Private Catamaran Cruise on an African Honeymoon
Last updated September 2026 · By the honeymoons.africa editorial team
A full day or overnight on the Indian Ocean with your own route, swim stops and time away from the resort.
A private catamaran gives you the ocean on your own terms: a skipper who knows the quiet anchorages, a deck for sunbathing, snorkelling stops over reefs and lunch served on board. Catamarans are stable, spacious and shallow enough to anchor close to beaches, which makes them far more comfortable than a monohull for couples who are not experienced sailors. On a honeymoon, even a single day on the water tends to become one of the trip’s defining memories.
Where to take a catamaran cruise
| Destination | Typical cruise | Highlights | Best months (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seychelles | Day sails or 3–7 night crewed charters | Curieuse, Cousin, St Pierre, Coco Island, La Digue | April – May, October – November |
| Mauritius | Private or shared day charters, sunset cruises | Île aux Cerfs, Gabriel Island, Coin de Mire, the west coast lagoons | May – December; calmer spots vary with the wind |
| Zanzibar | Day sails and sunset cruises | Mnemba Atoll snorkelling, Menai Bay sandbanks | June – October, December – February |
| Mozambique | Day sails around Bazaruto | Sand dunes, sandbars and reef snorkelling | May – November |
| Nosy Be, Madagascar | Day and multi-day cruises | Nosy Iranja’s sandbar, Nosy Tanikely marine reserve | April – December |
| Cape Town | Sunset champagne cruises and private charters | Table Mountain from the water, Clifton and Camps Bay | October – April |
A multi-night catamaran honeymoon in the Seychelles
The Seychelles’ inner islands lie close together, so a crewed catamaran can move between anchorages in a few hours and still leave most of the day for swimming and exploring. A typical route leaves from Mahé or Praslin and visits Curieuse for giant tortoises, Cousin or Aride for seabirds, the granite boulders of La Digue and the snorkelling around Coco Island and Félicité. Many couples sail for three or four nights and spend the rest of the honeymoon at a resort. For the land-based alternative, see our Seychelles island-hopping guide.
How much does a private catamaran cruise cost?
- Shared day cruises: the most affordable option, usually including lunch and snorkelling stops, but shared with other guests.
- Private day charters: from a few hundred US dollars for a small catamaran for two in Mauritius or Zanzibar, rising with boat size, distance, lunch and drinks.
- Multi-night crewed charters: priced per boat, usually by the week, and including a skipper and often a cook. Expect costs well into the thousands of dollars per night for a private boat, plus provisions, fuel and national park or mooring fees.
Always confirm what is included — drinks, snorkel gear, park fees and fuel are common extras.
Tips for a honeymoon catamaran cruise
- Go private for the romance: shared cruises can be busy and loud; a private charter lets you set the pace.
- Choose the season carefully: trade winds make some coasts choppy in certain months, so ask the operator which side of the island is calmest when you travel.
- Time it for sunset: a late-afternoon sail with champagne is one of the easiest ways to mark a honeymoon.
- Protect the reef: use reef-safe sunscreen and never stand on coral.
- Plan for seasickness: catamarans are stable, but take remedies before you board if you are sensitive.
For weather by month, see the best time for a Seychelles honeymoon and the best time for a Mauritius honeymoon. Official visitor information is available from Tourism Seychelles and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.
Honeymoons with a catamaran day or sail
- Seychelles three-island honeymoon — add a private sail between Praslin and La Digue.
- Kenya and Seychelles — safari, then a few nights on a crewed catamaran.
- South Africa and Mauritius — Cape Town sunset cruise, then a private lagoon charter.
- Seychelles vs Mauritius — which island suits your honeymoon.
Private Catamaran Cruise Questions
Where is the best place for a catamaran cruise on an African honeymoon?
The Seychelles is the best choice for multi-night sailing between islands, and Mauritius is the classic choice for a private day charter. Zanzibar, Mozambique’s Bazaruto archipelago, Nosy Be and Cape Town are also excellent for day and sunset cruises.
How much does a private catamaran charter cost?
A private day charter for two usually starts from a few hundred US dollars in Mauritius or Zanzibar. Multi-night crewed charters in the Seychelles are priced per boat and cost well into the thousands of dollars per night, plus provisions and fees.
Do we need sailing experience?
No. Honeymoon charters are crewed, with a skipper and often a host or cook, so you can simply relax. Bareboat charters without crew require recognised sailing qualifications.
How many nights should we spend on a catamaran?
Three or four nights suits most couples, combined with a stay at a resort. It gives you several islands without giving up the comforts of a hotel for the whole trip.
When is the best time for a catamaran cruise in the Seychelles?
April–May and October–November, between the trade-wind seasons, usually bring the calmest seas and clearest water. Sailing is possible year-round, but some anchorages are choppier during the windier months.