suggestions for all types of cuisine from around the world.
Day 7: Tamarin
On the last full day at sea, we will start to head south again to La Balise Marine, where you boarded with one more overnight stop in the Tamarin River Mouth which sits between Port Louis and Black River. This will be the longest day of sailing (around 4-6 hours depending on the wind). Once we are moored you are free to explore the mangroves of the Tamarin River by snorkelling or SUPing as well as simply enjoying your last afternoon on board with a good book and a glass of something refreshing nearby!
Day 8: Disembarkation and Ile Aux Aigrettes
Depending on the flights or onward plans we will coordinate the disembarkation to meet the schedule. Flights back to South Africa tend to leave very early in the morning so we suggest staying one more night at a hotel (like The Preskil Island Resort) in the south especially as it is so close to one of the best birding spots on the island – Ile Aux Aigrettes – a short boat ride from the hotel.
If you are looking to extend your stay in Mauritius we will be happy to help you arrange a suitable hotel or even a private villa. There is plenty to explore on the island so we can arrange drivers and vehicles to show you around or you can just take some time to relax – a rare commodity sometimes!
2022 and 2023 PricesÂ
These guideline prices are per person and based on the number of people on the Mauritius Catamaran Charter
4 Guests | 6 Guests | 8 Guests | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 2023 | $4,785 | $3,795 | $3,245 | |||
The charter can commence on any day of the week subject to availability. These prices are to be used as a guideline and are subject to exchange rate fluctuations with the local services being offered in Mauritian Rupees and Euros on occasion. Please complete the enquiry form below with as much detail as possible and we will come back to you with a quote that suits your requirements.
Airport Meet and Greet and Transfers
1 night at either Lakaz Chamarel or Chalets Chamarel (DB&B)
6 nights onboard The Pangolin Island Explorer
All meals and soft drinks onboard
Free use of snorkelling gear, GoPro, fishing rods, SUP (2)
One free 64 gig Micro SD card for each GoPro
Two 5-hour private land excursions in private vehicle
Laundry, gratuities and items of a personal nature
Visa fees if required
International flights
Additional activities and excursions not mentioned in itinerary
Alcoholic beverages which can be ordered in advance at retail prices
Additional accommodation after disembarkation from the charter
Enquire Now!
See what else we offer:
The Best of The Chobe
Type: Hosted Photo Safari
Where: The Chobe
When: All Year
Duration: 7 Days
Price from: USD3,250
Chobe and Okavango Delta Photo Safari
Type: Hosted Photo Safari
Where: Botswana
When: All year round
Duration: 8 Days
Price from: USD7,950
South Luangwa Photo Safari
Type: Hosted Photo Safari
Where: Zambia
When:June 2024
Duration: 7 Days
Price from: USD7,950