Grand Bay: BBQ Dinner on Catamaran & Short Sunset Tour

If you’re dreaming of watching the sun dip below the horizon while enjoying good food and lively music, this Grand Bay Sunset Catamaran Tour might catch your eye. We’ve looked into what this experience offers, and while it promises picture-perfect views and a fun party vibe, there are a few things to consider before booking.

What makes this trip appealing? The spectacular sunset views over the Indian Ocean, the tasty barbecue dinner, and the upbeat, music-filled atmosphere. These elements create a lively, memorable evening—perfect if you’re into socializing and a party scene. On the flip side, some reviews note that the cruise isn’t very luxurious, and the short cruising time might leave some wishing for more sea time. This experience is best suited for travelers looking to combine scenic beauty with a festive, energetic vibe.

Key Points

• Stunning sunset views over Mauritius’ bay waters, ideal for photography
• Casual, party-like atmosphere with music and drinks
• Short cruising time — focus is more on the party than an extensive journey
• Delicious BBQ dinner using traditional charcoal cooking
• Limited cruising outside the bay, with some guests feeling the voyage was too short
• No hotel pickup, so you need to meet directly on Grand Bay beach

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Grand Bay Sunset Catamaran Tour?

This tour is a shared sunset cruise departing from the beach of Grand Bay, designed for those who want to enjoy Mauritius’ natural beauty with a lively twist. You’ll board a catamaran, sail along the coast past La Cuvette, Pereybere, and Fort Malarctic, before reaching the northern tip at Cap Malheureux. The highlight? Approaching Coin de Mire, a distinctive mountain rising from the sea, making for an unforgettable backdrop.

The cruise lasts just a short while, around 10 minutes of actual sailing, with the majority of the time anchored in the bay. It’s clear that this trip emphasizes the sunset spectacle and party atmosphere rather than long sea voyages. You’ll be anchored in calm waters, with music, drinks, and food keeping you entertained as the sky turns a fiery orange.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Departure and Coastal Passage

Starting directly on the beach of Grand Bay, you meet your crew, usually with little fuss, ready to set sail. The boat cruise itself isn’t particularly long—about 10 minutes of actual sailing—during which you’ll watch the landscape glide past, with the water reflecting hues of gold and crimson. This brief cruise offers a perfect vantage point for photos of the sunset, especially near the northern tip of Mauritius.

Guests have reported that the boat does not venture far from the bay, with some feeling it’s more of a floating party than a full-fledged sailing trip. If your main goal is to see the sunset, you’ll love the views here. However, those expecting a lengthy or scenic sail might be a bit disappointed, as the cruise is quite short.

Sunset Viewing

Once anchored, the real magic begins. As the sky shifts into shades of red, orange, and purple, you’ll have panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and Mauritius’s coastline. Several reviews commend the beautiful sunset and the lively atmosphere with music and lights dancing to the rhythm of the waves.

While many are captivated by the scenery, some note that the cruise leaves only a limited time to enjoy the sunset due to its brevity. Still, the photos of the orange glow reflecting on the water are worth the trip.

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BBQ Dinner and Drinks

The highlight for many is the BBQ dinner, cooked on traditional charcoal to enhance flavor. The menu typically includes simple but tasty options like chicken, hot dogs, and possibly some local snacks. Drinks—mostly alcohol—are included, making it a lively, social experience.

Guests have appreciated the good quality of the barbecue, with one reviewer mentioning that the first boat to arrive picked up those who wanted to leave early, highlighting the flexible options. Others have noted that the dinner portions are modest, so if you’re very hungry, you might want to bring some snacks.

Party Vibe and Music

Once anchored, the boat transforms into a floating dance floor. Loud music, colorful lights, and a party atmosphere dominate the scene. While some reviewers find the music enjoyable, others mention that it can be a bit overwhelming, especially for those who prefer a quieter, more relaxing experience.

One reviewer described the atmosphere as “good with lots of music,” but also pointed out that the long duration of dancing and alcohol (up to 4.5 hours) might be too much for some, especially families or those seeking a calmer evening.

Practical Details

What’s Included

• Round-trip dinghy transfer to the boat
• The catamaran cruise, with views of the coastline and sunset
• BBQ dinner, cooked on charcoal for authentic flavor
• Drinks—mostly alcohol
• Friendly crew to keep the party lively

What’s Not Included

• Hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to meet directly on the beach of Grand Bay

Timing and Duration

• Shared tours run only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
• The total cruise and party last around 4 to 4.5 hours
• Guests are advised to arrive early, as some have experienced delays and waiting times

Meeting Point

• You’ll meet the crew directly on the beach, with no transportation provided

Languages

• Tours are offered in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, and Arabic, catering to diverse travelers

Booking Flexibility

• You can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Authentic Feedback from Past Travelers

While many find the sunset and BBQ highlights enjoyable, the reviews reveal some common concerns. One traveler said, “The boat didn’t travel out of the bay; it was a bit crowded with limited choice of drinks and food.” Another reviewer remarked, “This was fine, but the cruise was very short, and the loud music lasted for hours,” suggesting the main draw is truly the party ambiance rather than an extensive cruise.

Conversely, some guests enjoyed the atmosphere, mentioning, “The best sunset, music, and lights. The food was simple but good,” and appreciated the lively environment suited for young people and families alike.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal if you’re after a fun, energetic evening with great sunset views, good music, and barbecue. It suits travelers who don’t mind a party-like atmosphere and are looking for a social experience rather than a relaxing, scenic cruise. If you prefer a tranquil evening or a longer boat journey, this might not be the perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

The Grand Bay BBQ Dinner on a Catamaran & Short Sunset Tour offers a lively way to enjoy Mauritius’s stunning sunset scenery. You’ll love the spectacular views, the delicious grilled food, and the vibrant party scene onboard. It’s a good value at $65 per person, especially considering drinks are included, but keep in mind the cruise is short and more about the party than lengthy sailing.

If you’re traveling with friends or want to combine a scenic sunset with some dancing and drinks, this experience can be a highlight. However, if you’re seeking a peaceful, luxurious cruise or a long sea adventure, you might want to explore other options.

Overall, it’s a lively, fun-filled evening that captures the essence of Mauritius’ beach party scene—perfect for those who enjoy a bit of dancing under the stars.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? No, you need to meet directly on the beach of Grand Bay.
What time does the tour start? The departure time is usually in the late afternoon, but exact times can vary; arriving early is advised.
How long is the cruise? The actual sailing time is about 10 minutes, with the party lasting around 4 to 4.5 hours.
Can I leave early? Yes, some boats offer the option to return around 8:45 pm, especially if you’re looking to avoid the long party.
Is the cruise suitable for children? It’s more geared toward party-goers; families with young children might find the loud music and party atmosphere less suitable.
What’s included in the price? The cruise, BBQ dinner, drinks, and crew are included.
Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In summary, this sunset cruise combines the natural beauty of Mauritius with a lively, social environment. It’s best for travelers who want a fun, energetic evening with good views and good company, rather than those seeking a peaceful or extended sea voyage.

You can check availability for your dates here: